Maninder Singh’s 19th-minute tomahawk gave India the edge, a lead they defended heroically until Bruno Font’s 59th-minute strike leveled the scores, pushing the contest to sudden death.

From the outset, Spain tested India’s backline relentlessly. Mohit’s early save on a penalty corner set the tone. A disallowed goal kept India safe entering the second quarter.

Hardik Singh orchestrated the opener, threading a perfect ball to Maninder who slotted home effortlessly. Karkera’s heroics denied Spain immediate retaliation, saving Kunil’s flick and Basterra’s attempt later.

Abhishek’s flair lit up proceedings, but the score stayed 1-0 at the break. Post-interval, Spain’s dual penalty corners were neutralized by Mohit. Down to 10 men, Spain still threatened, but Jugraj’s chance was stopped.

Sanjay’s green card leveled the numbers at 10-a-side. Karkera’s resilience shone again, while Rohidas and Vishnu’s set-pieces came close but not close enough.

A critical error in the 59th gifted Font the equalizer. Spain’s late surge yielded three penalty corners in 13 seconds, all thwarted by India’s defense.

In the shootout decider, misses from key players Abhishek and Hardik handed Spain the win. A solitary point is all India salvaged. The team now prepares for a blockbuster against hosts Australia midweek.