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In their first game of the 2023 Hockey World Cup campaign, Team India defeated Spain 2-0 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha, on January 13 (Friday). Local hero Amit Rohidas fired the ball into the back of the net from close range at the 12th-minute mark of the 1st quarter to give India the lead after Harmanpreet Singh failed to convert a penalty corner. Rohidas' strike also marked a historic moment for India as it was the country's 200th goal at World Cups. With four minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Hardik Singh sprinted on the left flank before firing a powerful shot that rattled the back of the net to double India's lead.
India were by far the better side as they dominated the possession besides earning as many as five penalty corners, out of which Rohidas converted one. Spain, on the other hand, secured three penalty corners but wasted all. India will next play England, who had thrashed Wales 5-0 in another Pool D match earlier in the day.
