India down Canada

Barcelona, Jan 7: India tuned herself for tougher competition with a fighting but deserving 1-0 win against Canada in the four-nation men’s hockey tournament on Thursday. The Asian Games gold medallist, coming here after an error-prone campaign at the Asia Cup championship in Kuala Lumpur, were matched by the gutsy Canadians in the first half of the match.

The Indians failed to open up and the Canadian defence looked strong going into the breather. Sukhbir Singh Gill gave India much needed respite when he sounded the boards three minutes into the second half. Indian forwards staged several attacks on the Canadian post but failed to give the finishing touches and settled for a 1-0 win.

Earlier, striker Javier Arnau scored twice as Spain made a winning start by defeating Germany 3-1. Arnau scored in the 13th minute, but Flaorian Keller equalised in the 35th. Xavi Rivas (52nd) and Arnau (57th) sent the match Spain’s way. Later today, India take on Germany while Spain meet Canada. The final will be played onSaturday.