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Team India outclassed Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match of men's hockey at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday. India captain Harmanpreet Singh netted the equaliser seconds before the half-time hooter. Spain skipper Marc Miralles opened the scoring with 11 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter. Leading India from the front, Harmanpreet doubled his tally with a sensational brace in the third quarter. In his final international outing, veteran PR Sreejesh made a stunning save in the final quarter to seal India's 2-1 win over Spain.

After a narrow 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals, Team India's focus had shifted to securing a second consecutive bronze medal following their podium finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, rebounded quickly from the disappointment of missing out on the gold medal match by winning the bronze medal at the Paris Games.

India's record against Spain

Historically, India had a strong track record against Spain in Olympic hockey, winning seven out of their ten encounters. In recent matches, Team India has won four of the last five games against Spain, giving them confidence heading into the crucial match. The return of key player Amit Rohidas, after serving a suspension, also bolstered the squad, especially in defence. His return not only bolstered the Indian defence but also gave more chances for penalty corners. He was India's second-best option from set pieces after captain Harmanpreet.

Unpredictable challenge for India

Spain, however, presented an unpredictable challenge. The Spanish team had an inconsistent run at the Paris Olympics, with impressive victories against top teams like Germany and Belgium and heavy losses, including a 4-0 defeat to Great Britain. Team India managed the pressure of being the favourites, especially after their emotional semifinal loss.

Key players

Key players to watch included Hardik Singh, who was pivotal in India's midfield, although he had a mixed performance in the semifinal. On the Spanish side, Marc Reyne and Jose Basterra, both top scorers for Spain in this tournament, posed a significant threat to India’s defence.

Who finished as the top scorer?

With Harmanpreet Singh as the tournament's top scorer and the team’s head-to-head solid record against Spain, the setback of not making the finals, the multiple fourth-place finishes the Indian contingent has picked up at the Olympics this year, and it being a retirement game for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, India entered the match with a renewed determination to finish the tournament on a high note.

India sealed its 13th Olympic hockey medal

The win secured India's 13th Olympic hockey medal and a fourth bronze, adding to its legacy as one of the sport's most successful nations. Despite the setbacks, including the semifinal loss, the team channelled their experience from Tokyo 2020, where they rebounded from a semifinal defeat to clinch bronze against Germany.

The Wall: PR Sreejesh bids farewell

Meanwhile, it was PR Sreejesh's final match in international hockey, and he bid adieu with a medal. Sreejesh has been a rock-solid wall for India in front of goals this Olympics and has displayed some incredible performances to rescue India on a few occasions in Paris.

In the quarterfinals against Great Britain, Sreejesh produced a performance for ages. Great Britain had 21 shots at the Indian goal and secured as many as 10 penalty corners but they were not enough to get past the 'Great Wall of India'. In Tokyo too, Sreejesh was key to India winning the medal after 41 years, making crucial saves in the bronze medal match against Germany, which they won 5-4.

Here's all you need to know about India's bronze medal match against Spain:

-India defended its 1-goal lead in the final quarter to seal a historic bronze.

-India remained 2-1 ahead of Spain at the end of 3rd quarter.

-India captain Harmanpreet Singh doubled his goal tally in 3rd quarter.

-The India captain scored the equaliser seconds before the half-time hooter.

-Spain captain Marc Miralles scored the opener with 11 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

-India got the second quarter underway against Spain.

-Harmanpreet and Co. ended the first quarter goalless against Spain in Paris.

-India's Gurjant copped a nasty blow in the 1st quarter.

-PR Sreejesh made his first save in the opening quarter.