Spain couldn't match our pace, fitness: Nobbs

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team got the second leg of its pre-Olympic European tour on a confident note as it held the hosts and World No. 5 Spain to a 3-3 draw in the first friendly Test on Thursday, impressing coach Michael Nobbs in both pace and fitness.

Commenting on Thursday's drawn affair, Nobbs said he is growing in confidence about facing the top teams as the London Olympics draw closer.

"Interesting game. We played very well and had more possession than the Spanish team. I am feeling more confident about playing the top teams as we play more games against them. I was happy about the tactics we employed against them and that seems to have the desired effect as more circle penetrations came as a result," Nobbs said.

Commenting on the 3-3 draw against Spain, the India hockey coach said he is now confident about facing the top teams.

But the coach urged his team to not drop their guard, expecting Spain to plan differently in the next match and come out attacking.

"For a first game, it was a good outing. The next game should be a different game as, I think, they will need to play a more defensive style against us and rely on counter-attacks, as they couldn't match us for either pace or fitness. In fact, the last ten minutes we ran all over them and should have scored more goals.

The second match against Spain will be followed by a two-match series against South Africa and an invitational triangular involving Spain, India and Great Britain - before the team lands in London for the Games.

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