Spain dented India's hope for a semi-final berth when they beat the hosts 5-2 in the Pool B encounter in the hockey World Cup at Major Dhyanchand Stadium.
India failed to convert a penalty corner and trailed Spain 0-2 at the end of first-half.
Spain took an early lead when Albert Sala scored his first goal in the 19th minute in the first half.
Spanish captain Pol Amat extended the lead with 14 seconds to go in the first half.
Spain earned their first penalty corner in the eleventh minute of the first half but failed to convert it.
Both teams played a fast-paced game and got a measure of each other's defences.
Spanish goal-keeper Francisco Cortes made two brilliant saves, first stopping Sandeep Singh penalty corner strike and then palming out the rebound shot from Sardara Singh.
India made some good moves but failed to give these the finishing touch.
Soon into the second half, star drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored India's first goal in the 39th minute but Spain extended their lead by two goals soon after. Pau Quemada scored in the 41st minute and Ramon Alegre hit the net in the 42nd minute.
Gurwinder Singh Chandi reduced the margin by scoring a goal in the 43rd minute but that was not enough as Quemada hit the final nail in the coffin by scoring another goal in the 66th minute.
This is India's second defeat in the World Cup after losing 5-2 to Australia on Tuesday.
India started their campaign in a great fashion drubbing archrivals Pakistan 4-1 on Sunday.
This win puts Spain in the second place with Australia in Pool B.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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