Indian tigers played superbly but missed many key goal scoring opportunities, on the other hand Spain capitalized on whatever opportunities they had. Another factor that swinged pendulum in Spain’s favour was their attacking game. Spaniards penetrated Indian defence beautifully and converted half chances, there deflections too hit the board. Call it bad luck or bad day, Indians attacked Spanish goal numerous times but found goal twice only.

For Spain Albert Sala, captain Pol Amat and David Alegre scored one goal apiece, while Quemada scored two using penalty corner advantage.  World’s leading drag flicker and penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh too looked rusty yesterday and could score only a single goal, Gurvinder Chandi scored the second one through deflection.

Meanwhile, England continued their superb run, in another Group B match yesterday; they defeated  yesteryears hockey power Pakistan with similar goal margin of 5-2.

With this loss, India is virtually out of semi-final race, England is leading the chart in Group B with 9 points, followed by Spain and Australia with 6 points, all these teams have played 3 matches each. Only a miracle can bring India back in its hunt for World Cup, however given teams’ position in Group B it looks a distant dream.