Spain beat India by 5-2 in crucial encounter

Spain beat India by 5-2 in a crucial Pool B encounter of the hockey World Cup at Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. .

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.

Soon after half-time, India's specialist drag-flicker Sandeep Singh gave India a ray of hope with a super strike in the 39th minute that sneaked through Spain's goalkeeper's legs to find the back of the net to open India's account.

Pau Quemada celebrated again as he scored his second goal of the game to rub salt to the already bruised India team and help Spain take a 5-2 lead in the dying minutes.

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.