Spain saw off semi-finalists England, inflicting their first defeat in a Pool B game of the ongoing World Cup.

By Rajarshi Gupta

England seemed to hold back their natural flair, two days after qualifying for the semi-final, going down 2-0 to Spain at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Monday.

In a listless first half, when both teams let go of some easy scoring opportunities, it was only Pau Quemada, who troubled the scorers, helping Spain take the lead in the 35th minute, converting a penalty corner. Eduard Tubao closed the door on England with a sharp field goal late in the second half.

England were surprisingly slow to get off the blocks, often making a mess out of clear chances to penetrate the Spanish circle.

The Three Lions, who have been on a four-match winning streak in the tournament, appeared lacklustre and failed to convert two penalty corners before the first hooter.

Albert Sala tried to breach the English defence as early as the fourth minute but was unable to get through a horde of red and blacks.

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Ashley Jackson, England’s top scorer in the World Cup thus far looked completely out of sorts, wasting well created opportunities by his team-mates around the Spanish goal.

English skipper Barry Middleton charged in through the Spanish defence to set it up beautifully for Richard Alexander, who missed his target by a fair distance.

It was not until the 35th minute that Spain were awarded their first penalty corner and unlike their English counterparts, converted the opportunity through Quemada, who notched up his fourth goal of the tournament.

The breather provided no respite from the rather dull hockey on display on a lazy Monday evening. Spanish skipper Pol Amot made some headway into the English defence but was unable to find his mark.

The Amot move, however, inspired the team to some aggression as Juan Abaitua Lainz ran into the English circle, only for a ferocious swing to be brilliantly saved by goal-keeper James Fair.

However, Quemada and Tubao combined beautifully in the next minute for the latter to sound the board, assuring England of their first defeat in the tournament.

Spain had a chance to take a 3-0 lead but Quemada failed to convert a penalty corner in the 66th minute.

The win leaves the Spaniards with an outside chance of making it to the last four, provided Pakistan beat Australia comprehensively in the second engagement of the evening.

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