England suffer first loss as Spain win 2-0

New Delhi: Playing their last Pool B match in a relaxed mood, having made sure of a place in the semi-finals, European champions England suffered their first loss at the Hockey World Cup here, going down 0-2 to Olympic silver medallists Spain on Monday.

Pau Quemada (35th minute) converted a penalty corner in the first half while Eduard Tubau (64th) increased the lead for Spain's third victory at the group stage.

England finished their pool engagements with 12 points from four matches, while Spain have nine from their five beating South Africa, India and England.

This was Spain's fifth victory over England in seven World Cup matches and lost only once, in a qualification match in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur when India won the cup the only time.

Very little at stake, England players did not stretch themselves but coach Jason Lee refused to buy the argument.

"We did not take the game easy, but Spain played a really good game. We know that they can upset any team," said Lee.

The Spanish defence and goalkeeper Ferncisco Cortes thwarted the English scoring opportunities in the second half.

Spain, too, missed a few opportunities at the start of the game. Roc Oliva had the first look at the goal, receiving a pass from Quemada from the baseline, but his shot missed the target.

Quemada was again at the centre of Spain's attack and missed a great opportunity when he threw himself at the goalmouth, but failed to connect a cross from Tubau.

Spain's veteran striker Pol Amat came within striking distance, but English goalkeeper James Fair, who had been in a fine form in the tournament, saved it. Fair managed well to stop Spanish strikes in the second half as well.

England captain Barry Middleton split open Spain's defence passing onto Richard Alexander, whose shot was wayward.

England missed two penlaty corner in the first half with Ashley Jackson's dragflicks going wide.

Quemada then converted the short corner, slamming one past Fair for his fourth goal in the tournament and that put him at the joint-third place with Korean Nam Young Lee.

The second half started with Amat going on his own and dodging a few defenders, but was well-tackled at the top of the circle.

England forward line stepped up the attacks, but the moves were stifled in the goalmouth with the Spanish defence standing tall.

Spain finally scored their second goal as Tubau did a one-two with Quemada before pushing it past Fair for an excellent finish.