India’s World Cup dream ended as they lost to Spain in a crossover match

The Indian women’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH World Cup title race after losing 0-1 against co-hosts Spain in a crossover match here on Monday.

After a hotly-contested three quarters, the Indian defense scored just three minutes from the final hooter as Martha Segu scored off a rebound to exit the knockout rounds.

As has been the case so far in the tournament, India have once again been poor at converting penalty corners into goals. They scored four runs in three matches against Spain, but all the chances went in vain.

In the eighth minute, India got the first penalty corner but the Spanish defense could not stop any intrusion.

Both teams faltered in their play in the first quarter, with few unforced errors resulting in very few scoring opportunities.

After that it was all about Spain as they looked for ways to get past India’s backline.

In front of goal, India captain Savita showed why she earned such a great reputation as she saved time to keep the deadlock intact.

Spain continued to attack in the second quarter and, with goalkeeping brilliance, Savita made three consecutive saves, first from Xantal Gine’s penalty corner strike, then a rebound from the same player and finally a rebound from Begona Garcia to keep her team up.

Seconds later, India got their second PC, but first Spain goalie Melanie Garcia saved Monica’s shot and then Lucia Jimenez showed immense composure to block the rebound.

India soon created a great chance to take the lead as Salima Tete set up Vandana Kataraiah with a brilliant run along the baseline, but the latter hit the crossbar as Garcia tried to chip onto Reach as both teams failed to break through. Deadlock at half time.

After switching ends, India started on the front foot and Spain had to focus on keeping their opponents’ attacks at bay.

Momentum shifted back and forth in the third quarter as both teams looked increasingly silly, resulting in turnovers, but the stalemate remained.

Both teams created early chances in the fourth and final quarter.

Earlier an unmarked Sara Barrios had a shot just wide of Savita, and then a lovely flowing move was cut out by India before they could find the shot they were after. Jimenez then tried to trick his way in only to meet Savita who couldn’t penetrate the Indian defence.

Spain’s Georgina Oliva danced through the Indian defense but crashed over the bar.

Monica started making some great runs to trouble the Spanish defence, but couldn’t get anything out of them.

After Savita saved Clara Yackart’s initial shot, the deadlock was broken just three minutes from Hooter by Marta Segu.

Ahead by a goal, Spain, playing with nine men, did not make the final minutes easy as Garcia received a yellow card and Segu received a green.

Despite enjoying a two-man advantage, the Indians failed to capitalize on the opportunity, thus exiting the medal rounds.

India will play Canada in the 9th to 16th place classification match here on Tuesday.

In the quarter finals, New Zealand will face Germany, another co-host Netherlands will face Belgium, Australia will face Spain and England will face Argentina.