• Spain v England, Hockey World Cup

England suffer defeat to Spain

Pau Quemada scored Spain's first goal against England © Getty Images

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Spain 2-0 England

England's winning run in the Hockey World Cup came to an end, as they were beaten 2-0 by Spain at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

Jason Lee's side had already qualified for the semi-finals, but goals in each half from Pau Quemada and Edi Tubau handed Spain the win and gives Australia the chance to claim top spot in the pool.

Spain were full of energy at the start to the game and went close to taking the lead when a man to the good after Barry Middleton had picked up a green card. Quemada burrowed his way into the box and struck a fierce shot towards the top corner, but James Fair made a fantastic save high to his left.

James Tindall attempted to spark England into life with a fine run from the right which took him past two players, but his reverse-stick shot lacked venom and drifted wide of target. England earned a penalty corner when Middleton was felled in box, but Ashley Jackson placed his flick disappointingly wide of target.

As the half wore on, England continued to press and Richard Alexander worked space on edge of area and fired the ball across goal but it just eluded Middleton at the far post.

Moments before half-time, England were made to rue not taking one of their earlier chances as Spain grabbed the lead. A mix-up at the back handed Spain a penalty corner and Quemada cashed in with a flick past Fair.

Spain continued to carry a threat at the start of the second half and some inventive play set Tubau clear. He latched on to a long bouncing ball and attempted to lob Fair, but sent his effort over the bar.

With 17 minutes remaining Iain McKay had a half chance when Ben Hawes' speculative ball into the box fell his way, but his flick flew just wide of target.

Fair was by and large a spectator in the second half, but was called on to make a fine reflex save with seven minutes remaining. Seconds later, the England keeper was criminally exposed as Spain grabbed the crucial second.

Tubau snatched possession and played a one-two with Quemada before slotting the ball home to ensure England's long losing record against Spain in World Cups continued.

The win guaranteed Spain will finish in third, while England will hope Pakistan can prevent Australia from taking top spot when those two sides meet later on Monday.

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