Hockey World Cup 2014: India earn first point by drawing with Spain

The Hague, June 5 (IANS): India earned their first point of the hockey World Cup when they drew their third Group A match against World No.10 Spain 1-1 at the GreenFields Stadium here Thursday.

After losing their opening two matches in the last couple of minutes against Belgium and England, World No.8 India could only manage a draw in their third game.

India broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Rupinder Pal Singh scored off a penalty stroke to put the 1975 champions on the board.

When it looked like India would head into the break with the lead, Spaniard Roc Oliva equalised through a field goal in the 34th minute to equalise.

Both teams had many attempts of scoring in the second half but failed to convert the chances to keep the same score till the hooter.

While India are in fifth position in the six-team group with one point from three games, Spain have two points from three matches and are fourth.

India next take on Malaysia Saturday and play their final group match against defending champions Australia Monday.