India loses 1-2 to Spain in tri-nation hockey meet

India lost 1-2 to host Spain in the final league match of the Tri-Nation invitational hockey tournament, the final warm-up event ahead of the Olympic Games.

India started well and thwarted the home team several times in the first half during the match held here late on Wednesday.

India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh pulled off a good save, sweeping the ball off the goal-line after having initially parried a David Alegre hit.

After being locked 0-0 at half time, Spain took advantage of Sardar Singh’s injury - he was off the field for nearly 20 minutes - and gained the lead in the 42nd minute through a penalty corner converted by David Alegre

Miquel Delas scored another penalty corner goal for Spain in the 61st minute. India reduced the margin in the 64th minute with the penalty corner converted by VR Raghunath.

Great Britain won the tournament with two victories while Spain finished second. The Indian team will leave Spain Friday for the Olympic Games in London.