2016 Junior Hockey World Cup: India beat Spain 2-1 to enter semis

New Delhi: An attack-minded India fought back from one-goal down to beat Spain 2-1 in their 11th Junior Hockey World Cup quarterfinal match on Thursday at the Major Dhyan Chand Astroturf Stadium in Lucknow.

Despite dominating the proceedings from the start, Indian colts found themselves trailing by a goal to their European opponents.

Marc Serrahima scored in the 22nd minute of the game, but two second-half strikes from Simranjeet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh in the the 57th and 65th minutes respectively proved just enough for the hosts.

The final score-line would have reflected India's dominance had it not for Spain goalkeeper, who produced two stunning saves in the 44th and 46th minute.

Neelakanta Sharma also wasted a brilliant chance when he failed to slot home in the 54th minute.

India will play Australia in the second semi-final of the tournament, while defending champions Germany will take on another European heavyweights Belgium in the first semis.