New Delhi:
A semifinal spot virtually out of their grasp after back-to-back defeats, India brace up for another tough battle when they take on a European champions England in their next pool B match of the hockey World Cup on Saturday.
India's dream of progressing to the last-four stage of the mega-event in front of home fans received a rude shock yesterday when Spain demolished them 2-5 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The euphoria of the 4-1 win over Pakistan has all but settled after Australia and last night Spain gave the home team a reality check.
Even though Jose Brasa has introduced the Indians to the European style of hockey, the games against Australia and Spain has showed that India still have a long way to go when it comes to matching the European teams on the turf.