KUALA LUMPUR: Defender Andreas Rafi is the captain marvel for Spain as he scored two goals to steer the Red Sticks to a 4-1 win over two- time champions India in a Junior World Cup Group C match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
Spain, who outplayed Canada 7-0 in their first match, surprised the Indians by taking the lead in the first minute through Pol Cabre Verdiell off a reverse stick attempt.
Spain kept up the pressure and increased the lead through Rafi off a penalty corner in the 18th minute.
But India, who outplayed Spain 6-2 in the Four Nations in Dusserdolf, Germany in August, managed to narrow the score in the 33rd minute through Rohit.
But Spain dominated the match to net two more goals. Verdiell was on target again to convert a penalty corner in the 41st minute.
Rafi completed the India rout with a penalty stroke in the 60th minute.
Spain goalkeeper Jan Capellades was named the Man of the Match for making a number of good saves.
Spain coach Oriol Torras Puig said Rafi is an intelligent player and the backbone of the team.
''He makes a lot of difference in the team.''
India coach CR Kumar said the first minute goal by Spain put pressure on his players.
''We were not sharp in the semi-circle and gave away too many penalty corners. We only managed to convert one penalty corner (from five they had in the match).''
In their first match, India beat South Korea 4-2.