Pakistan beat Spain 2-1 to earn first win

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Tuesday overcame the 1-4 loss to India in the first match to pip Olympic silver-medallists Spain 2-1 and pocket their first points in the 12-nation tournament.

Pakistan led 1-0 at half-time through a goal by Abdul Haseem, before David Alegre drew level for Spain in the 65th minute after the goal was referred to the video umpire.

Pakistan earned their first penalty corner two minutes before the final whistle and veteran Sohail Abbas'' shot was deflected into the goal by Haseem for the winner.

"The World Cup started for us today," said Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan. "I hope this is going to be the turning point for us in this tournament.

"We played to a plan and it worked."

Pakistan will play their next match on Thursday against unbeaten England.