Hockey World Cup 2018: Spain hold France to 1-1 draw

Skipper and goalkeeper Quico Cortes' brilliant penalty stroke save helped Spain hold France in a  hard-fought 1-1 draw in their second Pool A match at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup on Monday.

The draw kept both the teams in the hunt for the knock-out round with one point apiece from two games.

It was a battle between world number 8 Spain and the 20th ranked France. It was France who stunned the Spaniards in the sixth minute when Timothee Clement scored from a field effort.

Spain came back strongly and restored parity in the 48th minute through Alvaro Iglesias' field strike.

France had a golden opportunity to register their first major upset of the tournament but the Spain skipper Cortes came to his side's rescue.

In the last 10 minutes, France were awarded a penalty stroke because of obstruction in front of the goal by a Spain defender after they went for video referral but Cortes made a brilliant save. 

Spain had lost 3-4 to Olympic champions Argentina in their tournament opener, while France suffered a 1-2 defeat against New Zealand.

Spain will next play New Zealand in their final pool match on December 6, while France will be up against Argentina.