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India went down fighting to host Spain 1-0 in the crossover match of the women’s world cup to exit from the championship.

Marta Segu scored in the 57^th minute for Spain to dash India’s hopes of making it to the last-eight stage.

With a place in the Quarterfinals at stake, both teams got off to a nervy start. It took them a while to settle down and build a good structure. It was not until a little over eight minutes into play that India earned the first PC of the match through Neha, who skillfully tackled the Spanish defender inside the circle.

India, however, could not make much of the opportunity with the hosts defending very well. They further built on a speedy counter-attack creating a brilliant shot on goal but Beatriz Perez was slightly off target. The following minutes saw Spain being awarded back-to-back PC but they could not beat India's defence.

The second quarter witnessed both teams trade PCs but both the goalkeepers were on top of their game.

With the scoreboard reading 0-0, the match continued to remain tense in the third quarter. While India showed the right intent and dominated the ball possession, they were simply not able to break the deadlock. Spain meanwhile came up with some good circle penetrations but their strikers were not on target.

Just when it looked like the match would go into the shootout, Spain found a breakthrough in the 57th minute. It was Clara Ycart who drove into India's circle and took a shot on goal, but Savita blocked it away.

However, Marta Segu was perfectly positioned in front of the goal-mouth to pick up the rebound and put it past India's goalkeeper. Though India fought hard in the dying seconds of the match, Spain defended the goal which drew curtains on India's medal hopes at the World Cup.

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India will next play against Canada in the 9th to 16th placing match.