The mauling they got from Australia can be shattering, but India will have to pick up the pieces quickly as they cannot afford to lose any of their remaining three matches in the Hockey World Cup, starting with Spain on Thursday.

India coach Jose Manuel Brasa will have to devise an effective strategy against the Beijing Olympics silver medalists and expect his boys to implement it on the ground to remain in contention for a semi-final berth. The Pool B is now wide open with four teams, India, Spain, Pakistan and Australia, on three points after two games.

Besides the Spanish challenge, India play group leaders England on Friday and the weakest side South Africa in their last Pool match on Sunday, and need to eye victories in each of the three outings.

Brasa was spot on when he said India are not in Australia's league. He may not have named Spain, but they are the world's third best team.

The Indian team should take heart from their sub-continental rivals Pakistan's 2-1 victory over the Spaniards to bounce back in the tournament after being outclassed by the home side in the opener.

Pakistan may not have won the hearts of the sizeable crowd cheering them Tuesday, but ensured a much-needed victory by restricting the free movement of the fast-paced Spanish team with a well-managed midfield game.

Spain rely on individual flair, with speed and counter-attacks the hallmark of their team.

India should not concede a good start to Spain, the way they did against the Australians, as recovering from initial setback is always tough in top-flight hockey.

Had it not been for a resolute midfield, India could have very well ended up swelling the Australian tally, as their defence looked in shambles. After his heady show against Pakistan, Sandeep Singh looked lacklustre against Australia, and surely needs to up the ante in the rear besides converting the penalty corners.