Australia win their 2nd consecutive match; Beats Spain 2-0

New Delhi, 8 December 2013: Australia were eager to confirm their opening day win against Argentina and were all over the Spanish circle from the initial whistle but could not capitalize, including on a series of penalty-corners. Both teams had trouble settling in and there were a number of unforced errors and passes going astray for most of the period.

The best chance was for Spaniard Anton Parente, diving at full stretch on a long pass, but his deflection went marginally wide of the Australian post. Neither team could create a dangerous enough challenge and the break was reached on a goalless score.

Australia finally managed to score in the 38th minute by their captain Daniel Beale, finding the ball in a messy scramble in the circle after Spanish goalkeeper Mario Fernandez Garin stopped three shots in quick succession from close range. Spain had a chance on the next action on a penalty-corner (downgraded from a penalty-stroke after a video-referral) but Andrew Butturini was up to the task in the Australian goal.

Australia had most of ball possession but could not really take control. It is only in the 63rd minute that Dylan Wotherspoon found space in the circle to escape his marker and clinically slot the ball out of reach of Mario Fernandez Garin to give a more comfortable 2-goal cushion to the Kookaburras.

Spain had a desperate final surge but they could not come back. They were left with two losses in so many matches, while Australia booked a quarter-final berth with their second win of the competition.

Speaking on their 2^nd consecutive win Australia Coach, Paul Gaudoin said “the team did not play at their full potential today. Though the boys managed to score in the second half of the game but we need to now take the next matches seriously and play good hockey going forward in the tournament”.

Speaking on their 2^nd consecutive loss Spain Captain A Frutos said “it was a tough match today. We got good chances but were unable to convert them and somewhere lacked in our attack. It’s a difficult moment now in the tournament, but we need to continue and win our next game against Argentina tomorrow”.