Spain upsets Holland in World Hockey League

Ninth placed Spain sprang a surprise by downsizing pre-tournament favourites Holland 3-2 in the Odisha Hockey World League Final at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Holland, ranked fourth in the world were never in command of the game as the Spaniards, playing aggressive and comprehensive hockey not only excelled their opponents in penalty corner conversions but also in run of play. They were unlucky not to end with a bigger margin because of missed opportunities.

Pau Quemada, who is a drag flicker and one of top scorers of Spain, gave his team lead from the first penalty just before the teams ended for lemon break at the end of first quarter. Leading 1-0 at the breather, Spain consolidated its position with a goal from  Enrique Gonzalez in the 35th minute.

Stung by the reverses and 2-0 lead, the Dutch tried to stage a come back with a penalty corner conversion through Lars Balk from its first penalty corner of the tournament.

Spain, however,maintained two-goal lead with  a goal from Diago Arana.

Missing a coule of good scoring chances, Spain conceded a goal in the 55th minute when  Paujiser Mirco found the target to give respectability to the score.