Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup: Spain takes bronze ahead of Australia
Spain won its first ever World Cup bronze medal in the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup defeating former World and olympic champions Australia 3-1 in London on Sunday.Spain led 2-0 at the breather.
Australia, once a power house in women's hockey, struggled against inspired Spain in a game that gave the European team a visible edge.
Two goals with four minutes of the first quarter had made known the intentions of Spain team clear. It wanted nothing less than a place on the victory podium and it did accomplish its goal with a convincing 3-1 margin.
It was Maria Lopez who made full use of the first penalty corner earned by Spain in the 11th minute. Three minutes later Berte Bonastre, one of star performers for Spain the tournament, made it safe for Spain with a brilliant field goal.
Australia had to wait till 10 minutes in the second half to reduce margin through Slattery who gave a superb finishing touch to a move initiated from the midfield. Australia had two penalty corners against five by their opponents. Six minutes from the final whistle, Australia withdrew goalkeeper to bolster its attack in a desperate bid to reduce the margin but Spain was in no mood to oblige.
It is a rare thing in Women's World Cup for Europe to wrap all top three positions.The final between the defending champions the Netherlands and giant killer Ireland has already sealed gold and silver medals for Europe.
-PTC News
