Unfancied Korea stun Spain

Unfancied Korea stun Spain

Amstelveen, May 31: Holland and Germany were leading the men's and women's events with 100 percent records after three matches in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Tuesday.

Korea are known as the fittest team in world hockey, capable of running all day at a furious pace, commencing each warm-up before a match with 20 minutes of sprints.

Spain matched Korea for pace for the first 30 minutes, running through the midfield, spreading passes wide to the wings.

Kim Jung-chul scored the winner in the 34th minute before Spain's defence grouped, finding Hwang Jong-hyun free in front of goal to deflect in past Ramon Jefrusa.

Korea dictated the pace and tactics in the second half and ran out worthy winners.

Troy Elder for Australia and Guy Fordham for Britain each scored twice in an entertaining draw. Britain took the first strike on goal, followed by Russell Garcia's drag-flick penalty corner attempt, but the shots lacked fire and conviction.

Twice Britain's passes inside the circle went over the backline, pushed to the space vacated by their striker.

Elder's first goal in the sixth minute was Australia's fourth shot on goal in as many minutes.

Matthew Smith made Elder's second goal in the 22nd minute, carrying from the centre line to the edge of the circle and firing to the right of goal at waist height. Elder slid in from the right, caught the ball in mid-flight to deflect into goal.

Britain lifted its game, striking back with a penalty corner conversion. Calum Giles's drag flick was deflected down by Damon Diletti in Australia's goal to Guy Fordham who rebounded in the 26th minute for Britain's first goal of the tournament.

Britain came back again to level the score at 2-2 through Fordham in the 28th minute, given room to move in the circle after a rare lapse by Australia's defence.

Brent Livermore put Australia ahead 3-2 in the 31st minute after his attack moved the ball down the right, worked into the circle and found Livermore free for a clear shot past Simon Mason in goal.

Britain started the second half with attractive, purposeful and organised moves for the first five minutes, getting two clear shots on goal to the side of the net and saved by Diletti.

Australia then camped in the British half for 10 minutes, Stephen Holt, Jay Stacy, Matthew Smith and Troy Elder all taking unsuccessful shots on goal.

When Britain broke out, James Wallis and then Duncan Woods failed to put away shots following constructive lead-up work through the right side of the midfield.

At the other end Britain's goalkeeper, Simon Mason, thwarted hard shots from Smith and James Elmer.