by Hockey Supporter
8. June 2009 03:40
In their first appearance in Johor Bahru, Spain inflicted the second big defeat in as many days on the USA while Pakistan defeated Egypt. Argentina blitzed past Russia.
Spain defeat USA 3:0 (3:0)
After a slow start in which the Spaniards, generally considered one of the favorites in this competition, struggled to find their rhythm, Javier Garcia helped the side to breathe a sigh of relief when he finally broke the spell with the first goal in the 18th minute.
Two more followed in the first half, and Spain played more and more freely, picking apart a US team that for the second time in this tournament is paying the price for a significant lack of experience at competitive hockey compared to some of its opponents, such as current European Champions Spain.
In the second half, the US boys fought valiantly to keep the Iberians at bay, but to no avail. The Spanish added goals in a steady stream, pushing the scoreline to nine goals, a disheartening result for the US team that has now given away 16 goals in two matches while scoring none.
With this appearance, mature and self-assured, disciplined and smart, Spain have confirmed their status as a top contender in this tournament, and are favorites for advancing to the next round from their pool.
Pakistan defeat Egypt 3:0 (0:0)
In an intense and hardfought match, Pakistan seemed to be meeting a lot more resistance than they had expected and struggled for a long time with the stubborn Egyptians and their unconventional playing style.
It took them until deep in the second half to finally get on the scoreboard, but with a trio of goals, scored within 8 minutes, they put their stamp on things for good. A penalty corner by Kashif Ali and two goals by the ever reliable Abdul Haseem Khan who took his tournament total to five goals were enough to collect another three points and get a good foothold in the fight for the top two spots in pool A.
Argentina defeat Russia 9:3 (6:1)
Current Junior World Champions Argentina played the opening match of their campaign to defend the title against Russia today, and certainly did so in style, blitzing to a six goal lead in 30 minutes that had the Russians frozen like a deer in the headlights.
The Europeans played nicely and with a lot of heart but could not manage more than a lone goal from a penalty corner just before the break, succumbing completely to the dominance of the Argentineans.
When play resumed, Russia seemed to have found their will to resist however, while the Argentineans relented, resting comfortably on their extensive lead. Argentina remained superior, but no more as oppressively as at the beginning of the game, and goals were scored on both sides but without ever much shifting the balance.
Argentina have thus well mastered their debut in the Standard Chartered Bank FIH Men's Junior World Cup, while Russia have picked up two defeats in as many matches and will be hoping to turn the tide on Wednesday, when they take on Egypt.
USA - Spain 0:9 (0:3)
ESP - Javier GARCIA FG 21m
ESP - Salvador PIERA FG 23m
ESP - Diego ARANA FG 28m
ESP - Roc OLIVA FG 43m
ESP - Gabriel DABANCH PC 47m
ESP - Salvador PIERA FG 52m
ESP - Xavi LLEONART FG 61m
ESP - Gabriel DABANCH FG 69m
ESP - Gabriel DABANCH FG 70m
Egypt - Pakistan 0:3 (0:0)
PAK - Abdul Haseem KHAN FG 46m
PAK - Kashif ALI PC 50m
PAK - Abdul Haseem KHAN FG 54m
Russia - Argentina 3:9 (1:6)
ARG - Nahuel SALIS PC 9m
ARG - Guido BARREIROS LOPEZ PC 14m
ARG - Leandro TOLINI PC 23m
ARG - Agustin MAZZILLI FG 26m
ARG - Guido BARREIROS LOPEZ FG 30m
ARG - Guido BARREIROS LOPEZ FG 31m
RUS - Alexey MAYOROV PC 33m
ARG - Agustin MAZZILLI FG 49m
RUS - Nikolay YANKUN PC 61m
ARG - Juan Cruz AGUILLEIRO FG 63m
ARG - Guido BARREIROS LOPEZ PC 66m
RUS - Nikolay YANKUN PC 70m
(source: worldhockey.org)
