Gyp Jansen added two more goals to extend his lead as the tournament’s top scorer as the Netherlands suffered a complete defeat to European rivals Spain in a crucial FIH Hockey Pro League match at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.
After losing on penalties to hosts India a few days earlier, the Netherlands got back to winning ways and put in a positive performance to beat Spain 3-0.
In the first match of the day, Ireland put up a brave fight in the early stages against Australia but could not stop the Olympic silver medalists and won 5-0.
Zip Jansen added to his tally and extended his lead at the top of the scorers list. Both teams created half-chances in the first quarter, but Jansen put the Netherlands ahead in the 15th minute with an unstoppable, low-resistance flick. The Red Sticks created some great chances with an energetic start to the second quarter, but the Netherlands soaked up the pressure and stormed back in the 26th minute, with Floris Middendorp scoring on a great individual move to the baseline. He sliced through the Spanish defense and then slipped. His pass was returned to Duco Telgenkamp for a tap-in.
There were good chances on both ends until the third quarter, but Spain were reduced to nine men due to Dutch indiscipline towards the end of the quarter, giving Spain a numerical advantage. The Spaniard quickly relinquished that advantage with his own green card and rose to put the match beyond doubt when he received a yellow card for a professional foul in the 51st minute, giving the Netherlands a penalty corner. It was Janssen. Drag flick again.
Kingfisher that lives in highlands
Michael Robson celebrated his 150th cap earlier, but it wasn’t a fairytale result for the Irishman as Australia won 5-0.
Ireland started well and matched their opponents in circle entries until the first quarter, but as the match progressed Australia gained the upper hand. The Kookaburra’s took the lead in the 17th minute with Tom Craig scoring a goal in front of the keeper.
In the 22nd minute, Jeremy Hayward scored a well-placed drag-flick, and in the 25th minute Kai Willott rounded off a fine team goal with a stick deflection right in front of an Irish defender. Australia led 3-0 at half-time and looked threatening. The Kingfishers continued to apply pressure in the second half, but it wasn’t until the 43rd minute that Nathan Efraums picked up an awkward aerial ball inside the Irish circle and took advantage of the five-metre rule to further extend their lead. Clean strike.
After that, the Irishman made some good attacks, but could not find the back of the net. Kai Willott then put his body in a good position and completed a difficult deflection in the 57th minute to round out Australia’s scoring.