Spain defeated the Netherlands 3-1 yesterday to set up a field hockey Champions Trophy final showdown with defending champions Australia, who downed hosts New Zealand 2-1.
In the bottom half of the eight-nation tournament, Germany crushed Pakistan 5-0 to leave the Green Shirts facing a wooden spoon play-off with South Korea, who were defeated 4-3 in a thriller against Great Britain.
Australia, chasing a record fourth straight title at men’s hockey’s last major tournament before the London Olympics, have won 11 times overall, while Spain’s sole success came in 2004.
Spain, out to make amends after placing sixth at the European Championships, maintained the attacking game they have adopted at the Auckland tournament and never relinquished the lead after Eduard Tubau scored in the second minute.
Roc Oliva doubled their advantage on 25 minutes and, while Bob de Voogd pulled one back for the Netherlands just before half time, Spain dominated the renowned Dutch defense throughout.
The pressure paid off with a Jorge Dabanch field goal after the break and Spain could have blown out the score further, if not for a fine display from Dutch ’keeper Jacob Stockmann.
Netherlands coach Paul van Ass said the Spaniards had proved “they’re on the world level again.”
“Sometimes in sport you have to admit that somebody else is better and in this game it was Spain,” he said.
Spain lost 3-2 to Australia in the opening round of the tournament, but pushed the defending champions, with Kookaburras skipper Jamie Dwyer admitting they were lucky to come away with a win.
Spanish coach Daniel Martin said he expected a tough, physical final and his team would aim to upset the Australia’s rhythm early.
“The most important thing is to break the defense first, [we can] if we can play like we did today against Holland,” he said.
Australia’s Dwyer was named world player of the year for a record fifth time before the 2-1 win over New Zealand, which had no bearing on the final day’s play today as the Kookaburras qualified for the decider with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Pakistan slumped to their fourth loss in five matches, failing to build on a promising 6-2 win over South Korea, as Germany ruthlessly exploited their frailties in a five-goal mauling.
“The Germans played the game of the tournament, they did not make mistakes,” Pakistan team manager Khawaja Junaid said of the reigning Olympic champions.
“We tried to hold them, but they played at top pace with long bounces and [pressure] coming from both sides. It’s clear there’s still a difference between Pakistan and Germany,” he added.
In the other Pool D match, South Korea squandered a 2-0 lead to go down 4-3 to Great Britain.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely