Australia enter semifinals- Hockey World Cup

Australia vs Spain 4-3

The first quarterfinals set up an intriguing contest as the high-flying Australian attack came up against the Spanish defence that always raises its game against tough oppositions. The first quarter followed that pattern as Australia loaded up in the Spanish half, pinning them into their own circle for the most part of the opening fifteen. But Spain were very disciplined in their defence and the three penalty corners they conceded were stopped brilliantly by Adrian Rafi who looked in great form. Spain had one great chance in the quarter, as a penalty corner stopped by Rafi allowed Miralles to launch a counter attack, allowing Spain to create a 2-on-2 chance, but Gispert’s pass in the circle was well intercepted by Charter and cleared by the defence. 

Australia again started on the front foot in the second quarter, but it was Spain who found the opening goal in the 20th minute, as a rare foray into the Australian half, saw them win a long corner which was taken quickly by Xavier Gispert and his shot on the reverse found the bottom right corner of the goal to perfection giving Spain the lead against the run of play. Australia continued their search for an opening goal and another penalty corner opportunity amounted to nothing as Blake Govers’ flick was high and wide to the keeper’s right. Spain once again managed to launch a counter from the right and a speculative cross by Pepe Cunill was missed by Gonzalez and Harvie could not get a clean intercept. The ball finally fell to Marc Recasens who found himself in space on the far post and his quick reaction shot beat Charter and doubled Spain’s lead! Australia did find a goal back right before half-time as a powerful pass into the circle found Ogilvie unmarked on the right and his low driven shot could not be stopped by Rafi, giving Australia some momentum heading into the break.