Spain outplay Australia 3-1

Monchengladbach, Sep 8 (UNI) Playing with clinical precision, Spain stunned Olympic Champions Australia 3-1 in their opening match of the Hockey world Cup here.

Spain opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Eduard Tubau moved into the circle and smacked the ball past the Australian goalkeeper Stephen Mowlam last night.

Australia had a few sharp chances in the circle but the Spanish defence held them off with some timely interceptions.

Spain increased the lead in the 21st minute, Pol Amat deflected home after a free hit from outside the circle zipped into the Australian striking zone.

Two goals down Australia for the first time in the match seemed desperate to cut the margin. They came close but a shot hit the post and came out.

Six minutes into the second half, Spain got the third goal when Xavier Ribas cracked a penalty corner shot into the Aussie goal.

Australia pulled one back in the 47th minute when Troy Elder was on target with a penalty corner.

A shocked Australian coach Barry Dancer said that they played to their potential 90 per cent in the match but couldn't convert their chances.

''I am happy with the players,'' he said. ''We needed the goals and couldn't convert them. Of course, Spain played well and I congratulate them on a good display,'' he said.

Spanish coach Maurits Hendricks complimented the Aussie side, saying that they played a tough match.

''Twice their shots came off the post and they missed a couple of chances. We had been preparing for this match and I am happy that we pulled it off to start the World Cup with a fantastic win,'' Hendricks said.

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