FIH Pro League: Netherlands men dominate Spain, courageous Ireland bow out to Australia

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Bhubaneswar (Odisha). Zip Jansen scored two more goals and took the lead as the top scorer of the event in the FIH Hockey Pro League at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday. In this important match, Netherlands defeated European rival Spain.

After losing the shoot-out to hosts India a few days ago, the Dutch returned to winning ways and produced a strong performance to beat Spain 3-0.

Earlier in the day’s first match, Ireland put up a valiant fight early in their clash against Australia but could not prevent the Olympic silver medalists from winning 5-0.

Zip Jansen added to his tally, extending his lead at the top of the goalscorers list. Both teams created half-chances in the first quarter, but it was Janssen who opened the scoring for the Dutch with an unstoppable low drag flick in the 15th minute. The Red Sticks created some excellent chances in a high-energy start to the second quarter, but the Netherlands withstood that pressure and then mounted a vigorous counter-attack in the 26th minute, with Floris Middendorp slicing through the Spanish defense with superb individual skill before slipping across the baseline. chopped off. Duko Tellzenkamp had his pass returned for a tap-in.

There were good chances at both ends during the third quarter, and Spain were gifted a numerical advantage when Dutch ill-discipline reduced them to nine men as the quarter ended. The Spanish soon gave up that advantage with a green card of their own, and when in the 51st minute he received a yellow card for a professional foul and the Dutch were awarded a penalty corner, it was Janssen who put the game beyond doubt. Stepped up to keep.

Earlier, Michael Robson celebrated his 150th cap, but it was no fairy-tale result for the Irishman as Australia cruised to a comfortable 5-0 win.

Ireland started with good energy and matched their opponent for circle entries in the opening quarter, but as the match progressed, the Australians gained the lead. Tom Craig opened the scoring for the Kookaburras in the 17th minute by deflecting a header straight past the keeper.

Jeremy Hayward fired a good drag flick in the 22nd minute and Kay Willott got a stick deflection off the Irish defenders in the 25th to score a spectacular goal. Australia were leading 3-0 at half-time and were looking dangerous. The Kookaburras kept the pressure on in the second half, but Nathan Ephraims extended their lead even further in the 43rd minute.

The Irish then failed to find the back of the net, before Kay Willott opened the scoring for Australia in the 57th minute, getting her body in good position to meet a difficult deflection.

–IANS

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