Umpires:
 

GOALS

The second last match day of pool A was important for both teams. The winner of this game would take a big step towards the semi-finals. New Zealand has so far been the positive surprise of the tournament and Spain is well-known for its attractive hockey. The crowd was looking forward to the match.

Both teams started with an aggressive pressing and tried to force the opponent to make mistakes. Spain scored the first goal. S. Freixa won the ball in the midfield, who passed to Amat. Amat beat two defenders and took a shot. D. Alegre took the rebound and found the back of the net.

New Zealand tried to win corners now to create chances for Hayden Shaw, one of the world’s best drag flickers, but Spain defended well. In the 18th minute Spain won a corner and S. Freixa used his chance successfully. His drag flick found the back of the net within the left side of the goal. No chance for Woolford and 2:0 Spain.

Spain was now well organized, but New Zealand managed to win a corner in the 31st minute, however Hayden Shaw's flick was saved.

Spain started aggressive in the second half and managed to find the net in the 36th minute. S. Freixa dribbled into the D, pass to Tubau and his shot found the back of the net. Again, no chance for Woolford.

New Zealand's answer in the 41st minute. Corner for New Zealand and Hayden Shaw used his chance this time. The ball went into the top left corner of the D.

Both teams now gave up their tactical concept and many unforced errors occurred in the match. This lead to chances on both sides. New Zealand couldn't use another corner and Spain managed to defend the two-goal lead.

A deserved win for Spain, but if New Zealand would have been more effective in front of the goal a better result for the black sticks would have been possible.