MADRID - England caused a major surprise in their opening match at the
women's World Cup field hockey tournament on Wednesday when they beat China 3-2.
Kate Walsh, left, and
Chloe Rogers, right, both from England, challenge China's Li Hua Gao
during their Women's Hockey World Cup match in Madrid, Wednesday Sept. 27,
2006.[AP] |
Alex Dawson scored early with Lucille Wright and Christa Cullen netting at
critical times to seal the match.
China had every chance but tactics won the day as England employed strong
close marking across all positions to unsettle the Asians who found the net
through Ma Yibo and Ren Ye.
"The way China plays suits our style of hockey and we managed to build
pressure as the match went on. I am very pleased with my team they were
magnificent, said England coach Danny Kerry.
The loss is potentially a disaster for China as points lost in Pool A are
crucial.
Cup favourites the Netherlands beat India 3-2.
The Dutch started brightly with goals from Maartje Paumen, Kim Lammers and
Sylvia Karres giving them a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
India fought back with two second half goals scored from Surinder Kaur.
Dutch coach Marc Lammers said: The first game of the tournament is always
difficult and we did not work so hard in the second half.
Australia achieved a lack-lustre 1-0 win against South Africa thanks to a
scrambling goal from Nicole Arrold just prior to half time.
We were disappointing and turned the ball over too much in mid field,
complained Australia coach Frank Murray.
Korea, meanwhile, showed glimpses of good form winning 2-1 against Japan.
A double from Park Young Soon sealed victory for Korea after Kaori Chiba had
opened the scoring for Japan.
Hosts Spain won an exciting opening Pool A match 1-0 against Germany.
Spain tackled hard and played with real determination and their reward came
with a corner goal from Racquel Huertas.
Germany had every chance with far more shots at goal however they did not
control the mid field.
In the final match of the day, Cup holders Argentina beat the USA 2-1.
Argentina, Korea and Australia lead Pool B; with the Netherlands, England and
Spain on top in Pool A.
