- England defeated Spain in their final Pool D game of Hockey World Cup.
- The result put them in a great position to win Pool D.
- Spain were reduced to 10 men in 51st minute when Marc was sent off.
England defeated Spain 4-0 in their final league game of Pool D, riding a strong defensive performance that put them in a great position to win the group and advance directly to Thursday’s quarterfinal of the current Hockey World Cup.
England entered the game leading India on goal differential (+5 vs +2) with four points from two games. By defeating Spain 4-0 on Thursday, England gave India a difficult choice: either score eight goals to surpass them on goal difference, or score seven goals with six field goals in their match against Wales to win Pool D and advance automatically to the quarterfinals.
Spain and the second-place squad will advance to the crossover games.
The English needed to win the game against Spain in order to take first place in the standings. In order to take second place, Spain had to win.
With a strong start, England held off a comeback from Spain in the second and third quarters before scoring twice in the fourth to secure a convincing victory. England’s goals came from Phil Roper (10th minute), David Condon (21st minute), Nicholas Bandurak (50th minute), and Liam Ansell (51st minute).
Thus, England went undefeated and goalless through the group stage of the 2023 World Cup.
When Phil Roper scored off a penalty corner in the 10th minute after the goalkeeper had stopped a drag flick, they took the lead. Spain had a few opportunities, but they were prevented by England’s strong defence as they ended the first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
In the second period, Spain had more possession, but England prevailed because to a goal by Condon in the 21st minute after a swift retreat from the backline. England held their ground well in the second quarter, leading 2-0 at the break.
In the first half, Spain held the majority of the ball, but England had more circle penetrations and goal attempts. Compared to Spain’s one penalty corner, they were awarded two, and they successfully converted one.
Spain’s greatest opportunity came in the third quarter when Borja Lacalle missed wide from close to the six-yard line after a fantastic run and a fine throw from Gerard Clapes. however in the 38th minute, they were awarded their second penalty corner, though the shot was rather wide.
With a 2-0 advantage going into the fourth quarter, England added a third goal in the 50th minute when Nicholas Bandurak hammered the ball in from close range following an outstanding run by Zachary Wallace to the goal line and a wonderful throw back to Ansell.
When Marc Vizcaino received the game’s only green card in the 51st minute, England quickly took advantage of the situation, piled on the pressure, and scored their fourth goal. Spain was reduced to 10 men. Roper put in some solid work, and Ansell benefited from it. Roper made a terrific run, gave a quick back pass to Ansell, who charged into the shooting circle and hammered the ball past the Spanish goalkeeper.
Spain had equal possession in the end, but England made 22 circle penetrations to Spain’s 12, and they had seven attempts on goal to Spain’s four. England. Both sides were awarded two penalty corners, but Spain squandered its two chances.
England goalkeeper Oliver Payne pulled off a couple of good saves while defender Nicholas Park too did well.
