FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup: First-half firepower gives Spain an opening win
FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup: First-half firepower gives Spain an opening win. The Netherlands and Spain hosted the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2022, which began on July 1 with a game between Spain and Canada.
A 4-1 win over Canada in the opening match of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Barcelona, Spain, gave the Spanish women’s hockey team the first three points of the tournament.
Goals were scored by Iglesias Belen, Gine Xantal, Lopez Maria, and Garcia Begoa in the span of regulation time for Spain in the Women’s World Cup. Canada’s lone goal came from Johansen Karli in the 56th minute.
The hosts, Spain, stepped up their game in Pool C. Belen Iglesias buried a rebound from a penalty corner past Canadian goalie Rowan Harris five minutes into the first quarter to give the United States the lead.
Xantal’s 20th-minute shot into the Canadian goal gave Spain a 2-0 advantage heading into the second quarter. As soon as Hannah Haughn broke through the Spanish defenses, Canada launched a counterattack. However, she was unable to trouble the Spanish goalkeeper Melanie Garcia due to a lapse in concentration on her final touch. 3-0 was the final score as Spain’s captain Lopez Maria converted a penalty corner flick to extend their lead in the 25th minute.
Domination
Georgina Oliva passed the ball to Garcia Begona, who deflected it into the net after evading the Spanish defenders and slotting it inside the circle. The home team had a 4-0 lead at the end of the first half.
The domination of the Spanish team melted away in the second half, allowing Canada to come back with newfound vigor and intensity. A string of brilliant saves from Melanie Garcia kept the Canadians from scoring their first goal of the tournament. Johansen Karli scored a consolation goal for Canada in the 56th minute after slipping the ball through Jana Martinez’s knees.
This match was important since we sometimes get apprehensive in front of a home crowd,” Georgina Oliva stated in a post-match interview. For the time being, we must stick to our guns and only put forth a half-hearted effort if we want to see any other outcomes.