Spain stun Netherlands; face Argentina for 5-6th spot

Spain upset last year’s bronze medallist Netherlands 2-1 in a classification match on Saturday to set up a clash against Argentina in the fifth-sixth place play-off of the men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, here on Sunday.

Spain struck twice in the opening half through field goals from Llorenc Piera Grau (30th) and Lucas Garcia Alcalde (34th) to take a 2-0 lead at half time.

Netherlands managed to pull one back in the 64th minute through Jorrit Croon’s field strike but the Spaniards defended well thereafter to secure the victory.

Earlier in the first fifth to eighth classification match of the day, 2005 champions Argentina spanked England 3-0 to set up a duel against the Spaniards.

After a goalless first half, Argentina struck thrice from field play through Nicolas Acosta (40th minute), Ignacio Nepote (55th) and Maico Casella (61st) to register the thumping win. Netherlands will now face England for the seventh-eighth positions in the 11th edition of the tournament.

Later in the day, New Zealand thrashed South Africa 4-1 to finish ninth in the tournament. Malaysia, which replaced Pakistan at the last minute, finished 11th after beating Austria 2-1 in shoot-out.