A hesitant start by both sides saw late drama as Germany thought they had won the match before Marta Segu's goal equalled the scores and sent the game to a shoot-out.
Germany 2-2 Spain (women) (Spain win shoot-out 3-0) Deutscher Sportklub, Dusseldorf (GER)
This was a match in which both teams showed glimpses of brilliance but also made costly errors. For the German side, it was hesitancy when on the ball that slowed their play and allowed Spain opportunities to attack. The Spanish side showed much creativity and energy, particularly in midfield, but will be looking to make more focused and aggressive forward moves in the next match – which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 23 March).
The first quarter saw most of the action taking place in the midfield, with Germany shading the possession and opportunities as the Spanish players struggled to break through the German last line of defence. Going with the run of play, Germany took the lead through Pia Maertens. Some strong stick work at the top of the circle by Anne Schröder saw the midfielder pick out Sophia Schwabe. She, in turn, flicked the ball goalwards for Maertens to scramble home.
Spain's equaliser came from the quick thinking of Laura Barrios, who was the only player who didn't stop moving when umpire Celine Martin-Schmets signalled advantage. Barrios crashed the ball past Noelle Rother in the German goal.
At half-time, neither Head Coach was satisfied with the teams' performances. Germany's Valentin Altenburg called for his team to show greater 'courage' as they attacked, while Adrian Lock called for Spain to play with 'more intent and purpose'.
In the third quarter, Spain thought they had scored through a Maria Lopex penalty corner but the video review, called by the German team, showed the ball had hit a Spanish foot.
Germany's second goal came with just four minutes left to play. Captain Sonja Zimmermann showed great individual skill to run the ball around the Spanish defensive circle and then struck it into the goal.
With the clock ticking down, this looked like a German victory but Spain's Marta Segu had other ideas. The midfielder had played with creativity and energy all match and she was rewarded with the goal that gave Spain a draw.
In the shoot-out Spain were clinical, scoring their first three attempts, as Germany were unable to find a way past melanie Garcia in the Spanish goal.
Player of the Match Marta Segu (ESP) said: 'We are very happy with today's result. We played okay but tomorrow we will play more aggressively. It is a great opportunity to get things right in tomorrow's match.'
The result means Spain are fifth in the FIH Pro League, with Germany one place behind in sixth position.
To see the current women’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here.
To see the current men’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here.
FIH Pro League action continues at the Deutscher Sportklub, Düsseldorf on Wednesday 23 March, when Germany women play host for a second time to Spain women.
FIH Pro League – 22 March 2022
Deutscher Sportklub, Düsseldorf (GER)
Result: Women's Match 21
Germany 2, Spain 2 (Spain win bonus point on shoot-out 3-0)
Player of the Match, Marta Segu (ESP)
Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL) Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Ben Goentgen (GER, Video Umpire)
To see the complete FIH Hockey Pro League match schedule, please click here.
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