It's day five of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague Netherlands and game one saw England grind out a 2-0 win, their first of the tournament, against the Malaysia Speedy Tigers. Australia earned their third-straight win, 3-1, over Belgium to take the top of the Pool.
MEN Pool A: Malaysia v England 0-2 (0-1)
As the rain poured down, England men ground out a 2-0 win over Malaysia, but the Speedy Tigers can thank their 'keeper Kumar Subramaim that the scoreline remained so close. By contrast, England will look back on the number of wasted opportunities with some concern. Fourth-ranked England opened their scoring in the fourth minute of the game through a goal from Mark Gleghorne, but despite having far greater possession for a large percentage of the game, Barry Middleton and his men could not take further advantage until the 66th minute when Ashley Jackson put the game out of reach.
MEN Pool A: Belgium v Australia 1-3 (0-2)
An intriguing match between the world number one team and the up and coming Red Lions of Belgium saw the reigning World Cup holders emerge with a 3-1 win, but only after a fine performance by the Kookaburra's 'keeper Andrew Charter and his back line kept Tom Boon and his medal-hungry teammates at bay.
MEN Pool A: India v Spain 1-1 (1-1)
Pool A rivals India and Spain played out a hugely entertaining but ultimately frustrating 1-1 draw at the GreenFields Stadium. The result was one that neither team wanted, leaving them well adrift of the teams fighting it out for the top positions in the Pool. Both goals came in the first half, with Rupinder Singh netting a penalty stroke in the 28th minute before Roc Oliva netted a field goal six minutes later.
Seven minutes into the match, a timely interception from Spain captain Santi Freixa enabled Roc Oliva to break forward and win a penalty corner, but the Spaniards were thwarted by a fine save from brilliant India goalkeeper Sreejesh, who had yet another outstanding game.
Men's Pool B action will continue tomorrow, 6 June, with New Zealand and Argentina squaring off first (13:00 CET), followed by Korea and South Africa (17:30 CET), as well as Netherlands and Germany (19:45 CET). For Schedules, scores, highlights and more visit www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com.
