FIH Hockey Pro League: Netherlands men continue winning streak with a 4-3 win over Spain

    The Dutch men’s hockey squad won against Spain 4-3 in the first leg of the FIH Pro League match at HC Den Bosch in North Brabant, Netherlands, on June 25

    Netherlands Joep de Mol Netherlands Joep de Mol

    As expected from this year’s champions, the Netherlands hit the field at top speed and got off to a brilliant start in their second last match for the season.

    Within the regulation time, Brinkman Thierry in the 3rd minute, Galema Jelle in the 7th minute, Pieters Terrance in the 28th minute and De Geus Jonas in the 52nd minute were the goalscorers for the Netherlands. In contrast, Iglesias Alvaro scored for Spain in the 14th minute, Rodriguez Ignacio in the 18th minute, and Bonastre Jordi in the 54th minute.

    Brinkman Thierry opened the scoring for the Dutch side three minutes into the game with a close-range shot. Just four minutes later, Galema Jelle slotted the ball into the net past the Spanish goalkeeper Mario Garin after receiving a superb pass by Floris Wortelboer from the edge of the circle. Spain burst into action and immediately launched a clever counterattack. Iglesias Alvaro made a run to the Spanish circle and shaped up a fake pass. The Spanish defence fell for the trick allowing the Spaniard to slot the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

    Laars Balk received a green card got a green card, and Spain instantly mounted an attack with a player advantage. Ignacio Rodriguez broke the Dutch defence and took a neat shot to equalize the score for Spain. However, the Netherlands regained the lead just before the break with an attempt by Pieters Terrance. The first half ended with Spain trailing 3-2 behind the Netherlands.

    The Netherlands started the third quarter with an excellent display of neat and well-controlled passes, but neither side could score, and the third quarter ended goallessly. The home side got a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. Jip Jansen took the shot, and the ball was then deflected into the Spanish goal by De Geus Jonas. Bonastre Jordi narrowed the deficit to 4-3 for Spain as they hunted for an equalizer. However, the Dutch squad was at the top of their form and did not let the lead slip away as the final whistle rang.

     

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