Spain Stays Red-Hot Against New Zealand
Spain is unstoppable.
The No. 11 world-ranked team is now undefeated in pool play after a dramatic 3-2 win over New Zealand.
Xavi Lleonart proved to be Spain’s hero down the stretch. With 26.6 seconds left on the clock, he knocked in a shot from in front of the cage that gave his team the late lead. All they had to do was defend, and just like that they left Deodoro at the top of Pool A’s standings.
Despite not capitalizing on any penalty corner opportunities, Spain created other ways to score inside the circle. Within a minute of play, Roc Oliva challenged New Zealand with Spain’s first goal. Alex Casasayas tacked on the second.
New Zealand team captain Simon Child did everyting he could to try to get the Black Sticks back in it and ahead. Child scored both goals for his team, and each came as an answer to a Spain score.
With this victory, Spain surpasses Belgium for first place in the standings for now. If Belgium loses to Australia tonight, Spain will keep its seat at the top.