Spain edge past Investec South Africa, 1-0 in 2nd consecutive fixture: Women Hockey
Spain edged past Investec South Africa in the second and final competition of the two-match series that took place in Barcelona on June 10, 2011.
Though, the Spanish side won the opening match by a single goal, 3-2, they failed to show a splendid performance in the first half of play. Both the squads showed impressive performances in the second set of play. However, it was Spain that obtained the
only goal of the game. Barbara Malda was the player from Spain, who scored the solitary goal to take her side to a 1-0 victory in the final game.
Shelley Russell, who was playing her 100th game, received a chance in the early minutes of the match but to no avail. Eguilaz de Lopez, the custodian of Spain, made a dive to clear the ball from dangerous zone.
The South African players that dominated the field from the very early minutes carried out back-to-back attacks against Spanish side. Raquel Huertas of South Africa, who was at her best, successfully broke the Spanish defence-line. However, her efforts went
in vain, as all the strikes were denied from the defence-line.
Marsha Marescia, the skipper of the South African, side played the opening short-corner of the day. However, the shot executed by Lesle-Ann George was denied by Spanish defenders. The remaining period was comprised of attacks and counter-attacks. However,
no team succeeded to touch the back of the net throughout the 35 minutes. The first half action completed with both the teams at 0-0.
The second half commenced with both the squads searching for a go-ahead goal. Both sides started a more offensive style of play in order to get lead in the game. With five minutes into the second half of play, a Spanish player carried out an attack, but
it was denied by Mariette Rix, the custodian of the South African team. In the later time, Tarryn Bright, Marcelle Keet and Marescia carried out back-to-back strike each, but to no avail.
In a counter-attack, George intercepted another pass, but failed to convert it into a successful goal. With three minutes remaining into the game, Spanish referee awarded a couple of controversial short-corners that changed the face of the score-board.
In the second short-corner, Barbara Malda unleashed a powerful shot that moved absolutely into the goal-post, opening the score at one-nil. As the final whistle blew, the Spanish side rode away the field at 1-0.
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