24-Jan-2023 0
Defending champions Belgium and World Rank 1 Australia captured the first two semifinals berths of the 15th Mens Hockey World Cup, defeating Spain 4-3 and New Zealand 2-0 in respective quarterfinal matches at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today.
In the first quarterfinal, Spain stunned title favourites Australia by taking a 2-0 lead within 23 minutes with Xavier Gispert and Marc Recasens scoreing a field goal each. Spain scored both the goals from counter attacks and against the run of play.
As expected, three-time champions Australia dominated the proceedings from the beginning and earned three three penalty corners in the first quarter. But Spain goalkeeper Adrian Rafi saved all three to provide a huge morale boost to his teammates.
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