Day 3 of the Hockey World League Round 2 in Saint-Germain started under timid sun and cool temperature, a perfect weather to play hockey. Canada immediately pushed forward; they had a couple attempts on goal in the first minute of play and scored on their first penalty-corner a few minutes later, Scott Tupper slotting in goal a low flick that eluded the stick of the Portuguese defender on the post. Matt Guest scored shortly after to establish a 2-goal cushion.
Pedro Santos was kept busy in the Portuguese goal, with a lot of traffic in the circle in front of him, but he stood tall to thwart a few Canadian attempts from close range. Canada were totally controlling play and circulating the ball well around the Portuguese defense but, just like France against the same team on Tuesday, failed to capitalize on their domination. They had to wait until the last minute of the period to increase their tally, again by Scott Tupper on penalty-corner, for a 3-0 lead going into the break.
Portugal had a good chance at the very beginning of second period, well saved by Antoni Kindler who had just replaced David Carter in the Canadian goal. Canada continued along the same pattern as in first period, dominating play but consistently committing unforced errors when approaching the Portuguese circle. Portugal were more realistic, taking advantage of a rare incursion in Canadian territory to force a penalty-corner, scored in style by Ricardo Fernandes!
Lifted by their first goal of the competition, the Portuguese players kept pushing and had another chance on a penalty-corner soon after, but it was shot wide. Canada scored a 4th goal literally in the last second of play by Keegan Pereira. They seemed satisfied to control play and pocket the 3 points of the win with the meagre 4-1 score, but they will not be happy by the high number of unforced errors committed in this match.
Canada rests up tomorrow before a tilt vs. top ranked Belgium on Saturday. Tune in at 9:30 AM EST Saturday morning as it promises to be an exciting game!
