Spain capitalizes on penalty corners in World Cup opener
It was a dream start for the hosts, as they scored four minutes into the game. The Spanish side added three more goals in the first half to have a commanding lead at half time. They rode the four goal advantage to an eventual 4-1 win over Canada on opening night.
The field was tilted in Spain’s favour from the get-go despite several offensive flurries by Canada. Canada’s defensive unit of Sara McManus, Karli Johansen, Shanlee Johnston and Sara Goodman were put under immediate pressure from pushback.
Canada’s attack of Maddie Secco, Brie Stairs, Natalie Sourisseau and Hannah Haughn brought some life of their own in scattered bunches including earning six penalty corners over the course of the game. They gave up 11 PCs in return and at the end of the day, that was the difference as Spain notched three corner-goals.
Karli Johansen scores Canada’s first goal at the World Cup since 1994. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ZeMvIDXv1e
— Field Hockey Canada (@FieldHockeyCan) July 1, 2022
Canada won the scoreline in the second half 1-0 as Karli Johansen buried a penalty corner past the Spanish keeper. The goal was too little, too late for Canada but according to captain Natalie Sourisseau, the second half performance gave them lots of reason to be confident moving forward in the tournament.
“It wasn’t the first half we wanted, and we obviously needed to get into it and fight the nerves,” she said. “I think we’re going to grow into this tournament and we need to start off [next game] where we left off.”
Canada has a day off tomorrow and will face Korea on Sunday. Korea and Argentina open their tournament on Saturday. Canada will look to capitalize on a day off and take down Korea a day later.
Canada takes on Spain on opening night at the 2022 World Cup. Photos/Yan Huckendubler
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