Defending champions Australia ensured field hockey’s big four contested the Olympic men’s semifinals for the second time in a row after playing a 3-3 draw against Britain on Tuesday. In Thursday’s semifinals, world No.1 Australia clash with fourth-ranked Spain, while third-placed the Netherlands take on number two Germany.
The semifinal line-up is identical to the one at Athens four years ago where Australia won their maiden title by beating the Dutch in the final. Spain topped pool A with 12 points, one ahead of Germany. The Netherlands finished first in pool B with 13 points, two more than Australia.
Versatile striker Santiago Freixa slammed two goals as Spain outplayed South Korea 2-1 in a match they only had to draw to qualify. Earlier, the Germans fought off New Zealand 3-1 to end the preliminary league with three wins and two draws. The Dutch overcame a sluggish start to beat rejuvenated Pakistan 4-2 in their last match. AFP