Spain, among the favourites for the men’s Olympic hockey gold, muscled their way past inspired China 2-1 today to close in on a semifinal spot with their third straight victory in pool A.
The Netherlands, silver medallists four years ago, also stayed on course for a last four place by demolishing Canada 4-2, their third win in as many matches in the opposite pool. China went ahead in the sixth minute through a penalty corner by Na Yubo, a livewire upfront, but went into a shell afterwards. The hosts, playing in their first Olympics, are yet to win a point but have shown remarkable posture playing the world’s top teams. They still have a chance of qualifying for the last four but need to win both their remaining games to stay in contention. — Reuters