South Africa flatter to deceive as hockey World Cup gets off to a high-scoring start in New Delhi.

By Anshul Baijal

Spain made their title intention clear with a resounding 4-2 win againt minnows South Africa in the opening game of the 2010 hockey World Cup. Both the teams were slow to get off the blocks, and it was South Africa who surprised with a goal in the 17th minute with a brilliant counter-attack down the right-flank which was finished by Julian Hykes by scooping the ball past Spain keeper Fransisco Cortes.

The Spaniards equalised almost immediately, when Roc Oliva scored after a reverse flick by Alex Fabregas came off the goalie. The 2008 Olympic silver-medalists took the lead in the very next minute, when David Alegre made it 2-1, scoring from a close range after he had dispossessed a defender inside the box.

The Spaniards kept up the pressure but could not get past South Africa keeper, who produced two excellent saves in the 23rd minute to deny Spain their third goal. But it was the African champions who drew level in the 29th after a diving Ian Haley tucked the ball in following a goalmouth scramble after a penalty corner. It was 2-2 at half-time.

The second half started brilliantly for the Spaniards. Captain Pol Amat almost put his team in front in the 37th minute, but could not convert from a tight angle. Spain kept up the pressure and it finally paid off when Rodrigo Garza made it 3-2 in the 46th minute, taking advantage off an error from keeper Erasmus Pieterse, who failed to clear a loose ball.

South Africa managed to earn two penalty corners in the second half, but failed to take advantage and saw Spain go 4-2 up in the 59th minute, when Pau Quemada slammed the ball into the top corner off a penalty corner.

Both the teams played open and flowing hockey and created numerous chances. Spain were the better team in the second half. Backed by the crowd, the Proteas tried different things but could not find the back of the net in the second half. The Spaniards were deserving 4-2 winners.