The Spanish women's team has lost the extra point against China in the shoot outs, after drawing 1-1 in the first match of the two they will play in the FIH Pro League, held at the Estadi Olímpic de Terrassa.
The #RedSticks debuted on the same pitch that, in less than a month, will host the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022 presented by IBERDROLA, in which they will act as hosts. A game that began with an early goal by Bringfeng Gu who took advantage of the first danger approach, from the penalty corner, which put China ahead at the dawn of the match (0-1, Minute 2).
Adrian Lock's team tried to react quickly to the initial goal, with chances on the wings that failed to penetrate the rival area. After a very even first quarter, Florencia Amundson established the draw in the result, after a play that allowed the Spanish to level the match (1-1, Minute 8).
In the second set, both teams unsuccessfully tried to gain an advantage in a duel in which the #RedSticks sought to impose their game with collective transitions that did not materialize in the light.
After the break, the match was still hotly contested on the blue grass of Egarense. China had a corner penalty that Melanie Garcia cleared to preserve the tie. A Korean by Begoña García closed a third quarter that left Spain feeling better.
Sensations that would continue in the last set, with two opportunities for the Spanish team that they could not take advantage of. Lucía Jiménez and Laia Vidosa built a good team play that fueled the hopes of their team. Marta Segú put the Estadi Olímpic on its feet after a quick overflow that ended with a shot that was deflected by the eastern goalkeeper. Gigi Oliva also tried his luck in front of goal, but the visiting defense prevented the Spanish goal. China responded with a dangerous corner penalty that Melani García, after two outstanding interventions, cleared with authority.
At the horn, Spain had the victory on the stick of María López, after a direct shot, and Patricia Álvarez, with a rebound that went over the length. A tie that would be resolved in the round of shoot outs where China won 4-3.
This Sunday, both teams will meet again at 9:30 p.m. at the Estadi Olímpic.
This is the classification of the FIH Pro League:
