PERTH, Nov 25: Host nation and defending champions Australia struggled to a 1-0 victory Spain at the women’s hockey World Cup Monday while the Netherlands overcame a spirited Japan to open their campaign with a 2-0 win.

Hockeyroos skipper Katrina Powell finally broke the resistance of the Spaniards in the 62nd minutes when she deflected a free hit from midfield by the veteran Louise Dobson past the keeper Rosa.

Australia’s coach David Bell admitted the game had not been much of a spectacle but was grateful for the victory.

Spain’s coach, Jack Holtman, said his charges had appeared to wilt in the latter stages.

Meanwhile the Netherlands weathered early pressure from Japan and forced two penalty corners, with Mijntje Donners scoring a rebound goal in the eighth minute for the only score of the first half.

The Dutch defence was challenged and frustrated by Japan’s speed, and Ageeth Boomgaardt received a yellow card following a clash of sticks two minutes from the break.

Boomgaardt made amends after returning to the field seven minutes into the second half by converting a penalty corner past Japanese goalkeeper Rie Terazono in the 47th minute.

Japan’s head coach, Zenjiro Yasuda was proud of the way his team had played despite the loss.

“Japan was on a par with Netherlands in the midfield which helped us control the match but zero points is not good enough even if we play well,” Yasuda said.

Dutch coach Marc Lammers said his team did not play so well, but was nevertheless pleased with the result.

The later match got off to a sizzling start with England and South Africa both scoring goals within the first four minutes.

England’s Helen Grant scored with a second-minute goal after working the ball one-handed from the attacking quarter line into the circle and driving past goalkeeper South African Caroline Birt.

Stung into action, South Africa responded with Johke Koornhof diving at the right post to deflect a penalty corner. Honours were shared for the rest of the first half.

England, the favourites, pressed across the pitch early in the second half. South Africa tried to break the press with overhead passes behind Englands deep defence but frequently turned over possession through poor execution.

Eventually South Africa wore down their opponents, breaking out with possession to find prolific striker Pietie Coetzee free in the circle to drive in for their second goal in the 55th minute.

However England equalised with just three minutes left when Melanie Clewlow converted Englands seventh penalty corner.

In another Pool B match Monday, USA defeated Ireland 2-1 thanks to two goals from Kate Barber either side of an equalising effort by Ariene Boyles.

Results: