THE HAGUE: Defending champions Australia continued their winning ways in Group A of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Spain at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague.

It was the world No.1’s second straight win, putting them on top of the group with six points. 

The Kookaburras, who outplayed Malaysia 4-0 in their opening match on Saturday, scored all their goals in the first half.

The Spaniards, who drew 1-1 with England in their first match, had no answer to Australia’s disciplined performance.

It took the Australians only two minutes to open the scoring with Tim Deavin getting a field goal.

In the 10th minute, Mark Knowles put his name on the scoresheet with a penalty stroke conversion.

The Australians again earned a penalty stroke in the 16th minute, but this time Knowles failed to make it count as his effort hit the bar and went out.

In the 33rd minute, Kieran Govers made it 3-0 from Australia’s third penalty corner attempt.

The Spaniards were more defensive minded after the break and were able to keep the Australians at bay.

“The first half goals did the trick,” said Australian coach Ric Charlesworth.

Results:

Monday:

Australia 3 Spain 0

England 2 India 1

Malaysia 1 Belgium 0

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2014