HOBART (Australia), Oct 12: India’s field hockey players surprised Spain with their speed and and skill Friday, beating the Europeans 3-0 in their first encounter with a quality Asian team.

Both Pool C sides had already qualified for round two, taking motivation away from some of Spain’s players although India played to win from the start.

Spain play Germany in the first match of round two on Sunday and India will meet the winner of Saturday’s clash between New Zealand and Argentina which will determine who comes second in Pool D.

In the other Pool C match Friday, Scotland defeated a flat Canada 3-1.

Afterwards Canada’s coach Louis Mandonca reprimanded his team, which lost its third match. “Not a lot was left on the pitch today and that annoys me. I have no patience with players who do not have a good work ethic,” he said.

England drew with Australia to gain top place in Pool A. Both England and Australia played with no goalkeeper on the bench to give maximum experience to players in a match which did not matter, with both already qualified for round two.

Australia squandered 16 shots on goal, five penalty corners and a penalty stroke without scoring. The side’s trapping and passing skills were below the expected standard.

England had one penalty corner and four shots on goal.

Australia and England’s round two matches are awaiting the results of all Pool B matches on Saturday, when Netherlands play France and South Africa meet Korea.

In another Pool A match, Ireland defeated Chile 4-1, leaving the South Americans in last place and Ireland in third place with a draw against Australia 1-1 and a 0-1 loss to England.

Friday’s results:

Australia 0 England 0

Ireland 4 Chile 1

Spain 0 India 3

Canada 1 Scotland 3

—AFP