TOKYO: It was another rough day for Japan’s field hockey teams. The Olympic hosts have had good moments on both the men’s and women’s sides, but neither have won a match at the Games, and time is running out.

Japan’s men lost 4-1 to Spain on Wednesday to likely fall out of contention for a quarter-final spot. Japan’s women lost 1-0 to Australia for their third consecutive one-goal loss.

Japan’s men have just one point from four matches in the standings after Xavier Lleonart scored two goals as Spain unleashed 20 shots, leaving the team with just a remote chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Japan’s women have matches remaining against Argentina and Spain. They need to finish in the top four out of six teams in their pool to reach the quarter-finals.

Among other women’s results on Wednesday, the Netherlands secured an easy victory over South Africa while Britain defeated India and Spain won even as their head coach Adrian Lock remained in Covid-19 quarantine.

The Dutch led by a goal at half-time and motored through the second half, netting a further four goals in a comfortable 5-0 win. The in-form Dutch women remain undefeated in Tokyo, scoring a total of 14 goals and conceding only one in their three matches so far.

Britain, the 2016 Rio gold medallists, beat India 4-1 while Spain secured their first triumph of the tournament following a tense match with New Zealand, beating the Black Sticks 2-1.

Elsewhere, Argentina beat China 3-2 and Germany won 4-2 against Ireland.

In the men’s tournament, a match between Australia and New Zealand ended in a 4-2 victory for the Kookaburras.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2021