TERRASSA, July 26: Host Spain overcame a 3-0 first half deficit to defeat Australia 5-3 at the Champions Trophy men's field hockey tournament here late Tuesday.

Australia stretched Spain's defence wide in the first half and was rewarded with three goals by Grant Eglington, Michael McCann and Grant Schubert as Australia looked to be cruising to a win.

But Santiago Freixa hit back with a penalty corner conversion before the break to keep Spain in the match before second-half strikes from Freixa (2), Eddie Tubau and Pol Amat completed a remarkable comeback.

Spain coach Maurits Hendriks said he had appealed to the pride of his players at the break. “I played on their emotions at half time — obviously it was not about tactics,” Hendriks said.

Team standings at the Champions Trophy after first round matches:

P W D L F A Pts

1. Netherlands 3 2 1 0 14 5 7

2. Germany 3 1 2 0 7 5 5

2. Spain 3 1 2 0 7 5 5

4. Australia 3 1 1 1 7 8 4

5. Pakistan 3 0 1 2 7 15 1

6. Argentina 3 0 1 2 4 8 1

Today’s fixtures: Germany v Netherlands; Pakistan v Spain; Argentina v Australia.—-Agencies