England U21 Women suffer narrow defeat to Spain
21st July 2014
Spain U21 Women 1 0 England U21 Women
Begona Garcia 2 (PC) (Half-time 1-0)
A goal from a penalty corner in the second minute proved to be enough for Spain to beat England Under-21 Women on day two of the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championships in Belgium on Monday afternoon.
Begona Garcia was awarded a goal from Spain’s very first – and only - penalty corner, and despite England proving industrious and creating chances of their own, the Spanish defence held firm and no further goals were scored.
Head Coach Kevin Johnson said: “After a disappointing start conceding a disputed goal in the opening couple of minutes from a penalty corner, we grew into the game but couldn’t apply enough quality execution in the final third.
“I’m pleased we showed tremendous spirit to push hard and dominate the second half as we approach our important final group game against France.”
Spain’s goal came from their only penalty corner of the match, and despite the shot being saved it came off a post and was deemed to have crossed the goal line by the umpire.
England were awarded four penalty corners, and created some other chances on goal, but couldn’t make them count, and will want to sharpen up their conversion rate before taking on the French on Tuesday lunchtime.