Spain – Czech Republic 6-0 (4-0 halftime)

Host Spain started its Hockey World League journey with a clear message that they are on a mission to go the Semi-Finals. The Spanish provided some big first-half fireworks here in Valencia, with a clear 6-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

The result was little surprise with the Spanish enjoying the home field advantage and sitting at #15 in the FIH World Ranking were playing on fresh legs against the #37 and lowest-seeded Czechs, who suffered a 4-1 loss against the Irish yesterday in a game that sapped a lot of energy.

Spain took an enormous 4-0 lead in the first 15 minutes of the game and switched into cruise control after that, happy to save energy for the big opponents that they will face later in the week.

All four of the Spanish goals came from different scorers and from the field. The strikes came at such a rapid pace that the Czechs barely had time to get back down field before the Spanish were already in position for another attempt. After initial flurry of goals, things settled down later in the half as the Czech managed to keep Spain scoreless until break, but Spain was well in control with a 4-0 lead at the half.

Spain played cat and mouse for most the second half but only added two goals in the last five minutes of action despite having total control over the second-half proceedings. The late markers brought the final to a solidly convincing 6-0 win.

The win gives second-seeded Spain three points in its first outing in Valencia, while the Czech Republic is still winless in its first two games. All teams are idle tomorrow before play resumes on Thursday.

If you’re starved for hockey action during the off day in Valencia, the good news is the men’s Hockey World League Round 2 tournament in Rio kicks off tomorrow.