(Photo: © Wolfgang Sternberger)
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The opening day of the BDO Hockey World Cup in Monchengladbach has set the scene for an exciting tournament with a last-minute victory by the hosts and an upset defeat of the second seeds a taster of the action to come.
With a large and vocal crowd in attendance, the home team forced their supporters to wait until final minute to fight off the challenge of a vigourous Indian outfit in the first match of the tournament.
India twice recovered from a one-goal deficit before succumbing to a Christopher Zeller goal - his second of the match – with less than one minute on the clock in a defeat that gives some cause for optimism.
India’s play was highlighted by an increased value on possession as they matched Germany, a recent Champions Trophy finalist, to fall just short of earning a deserved point in what is expected to be a highly competitive Pool A.
To start Pool A action, New Zealand’s penalty corner ace Hayden Shaw quickly found his range and converted his first two chances of the tournament to stun Argentina and send the Black Sticks on their way to a three-goal win.
After a bright start, Argentina could not respond to New Zealand’s two quick strikes and never appeared likely to derail their opponent’s rhythm in a disappointing first-up effort.
A third New Zealand goal soon after half time ended the scoring in a clash that failed to provide the spark of the day’s other two matches.
After claiming a record-equalling eighth Champions Trophy title a little more than one month ago, the Netherlands were heavy favourites entering their match with Korea to finish day one.
However Korea produced the first upset result with an impressive display to create a lot of interest in their pool and ensure that the top two seeds do not have an open run into the semi finals.
Some poor defending by the Netherlands allowed Korea the chances they needed and with Player of the Day Hyo Sik You scoring two quick goals in the first half, the platform was set for a tremendous result.
Action continues tomorrow with today’s non-participating teams getting their first chance on centre stage.
