Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014: England draw opener with Spain
England's men's team opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Spain in the Hague.
Last Updated: 02/06/14 3:18pm
Alastair Brogdon gave England the perfect start, firing them into a sixth-minute lead with a powerful strike, but they then missed good chances to extend their advantage.
It would prove costly as Spain equalised early in the second period, Eduard Tubau deflecting home with his back to goal to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Next up for England's men are India on Monday, while England's women open up on Sunday against the United States.
Defending men's champions Australia got their campaign off to a convincing start with a 4-0 win over Malaysia; Glenn Turner (two), Eddie Ockcenden and Jamie Dwyer all getting on the scoresheet.
In the day's other men's match, Belgium edged out India to claim a 3-2 victory, John-John Dohmen grabbing a dramatic late winner for his side.
Like their male counterparts, Australia's women made a winning start as they beat South Korea, although they had to come from behind to earn a 3-2 success.
Elsewhere, New Zealand edged out Belgium 4-3, while hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands outclassed Japan in the final contest of the day, Kelly Jonker helping herself to a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout.
Men's results: Australia 4 Malaysia 0, Belgium 3 India 2, England 1 Spain 1
Women's results: New Zealand 4 Belgium 3, Australia 3 Korea 2, Netherlands 6 Japan 1
