Junior World Cup :: Spaniards out to grab first chance to enter second round

Spain will get two chances to book their berth in the second round. And they want to get it done today against South Korea in a Group C match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here.

If they fail to do so, they can secure qualification in the their final group match against Malaysia. They go into the match against the Koreans with full points from two matches. South Korea are also in the same position and they have a final group match against England.

And it could boil down to goal difference if Spain beat the Koreans and the group matches on Friday favour Malaysia and South Korea.

Spanish coach Salvador Indurain said yesterday: “Keeping it to the last minute may complicate things. Malaysia are still in with a chance and they could trip us at the last hurdle.

“The Koreans will still be in the running even if they lose to us. That is a risk we are not willing to take. One of the teams can confirm their berth tomorrow (today) and I want it to be Spain.”

Spain started off with a 9-0 win over the United States and then defeated England 2-1.

Spain may be without top forward and skipper Roc Oliva for the match against the Koreans.

Oliva was taken out of the match against England on Tuesday after five minutes because of a muscle pull.

“The injury does not look too serious and we hope that he can recover in time to play the match,” said Indurain.

The Spaniards agree that the Koreans are a top side with good stamina and speed to back their game.

“They have been impressive in their two matches.

“But I think we have the plan to take them on.

“We will go all out for a win and by our calculations, that will be enough to put us through to the medal rounds,” said Indurain.