Only the most optimistic follower of English hockey would have expected the women to have beaten the Dutch in their second match at the Samsung Women's World Cup in Madrid, but the coaches of both teams must this evening be reflecting on their team's performance. England seemed in awe of their opponents and saw little of their opponents 'D' during the seventy minutes. The fact that the scoreline was restricted to a single goal must be a cause for concern in the Dutch camp. Their only goal came in the 13th minute when the English defence were suckered by a dummy penalty corner hit, only to see the ball switched left to Schopman, who was faced with a virtually open goal. The real concern for England was not the score - which was mercifully more modest than it might have been, but the injury to skipper Kate Walsh, who was accidentally struck on the knee during a tackle and had to be stretchered off. The lastest reports suggest that Walsh will not be fit for some time.
Other matches threw up some shocks. Olympic and Champions' Trophy gold medalists, Germany, found themselves trailing 2-1 to India, and were saved by a late flurry of goals to win the match 3-2. One of the surprises so far has been the effect that playing in front of a home crowd has had on Spain. Their 1-0 win against China gives them their second scalp of the competition.
England next play on Sunday when they meet India.
