The format of the Samsung women's world cup in Madrid and the use of two pitches, meant that every nation had a match on the opening day of the Samsung Women's Hockey World Cup in Madrid today (Wednesday). England met China in their match, facing a team who have climbed the world rankings and currently sit four places above them. England opened the scoring after 11 minutes with a field goal by Alex Danson. China were then awarded a penalty corner ten minutes before the break, which they converted through their captain Yi Bo Ma, but England were able to restore their lead minutes later courtesy of a field goal from Lucilla Wright. Shortly after the restart, China managed to get back on even terms thanks to a goal from Ye REN, but it was Crista CULLEN's penalty corner striking which restored England's lead and sealed the victor, 3-2.
In other matches there were some surprises. The Dutch seemed to have the measure of their opponents from India, but the Indians responded strongly in the second half, and the Dutch might consider themselves lucky to have survived with a 3-2 win. Australia looked decidely off-form against an enterprising South African side and only won by a single goal. Not unexpectedly, Korea overcame Japan 2-1, and Argentina beat the USA 2-1. Possibly the upset of the day was when the host nation overcame the fancied Germans 1-0.
England are next in action on Friday, when they meet the Netherlands.
