KUALA LUMPUR, 14 January 2004 — South Korea defeated a lackluster Spanish side 4-1 to take their first win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup field hockey tournament at the National Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
The defeat dented Spain’s hopes of putting themselves in contention for a place in Sunday’s final.
“I’m not at all happy with the performance today, especially the attitude of the players,” said Spanish coach Maurits Hendrik.
Korea’s win avenged their 7-3 loss to Spain in the final of the Champions Challenge in South Africa last year. Lee Jung Seon opened their account in the 17th minute when he was put through by Yoo Hyo Sik and sent past Spanish keeper Bernardino Herera.
The Koreans should have doubled their advantage but the forwards failed to capitalize on several chances created by German-based Song Seung Tae.
Spain got the equalizer six minutes into the second half when skipper Juan Escarre Uruena sent an unstoppable shot past Korean keeper Ko Dong Sik after he had saved an initial shot by Santiago Freixa Escude.
Seo Jong Ho put Korea 2-1 ahead in the 43rd minute and Yeo Woon Kon made it 3-1 in the 65th minute.
Spain put numbers into attack but paid dearly as Lee scored Korea’s fourth goal in the 67th minute.
