Royalty-free stock photo created by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash.
FIELD HOCKEY | WORLD CUP 2026
The Spanish women's field hockey team secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Belgium, the World Cup hosts. A second-half goal from Lucía Jiménez canceled out Belgium's opening goal, allowing Carlos García Cuenca's team to continue their fight for the top spot in the group.
In a deafening atmosphere and against one of the big favorites for the title, the RedSticks They delivered a memorable performance to snatch a golden point (1-1) against the hosts, BélgicaThe Spanish team knew how to suffer in a first half dominated by the home side, only to rise again after the break, demonstrating a competitive spirit that fuels their World Cup dream.
Suffering to believe
The script of the match started as expected: with the hosts, the fearsome Red Panthersimposing a breakneck pace. From the opening whistle, Bélgica It poured forward towards the Spanish goal, forcing the defense and the goalkeeper Clara Pérez to multiply. The Spanish defense, with a providential Lucía JiménezShe repeatedly thwarted the attacks led by players like Justine RasirBelgian persistence paid off in the second quarter when, after a series of penalty corners, Stepanie Vande Borre managed to beat Pérez to make it 1-0. Despite the chances of Marta Segu y Sofia Keenan, the combined Carlos García Cuenca They went into halftime trailing on the scoreboard but still in the game.
The roar of the RedSticks
The second half was a different story. España They took to the field with a renewed mindset, ready to challenge the home side for possession. The team settled in, extended their spells of possession, and began to create danger. The turning point came in the 42nd minute, when Laura Bosch He forced a crucial penalty corner. The Belgian defense's clearance fell on the stick of Lucía Jiménez, who didn't hesitate and unleashed a powerful high shot that found its way into the goal of Elodie Picard, establishing the 1-1The goal transformed the RedSticks, who took control of the final stretch of the match, trapping a Bélgica which showed signs of wear and tear. Even Berta Agulló They had a clear chance to complete the comeback. In the end, the score remained unchanged, and the draw leaves both teams tied at the top of the group, with everything to play for in the final match against Nueva Zelanda.
At the end of the match, the coach Carlos García Cuenca He valued the point: “We are very happy with a very positive result. In the first half we weren't at our best, showing too much respect, but in the second half the game changed, with a final quarter that we even dominated. This is the way forward.” The coach concluded with his sights set on the immediate future: “Now, we have to face the game against Nueva Zelanda"It's up to us to do our job, which is to score points and win the game."
Continuous newsroom for Empresa Exterior. A team specializing in real-time monitoring and writing up-to-the-minute daily news on international markets, ensuring constant updates on B2B developments.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
International business service providers
Cesce
Cesce is the Spanish Export Credit Insurance Company, an entity… read more…
MAPFRE
MAPFRE is an insurance company with almost 100 years of history, dedicated to offering… read more…
solunion
Solunion positions itself as an expert company in credit and surety insurance, offering… read more…