Seven-time winners Netherlands withstood a late charge by holders Spain to carve out a thrilling 3-2 win in the Champions Trophy Hockey tournament on Tuesday. The Dutch were leading 3-0 till the 60th minute but allowed their rivals to score two quick goals in the 60th and 64th minutes and conceded a penalty corner in the last minute. However, Spain failed to convert the chance to suffer their second loss in three matches. For Netherlands it was their second win in the elite six-nation tournament. The Dutch, reduced to 10 players in the last three minutes after a yellow card to Sander Vann Der Weidef, just about managed to avert what would have been a repeat of their match against Germany on Sunday when they allowed the rivals to draw the match after leading 2-0 till the 60th minute. Matthijs Brouwer (10th and 54th minutes) and Karel Klaver (56th) were the scorers for the Netherlands while Santi Frexia (60th) and Eduard Tubau (64th) scored for Spain. With this win, Netherlands have seven points while Spain are left with just three points, gained from their win over India in the opening tie. Earlier, most part of the first half saw both teams struggling to control the ball and play being confined to the midfield. Neither of the teams made any worthwhile move. But, it was Spain which got the first shot at the goal in the seventh minute but Eduard Tubau's weak shot went wide. Minutes later, they earned the first penalty corner but Santi Freixa shot over the goal. (PTI)
Netherlands defeat Spain 3-2
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