Jr. Hockey: Spain pip Canada in position match

Spain beat Canada 3-2 in the 13-16 classification match in the Hockey Junior World Cup here Thursday.

The first half score line reflected the momentum of the game with the opening minutes favouring the Pan American silver medallists, while Spain dominated the latter.

Canada missed two far-post deflections in the early get-going first by Brenden Bissett and again in the 11th minute by Balraj Panesar. Spain had one golden opportunity early on teed up perfectly by Alvaro

Iglesias but Albert Beltran could not make the trap, leaving the game scoreless.

After knocking several times on the doorstep Canada finally gained the go-ahead after a hard hit from the left side that found Gabriel Ho-Garcia's stick. The speedy striker made a fake inside then came back to his back-hand to lift Canada 1-0. The goal fueled Spain to push back and they began to threaten the Canadian back line on numerous occasions.

Canadian keeper Kevin Pereira was called to action several times but a hard hit across resulted in an own goal, tying the game at one. Spain earned a series of three penalty corners and on the third Borja Llorens made no mistake with a low drag flick in the 35th minute.

In the second half, much of the same back-and-forth action continued with both teams struggling to capitalise in the circle. In the 44th minute Spain had a drag flick saved on the line by defender Gordie Johnston, while Pereira again stood tall for the young Canadians.

Spain found their security goal from Lluis Mercade in the 61st minute after a nice give-and-go with Enrique Gonzalez. With a 3-1 win, Canada pulled their keeper to play with 11 men. They were rewarded in the 64th minute when Brenden Bissett's rocket cut the lead to one. Spain had one more close chance on the empty net but it was deflected wide, leaving Mercade's goal as the game winner. Spain will now advance to vie for 13th place against England, while Canada will face Egypt for 15th.