SYDNEY- Three green cards in the first five minutes set the tone for a tense match between spain and Australia ending in a 2-2 draw in Sydney 2000 Olympic men’s hockey at the State Hockey Centre on Thursday.

Both teams, all out to win, closely marked their opponents, leaving little space to move. But Stephen DAVIES managed to score from a penetrating Brent LIVERMORE pass to put the Australians ahead in the eighth minute.

Spain quickly returned the fire four minutes later when Pablo POLAMAT converted a penalty corner, but Australia dominated the rest of the first half.

Forty seconds after the resumption, Xavi ARNAU put the Spaniards ahead with a blistering field goal. The Australians maintained their composure to equalise in the 40th minute through Adam COMMENS.

From then on Spain fought hard to score, but goalie Damon DILETTIE held his fort with some magnificent saves.

The draw was a setback for Spain’s medal campaign while Australia is now equal top with some magnificent saves.
Spain next meets India and Australia plays Argentina on Saturday.