Poland crush Spain 4-1 in Pool ‘B’ encounter

Sydney: after conceding four goals to Australia in their opening Pool 'B' match, Poland got four of their own in a convincing win over 1996 silver medallists Spain on Tuesday.

With striker Piotr Mikula in devastating form, the Poles had the game in their keeping by halftime, leading 3-0. They scored again three minutes after the break, and although Spain got one back through Xavi Arnau in the 52nd minute, Poland were never in danger.

After an even start, Poland blew the game open with two goals in 90 seconds midway through the first half. The first came from captain Robert Grzeszczak, after a blunder by opposing skipper Kim Malgosa gifted Poland the ball just outside the circle.

Before Spain had time to regroup, Mikula had blasted the first of his two goals into the corner of the net. Remarkably, Poland went through the entire game without a short corner, while Spain had 11 chances at the set piece but were unable to capitalise.

With Mikula, Grzeszczak and Rafal Grotowski on song, Poland were lethal inside the circle, converting four of their eight shots on goal. ''This was a revolutionary match for us. We were very strong in defence and superb in counter-attack,'' polish defender Zbigniew Juszczak said.

''The last time we played this well was when we beat Britain 5-2 in qualifying in Osaka.''



(c) Reuters Limited.