SA draw with Spain

World number 14, Spain scored first through Maria Gomez in the 25th minute and South Africa equalised from a Lisa Deetlefs penalty corner in the 31st.

South Africa had the opportunity to win the match and finish top of Pool B when a penalty stroke from captain Marsha Cox was saved by Spanish keeper Maria Lopez with two minutes left.

Head coach Giles Bonnet said the team committed too many unforced errors which resulted in turnover ball.

“We moved the ball down the middle when the appointment was to play on the outside,” he said.

“We didn’t play well, our passing and receiving was poor, and if the level of your basic skills is not good enough you have a problem, no matter how good your structure and tactical plans are.”

He said Thursday’s quarterfinal was the focus now for the team which finished second, behind the US, in Pool B.

South Africa were likely to play Scotland in the knockout round, at a time still to be determined.

– Sapa