Spain reaches field hockey World Cup semifinals after 20 years

The Spanish men's field hockey team has reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time in twenty years, securing their spot with a 1-1 draw against co-host Belgium. The team, known as 'Redsticks,' only needed to avoid defeat to advance.

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I don't know how I am, I have to process what happened today, but I am happy for the players and happy for Spanish hockey.

Belgium took an early lead in the third minute with a penalty corner goal from Victor Foubert. Despite having several opportunities to extend their advantage, the Belgian 'Red Lions' could not overcome Spain's defense. Spain found their equalizer in the final quarter, with Marc Miralles scoring the crucial goal that secured their place in the semifinals.

Spain's coach, Max Caldas, expressed his elation following the match. "I don't know how I am, I have to process what happened today, but I am happy for the players and happy for Spanish hockey," he stated. Caldas highlighted that the team's objective was to improve upon their previous sixth-place ranking, calling their performance "impressive."

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The objective was to surpass ourselves, aim to improve our sixth position in the ranking, and what happened today was impressive. We played a great game against a great team. It was spectacular to pull it off.

Looking ahead, Spain will face the Netherlands, another co-host of the tournament, in the semifinals. The winner of this match will advance to the final, with the game scheduled for Friday. The Spanish team's performance was described by Caldas as "very secure and mature, playing high-flying hockey."

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We were very secure and mature, playing high-flying hockey.