Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) Italy beat Singapore 4-0 to record their first victory in the men’s hockey Olympic qualifier at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Friday.

Italy and Singapore, both without a single point in the tournament, were looking impress in their last round-robin match. The first good chance fell to Italy’s Agustin Nunez from a penalty-corner but his well-taken flick went just wide.

Italy dominated the proceedings and pushed Singapore back in their own half. It was finally Ignacio Salas, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

The young team from Singapore, to their credit, held their ground and threatened the Italian goal in the final minute of the period from a penalty-corner and the ensuing scramble was finally cleared by goal-keeper Davide Guida.

Italy scored a second goal in the dying second of the period thanks to Nunez, to go into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.

Italy controlled the play but were kept at bay for more than fifteen minutes in the second period before Nunez scored his second goal of the match. They added the fourth from a penalty-corner in the final minute of the match.

The two teams will play each other again Sunday for the fifth-sixth place match.