An eerie silence greeted the match between South Africa and Spain as a weather warning had led to all spectators being evacuated from the facility. This meant the two teams would have no crowd support for this crucial game.
Dan Bell produced a magical defensive intervention early on to stop Bonnastre from scoring, a move as impactful for South Africa as an early goal could have been for Spain. Both teams struggled to adapt to the unusual environment, and the opening quarter ended goalless.
South Africa displayed tremendous composure, maintaining possession well through the phases. However, clear chances were scarce for both sides. A yellow card for an off-the-ball incident left South Africa temporarily disadvantaged, and Spain capitalized almost immediately. Marc Reyne, given space in the circle for the first time, deflected the ball past Gowan Jones, making it 1-0 to Spain.
The game continued in a patient manner, with no further goal-scoring opportunities for either side in the first half. As the halftime hooter sounded, the score remained 1-0 to Spain.
In the second half, South Africa created two half-chances for Dayaan Cassiem, both well-defended by Spain. The African side eventually thought they had equalized with a brilliant counterattacking goal, only for it to be disallowed on referral for a back stick. Adding insult to injury, Spain then scored after a missed stick check, making it 2-0.
Dayaan Cassiem managed a shot in the crowded circle that went inches wide, and Tevin Kok saw his shot saved, with the rebound smashed high and wide by Ntuli. Spain won their first penalty corner with one minute left in the third quarter, but South Africa defended it well. The score remained 2-0 to Spain at the end of the third quarter, diminishing South Africa’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
South Africa threatened on the counter in the fourth quarter, but Spain quickly extinguished any sparks. Spain’s Marc Reyne delivered the final blow, scoring past Gowan Jones after a quick free hit, making it 3-0.
South Africa was awarded a penalty stroke, but Mustapha Cassiem’s effort was saved by Luis Calzado. Despite their relentless effort, the African champions won a late penalty corner but failed to execute it effectively. The match ended with Spain winning 3-0, eliminating South Africa from the Paris Olympics.
Final Score: Spain 3-0 South Africa
by South Africa
