Spain takes lead at WorldHockey Champions Trophy

(BEIJING, June 26) -- Spain beat Argentina 2-1 on the fourth day of play at the the WorldHockey Champions Trophy on June 25, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, ending the undefeated start of the surprising South American team.

Argentina, the only team in the tournament not qualified for the 2008 Olympics, took an early lead with a goal by Facundo Callioni, but Santi Freixa led Spain to victory, tying the match in the 21st minute and scoring the go-ahead goal in the 43rd.

"Argentina have surprised a good number of teams in this tournament and with results like that we knew we had to take Argentina very seriously," said Spain's coach Maurits Hendriksa after the match.

"Spain are a very structured team and hard to play against which is why we enjoy playing them," said Argentina coach Carlos Retegui.

With two wins, one draw and one loss each, Spain and Argentina are now tied in points at the top of the standings. Spain's advantage in goal differential puts them in first place heading into day five, when Australia will face Germany and the Republic of Korea will try to get their first win of the tournament against the Dutch hosts.