England v Spain Hockey World Cup betting

A 3-2 win over India, saw England’s men book their place in the semi finals of the World Cup of Hockey. They maintained their 100% pool record, with just one game remaining against the Spaniards, who desperately need a win to keep their dreams alive. England, ranked 6th, but who are current European Champions, have been rocked by injury, but their form throughout the tournament has been impressive. The game against India was dominated by England, in a hostile atmosphere against the host nation, defeat for which, meant that India will not reach the semi finals.

England have beaten Australia, Pakistan, India and South Africa, and a win or a draw against Spain will see them top the group. They have Australia just behind them, who could top the group if England fail to pick up a point, and that could be crucial. The Netherlands and Germany are in a tight battle for the top spot in the other pool, with Korea still in with a chance of upsetting one of them by pinching a spot. Both Holland and Germany are unbeaten after drawing 2-2 in their group encounter, but England are the only ones who have won all four of the matches so far. Either one of them in the semi finals is going to be an extraordinarily tough task, with Germany being the world’s top ranked side.

Germany have to take on New Zealand in their final match, while Holland, who top Pool A at the moment, have a tougher make or break game against Korea. England’s next opponents Spain, were shut out in a 2-0 defeat to Australia, which put the Aussies in a strong position in second place behind England. Spain need to win this last match in order to stand any chance of sneaking into the semi finals, and hope that Pakistan can pull off a surprise victory over the Aussies. Not very likely to happen, but England have a chance to keep momentum going, and continue to be one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

England to win: 4/5 at Bwin
Draw: 7/2 at Stan James
Spain to win: 31/20 at Paddy Power

Holland to win: 3/10 at Bwin
Draw: 9/2 at Bwin
Korea Republic: 21/4 at Bwin

World Rankings
1. Germany
2. Australia
3. Spain
4. Netherlands
5. Korea
6. England
7. Pakistan
8. New Zealand
11. Canada
12. India
13. South Africa
14. Argentina