Germany made a big impression in their opening in Pool B of the men’s Olympic Games, sweeping aside Canada 6-2 in the opening game of the evening session.
Two goals in the first six minutes set the tone, Moritz Fuerste scoring a stroke and Niklas Wellen adding the second.
Mark Pearson got one back but further strikes from Matthias Muller, Linus Butt and Fuerste extended the lead to 5-1 with 28 minutes to go. Keegan Pereira added another before Wellen was credited with the sixth goal when his intended cross was turned in by a defender.
Speaking afterwards, goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi described the win as a “powerful start”.
“I think it was a really nice, powerful start to the competition which is always good to help with confidence.”
Speaking about his next two opponents, he added: “I thought India looked quite strong but Ireland is always quite tough to play against as well, quite physical and I expect them to be quite a bit stronger than what we faced today.”
In Pool A, Spain shook off Brazil’s brave efforts, taking control in the third quarter to record a handsome opening win.
Xavi Lleonart scored the only goal of the first half with a lovely run and finish. But they found Brazil difficult to break down in a tough battle in which the hosts were dogged in defence and never gave an inch.
Roc Oliva made it 2-0 when he touched in Pau Quemada’s miscued shot early in the second half as Spain upped the tempo. Josep Romeu’s corner, another from Lleonart and a master-blaster from Vincenc Ruiz extended the lead to 5-0 by the end of the third quarter.
Romeu and David Alegre added further goals for a 7-0 win.
Speaking afterwards, Spanish captain Manel Terraza said it was a matter of staying patient: “We knew it would be tough and, in the first half, they really packed their defence but in the end we were able to move the ball fast and find the occasions to score. In the end, we are happy and looking forward to the next game.