PARIS: A dynamic Netherlands offence racked up a four-goal lead against South Africa before the end of the half but had to settle for a 5-3 win in their men's hockey Group A opener on Saturday, making the Dutch top scorers at the Paris Olympics so far.
Intermittent showers did not deter spectators from the opening pool stages of the tournament and national enthusiasm was palpable throughout matches that ended with shutouts for every team except the top-ranked Dutch men's side.
"South Africa have skilful and quick players who can create something out of nothing and I think they did, but overall I think the crowd could see what we are capable of doing," the Dutch team's captain Thierry Brinkman said.
"We have the time now, tonight, and the whole day tomorrow to talk about this game. We're not concerned about going up against tougher opponents because all the teams that are playing here have good qualities," Brinkman added.
Second-ranked Britain walloped Spain 4-0 in the early Pool A game while in Pool B reigning champions Belgium won 2-0 against an Ireland team that missed qualifying for the Tokyo Games and Australia edged Argentina 1-0 in the tightest game so far.
The enthusiasm of the crowds in the open air stands kept the players energised throughout the wet start to Saturday and well into the closing minutes of each match as the rain kicked up in trails behind the ball on a waterlogged pitch.
The women's tournament starts later on Saturday with a rematch of the last Pan-American Games final as the United States face off with Argentina, while the Netherlands compete against hosts France. - Reuters