Cracker on cards as Spain face Aussies

NEW DELHI: Two wins apiece, now who wouldn't want the third? Both Australia and Spain will be locked in a stirring battle on Saturday as they look to bag three points from an encounter that will determine the top-rung lineup in Group B. Of the two, Spain will be desperate for victory as they wouldn't want to get down to sheer arithmetic on the final day of the league on Monday, when they take on England in an explosive match.
Going by their showing against India, where Spain were at their fluid best, Saturday's encounter should be a cracker. Led by Pol Amat, the Spaniards showed spunk and opportunism as they crushed the hosts. What stood out was their frontline, which was quick to pick holes in the defence and make good use of the space to slam in five goals.
That Spain has overcome the tardiness they showed against Pakistan was evident in the defence too. That should stand them in good stead as they take on the fleet-footed Australians.
For Australia, the going has been extremely good after their shock loss to England. The two easy wins against India and South Africa have boosted their morale but their defence showed signs of crumbling against sustained attack.