In the opening match of the Hockey World Cup that begun on Sunday, Olympic silver medalist Spain beat the South African team by 4-2 under tight security.

After the slow start, the Spanish team recovered and then won the match.

South Africa, ranked 13th, shocked the Spanish defence twice in the first half and went 2-2 equal, but the third-ranked Spain asserted its supremacy afterward.

Moreover, Julian Hykes scored the first goal for South Africa in the 16th minute, dribbling into the striking circle before beating goalkeeper Francisco Cortes with a flick into the cage.

Spainsh players hit back with goals from Oliva in the 19th minute and Alegre in the 21st to came ahead, but Haley equaled for South Africa with a flash strike in the 30th minute.

Meanwhile, Spain took the lead in the second session, and Rodrigo Garza's opportunistic strike put it ahead in the 45th minute. Pau Quemada rounded off the scoring with a drag flick penalty corner conversion in the 60th.