U.S. Stays Winless as Title Matchup Set

After a 3-0 loss to South Africa, the losing streak continues and the mood is getting ugly on the U.S. men’s field hockey team.

The Americans, 0-6 in Atlanta and 0-25-4 in Olympic history, face Malaysia today in their last chance for another four years to finally get a victory.

“Livid, bordering on the sarcastic,” Coach Jonathan Clark said of the frustration.

Spain and the Netherlands, however, will play in Friday’s final after beating both of the 1992 finalists in their semifinal matches.

Taco van den Honert hammered in a superb hat-trick to propel the Netherlands to a 3-1 victory over defending champion Germany. Spain scored a 2-1 win over Australia, the silver medalists in 1992.

Neither country has won the Olympic title.

In other games, Argentina won a 3-0 shootout with Malaysia after they tied, 4-4, in regulation; Pakistan beat Britain, 2-1; and South Korea won a 5-3 shootout with India after a 3-3 regulation tie.