News 03 June 2014
All the news for Tuesday 3 June 2014
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Today is the 18th anniversary of starting Fieldhockey.com.
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Deavin showboats for Kookaburras, England stun India, Boon runs riot for Belgium
Spain have no answers to Australian masterclass, England earn first win, Belgium crush Malaysia
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
Day three of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague Netherlands opened with Pool A's Australia and Spain. The Kookaburras got three goals in the opening half over Spain to earn their second-straight victory. England earned their first three points thanks to a late goal to send them up 2-1 over India. The final game of the day saw a sensational effort from striker Tom Boon who lifted the Red Lions up 6-2 over Malaysia with four outstanding goals
MEN POOL A: Australia v Spain 3-0 (3-0)
Australia made it two out of two with a 3-0 victory over Spain: the pool A match providing a masterclass in fast, skilful hockey. The tempo and mood of the game was set from the whistle as Rob Hammond picked up a loose ball, jinked his way past the Spanish defence and found his teammate, Timothy Deavin (2'), who put the ball away with aplomb. The subsequent goal celebration – which Deavin explained away with a sheepish "well I don't score very often" – marked the start of a combative game between the two hockey nations.
Read More...
MEN Pool A: England v India 2-1 (1-1)
India's last minute curse continues to haunt them as England snatched victory through a Simon Mantell goal with just 75 seconds left on the clock. The match looked to be heading towards a 1-1 draw as play from both teams veered between brilliant and pedestrian. India were the livelier going forwards but England's defence was resolute and while India always threatened to score the spectacular goal, in fact they were forced to take shots that were either wide, high or easy for goalkeeper George Pinner to deal with.
Read More...
MEN Pool A: Malaysia v Belgium 2-6 (2-3)
Tom Boon showed exactly why he is rated as one of the finest strikers in world hockey by scoring four times to help Belgium's Red Lions storm to a 6-2 triumph over Pool A rivals Malaysia. The Malaysians found themselves ahead on two occasions in the contest, but Boon netted a first half hat-trick before grabbing a fourth either side of goals from Tanguy Cosyns and John-John Dohmen to take victory in arguably the most entertaining match played so far at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup.
Read More...
For schedules, scores, photos, highlights and more visit rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Flanno on fire for Australia, Kim lifts Korea over New Zealand, Netherlands cruise past Belgium
Hockeyroos down Cherry Blossoms in clash of Continental Champions, while Korea drop the Black Sticks, The Oranje blow by the Red Panthers
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
A wrap-up of day three for the women at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. Up first the Hockeyroos downed Japan 3-2 in a thriller match, while a stunning deflection by Kim Darae gave Korea the 1-0 edge over New Zealand. In the final game of the day the Netherlands tallied twice in each half to drop Belgium 4-0.
WOMEN POOL A Australia v Japan 3-2 (1-1)
Anna Flanagan took her tournament scoring haul to four goals in two matches as Australia claimed their second successive Pool A victory thanks to terrific but hard-earned 3-2 triumph over Japan. Flanagan's two penalty corners came either side of a wonderful diving effort from Emily Smith, and helped the Oceania Champions come from behind against the Continental Champions of Asia. The Hockeyroos - who were missing inspirational captain Madonna Blyth for the second successive match as she continues her recover from a calf strain - dominated the early exchanges but found themselves frustrated by tireless defensive work from their Japanese opponents.
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WOMEN POOL A Korea v New Zealand
A sensational strike from Kim Darae gave underdogs Korea a 1-0 triumph over New Zealand's Black Sticks in an exciting Pool A encounter in the Greenfields Stadium. Kim's angled deflection in the 30th minute, which rocketed into the net via the bar and the post, was enough to settle the contest as the world number 8 overcame a team that sits three places above them in the FIH World Rankings. The result gave Korea their first points of the tournament, drawing them level on points with the Black Sticks after two matches each.
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WOMEN POOL A Netherlands v Belgium 4-0 (2-0)
A sparkling team display rather than any individual standout performance was at the heart of the Netherlands 4-0 victory over near neighbours Belgium. While Red Panthers goalkeeper Aisling D'Hooghe will be disappointed to have seen the ball in the back of her net four times, she will take some consolation that were it not for her acrobatics the scoreline would have been greater.
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For schedules, scores, video highlights, photos and more visit rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Australian men consolidate position atop pool with second win
Holders Australia stayed atop their group in the men’s hockey World Cup by posting their second straight victory, defeating Spain 3-0 at the Kyocera Stadium here on Monday.
Two early goals put the Australians in a commanding position from which the Spaniards could not dislodge them.
Spain have just one point from two games after holding England to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Timothy Deavin opened the scoring for Australia in the second minute in open play and captain Mark Knowles increased the lead in the 10th minute by deftly flicking in a penalty stroke.
Spain’s defenders then held on against repeated raids and created a few openings themselves before Australia rounded off the scoring in the 33rd minute on a penalty corner conversion by Kieran Govers.
Australia lead the Group A with six points from two matches, while Belgium are in second place with three points from their first game against India, who will later on Monday take on England.
The Hindu
Spain have no answer to Aussie onslaught
EDDIE Ockenden (L) and Timothy Deavin of Australia fight for the ball with Sergi Enrique (C) of Spain during their match at the Kyocera stadium on Monday.—AFP
THE HAGUE: Defending champions Australia continued their winning ways in Group A of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Spain at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague.
It was the world No.1’s second straight win, putting them on top of the group with six points.
The Kookaburras, who outplayed Malaysia 4-0 in their opening match on Saturday, scored all their goals in the first half.
The Spaniards, who drew 1-1 with England in their first match, had no answer to Australia’s disciplined performance.
It took the Australians only two minutes to open the scoring with Tim Deavin getting a field goal.
In the 10th minute, Mark Knowles put his name on the scoresheet with a penalty stroke conversion.
The Australians again earned a penalty stroke in the 16th minute, but this time Knowles failed to make it count as his effort hit the bar and went out.
In the 33rd minute, Kieran Govers made it 3-0 from Australia’s third penalty corner attempt.
The Spaniards were more defensive minded after the break and were able to keep the Australians at bay.
“The first half goals did the trick,” said Australian coach Ric Charlesworth.
Results:
Monday:
Australia 3 Spain 0
England 2 India 1
Malaysia 1 Belgium 0
Dawn
Australia defeat Spain to stay at top of their group
Simon Mantell’s late goal helps England beat India 2-1
THE HAGUE: India’s last minute curse continues to haunt them as England snatched victory through a Simon Mantell goal with just 75 seconds left on the clock. The match looked to be heading towards a 1-1 draw as play from both teams veered between brilliant and pedestrian. India were the livelier going forwards but England’s defence was resolute and while India always threatened to score the spectacular goal, in fact they were forced to take shots that were either wide, high or easy for goalkeeper George Pinner to deal with.
In the opening minutes Mandeep Singh and Manpreeet Singh kept the England defence busy with their darting runs and mercurial dribbling skills and two penalty corners resulted from their mesmerising creativity. Captain Sardar Singh was a constant thorn in the England side, but it was Akashdeep Singh who nearly broke the deadlock with a shot that whistled inches past Pinner’s goal. England lost the services of Dan Fox when Rupinder Singh struck a penalty corner with force and caught Fox on the kneecap. He left the field on a stretcher and played no further part in the game.
The deadlock was finally broken when Mark Gleghorne (27’) scored through a powerful drag flick after Nick Catlin won a penalty corner. The lead was short-lived as just three minutes later Dharamvir Singh (30’) scored an extraordinary goal as he bounced it over Pinner’s head. The second half remained goalless, but was anything but dull. Pinner was the busier goalkeeper, being forced to meet Mandeep Singh on the edge of the circle and then watching a rocketing shot from Yuvraj Walmiki whistle just wide of the England post. At the other end of the field Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton spearheaded England attacks, but found Harjot Singh in good form in the India goal. With just over one minute left on the clock, and against the run of play, England won a penalty corner and Simon Mantell was on hand to fire the rebound home, netting England’s second goal and, more importantly, three points. This is the second game of the World Cup that India has lost in the dying seconds of the game.
Australian rout Spain: Earlier, Holders Australia stayed atop their group in the men’s hockey World Cup by posting their second straight victory, defeating Spain 3-0 at the Kyocera Stadium here on Monday. Two early goals put the Australians in a commanding position from which the Spaniards could not dislodge them. Spain struggled to come to terms with the pace and strength of the reigning champions in the first half, and for a while it looked as if the Kookaburras were going to run up a cricket score. Spain have just one point from two games after holding England to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Timothy Deavin opened the scoring for Australia in the second minute in open play and captain Mark Knowles increased the lead in the 10th minute by deftly flicking in a penalty stroke. Spain’s defenders then held on against repeated raids and created a few openings themselves before Australia rounded off the scoring in the 33rd minute on a penalty corner conversion by Kieran Govers. Australia lead the Group A with six points from two matches, while Belgium are in second place with three points from their first game against India, who will later today take on England.
The Daily Times
Two from two in Den Haag
Kookaburras win 3-0 over Spain at World Cup
A commanding performance from start to finish helped the Kookaburras to a second consecutive win, 3-0 over Spain, at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague on Monday.
Coming out of the blocks like a steam train the Kookaburras stormed into the lead as Tim Deavin, a late replacement for the injured Glenn Simpson, casually placed a low tomahawk strike into the bottom corner two minutes in.
Captain Mark Knowles doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after just ten minutes but could only watch as a second penalty stroke rebounded back off the crossbar and out in the 21st minute.
Shortly before half time, Kieran Govers made it 3-0 with a powerful low drag flick from a penalty corner.
Despite the lack of goals in the second period and an improvement from Spain, the Kookaburras always looked in total control as they moved on to six points at the top of Pool A. Their next match comes against European silver medallists Belgium on Thursday.
National Coach Ric Charlesworth said after the match, “I think we played as well as well as we’ve played this year in the first half. I want us to play that way all the time. The second half was pretty disappointing. We took our foot off the pedal. I don’t ever want to do that, so that was disappointing.”
Referring to upcoming opponents Belgium, Charlesworth added, “They’re a very good team. It’ll be a very tough game. And a very important one for us.”
In the post-match press conference, acknowledging Charlesworth’s intention to step down as Head Coach after the Commonwealth Games in August, Spanish coach Salvador Indurain thanked the Australian for his contribution to hockey.
Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014
The Hague, Netherlands
Pool A | Match 2
KOOKABURRAS: 3 (3)
Tim Deavin 2 (FG)
Mark Knowles 10 (PS)
Kieran Govers 33 (PC)
SPAIN: 0 (0)
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Hockey Australia media release
Hockeyroos bounce back
Goals from Anna Flanagan and Emily Smith earn win over Japan
Photo Credit: Grant Treeby/Treeby Images
The Hockeyroos secured maximum points from their second match at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague as they came from behind to beat Japan 3-2.
Despite needing to rally, National Coach Adam Commens declared it a “satisfying” and “really solid” performance for the team still without injured skipper Madonna Blyth.
The Hockeyroos fell behind against the run of play to a breakaway goal from Yuri Nagai midway through the first period before 2012 World Young Player of the Year, Anna Flanagan, pulled them back into contention with a low penalty corner goal on the stroke of half time.
Emily Smith’s diving diversion of Jane Claxton’s cross put the Aussie women ahead shortly after half time. And, as on Saturday against Korea, a successful video referral won the Hockeyroos a penalty corner, which Flanagan dispatched high into the top corner for 3-1.
However, Australia’s opponents found a way back into the match with just over ten minutes remaining. From a penalty corner, a goal-bound shot was illegally blocked on the line and Shiho Sakai stepped up to slot the ball home into the bottom corner for 3-2.
Despite a late barrage of penalty corners the Hockeyroos couldn’t extend their advantage but good pressure high up the field kept the Japanese at bay until the final hooter. The match marked a 150th appearance for Australia for Ashleigh Nelson and a 50th outing in the green and gold for Kirstin Dwyer.
National Coach Adam Commens said afterwards, “I think it was a satisfying performance from us to go one nil down and then to come back and persevere with the game plan that we had. We were executing it well and creating a lot of chances. Statistically, you can see that we created a lot of goal scoring opportunities and we didn’t concede many.
“We did well and we were unlucky probably not to get a fourth [goal] so I was really pleased with the way that we stuck to our game plan. We got in a position to win the match. It’s a little disappointing that they were able to score to make it 3-2 – it causes a bit of stress for the coach – but ultimately I thought it was a really solid performance and one that was an improvement on the first match.”
Answering questions on the fitness of captain Madonna Blyth, Commens added, “She has a calf injury to her lower leg, it’s a small strain. She will run today and do some training in the coming days and hopefully be ready for the match against Belgium in three days’ time. We envisage that she will be alright.
“I’ll repeat what I said the other day. Missing a player of that standard leaves a big hole in our team. We are very satisfied with the other players in our midfield but we normally play with five midfielders and we’re playing with only four at the moment. We want to keep the structure of our team the same around the group, rather than shuffling and playing less defenders or less forwards. And I think we’ve done a great job to get the points missing a player of the ability of Madonna. It will be great to have her back.”
The Hockeyroos have two days’ break before their third pool fixture, against Belgium, on Thursday. That match gets underway at 10:30am local time (6:30pm AEST / 4:30pm AWST).
Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Pool A
Match 2
HOCKEYROOS: 3 (1)
Anna Flanagan 35, 45 (PC, PC)
Emily Smith 41 (F)
JAPAN: 2 (1)
Yuri Nagai 20 (F)
Shiho Sakai 58 (PS)
Hockeyroos’ squad v Japan
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Eddie Bone (Evatt, ACT) 42/2 [26]
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 43/4 [21]
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 205/44 [25]
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 126/27 [22]
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 108/53 [26]
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 41/4 [22]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 150/61 [27]
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 58/16 [25]
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 88/36 [21]
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 78/24 [22]
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 34/0 [24]
Used Substitute
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 50/2 [25]
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 80/30 [24]
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 97/1 [24]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 126/23 [22]
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 96/1 [29]
Unused Substitute
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 281/65 [28]
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 106/0 [27]
Hockey Australia media release
Australian women eke out close 3-2 over Japan in hockey WC
THE HAGUE: Australia defeated Japan 3-2 in a keenly-contested match to register their second successive victory in Group A at the women's hockey World Cup, on Monday.
It was Japan who opened the scoring with Yuri Nagai surprising the Australian defence with a field goal in the 20th minute. Australia equalised just at the stroke of half-time through a penalty corner conversion by Anna Flanagan.
After the crossover, the Australians scored two goals in the space of five minutes to take a commanding 3-1 lead as Emily Smith fired a flash goal in the 41st minute before Flanagan converted her second penalty corner in the 45th minute.
Japan worked hard, but could only pull one goal back in the 58th minute when Shiho Sakai duly flicked in a penalty stroker. This was Japan's second straight loss in the tournament.
Earlier, holders Argentina made a steady start to their campaign, defeating South Africa 4-1 in a Group B match of the women's competition late last night.
Captain Luciana Aymer, playing in her fifth World Cup, was frustrated to see that her team's domination did not convert into goals until the 26th minute. But Silvina D'Elia converted two penalty corners in the space of three minutes to see Argentina lead 2-0 by the 28th minute.
Another penalty corner conversion, this time by Noel Barrionuevo made it 3-0 five minutes into the second session.
The Argentine girls, seeking their third World Cup title in four editions, scored their next goal through an open field strike by Delfina Merino in the 60th minute, but their own citadel fell immediately at the other end in a brisk move to which Tarryn Bright applied the finishing touch.
The Times of India
Tom Boon destroys Malaysia..
MALAYSIA started off promisingly, but Belgium punished the chaotic defense as coach K. Dharmaraj’s men went down 6-2 in the World Cup at the Hague, Netherlands yesterday.
Razie Rahim was on fire but so too was Belgian Tom Boon in the first half contest between world No 13 and No 5, but Boon ended up the classier player with four goals to his name.
Razie scored Malaysia’s first World Cup goal off the first penalty corner in the fifth minute, after a super set-piece pass from Faizal Saari.
But a moment of madness in defense handed Belgium a penalty stroke, and Boon scored the equaliser from the spot in the 14th minute.
Malaysia won their second penalty corner in the 19th minute, and again a powerful drag flick from Razie gave Malaysia the lead.
However, Belgium came out in force after that, and Boon scored off a penalty corner in the 23rd minute, before nailing his hat-trick with a field goal in the 31st minute to give Belgium the lead into the breather.
The other Belgium goals were scored by Tanguy Cosyns (37th), Boon (45th) and John-John Dohmen (56th).
RESULTS (Group A): Australia 3 Spain 0; India 1 England 2; Malaysia 2 Belgium 6.
MALAYSIA’S World Cup Fixtures (Malaysian time) -- June 5: v England (7pm); June 7: v India (8.30pm); June 9: v Spain (8.30pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysia whipped 6-2 by Belgium
By S. Ramaguru
THE HAGUE: Malaysia’s inexperience stood out like a sore thumb in the 6-2 loss to Belgium in their second Group A match at the Kyocera Stadium.
The Malaysians as usual started off well and even held the lead twice through Mohamed Razie Rahim in the fifth and 19th minutes on Monday.
But a hat-trick by Tom Boon in the first half (14th, 23rd, 31st) was enough to put the Red Lions back on top and then they smashed the Malaysians’ dream with another three goals in the second half.
The second-half goals came from Tanguy Cosyns (37th), Boon (45th) and John-John Dohmen (56th).
Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj said that the inconsistency of the umpiring, especially the video referrals, had confused the players and they were afraid to appeal.
There were two instances where the Malaysians had their referrals upheld. One of which was a goal initially given to the Belgians.
Apart from this, the Malaysians really need to re-look at the way they play and how to sustain their good start.
It has been said time and again that they lack consistency, but on Monday they also looked like novices.
“We did have a good first half but once they got the third goal we were well beaten. The players tried but we could not stop them coming at us. It is a good lesson but we have to admit that the Belgians were a far stronger team and played very well,” said Dharmaraj.
In Boon, the Belgium team have a world-class striker as well as a top-notch drag flicker.
But the one aspect of the Belgian game that the Malaysians could not handle was their speed and ability to attack and defend in numbers.
Skipper Azlan Misron said the Belgians hardly gave his team a chance to regroup.
“Their speed was simply awesome and we had a lot of trouble stopping them.
“We were determined to improve on our play from the Australian game and the two early goals gave us hope.
“But all that went to waste in the second half. We have to recover from this and get ready for the next match,” he said.
Malaysia have a two-day break before their next match against England on Thursday.
England have already won twice. On Monday, they defeated India 2-1, with the winner coming two minutes before the final whistle.
Dharmaraj said that the team will review their two matches and try to find a solution.
“We had always said that we would face the two strongest teams in our group matches and that getting a point off them was going to be tough.
“But with three more matches to go, we have to get a result that will help us with the 10th place target.
“There are three teams in the group who have yet to win. That includes us, Spain and India, whom we have yet to play.
“We will remain optimistic. For me, as long as the players learn from each match and improve, then we are moving forward.
“The team are playing at this level for the first time and it is a new experience. They have a lot of potential,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Belgium looking good after two wins
By S. Ramaguru
Belgium’s Tom Boon (left) celebrates with Cedric Charlier after scoring in the 6-2 win over Malaysia. S. S. KANESAN / The Star
THE HAGUE: Belgium have thus far lived up to the expectations of many after dispatching the challenge of two Asian teams in the World Cup.
They defeated India 3-2 in their opening match and then whipped Malaysia 6-2 to lead the standings with Australia in Group A.
The convincing manner in which they won their matches have made the other teams take notice, as it is obvious they are serious medal contenders.
Belgium have not made the semi-finals of any major tournament in recent years.
They won a bronze medal in the 1920 Olympics. More recently, in 2011, they won the Champions Challenge I title in South Africa.
Last year, they were runners-up to Germany in the European Championship and their good track record of late has many viewing them as potential finalists at the World Cup.
Their Dutch coach, Marc Lammers, admits that they have had a good start, but believes they can improve further.
“We wanted full points at this stage and we have it. Australia come next and that will be a real indication of what we can achieve here,” he said.
“The Australians are a good team and it will be a tough encounter.”
The match at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague will be played at 10pm on Thursday.
Lammers said that their matches with India and Malaysia were not as easy as the scoreline suggests.
“It was tough as both teams have good players. We knew what had to be done and did not panic when we were behind, as in the case against Malaysia. The players fought back and that is what I’m looking for from the team,” he said.
In Tom Boon, they have a prolific goal scorer – both from field and penalty corners.
Skipper Jerome Truyens is also a key player as he leads by example and is never far from the action.
They have other experienced players like Xavier Reckinger, who has amassed 316 international caps, Dorian Thiery, Cedric Charlier, Thomas Briels, Simon Gougnard and Felix Denayer.
Since 2005, the Belgians have experimented with foreign coaches, including South African Giles Bonnet and Australians Adam Comments and Colin Batch.
In 2012, Lammers was hired and he has now taken the team to new heights.
For a team who have only played in four previous World Cups, the Red Lions have come a long way. Their best placing was eighth in 1973 when they made their debut.
But that could change in the days ahead.
Lammers said that a semi-final berth is more than a reality for them as that is their target for the group phase.
“After that, we will see how the match-up goes. But we are certainly eyeing a podium finish. We have beaten all the top teams in the world and there is no reason to think that we cannot do it here,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
We need stern help, says MHC chief
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah observing the national team at practise at The Hague. S. S. KANESAN / The Star.
THE HAGUE: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will look at bringing in experts to help ensure the national hockey team remain disciplined throughout matches, rather than lose focus and allow opponents to win in the last few minutes.
MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said that there have been too many occasions where the Malaysians have allowed goals to be scored against them in the later stages of a match and even lost a game in the last five minutes.
“I think we have heard enough of this being a norm with the national team and that it has happened in the past. For me, there must be a clear solution to the problem. What is the point of playing well early in the match and then losing?” he asked.
“I will talk to the team coaches and seek their views on this. I want it (the problem) to be addressed. We should not let it go on ... let us tackle it now. The current coaches have done well and I am pleased with that. But you must look at the future and improve. The main question is how can we do this and what (or who) do we need?” he asked.
The president took time out to meet the players on Sunday afternoon and talk to them about their target at the World Cup.
“I reminded them that they need to put in the extra effort in a game. We have set them a top 10 target but let’s not be happy with that. It is the matches that you play for the moment which count.
“I can understand when we are beaten well and good. But like the match against Australia we just failed to sustain the good play all the way. A few minutes was all it took for the Australians to get their three goals.
“I want the players to stay focused and help each other. Defend your half with all that you have as a team.
“I think we have the ability to do that,” he said.
Tengku Abdullah, who is also the International Hockey Federation (FIH) vice-president, is here for his first hockey World Cup as well. He saw the team play the opening match against Australia, which they lost 0-4.
The Malaysians played Belgium in a late match on Monday and have England, India and Spain in the remaining ties.
“I have asked the team to look at getting three wins in the group phase. That will take us beyond the 10th placing. It is not impossible.”
Tengku Abdullah informed that other team officials have been impressed with Malaysia for fielding juniors regularly at senior competitions.
“That is good as it shows that we are on their radar. I want the players to make good use of this opportunity, not only to learn, but also show that we are capable of good hockey.
“We have several more big assignments to come. Let’s use this as a platform to improve further,” he said.
Malaysia have the Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 3 and then the Incheon Asian Games in September, which is also a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The Star of Malaysia
Black Sticks Women go down to Korea at World Cup
Petrea Webster in action for the Black Sticks
The Black Sticks Women have suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Korea in their second pool game at the Hockey World Cup in The Hague.
Korea scored a fast-break goal through Darae Kim just before halftime and while the Kiwis battled hard, they simply couldn’t find an equalising goal.
The Black Sticks had their best scoring opportunity from a penalty corner with 16 minutes remaining but Anita Punt’s powerful drag flick went just wide of the right post.
With one win and one loss so far at the tournament, the next three pool games against Netherlands, Australia and Japan become extra important with the semi-finals looming.
Head coach Mark Hager said the loss was disappointing but his side will now regroup and focus on performing well in their next clash.
“The way we lost was the most disappointing thing, we had no fight in us today. They outplayed us and deserved to win the game,” he said.
“We didn’t create enough opportunities, didn’t move the ball well and we didn’t win enough one on one contests.
“In the end it came down to one error on a sideline free hit where we didn’t cover properly. We’d spoken about it before but we weren’t diligent enough about it and they scored an opportunist goal.
“It’s disappointing but you’ve got to move on and we now need to get six or seven points from our final three pool games otherwise we’re going to be in trouble.”
The Black Sticks Women play their third pool game against the Netherlands in front of a sold out stadium of 15,000 on Thursday at 5.45am (NZ time), live on SKY Sport 3.
The Black Sticks Men play South Africa in their second Pool B game on Wednesday at 12:30am (NZ time), also live on SKY Sport 3.
In other women’s Pool A results today, Australia edged Japan 3-2 to remain unbeaten while the Netherlands go up against Belgium later in the day.
BLACK STICKS 0
KOREA 1: (Darae Kim)
Halftime: Korea 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks lose Korea World Cup match
MATT RICHENS
Captain Kayla Whitelock says the New Zealand women's hockey team can only blame themselves for their disappointing World Cup loss to Korea.
After just two games in the tournament, they are now long-shots to reach the tournament's semifinals, following their upset 1-0 loss to Korea in The Hague in the Netherlands this morning.
The Black Sticks were well short of their best and a crestfallen Whitelock said it was their own fault.
"It was disappointing to be honest. There were no combinations and it wasn't flowing for us today. We need to have a good look at ourselves individually and make sure we prepare right for the tough game coming up."
Whitelock accused her side, the world No 5, of being complacent against the eighth ranked Koreans.
"I think we thought it was just going to happen rather than making it happen," she said.
New Zealand didn't create enough chances and were outplayed by a slicker Korean outfit who lost their opening game 1-0 to Australia.
New Zealand had just five shots at goal and only three on target.
Darae Kim scored the game's only goal with a superb finish.
Korea moved the ball down the left side of the turf before a powerful byline hit found Kim in front of Dally Rutherford's goal. Kim's perfect deflection, in the 30th minute, to the bouncing pass struck the cross bar then the right post then the goal line before trickling over.
New Zealand's best chance came from an Anita Punt penalty corner - one of only two the side had - but her drag flick went wide.
New Zealand's next match was against the world No 1 Dutch side on Friday morning.
SCOREBOARD
Korea 1 (Darae Kim) New Zealand 0. Halftime: Korea 1-0.
Stuff
Mantell & Gleghorne magic seals victory
England's Mark Gleghorne celebrates with team mates after scoring against India at the Rabobank World Cup - credit Ady Kerry
England left it late, but a brilliant winner from Simon Mantell in the 69th minute against India sealed them a 2-1 victory in their second Pool A match at the Rabobank World Cup in the Netherlands.
Prior to the tournament Head Coach Bobby Crutchley had warned of the improving India side, who have been in a rebuilding phase under the new leadership of Australian Terry Walsh who has previously coached Australia, the Netherlands and Malaysia. And they certainly pushed England all the way.
The first half saw two goals in quick succession. Firstly England’s Mark Gleghorne unleashed a fierce drag-flick in the 27th minute to make it 1-0, but the lead only lasted three minutes as Dharamvir Singh equalised to bring the scores level at half-time.
The second half saw both teams searching for the winner, but it came down to the 69th minute and Reading’s Simon Mantell to fire home a fantastic reverse stick shot from a penalty corner rebound after a world class save from P R Sreejesh in India’s goal.
In the other pool matches of the day Australia beat Spain 3-0 and Belgium put six past Malaysia with only two in reply.
Iain Lewers did not play today after suffering a dead leg in last weekend’s game against Australia.
Quotes – England’s match winner, Simon Mantell
On scoring the winning goal: “You don’t have time to think, the ball just dropped and I knew I had to get a good connection on it and fortunately it went in. That might be the most important goal I’ve scored for England. Goals at the end of a game when you’re level always feel important. The main thing is the three points, though. It was crucial we got the win.”
Quotes – England Head Coach Bobby Crutchley
On England’s performance today: “It was an incredibly tight game that could easily have gone either way. I thought India played very well, put us under pressure and negated us. We were a bit sloppy in some of our play but in the end we’re delighted to have got the win.”
On Ashley Jackson’s injury: “Ashley’s got a problem with his shoulder. As you can see he’s not flicking the ball. The one he did flick caused some pain. You have to feel for the Indian goalkeeper. That was one of the best saves I’ve seen and yet the rebound still ends up in net. Hopefully with two more days off, Ashley can recover in time for the Malaysia game.”
Quotes – England Captain Barry Middleton
On England’s performance and staying focussed: “It was a tough game and was hard work for both sides. We were a bit sloppy in the first half and we were upset at half time with the way we were playing. Our use of the ball wasn’t how we wanted it to be, but the second half we felt better and felt like we had more control. We battled hard and even when we don’t play at our best we want to be hard to beat and able to grind out results. That’s how you get through tournaments and we’ve shown that today. We rode our luck at times but we fought to the end.”
“For a team who’s quite young and still growing in world hockey we showed a lot of control and composure to score a goal late on and then see the game out.”
England men’s next game is against Malaysia on Thursday at 1200 (BST). England’s women play tomorrow in their second Pool B game against China at 1200 (BST).
ENGLAND 2 (1)
Mark Gleghorne 27 (PC)
Simon Mantell 69 (PC)
INDIA 1 (1)
Dharamvir Singh 30 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Simon Mantell fires England to late victory against India
By Graham Wilson
Simon Mantell, England, India, Hockey World Cup, The HagueSimon Mantell struck just before the death against India[PA]
SIMON MANTELL pulled off a piece of magic in the last 90 seconds against India to give England their first World Cup victory in The Hague.
Having won a penalty corner that led to the winner, Ashley Jackson stepped up for a drag-flick that was deflected by Dan Fox on to the facemask of the Indian goalkeeper. The ball bounced out to Mantell and the London Olympian made no mistake with a fine reverse stick shot to give England a 2-1 win in the dying seconds and three vital points to put them back into the mix after their 1-1 draw against Spain on Saturday.
Mark Gleghorne fired into the roof took in the 27th minute but India hit back just before the break with a stunning shot from Dharamvir Singh.
Mantell said: "We were just desperate for a chance. We played well enough for that. I didn't think about the shot. It dropped kindly for me and I just waited to hit it in the right place with power. We needed this win."
England's next match is against Malaysia on Thursday.
Daily Express
Second loss for India in similar and familiar way
K Arumugam
Yesterday India deserved to lose. Its a case reverse today. Its pity yet India lost today much like the yesterday’s fashion - conceding winner in the dying moments. India lost a game which it should have at least drawn. On action day two in The Hague, India 1 England 2 in a game in which the losing side dominated most part. Indian improved by leaps and bound in almost every department of the game, but the habitual errors at the closing moments of either half did not go away, with the result that it gifted England an outright win in game two of the The Hague World Cup.
India dominated the field of play in the first 15 minutes or so, in which it got three penalty corners, but did not capitalize. Twice Rupinder Pal Singh and once VR Raghunath negotiated with poor results. On the contrary, England converted its first one that came against the run of play. It was in the 25th minute. At that time the penalty count for India was nil out of three while it was one out of one for the ultimate victors.
It was a rank bad tackle, ‘marking blue’ by Yuvraj Walmiki that led to the award of penalty corner outside the D area.
India was lucky when Tom Carson scooped high the team’s next penalty corner that it got when just 35 sec left for lemon time.
India also successfully defended another short corner in the 37th minute, and thereafter it was India that kept the Barry Middleton’s boys in check.
Playing cool hockey, almost bordering European brand, India constructed moves with precision from either flank, keeping their goalie George Pinner busy.
Akashdeep Singh once, Mandeep Singh twice, Sardar Singh a piece missed to strike in the second half. Gurbaj Singh was the king pin who engineered many upfront moves at this spell.
As the match was slipping towards a draw, England did not give up, launched a feeble attack, but turned to be hard with bad tackle from momentarily shaky Indian defence.
When just one minute and 21 seconds left Mantell struck to give him team a great comeback after drawing 1-1 against Spain yesterday.
Stick2Hockey.com
Simon Mantell strikes at the death to earn England win over India
Simon Mantell comes to England's rescue with a reverse stick finish in the dying moments to beat India 2-1
By Rod Gilmour, in The Hague
Delight: Simon Mantell scored the winner against India Photo: PA
With arms aloft in celebration and his stick flailing away like a Dutch windmill, Simon Mantell, who has twice missed major tournaments due to injuries, put England men’s World Cup hopes firmly back on track with a sublime late strike as India fell to successive defeats.
England looked to be heading for their second 1-1 group draw, perhaps even defeat in an end-to-end finish, after Mark Gleghorne’s strike was cancelled out by Dharamvir Singh during a three-minute spell in the first half.
However, with 90 seconds left and India having twice gone close to sealing victory, England were awarded a penalty corner. Ashley Jackson, hampered here by a shoulder injury, saw his initial drag flick brilliantly saved by Harjot Singh before Mantell struck a vicious reverse stick shot from a tight angle.
Mantell flung his stick away and admitted afterwards that his shot was “one of those ones you don’t think about”. It was a moment to savour for the 30 year-old after he missed the Olympics and the 2010 World Cup to two consecutive broken metatarsals.
“The last 90 seconds was really good with control and composure for a young team still adjusting to world hockey,” said a delighted Barry Middleton, the England captain.
Middleton has fronted up to the media alongside coach Bobby Crutchley after each of the two games. And the man who recently broke Russell Garcia’s caps record is becoming a battle-hardened leader with every day that passes here.
“We have said it here that we are going to tough it out and grind results, that’s how you get through tournaments,” Middleton added. “We have shown that today and it could have gone either way in the end.”
After a fairly sedate opening 10 minutes, the game turned when India were rewarded their first penalty corner. With Dan Fox running out to block Vokkaliga Raghunath’s second attempt, the Holcombe defender’s left knee felt the full force of one of the sport’s hardest drag flick hitters.
Raghunath’s 120kph shot looked to have ended Fox’s World Cup there and then, but England’s oldest squad member – at 31 – rejoined the fray two minutes later.
Although India had better ball retention and created the better chances – Akashdeep Singh shooting inches wide, forcing George Pinner into a full-stretch dive in the 20th minute – it was England who took the lead.
After David Condon had forced another save from Singh, quick-thinking by Nick Catlin saw the Reading midfielder take a free hit before being fouled in the D. A well-worked penalty corner saw Gleghorne then slot home his first World Cup goal.
On the half-hour, Singh latched on to a low through pass before shooting through a melee of players to level.
It was a half Middleton later called "sloppy" before England upped the game after the break. Mantell came into his own down the right flank late on, but India could still have grabbed the points with Sardar Singh and Mandeep going inches wide.
Terry Walsh, India’s coach who has now overseen two last-minute defeats, later dismissed England’s overall chances thanks to Jackson’s ongoing shoulder problems.
“I can’t imagine his shoulder will heel in a week and a half,” the Australian said. “He is a such a dynamic player for them.
“But they are a real underdog and that’s where they strive.”
The Telegraph
England beat India 2-1
THE HAGUE: India crashed to their second defeat in the men's hockey World Cup by conceding a late goal yet again to go down 1-2 against England at the Kyocera Stadium on Monday.
England prevailed through a 69th-minute penalty corner rebound conversion by Simon Mantell.
India had an equal run of play against England, and even saw a penalty stroke being cancelled, paving the way for England's victory.
Ashley Jackson's penalty corner shot was blocked by goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, but Mantell capitalised on the rebound by sending a diagonal reverse shot into the net to leave the Indian players crestfallen in the dying moments of the game.
India had lost their opening game against Belgium 2-3 after conceding a goal with seconds left to the final hooter.
England opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Mark Gleghorne's penalty corner conversion, and India equalised through Dharamvir Singh in the 30th minute.
Australia, who today defeated Spain 3-0, are at the top of the Group A table with six points from two successive wins against Malaysia and Spain.
After being held to a 1-1 draw in their first game by Spain, England now have four points from two matches.
India had the run of play at the start and forced their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, when the ball was carried by a England defender inside the circle. The foul was not noticed by the umpire, but India made a referral and the foul was confirmed. It led to penalty corners being awarded two more times before India wasted the opportunity as the push was not stopped properly and Manpreet's attempt to continue the attack saw the ball soar over the cross-bar.
India mounted another move on a counter, but Dharamvir's cross could not be utilised by Akashdeep Singh in the 20th minute.
At the other end, Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh padded away a shot from Dan Fox. India then came close to scoring in the 23rd minute on another Dharamvir cross to Mandeep Singh, but he sent the cross high in haste.
An unnecessary obstruction on the 25-yard line by Yuvraj Walmiki gave England their first penalty corner, which was converted by Mark Gleghorne with a rising shot.
Indian equalised on a move initiated by captain Sardar, who put Dharamvir in possession on top of the circle and he turned around to send the shot into the net.
India's lapses inside the circle conceded two penalty corners on either side of interval, but they did well thereafter to stay on level terms.
Walmiki had a good chance to put India in the lead in the 41st minute when he had a clear look at the goal from top of the circle, but was stick-checked from behind and the umpire blew for a penalty stroke.
England appealed against the penalty stroke, saying the defender was going for the ball and not blocking the striker's stick, which was upheld and the penalty stroke was cancelled.
India again posed danger to the England goal in the 51st minute when Walmiki got a cross from S.V. Sunil on the left and his reverse shot went just wide of the mark.
A shy at the goal by Sardar was deflected out in the 63rd minute and Dharamvir opened the rival defences with a fine run down the right flank. Dharamvir's cross was picked up by Mandeep Singh, whose push was blocked by the goalkeeper but the ball came back to him and the second attempt hit the right post in the 65th minute.
England made a last gasp attempt to force their way into the Indian circle, and benefited from a stick-check that conceded the fourth penalty corner that led to the goal in the 69th minute.
Midfielder S K Uthappa completed his 50th international cap in what turned out to be another disappointing match for the Indians. They next play Spain on Thursday.
Indian coach Terry Walsh said it was disappointing to be without any point after two well-played games.
"We've managed to play some good hockey and yet the reality is that we're without a point from two matches," said Walsh.
"We came close to both teams, who were ranked above us." "If you take a step back, you can see that we're making progress and we're doing well against the top teams. We lost the game in crucial stages," said the coach, who took over the Indian team six months ago.
England coach Bobby Crutchley complimented India for giving his team a good contest.
"It was a tough game and I think India played well," said Crutchley, adding that his team was "sloppy in parts of the first half."
The Times of India
Reality is we have no points: Walsh
THE HAGUE: India's chief hockey coach Terry Walsh was left dejected after the team again conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 to England for their second consecutive defeat in the FIH Hockey World Cup on Monday.
Though India were the better of the two teams, he said the reality was they are yet to open the account.
"I thought both sets of guys played well. The reality is we have no points from two matches despite playing some really good hockey," said Walsh.
India had also lost their opening encounter to Belgium 2-3 in the last minute.
Walsh said India can take heart from the fact that they are losing narrowly to better sides.
"Both teams we have played are ranked above us, but we have come close on both occasions. If you take a step back you can see that we are making progress. We are in this environment and we are playing the top teams, so we will benefit from that. The level we are playing at is better than we have been," he said
The Times of India
Home from home for the German 'Oranje'
Muller and Bachmann go Dutch
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
German internationals Tina Bachmann and Julia Müller have played hockey in the Netherlands for years so the current World Cup is a bit of a home-based competition for them. Müller joined Laren hockey club near Hilversum seven years ago and Bachmann followed her over the border a year later. Both players now speak fluent Dutch and captain Dutch teams: Müller is at Utrecht side Kampong and Bachman captains Oranje-Zwart in Eindhoven.
“I’m happy here,” says Müller after Germany’s draw against China. “Fewer people came to watch today because we were in the smaller stadium and a lot of people left towards the end to take their seats for the Dutch men’s match. But playing hockey in front of 5,000 people is something special.”
Bachman, who played her 250th international against China, also feels at home in the Netherlands. “I’ve been playing here for six years and I have made many friends. My parents are here, and my dad is at every match. It feels like a home crowd to me.”
The 35-year-old defender is particularly pleased to be part of Germany’s World Cup squad because she was left out of the 2012 Olympic team. “I am extremely thankful to have been given another opportunity,” she says. “I thought my international career was over, so it is terrific to play in front of so many people at such a big tournament.”
Müller is particularly happy the World Cup is being staged in the Netherlands. This is not just because of her friends, but because of the amount of media attention the sport generates here. “A World Cup in Germany would be special as well, but the Dutch are hockey mad,” she says. “It does not matter which country is playing. The public turn out to watch. They are here from early in the morning until late at night. It would not be the same in Germany.”
Next weekend Müller’s family are coming over from Hamburg to support their daughter. The 28-year-old midfielder expects more German fans to arrive over the next few days as well. ‘There are quite a few German flags around the place already,” she says. “And there are a lot more to come.”
FIH site
Korea has experience on their side
Up Close with You Hyosik of Korea
(Photo: Gasing image)
You Hyosik is Korea's most capped player with 256 caps, and has been a stalwart of the team since the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where his team finished eighth. In the opening game at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, You came close to being the hero of the match when his reverse stick shot beat the 'keeper but hit the post. Those few inches proved costly as New Zealand went on to sneak a win in the final minute of the game.
Since You made his international debut 10 years ago, Korea has maintained a steady position in the world's top eight teams. They are currently ranked seventh in the FIH world rankings and their tournament placings reflect the fact that Korea are a team that produces a consistent, if unremarkable, performance at major tournaments.
You and his squad qualified for this edition of the Hockey World Cup as the continental champions of Asia, a title they claimed following a victory over India in the final of the Asia Cup in Ipoh. The squad they have brought to The Hague is noted for the level of experience in the side. Besides You, there are five other players who have surpassed the 200 cap mark – Yoon Sung Hoon, Hong Eun Seong, Jang Jong Hyun, captain Lee Nam Yong and goalkeeper Lee Myung Ho. The 18 member team have a combined total of more than 2,600 international appearances, which is an average of over 145 caps per player.
Despite the set-back against the Black Sticks, the team remains positive. Their recent success at the Pahang Champions Challenge 1 event in Kuantan to secure their place in the 2016 edition of the elite Champions Trophy means Korea has secured its place among hockey's elite and the team are currently riding high on a wave of confidence.
Coached by the always-smiling Shin Seok Kyo, You and his colleagues remain a team that can produce results against any opposition. Phil Burrows, who scored the winning goal for the Black Sticks, said: "We were really lucky out there. The Koreans are fast and skilful and when they hit the post twice (a penalty stroke also hit the crossbar), we knew luck was on our side."
Shin Seok Kyo said: “The World Cup is the most important tournament this year. We want to reach a top five or top six finish in The Hague.” With a menacingly accurate penalty corner routine and a free-flowing and skilful style of hockey, despite the disappointing first result, Shin could get his wish.
FIH site
Some facts about The Hague World Cup
s2h Team
At least half a dozen advertisement modules are regularly splashed in the screens across halls, press centre, big screens, sideways of stadium. Rabobank, adidas too have their own Netherlands hockey star based ads.
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Its only second time both men and women world cup are held simultaneously, both by the same country, The Netherlands.
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The World Cup has 34 umpires
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Everyday 550 volunteers will be at work Security is managed by a 768-strong team Each pitch here is made up of 12 kms of fibre and 1,399,680 blades of artificial grass A single match requires 26,000 litres of water
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About 2800 accreditations have been issued so far, including journalists, support staff, officials, volunteers etc According to KNHB, 65 Dutch clubs celebrated the World Cup Club Day on 29th May.
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The Hague World Cup program comprises 28 official side events like Youth, Veteran Beach Hockey etc
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The entire world cup will run to at least 5320 minutes of play, involving 432 players
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The second pitch here called Greenfields was built in 67 days
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The main Kycenora stadium is basically a football stadium. An elevation has been created over the football turf to lay hockey turf. The stadium will be back to football after the hockey world cup.
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Even when India hosted the world cup in 1981-82, it was on the play fields of another sport, cricket.
With additional input from official publications
Stick2Hockey.com
Delay in Dutch visa upsets Pakistan Masters hockey team plans
KARACHI: Delay in the issuance of Dutch visas to Pakistan veterans team for the Masters World Cup Hockey being staged in Rotterdam has upset their travel plan.
“Despite our best efforts and requests from Dutch official Alexander Baker from Rotterdam, visas by the Dutch Embassy were not issued till today,” secretary of the Pakistan Veterans Hockey Club and manager-cum-coach Islahuddin Siddiqui said on Monday.
He said all the documents were submitted to the Netherlands 10, 12 days ago but the visas were not issued as the team was due to depart for Rotterdam en-route to Amsterdam on Monday night to feature in the June 5-13 event.
Islahuddin said he had to attend coaches/managers meeting on June 4. Pakistan were scheduled to meet Australia in their opening match on June 5.
He said change in travel itinerary of the team was going to cause a lot of hassle and cancellation of bookings would be an added burden.
“Without getting the visas, we cannot make a fresh booking to enable the team to reach in time for the 12-day championship,” Islahuddin stated.
Several former Pakistan Olympic, World Cup and Asian Games gold medallists are part of the Pakistan contingent to play in the Masters World Cup.
Dawn
Lack of planning deprived Pakistan of World Cup qualification, says Qasim
LAHORE - Former hockey world cupper, Qasim Khan has said that that world cup disqualification is a new low for Pakistan hockey which has suffered badly in recent years due to the incompetence of Pakistan hockey federation.
"Our team failed to perform to a higher level in a number of qualifying rounds/tournaments of the World Cup because of poor planning of the PHF which failed to take adequate measures to ensure that the green shirts qualify for the mega event which is being played in Holland", he told APP here on Monday.
The former international player said the disqualification of Pakistan which pioneered the Cup four and half decade ago is a shock for the entire hockey family of the country who are of the view that the previous and present regimes of the PHF did not pay needed attention to help its team qualify for the Cup.
"Our dismal performance of being the lowest 12th team in last World Cup restricted us from qualifying for the Cup and then we wasted two ideal chances of qualification by putting up pathetic show in champions league and the Asia Cup and PHF is responsible for downfall which our hockey is facing today", he said.
"Look at our glittering past in hockey as we won the inaugural Cup in 1971 (Barcelona) and then claimed the titles in 1978 (Buenos Aires), 1982 (Bombay) and 1994 (Sydney) as no other team has achieved such excellence of winning the Cup for four times in field hockey", he added.
Qasim held responsible the polices of the PHF for this serious decline in the sport. The previous regime led by Qasim Zia made tall claims of reviving hockey but nothing was done in their five year tenure despite the fact that huge funds were spent on setting up of hockey academies across the country and no productive result came out as these institutions failed to produce a junior string which could revive the sagging fortune of the game, he maintained.
"Now the present regime is doing the same, they are without a proper plan to put the game at the right track. Today we are struggling in the game, there is no international hockey activity at home due to security concerns, we have failed to qualify for elite hockey events like World Cup and champions trophy and in the present circumstances the future of hockey seems bleak", he asserted.
The former world cupper said the present regime of the PHF was spending funds on non hockey affairs and administrative matters rather spending the money on the development of the game.
"Incompetent professionals are running the PHF and they have failed to draw a road map to lift the game out of gloom and rather they are spending PHF resources on making foreign trips ", he said.
"It is the time to pay attention at grassroots hockey and we should form at least three junior strings to expand the base of the game besides establishing a pool of players to groom them for future needs", he said, adding," We have to start from zero and we have to revive club hockey culture as hockey is a dying sport in the country."
The Nation
Ref blunder costs Penang final spot
By Aftar Singh
Penang's players looking crestfallen after losing to Perak in the semi-finals. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
KANGAR: Penang were robbed of a place in the men’s hockey final due to an umpiring blunder in the semi-final match against Perak at the State Sports Complex Turf.
The match on Monday had to be decided on a penalty shootout after both teams failed to break the 2-2 deadlock in regulation time.
Perak took the lead through Mohd Soffian Kamaruddin in the 11th minute but Penang fought back to score two goals through Abdul Rauf Mohd Nazri (28th) and Jamil Johari Ghazali (35th) to take a 2-1 lead.
But Perak equalised in the 42nd minute off a field goal by Azril Misron, who is the younger brother of national skipper Azlan, who is currently at the World Cup in The Hague, Holland.
In the penalty shootout, both the teams were tied at 3-3 and the winner had to be decided on sudden death.
Penang’s Mohd Hafiizhuddin Zaidi beat goalkeeper Mohd Fahmi Azaharuddin and scored the goal.
But, instead of blowing his whistle for the goal, umpire K. Lingam called for a penalty stroke because keeper Fahmi had created a fault. And this time, Haffiizhuddin flicked the ball wide.
Mohd Ashran Hamsani was the hero for Perak. He netted the sudden death goal to give the silver state a 4-3 win in the shootout.
Penang coach Bob Rajendran was obviously annoyed with Lingam for the blunder.
“I was shocked with the umpire’s decision as he did not play the advantage as the fault was created by the Perak keeper.
“We were robbed of a place in the final because of the error by the umpire,” said Bob.
Perak will face Negri Sembilan in the men’s hockey final at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
In the other semi-final match, Negri edged defending champions Terengganu 2-1. T. Ganeisha gave Negri the lead in the 4th minute off a penalty corner.
Terengganu equalised five minutes later through Mohd Khairul Anuar Zakaria. Mohd Ikwan Ishak was the hero after he netted the winner for Negri in the 45th minute.
The Star of Malaysia
End of drought in sight for Perak
PERAK took a big step towards winning their first Malaysia Games hockey title since 1992 after edging Penang 4-3 in a semi-final shootout after being tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time at the Perlis Sports Complex in Kangar yesterday.
Perak opened the scoring through a Mohamad Soffian Kamaruddin field goal in the 11th minute only for Penang to level via a Abdul Rauf Mohd Nazri penalty corner in the 28th minute.
The Northeners took the lead seven minutes later when JamilJohari Ghazali netted but Perak refused to cave in and replied with an Azril Misron goal in the 42nd.
Perak goalkeeper Mohd Aliff Mohd emerged the hero for the state after he denied Muhammad Hafiizhuddin Zaidi in the last penalty of the subsequent shootout.
Perak coach Mohd Nizam Mohd Hashim said: “I think the boys really played out of their skin today and considering the heat and opposition, it was a great performance from them.
"It does not matter who we play in the final. The players are all hungry and are eager to prove themselves and I believe they will have recovered (from fatigue) within the next 24 hours.
"It is, however, important that we do not take our foot off the gas if we can lead tomorrow as we need to kill the game and avoid a shootout like today."
Perak will play Negri Sembilan, who are in the hunt for their first medal since finishing third in 1998, after they downed defending champions Terengganu in their semi-final clash yesterday.
New Straits Times
Hunt for Nairobi Cup: Orange seek antidote for Scorpions venom
E Mburugu
Linda Ayondi of Strathmore University Scorpions (left) challenges Telkom Ann Juma during their Nairobi Cup hockey tournament at the City Park on Sunday. [PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]
There will be no love lost when rivals Strathmore University’s Scorpions take on Orange Telkom A in the finals of the Nairobi cup tournament currently on at City Park.
Orange A beat their other side Orange B 3-1 to cruise to the finals. Jacqueline Jow, Caroline Guchu and Margret Rotich scored a goal each to send the senior side to the finals.
Strathmore Scorpions are still in the run for the top prize following their narrow 1-0 victory over United States International University in the women’s second semi-finals match. Gilly Okumu scored the all important goal for the scorpions.
Nelson Shiraku sent Wazalendo to the men’s finals with his loan goal enough to beat Strathmore University’s Gladiators 1-0. They will play the winner of the match pitting Kenya Police B against Greensharks. In earlier matches, Scorpions stung Orange Telkom B twice to better their chances of lifting the inaugural Nairobi Cup trophy in a fast-paced encounter played yesterday at City Park.
Scorpions’ lethal striker Gilly Okumu scored a brace to see her team move on top of the women’s pool ‘B’ table on six points.
Okumu told FeverPitch that the win ensured them a semi-final slot but added that they will not let the win against Orange get into their heads and will treat their next matches with the seriousness it deserves.
“This win has secured us a semis spot, but we will not be over confident because we still have a long way to go and the competition will get tougher as we get closer to winning the title,” Okumu said.
Okumu opened the scores in the 13th minute, sending the ball home past Orange goalkeeper Ruth Njoki.
Orange failed to capitalise on their open chances after missing a couple of penalty corners. Orange defence let Okumu on the loose in the circle and she punished them with the second goal in the 19th minute.
Stopping balls
She was also quick to point out the weaknesses in the team, which she promised to work on with a view to improving in the next match.
“We were not good in stopping the balls and also we failed in deflections, we will work on this going into our next encounter,” the former Sinyolo Girls High School student told FeverPitch after the game on Sunday.
In other results Telkom ‘A’ thrashed Sparrows 6-0 in their women’s pool ‘A’ encounter, while Sliders edged out Jomo Kenyatta Universtiy of Technology and Agriculture (JKUAT) ladies by a solitary goal.
Moi Girls Nairobi lost 3-1 to United States International University Spartans.
USIU grabbed their second win after beating Nairobi Sparrows 2-0.
Kenya Police ‘A’ trounced Karate Axiom 2-0 in their men’s pool ‘A’ encounter. Police were later to be held to a barren draw by Parkroad Tigers who later earned their first victory against JKUAT after a 1-0 win.
The Standard Online
USA Field Hockey Welcomes Two New Regional Managers
Victoria and Warren
USA Field Hockey’s Sport Development Team is very excited to announce two new full time staff members who started June 1, Victoria Warzeski (Region 4) and Warren Prestwich (Region 7). Their hires are phase one of the master regionalization plan. In simple terms, their role is to be the ‘go to’ person for their region and orchestrate the development and coordination of field hockey in their designated area. This includes, and is not limited to Futures, FUNdamental Field Hockey, growth of boys play and adults, clubs, sanctioning, coach and umpire education and Olympic Youth Camps. Although this is a lot for one person, they will have a National Office expert behind each of the development pillars, as well as a strong marketing and communications team. We are looking forward to the impact each will have on “Growing the Game” in their region.
Victoria Warzeski: Victoria Warzeski (or Tori) holds a Bachelor's degree in Health and Sport Studies from Miami University, a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, a Master's Degree in Education (MSEd) from SUNY Brockport, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. As a player, she was a two-time Mid-American Conference player at Miami University who is among the Top 10 All-Time in Career Goals and Points.
“Field Hockey has been an integral part of my life,” Victoria proudly states. “It has provided so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t participate in the sport as both a player and coach. It is my passion to instill the love and appreciation of field hockey, and grow the sport, in the state of New York.”
Warzeski is an educator and coach who has taught and coached collegiately as well as the elementary, middle school and high school levels. Field Hockey is her passion, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in working with players, creating curriculums and expanding field hockey in her region.
Warren Prestwich: Warren Prestwich holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. It was in Australia where his love and passion for the game began at the age of 6. As a goalkeeper, he played on the first team of his local Association through his teen age years and into adult play. Warren has never stopped playing and still is very active in the Master’s Division and will be representing the USA in the 2014 World Cup in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Warren moved to the United States in 2000 and immediately began coaching at William Smith College. During his tenure, the program won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2000.
Warren is passionate about all aspects of development and looks forward to growing the game for youth, teens, adults and boys as well as growing the umpire pool.
“It is an honor to be chosen for this position,” confirms Warren. “I am excited to use my experience from many years involved in the sport to grow the game in my region at all levels.”
Please join USA Field Hockey in welcoming both This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
USFHA media release
Ashanti Hockey Association inaugurated
A private legal practitioner, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, was last Saturday elected unopposed as the new chairman of the Ashanti Regional Hockey Association of Ghana.
He takes over from Engineer James Amoo-Gottfried who had led the Ashanti Regional association over the last decade.
Amoo-Gottfried's failure to stand for re-election was as a result of his relocation to Accra which has indeed, made him a passive member for some time now. Boafo, son of former Ashanti Regional Minister, S. K. Boafo, was the overwhelming choice following his many years of association with the sport.
He had been consistent since his days at Prempeh College through to the Law School and played several roles at national level to develop the sport.
Lawyer Boafo would be assisted by his vice, Kwabena Akyeampong, secretary, Fedelia Dua Prempeh, treasurer, Peter Obeng, Welfare, Ofori Aseidu Emmanuel, technical director, Innusah Iddrisu and Financial secretary, Wallace Ababio Jr.
They are to serve for four years.
GhanaWeb