News 04 June 2014
All the news for Wednesday 4 June 2014
Hayward hits hat-trick as Black Sticks win again, Argentina turn rankings, Home team needs last seconds to drop Korea
5-0 victory over South Africa gives New Zealand six points from two games, Los Leones spoil Germany spotlight, Dutch down spirited Korea
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
It is day four in The Hague for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 and New Zealand bagged their second win of the tournament thanks to an Andy Hayward hat trick. Argentina turned the world rankings upsetting Germany 1-0. Also to play today in Pool B is Netherland and Korea.
MEN POOL B: South Africa v New Zealand 0-5 (0-3)
New Zealand's Black Sticks maintained their perfect start to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup by surging to a convincing 5-0 Pool B win over South Africa in the GreenFields Stadium. Drag-flicking defender Andy Hayward netted a hat-trick of penalty corners as the world number 6 and Hockey World League Silver medallists claimed a second successive victory. The result puts New Zealand onto six points and the quality of their performance will fill them with great confidence for the rest of the tournament.
Read more...
MEN POOL B: Germany v Argentina 0-1 (0-1)
Argentina rewrote the form books with a closely-fought and scintillating encounter with the team ranked number two in the world. Manuel Brunet (31') was the hero of the match as he scored from the tightest of angles to give Argentina the lead over Germany in a match that was not only a classic confrontation between two teams playing two very different styles of hockey, but also one that, despite the sole goal, was packed with incident and drama.
Read more...
MEN Pool B: Netherlands v Korea 2-1 (1-1)
Korea came desperately close to ripping up the form book when they held the Netherlands to a draw until the last minute of a pulsating game at the Kyocera Stadium. Korean players slumped in exhaustion to the ground after playing a magnificent part in this hockey spectacle, with just a 69th minute Robbert Kempermann goal separating the teams.
Read more...
FIH site
Mavers double sinks South Africa, China blow by England, Pan Am rivals draw
Missed chances cost South Africa dearly, England struggle with China, USA and Argentina draw in thriller.jpg)
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
Day four at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup has got underway with Die Danas claiming the first victory after a 3-1 win over South Africa. China bounced out England 3-0, while USA and Argentina entertained a packed crowd to a 2-2 tie.
WOMEN Pool B South Africa v Germany 1-3 (0-1)
Germany called on all their big stage international experience to hold off a spirited South Africa attack and, while not producing an altogether convincing performance, the world number five team did enough to secure all three points with a 3-1 win in the opening pool B match of day four at the Kyocera Stadium.The difference between the two teams was their finishing, with Germany scoring two goals from scrambled situations and a third beautifully taken shot, while the African champions squandered shooting opportunity after shooting opportunity. Speaking after the game, Shelley Russell said that her team were "truly gutted, very disappointed, after failing to score from numerous opportunities."
Read more...
WOMEN Pool B England v China 0-3 (0-1)
A moment of individual brilliance by Peng Yang and a precisely-struck penalty corner took all three points as number seven seeds China beat third-ranked England in their second Pool B match at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague. The result leaves England standing on 'the edge of a precipice' said coach Jason Lee after the game, with the world number 3 team on zero points. On a day that Alex Danson had hoped to celebrate her 150th international cap with a goal and three points, it was actually a lack of fire-power in front of goal that let the England team down. China soaked up the pressure for vast swathes of the first half as England peppered the goal. Li Dongxiao was outstanding as she stopped ball after ball and the statistics of efficiency in front of goal will make depressing reading for coach Jason Lee and his coaching staff. With Maddie Hinch in the England goal not touching the ball for the first 15 minutes of the game, this is a result that China will be delighted with.
Read more...
WOMEN Pool B Argentina v United States 2-2 (1-1)
A 64th minute strike from Kelsey Kolojejchick earned 10th-ranked USA a point against reigning World Champions Argentina in an entertaining but rainy contest at the GreenFields Stadium. Kolojejchick's close range finish proved to be enough to seal a 2-2 result against Las Leonas, cancelling out a stunning second half strike from eight times World Player of the Year Luciana Aymar. The result moved both teams onto four points in Pool B, drawing them level with Germany and China whilst moving even further ahead of the currently pointless England and South Africa.
Read More...
Tomorrow all teams will take a rest day and men's action will continue on 5 June with Pool A action. Malaysia and England will open up the day (13:00 CET), followed by Belgium and Australia (16:00 CET) and India and Spain (17:30 CET). For more information visit rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Chinese women shock England 3-0, Germany down South Africa
THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Two outstanding field goals from Peng Yang helped China register an upset 3-0 victory over 2012 Olympic bronze medallists England in the women's hockey World Cup match on Tuesday.
After a goalless first half, Peng opened the scoring with rasping drive from top of the circle into the top right corner of the cage in the 42nd minute.
China, ranked seventh in the world, never allowed world No. 3 England to bounce back into the game after Liang Meiyu increased the lead in the 55th minute.
Peng rounded off the scoring with her second penalty corner goal in the 66th minute.
China now have four points from two outings. They posted a 1-1 draw against Germany, who also boosted their points tall to four with a 3-1 victory over South Africa in another Group B match.
England have lost both their matches, throwing the group open for semifinal aspirants behind defending champion Argentina.
Marie Mavers scored two field goals for Germany in the 19th and 65th minutes, while Kristina Hillmann contributed the other in the 50th minute. South Africa's lone strike came from Shelley Russell in the 64th minute.
Earlier, Olympic champions The Netherlands blanked Belgium 4-0 for their second win in Group A.
The Netherlands lead the group standings with six points from two outings.
Four Dutch players made entries on the score-sheet, starting with field goals from Ellen Hoog (fifth minute) and Marleos Keetels (31st).
Captain Maartje Paumen converted a penalty stroke in the 44th minute before Roos Drost rounded off the scoring with a penalty corner in the 49th.
In another Group A match, Kim Daree's 30th-minute field goal gave South Korea a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.
The Times of India
Germany’s better finishing costs Investec SA women's hockey team
JONATHAN COOK in The Hague
Investec SA's Bernie Coston reflects after Germany's second goal following a penalty corner. Photo: FRANK UIJLENBROEK
The Investec South Africa women’s hockey team lost 3-1 to Germany after trailing 1-0 at half-time in the teams’ second Group B match of Hockey World Cup 2014 at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague, Holland Tuesday morning.
The Germans’ goals came from a Marie Mavers brace and the striker was joined by team-mate Kristina Hillmann on the scoresheet while SA’s successful strike went to Shelley Russell.
“It was an exciting match with equal opportunities, a good contest, but the Germans were more clinical in the attacking third,” said SA captain Marsha Cox.
The South Africans need the presence of striker Sulette Damons, again rested due to injury, upfront
SA assistant coach Kurt Cerfontyne said the team created far more opportunities than in the 4-1 loss to reigning World Cup champs Argentina on Sunday night. “But we have got to look at ways to create better connections in goalscoring positions.
Cerfontyne added that SA are still looking to finish inside the top 10.
There are still three Group B matches left for SA and Cox pointed out that this is a long tournament. “We’ve got to put this behind us, take it one game at a time, the players are fit and I don’t think it will be difficult to pick ourselves up for the next match [on Friday at 2.30pm against world number three England].”
SA had pulled a goal back (2-1) with six minutes left and Cox said that conceding a goal to trail by two goals once again, just a minute later, is never good. “It was crucial when we scored only for Germany to immediately get one back.”
World number 11 South Africa started very well, making a number of quality penetrations into world number six Germany’s defensive zone and in the 10th minute Russell shaded the wrong side of the left post with only goalkeeper and captain Kim Platten to beat.
The Germans, who drew with world number eight Korea 1-1 in their opener, came back and Kristina Hillmann tested keeper Anelle van Deventer before the Europeans quite rightly had a goal disallowed after the ball came off an attacker’s body.
SA, like Germany, also needed points in Group B after their defeat to Argentina and midway through the half Dirkie Chamberlain brought Platten into action again after Bernie Coston’s powerful cross from the right.
However, the Germans opened the scoring in the 19th when Jana Teschke fired in a left-to-right diagonal ball from inside the 23-metre area and Mavers was superb in getting a touch to leave Van Deventer with no chance (1-0).
There was encouragement when the girls in green and gold won a penalty corner in the 28th minute but the goalscoring opportunity went astray. A number of other promising build-ups went awry but SA kept plugging away and won a second PC, and then a third, on half-time, yet the Germans held on to their one-goal lead.
In the first 10 minutes after the changeover, the battle was fought largely between the 23m lines but Germany were down to nine players in the 11th minute and a Russell turnover and feed right to Pietie Coetzee was not capitalised on by the world record goalscorer.
In the 50th minute Germany won their first PC, while SA had earned three at that stage, and Hillmann made it 2-0 after a goalmouth scramble. In the 64th SA pulled a goal back with a great move down the left that involved Coetzee, Coston and Chamberlain in the final plays before Russell delivered the final strike (2-1).
But the joy was brief as Germany restored their two-goal cushion a minute later (65th) when Mavers bagged a second (3-1) and SA were left to reflect on what might have been.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA men rue missed chances, Black Sticks don’t
JONATHAN COOK in The Hague
The Gladiators. Photo: STANISLAS BROCHIER
New Zealand beat the South Africa men’s hockey team 5-0 after leading 3-0 at half-time, the Black Sticks making the most of their chances, in contrast to the African champions.
This World Cup match saw SA start well but in the fourth minute Simon Child did brilliantly to trap a difficult pass on his backhand and turn to smash a rising shot that flew past keeper Rassie Pieterse at a tremendous pace (1-0).
In the 10th SA striker Ignatius Malgraff’s quick hands earned this fast-paced clash’s first penalty corner and captain Austin Smith’s lightning-quick drag flick smashed into the crossbar and stayed out.
SA had another great opportunity shortly after, but the chance was lost in the final pass and the Kiwis hit back immediately to win their first PC in the 15th, which Andy Hayward buried into the right-hand side of the backboard (2-0). Hayward repeated the medicine in the 17th by taking the same option as his initial goal (3-0).
SA had some cheer three minutes later when a left-to-right diagonal pass fired in by Jethro Eustice saw a flying Tim Drummond come close to deflecting into the goals. And soon after Jonty Robinson, Tim Drummond and Julian Hykes combined to win a second PC, from which SA had three chances to score but to no avail.
A great chance fell to Taine Paton in the 25th after more excellent work by SA upfront but the closely marked midfielder, under pressure from a defender, couldn’t make the final connection. The Kiwis hit back to win their third PC in the 29th from which Kane Russell took a fearful blow in a collision with SA defender Rhett Halkett, who was playing in his 100th Test.
Russell recovered sufficiently to fire New Zealand’s fourth PC at Pieterse soon after but the keeper glove-saved low to his left. Another Hayward PC on the half-time whistle went wide.
Two minutes into the second half Pieterse made a save and came off his line at the right time hardly a minute later. In the 42nd Lloyd Madsen won SA’s third PC but the chance came to nothing.
A number of promising SA attacks were breaking down at the critical moment and Pieterse was force to make another intervention at the other end after some stunning individual skill by Stephen Jenness along the left-side baseline.
More superb running saw Child break into the strike zone and the exceptional sharpshooter’s backhand blast was somehow stopped by the last line of defence.
The Kiwis’ excellent patch of play marched on and in the 52nd Shea McAleese got a touch from Hayward’s disguised PC pass for the rock-hard white nut to flash high into the net (4-0). In the 55th another Hayward PC picked the same left-hand side of the goals as his initial brace of successful strikes and the drag-flick specialist had netted his hat-trick (5-0).
It is simply too much to expect the SA men’s team, who as a group of 18 players had been together for just a fortnight, to win matches against outstanding opponents that have been preparing for months - and even years in some cases - going into the four-year showpiece of hockey.
SA Hockey Association media release
Fantastic five for Black Sticks Men at World Cup
Hat-trick hero Andy Hayward. Photo: Dirk Markgraf, www.265-images.com
An Andy Hayward hat-trick has helped the Black Sticks Men to a crushing 5-0 win over South Africa at the Hockey World Cup in The Hague.
The Kiwis were impressive from the opening whistle and once again put on show a steely defensive effort which fed into a well executed attacking game.
The Black Sticks were lethal from set pieces with Hayward firing three penalty corner drag flicks of his own into the back of the goal and feeding Shea McAleese for another in his 200th test.
It’s now two wins from two games for the New Zealand men, who have six points and sit on top of Pool B ahead of the day’s final match.
Head coach Colin Batch said the quality of play against the South Africans was pleasing to see.
“It’s not often we have clean sheet so that was really pleasing and we scored our first two penalty corners which certainly gave us an edge and momentum,” he said.
“Penalty corners were definitely a focus for us today. We’ve got some good variations and two guys that flick well so we want to utilise that.
“We talk about effort over 70 minutes and you’re going to make some errors but we were able to cover them up today. Defence will always be a cornerstone of any success that we have here.”
The Black Sticks were on the scoreboard just four minutes into the game with a piece of brilliance from Simon Child who pulled down an aerial cross on his reverse stick before turning and hammering the ball past the goalkeeper.
As the Kiwis tightened the screws on South Africa, the pressure mounted and led to the first penalty corner of the match 15 minutes into the first half.
Hayward stung a powerful flick into the goal before adding another flick low and right of the goalkeeper just two minutes later.
Leading 3-0 at halftime, the Black Sticks kept the pressure on in the second half as the South Africans battled to keep them out of their defensive circle.
With 19 minutes remaining McAleese put himself in the perfect spot to deflect a drag flick into goal before Hayward added his third goal of the game just minutes later to make it 5-0.
The Black Sticks Men go up against Argentina in their next Pool B game on Friday at 11.00pm (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 1.
In other Pool B games today, Argentina hung on for a tight 1-0 win over Germany while the Netherlands face off against Korea later in the day.
Wednesday is a rest day at the World Cup, with the Black Sticks Women next up at 5.45am on Friday (NZ time) in a tough battle against the Dutch.
BLACK STICKS 5: (Andy Hayward 3, Simon Child, Shea McAleese)
SOUTH AFRICA 0
Halftime: Black Sticks 3-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Hat tricks in World Cup
By B.G. JOSHI (Dhar-Indore-India)
12 Men's Teams are in fray in The Hague. Malaysia and Belgium were the only teams, whose players have not scored hat tricks (3 goals in a match) in previous 12 edition of WC. In Hague Tom Boon of Belgium scored the 4 goals including hat trick versus Malaysia and thus written name of Red Panthers in the list of Hat tricks in World Cup. Till date 56 hat tricks have been scored. Australian Graeme Walter vs. Ghana in 1975 and Luke Doerner vs. South Africa in 2010 are the others players who have scored 4 goals in a match. However maximum 5 goals scored in a match while scoring a hat-trick by Taco van den Honert of Netherlands vs. Belgium in 1994 and Taeke Taekema of Netherlands vs. India in 2006. Other highlights are as under:
- Netherlands has scored the maximum number of hat-tricks in the World Cup (12)
- Belgium has conceded the maximum number of hat-tricks in the World Cup (6)
- The World Cups with the maximum number of hat-tricks (8) were the 1978 and 1982 World Cups
- The World Cups with the minimum number of hat-tricks (2) were the 1971, 2002 and 2006 World Cups
- No country has ever scored a hat-trick against Germany in the World Cup
- Tanvir Dar of Pakistan has scored the maximum number of hat-tricks in the World Cup (3)
- Michael Peter's hat-trick in the 1982 World Cup was the only hat-trick scored in a losing effort. Germany lost to Pakistan 3-5 in pool match
Fieldhockey.com
England suffer defeat to China
England gutted after losing 3-0 to China at Rabobank World Cup - credit Ady Kerry
After a goalless first half, China were able to make the most of their few chances in a game where England largely dominated possession, to prevail 3-0 winners.
The game also marked Alex Danson’s 150th cap – one of England’s star players in recent years and a superb role-model for young fans of hockey.
Speaking after the game today, England Head Coach Jason Lee said: “That’s two games running now that we’ve had three times as many circle entries as the opposition. For 60 circle entries we’ve only scored one goal and for 20 against we’ve conceded five, which makes life very difficult. For long periods I felt we just needed to get one goal from the chances we were creating. As the game progressed the nerves amongst the players grew and of course the result of the first game made them even more tentative. I think if we’d got an early goal we’d have found it quite an easy game.”
Right from the start England began to apply pressure, maintaining possession and pressing forward, with several shots on goal, but the Chinese defensive line was always quick to shut down any space that England could find.
Ten minutes before half time China had an opportunity to get ahead courtesy of three penalty corners in a row, but fearless defending – with Georgie Twigg taking a hit to the arm after the first corner and Ashleigh Ball catching a ball on the hand after the second – meant China couldn’t break through. A green card for China gave England a brief window of opportunity, but China kept them at bay and the score was 0-0 going into the break.
It wasn’t until the 42nd minute in the second half that China broke away and scored from open play – a good ball to the top of the circle found China’s Yang Peng, who was able to turn on the spot and fire a shot away to the top left-hand corner and just out of Hinch’s reach. A flurry of penalty corners followed for England, but Dongxiao Li was equal to them. England had many more chances than China and continued to go in search of a break-through, however this left them quite exposed to the counter-attack.
15 minutes later China won a penalty corner of their own. Their shot to the right, courtesy of Meiyu Lang, was not cleanly struck but bobbled over Hinch’s leg, to put China 2-0 up. Their third came after Hollie Webb was brought on as a kicking back, allowing England an extra outfield player. China’s Peng was able to get around England’s defenders to fire the ball into the open goal. While England continued positively in search of a final consolation goal, they couldn’t get past the Chinese defence and the final buzzer rang with the score at 3-0 to China.
England Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh added after the game: “We prepared professionally, as we always do, and did our homework on the opposition. I’m just devastated. There are still a lot of games to go in the tournament but I think one thing we pride ourselves on is our fight and I think we’ve been lacking a bit of that.
“As Jason said, we are getting opportunities but we aren’t taking them. I hold my hands up as it is me and everyone else in the team who are responsible. We need to be hard and honest with each other and come out for the rest of this tournament and play like an England team play.”
Tomorrow is a rest day for all the teams in the World Cup, but play resumes on Thursday with England men going up against Malaysia at 12:00 (UK time).
ENGLAND 0 (0)
CHINA 3 (0)
Yang Peng 42, 66 (FG, FG)
Meiyu Liang 55 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
Devastated England lose 3-0 to clinical China in hockey's Rabobank World Cup
ENGLAND’S women were left in tears and their captain Kate Richardson-Walsh “devastated” after succumbing to a second successive defeat in the Rabobank World Cup in The Hague.
By Graham Wilson
The China team celebrate a clinical goal [Ady Kerry]
Their 3-0 loss follows a 2-1 defeat by the USA leaving them as outsiders in the chase to the semi-finals. But four countries are on four points after the USA put up a great performance to hold world champions Argentina 2-2 and England next play South Africa on Friday, who are bottom of the table and also without a point.
China are ranked seventh and England three in the world but not a lot has gone to plan in coach Jason Lee’s campaign so far. China sat back and were content to pick off the forwards in the dribble and then hit on the counter.
And while England had 25 circle penetrations, China’s three shots on target resulted in three goals.
The first was a brilliant hit on the turn from Yang Peng in the 42nd minute to break the deadlock followed by a Meiyu Liang penalty corner and then Peng again in the 66th minute when Lee had taken off goalkeeper Maddie Hinch in a desperate gamble to pull the game back.
England failed to capitalise on their penalty corners and did not have the luck when it came to shots on goal.
Lily Owsley was the liveliest of the strikers outshining even Alex Danson, who was earning her 150th cap. Owsley saw one shot hit the post and rebound off the other post in the first half and, after a good run, sliced a great chance high and wide in the second half.
Richardson-Walsh said: “We prepared professionally, as we always do, and did our homework on the opposition. I’m just devastated. There are still a lot of games to go in the tournament but one thing we pride ourselves on is our fight and we’ve been lacking a bit of that.
"We are getting opportunities but we aren’t taking them. We need to be hard and honest with each other and come out for the rest of this tournament and play like an England team play.”
Lee said: “That’s two games running now that we’ve had three times as many circle entries as the opposition. For 60 circle entries we’ve only scored one goal and for 20 against we’ve conceded five, which makes life very difficult.
"For long periods I felt we just needed to get one goal from the chances we were creating. As the game progressed the nerves amongst the players grew and, of course, the result of the first game made them even more tentative. If we’d got an early goal we’d have found it quite an easy game.
He added: “The first goal by the Chinese was fantastic. Then they scored from a corner not long after that and all our confidence was drained. China put up a wall against us and some of their defence was excellent.
"They took their chances well. Our players put their heart and soul into the game.
"Ultimately it is my job to get them ready to play and take their chances. We’ll be looking at that – how are the chances created and what can we do to help the girls to take them.”
Daily Express
England's hopes hanging by a thread after 3-0 defeat by China
England must now hope they can scrape through with the group likely to go down to the last round of games
By Rod Gilmour, in The Hague
Down but not out: England's World Cup campaign has got off to the worst of starts Photo: PA
After over a decade at the helm of the men’s team and a year in charge of the women’s side, Jason Lee was forced to concede that Tuesday was “as bad as I’ve known things to be” following his side’s lacklustre 3-0 defeat to lower-ranked China at the Kyocera Stadium.
Their second successive group-stage defeat means that England women’s World Cup hopes of reaching the semi-finals hang by a thread. China made England pay when they scored from three of the four shots they mustered all game, a lovely double from both sides of the stick by Yang Peng and a well-taken penalty corner.
England, meanwhile, have now produced three times as many forays into the opposition circle in their two games, but only one goal to show for it. The tide simply has to turn.
Lee did offer a brutally honest assessment of his side afterwards, but his tone hinted more of a rallying call ahead of a must-win game against South Africa on Friday.
“There’s nothing more motivating than staring over a precipice,” said Lee. “When you’re on the edge of a cliff there’s only one way to go.
“It’s pretty bad now. I’ve been in the game a long time but this is as bad as I’ve known things to be. If we don’t start to win games and manage to progress it will be even worse. That’s quite a motivating factor.”
With captain Kate Richardson-Walsh promising England would be at “full-tilt” - she later admitted to being “devastated” by defeat - they indeed began well. This was largely thanks to front-foot player and tireless runner Susannah Townsend in the starting line-up.
Ashleigh Ball won an early penalty corner before Richardson-Walsh saw her low shot cleared off the line. Lily Owsley, fast becoming one of England’s future stars, then came closest to scoring when her reactionary shot from a goalmouth scramble came off the post.
In all, England had nine shots to China’s one in the opening 35 minutes and an early goal would surely have changed the complexion. But Peng made them pay seven minutes after the restart when she turned and fired an unstoppable hit past Maddie Hinch into the top-right corner.
England had chances to level with a succession of penalty corners - Richardson-Walsh had six overall - but they could not convert. As the game wore on, they were also guilty of giving the ball away when retaining pressure was key.
England’s commitment to the cause cannot be doubted though. Ball and Georgie Twigg were both hit on the hand after racing out from goal to block China’s penalty corner hits.
For the second game running, Lee took off Hinch with over five minutes left and England’s hapless afternoon was complete when Peng doubled her tally with a low reverse stick strike.
The only saving grace now for England is that their group - without the peerless Dutch - is turning into an open scrap for the top two places and likely to go down to the last round of games next Tuesday.
The US’s win over England on the opening day has put them in a great position, while England must certainly beat South Africa, Argentina and Germany to stand any chance of qualifying through to the last four.
Alex Danson, England’s star forward, has yet to stamp her authority on this World Cup and her 150th cap presentation was the only bright spark on an otherwise hapless afternoon. According to the statistics, she has yet to garner a shot on goal in England’s two matches.
With the second batch of group games played, there is a rest day on Wednesday, before England’s men return to play Malaysia a day later.
The Telegraph
Team USA Bursts into World Cup Scene with Fighting Spirit to Comeback in Final Minutes
U.S. Women's National Team remains relentless to knot a 2-2 tie against Argentina
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The U.S Women’s National Team led a fierce battle against 2010 World Cup champions Argentina today in Holland at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup. As play shifted from end line to end line with no lulls, Team USA was able to capitalize on key moments to clench a tie with a score of 2-2 at Greenfields Stadium.
The Pan American rivals didn’t disappoint a full arena as the match heightened its drama with glowing stadium lights and dense, downpour rain. The USA controlled the ball play on the right side of the pitch with a leading front-foot attack making their forward presence felt. Within minutes of the first half, USA athlete Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) dove and deflected a shot from Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.) into the cage. After a video referral request by Argentina, the goal was called back due to confirmed obstruction. Despite the retraction, Reinprecht redeemed the goal by jotting a back-handed shot in the 27th minute to create a lead. Argentina patiently worked the ball back and forth in the middle to locate pockets in the red, white and blue’s defense in attempt to create a scoring opportunity. Backfield veterans Caroline Nichols (Virginia Beach, Va.) and captain Lauren Crandall (Doylestown, Pa.) came up with big interceptions in the USA’s defending end. USA goalkeeper and pure powerhouse Jackie Kintzer (Robesonia, Pa.) made vital saves as well to keep the score in the United State’s favor until in the 32nd minute mark when an Argentinian player slid a topped ball into the cage to break onto the board. The halftime report stood locked at USA 1, Argentina 1.
“From our point of view there was a good flow to the game,” said U.S. Women’s Head Coach Craig Parnham. “Going against the world champions, our forward line managed well. Although we're disappointed with the called-back goal in the first half, the overall assessment was pleasing."
The second half boiled down to mental toughness as the temperatures dropped and rain drenched the pitch. Argentina made moves first when Luciana Aymar launched the ball from a direct shot to rack their second goal of the match. The U.S. Women’s National Team didn’t flinch under the immense pressure but kept poised passes consistent and made level-minded decisions with the unruly game clock ticking down. Their patience paid off when ball was flung from the end line and into the sweet spot of the circle where U.S. striker Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) was positioned to redirect the ball out of the Argentinian’s reach to tie the game with a mere 9 minutes left. The heart-pounding match closed in a 2-2 draw.
"We're very familiar with how Argentina plays," said Crandall. "I think they would agree as well that whenever we play each other there is the promise of a good match. Today I'm proud of the work my teammates put forth."
The team opened the tournament when they took on Great Britain and won 2-1 and will contend next against China (World Ranked 7) on June 6 at 4:30 a.m. EST. All matches can be viewed live by clicking here or watching ESPN3.
USFHA media release
Tough road for Black Sticks women after loss
MATT RICHENS
The New Zealand women's hockey team now needs a win and a draw against the fourth ranked Australians and the No 1 team in the world, the Dutch, if they are to progress in the World Cup.
The Black Sticks also need to beat Japan (No 9), according to disappointed coach Mark Hager.
The mountain they've left themselves to climb is now all the more steeper following the surprise 1-0 loss to Korea yesterday.
The Black Sticks are the No 5 team in the world but were out-thought and out-fought by world No 8 Korea.
New Zealand were lacklustre on attack and have now gone 96 minutes against a lower ranked opposition at the tournament without scoring.
The nature of the loss, even more so than the result, was what annoyed Hager and captain Kayla Whitelock the most.
"There was no fight in us," Hager said. "They outplayed us and deserved to win the game. We didn't create enough opportunities, we didn't move the ball well and the one-on-one contests, we didn't win enough of those."
New Zealand forced themselves into Korea's circle 19 times, but that led to just five shots and only three of those were on target.
Hager said while he thought his senior players "really tried to step it up", the youngsters learnt that if they didn't prepare early then they'd get punished.
Whitelock was in a dark mood post-game and suggested her side went into the match complacent.
"We need to have a good look at ourselves and make sure we prepare right for the tough game coming up. I think we thought it was just going to happen rather than making it happen," she said.
The Koreans went ahead in the 30th minute through a superb Darae Kim strike.
New Zealand's best chance came from an Anita Punt penalty corner - one of only two the side had - but her drag flick went narrowly wide.
New Zealand now play the world No 1 Dutch side - an assignment much tougher than Korea or Belgium, whom they beat 4-3 in the opening match. "We now need six or seven points from our last three games [to make the semifinals]," Hager said.
Stuff
Argentina stun favourites Germany 1-0
Argentina's Manuel Brunt (middle) celebrates after scoring the only goal of the match against Germany. - EPA
THE HAGUE: World No. 11 Argentina produced one of the shock results of the Hockey World Cup when they edged world No. 2 Germany 1-0 in a Group B match in The Hague, Holland.
Germany went into the match on a high, after a routine 4-0 win over South Africa, while the Argentines had lost 3-1 to Holland.
Although Germany controlled play for the most part of Tuesday’s match, South American champions Argentina pulled the rug from under them just before the break.
In the 31st minute, Manuel Brunt went on a solo run, taking the ball to the left of the D before flicking it past Germany goalkeeper Nicholas Jacob.
Try as they could, Germany could not find the equaliser. In fact, they failed to gain even one penalty corner in the entire match.
The Argentina win has now thrown the semi-final race in the group wide open.
New Zealand, 5-0 winners over South Africa earlier yesterday, top the group with six points.
Germany, Holland and Argentina are on three points followed by South Korea and South Africa, who are both winless.
On Friday, Germany will clash against host Holland while Argentina will face New Zealand.
The Star of Malaysia
Argentina shock Olympic champions Germany in World Cup hockey
THE HAGUE: Argentina turned the form book upside down with a stunning 1-0 upset of reigning Olympic champions Germany in men's hockey World Cup at the Kyocera Stadium on Tuesday.
The all-important goal in the fast-paced encounter came in the 31st minute from Manuel Brunet, who scooped the ball from an acute angle on the left. The ball ended in the net just inside the far post, to the surprise of German goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi.
The result opened up Group B, which also features hosts and Olympic silver medalists The Netherlands and New Zealand, who rode on Andy Hayward's three-goal act to hammer South Africa 5-0 for their second successive victory.
New Zealand now have six points from two games while The Netherlands have three from their first match.
Germany have three points from two matches, having beaten South Africa in their last outing.
Argentina lost 1-3 to The Netherlands in their first game, but today gained full three points.
In the second league game Marcus Child scored before Hayward got into his penalty-corner conversion act to slam the ball twice in the space of three minutes - in the 15th and 17th minutes.
Shea McAleese scored on a penalty corner in the 52nd minute before Hayward returned to complete his three-goal tally two minutes later.
The Times of India
Netherlands beat South Korea 2-1
THE HAGUE: Robbert Kemperman scored in the dying minutes on Tuesday as the Netherlands struggled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Korea at the Hockey World Cup.
The Koreans scored early through a Nam Hyun-woo penalty corner and then defended stubbornly for the rest of the match. Jeroen Hertzberger brought the scores level in the 21st minute, also from a penalty corner, before Sander de Wijn dribbled to the line and pulled the ball back for Kemperman to fire home his last-gasp winner.
In other Group B matches, New Zealand went top of the standings by making it two wins out of two with a comprehensive 5-0 demolition of South Africa, while Argentina handed Germany a surprise 1-0 defeat.
In women's play, the United States held Argentina to a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Midfielder Katie Reinprecht put the U.S. ahead in the 27th minute before Silvina D'Ella equalized for Argentina three minutes before halftime.
Veteran star Luciana Aymar scored from an acute angle to give Argentina the lead in the 62nd minute, but the Americans showed their resilience by levelling just two minutes later when striker Kelsey Kolojejchick slapped in the ball at the far post.
In other women's matches, Germany beat South Africa 3-1, while No. 3-ranked England slipped to its second defeat of the tournament, losing 3-0 to China. The results left four teams level on points in Group B, with Argentina leading the group because it has scored more goals than China, which has the same goal difference.
Ahead of Wednesday's rest day, the Netherlands leads Group A from Australia on goal difference, with both sides having a perfect record after two matches.
The Times of India
Fitting match to celebrate century
Chinese umpire Miao Lin umpired her 100th international today
Umpire Miao Lin made Chinese umpiring history today as she was awarded the prestigious Golden Whistle nod for 100 international matches. Not only is she the 34th women’s umpire to receive the honour but she is also the first Chinese umpire, in men's or women's hockey, to reach the century mark. It seemed fitting that a game between Pan American rivals Argentina and USA would showcase Miao Lin’s experience.
During the match, which Miao Lin umpired with Australia's Lisa Roach, a situation arose, that despite their many years of experience, neither umpire had encountered before – a person dressed as a Panda ran onto the pitch. "I thought it was Kung Foo Panda," laughed Miao Lin later.
Pandas aside, Miao Lin's international umpiring career began in 2005 and it took a little over a year for Miao Lin to move up to become a Grade 1 international umpire. With the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics under her belt, it was no surprise that Miao Lin was invited onto the World Panel in July 2013.
After The Hague, Miao Lin will have bagged two World Cups after her 2010 appearance in Rosario. Add on the fact that she has umpired at six Champions Trophy events, making her debut at the 2007 event in Quilmes, Argentina.
"It was a fitting game to umpire," said Lin, "It was exciting and a real showcase for women's hockey."
Her colleague on the day, Lisa said: "Not only is she my colleague, but she is one of my best friends. I wanted so badly to umpire Maio Lin's 100th cap because I am retiring after the World Cup so this will be our last game together. She is such a fantastic person and we have already shed a few tears today."
Career Highlights:
2 Olympic Games – Beijing (CHN) 2008 & London (ENG) 2012
2 World Cups – Rosario (ARG) 2010 & The Hague (NED) 2014
6 Champions Trophies – Quilmes (ARG) 2007, Monchengladbach (GER) 2008, Sydney (AUS) 2009, Nottingham (ENG) 2010, Amsterdam (NED) 2011, Rosario (ARG) 2012.
FIH site
Lets do the Argentine
MALAYSIA are ready for their first win in the World Cup, when they face England at the Hague, Netherlands tomorrow.
Coach K. Dharmaraj's men have paid their dues, when they lost 4-0 to World No 1 Australia and then 6-2 to World No 5 Belgium.
England, even though ranked No 4 in the World, have not been impressive at the Hague as they drew 1-1 with no 9 Spain and could only beat world no 10 India 2-1.
"We are no longer a threat in Group A, and that is the consensus here. Its fine with me and the boys, because we knew from the start that Australia and Belgium would be tough to beat, and our focus is on England, Spain and India.
"We need to nail our first win tomorrow (today) to set the momentum for the remaining matches," said Dharmaraj.
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."
And that slopiness is what Malaysia need to capatalise on today for a win.
"We have done our homework against England and I have a few surprises in store for them," said Dharmaraj.
Belgium were also shocked when Razie Rahim did not take direct flicks during penalty corners, but took a step to the left and received a pass from Faizal Saari which confused the runners -- and Razie scored two goals then,
But Tom Boon was on fire for Belgium, and his four goals killed Malaysia's hopes.
"Back in defense, the players made some mistakes, but after two matches I am confident they are now better prepared to face their third opponents," said Dharmaraj.
Argentina showed that world rankings mean nothing, and determination can overcome the best when they beat world no 2 Germany 1-0 in Group B on Tuesday.
The South American's are ranked 11th in the World, and rewrote the textbook on how to play hockey when they beat the mighty Germans.
German skipper Maximillan Muller also has sound advise for Malaysia when he lamented the Argentina defeat: "The players only gave 87 per cent against Australia, we can't win if we do not give 100 per cent in every match."
The Argentina skipper Lucas Ray's advise is also applicable for Malaysia: "We learnt from our first match against the Netherlands (Dutch won 3-1) on what to do in our next match (against Germany).
Malaysia should take a leaf from the Argentine book, as England must be beaten at all cost today.
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
Real test starts with England
MALAYSIA were never expected to beat Australia and Belgium, so their World Cup campaign “actually” begins with the England match tomorrow.
And they must also prove themselves against India and then Spain.
World No 1 Australia and World No 5 Belgium are in a different league, as both are front-runners for a spot in the semi-finals from Group A.
However, Malaysia must start playing better hockey, as Australia had scored four goals with ease, while their defenders made Belgian Tom Boon look good when he scored four in the 6-2 drubbing.
Two-time World Cup and two-time Olympian Maninderjit Singh feels there is still hope, provided teamwork and hard-work are back in the Malaysian game.
Maninderjit, a defender, played in the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics, while his World Cup appearances were in 1998 Utretcht and 2002 Kuala Lumpur.
“I have been there before, so I know how the boys are feeling after two demoralising defeats.
“Malaysia were never expected to beat Australia and Belgium, but they were also not expected to crack so easily as they did show promise in the Champions Challenge 1 (bronze medallists).
“That is why I believe if they start playing with more team-work, and put in more hardwork in defence, England, India and Spain can be beaten,” he said.
From his observation, Maninderjit feels the defenders were too slow to react and this led to goalkeeper S. Kumar becoming a shooting target.
“Luckily Kumar was at his element in both the matches, if not, the score could have reached double digits in both matches.
“This is because I do not see a commander in the back-line, who can call the shots and also, many players were in the semi-circle when the goals were scored, but all of them were mere spectators while Kumar was left on his own.
“By now, the defenders should know that the World Cup is a different league, and when one makes a mistake, recovery is almost impossible.
“So minimise damage by doing all the tackling outside the 25-yard, and also, stop playing too deep down as the midfield was almost non-existent in the two matches,” said Maninderjit.
England have beaten India 2-1 and drawn 1-1 with Spain — but they were not overly impressive.
Maninderjit’s advice to Malaysia, who only have No 2 goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin from the 2002 World Cup squad, is: “Have faith in your abilities, as you are now a World Cup player.
“The dignity must be maintained, as well as discipline on the pitch ... and the three points will follow suit.”
MALAYSIA’S World Cup fixtures (Malaysian time) — Thursday: v England (7pm); Saturday: v India (8.30pm); June 9: v Spain (8.30pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
India a little unlucky this time
By Rajpal Singh
Another last minute goal and another point surrendered against a top team. But it has to be said that India played much better against England than they played against Belgium. A few decisions could have gone their way. They had a penalty stroke decision reversed by the video umpire and the last penalty corner, which resulted in the winning goal, was a close decision. The video umpire usually goes with the on-field umpire.
The two defeats have initiated the debate about India's tendency to concede late goals. While the goal in the first match came after a silly mistake, I don't think the England winner came as a result of lapse in concentration.
Towards the end, the game had opened up and it was understood that both teams would get at least one opportunity. While India missed, England scored, and I have to say it was an unstoppable goal.
That penalty-corner variation, the deflection from in front of the keeper, is very rarely stopped, but PR Sreejesh, who was again brilliant, saved it but the strike off the rebound was perfect.
While a few years ago the team's fitness was questioned after such losses, I didn't see that issue playing any role in the defeat. Overall, India improved a lot from the first game. The senior players, Sardar Singh and Gurbaj Singh, were far more visible and played with greater confidence. Dharamvir Singh was the best player for me. Every time one of these players had the ball they looked dangerous.
Better defence
The biggest improvement was India's defence and the man who stood out was Birendra Lakra. Though, admittedly, England were not up to their own standard. They made a lot of unforced errors — more than 10 back passes were either wayward or not trapped. Their star player Ashley Jackson looked overconfident and was more or less invisible.
India should have won the match. If they had started the tournament with this kind of form they could have beaten England.
The weakest link was again the forward line. They created many half chances but should have finished better. Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh played better but they are still not finding the openings or making those menacing runs into the circle that forwards are supposed to.
Sunil not pulling his weight
SV Sunil was yet again disappointing. He is the most experienced forward and should be the centre of an attack. After playing for this long, a player has to change and take up more responsibility. He should be the playmaker up-forward. But he was invisible in both the matches.
The next two matches, against Spain and Malaysia, will be comparatively easier and should be won. What they need to work on is keeping possession. Against England, they gave away the ball far too easily.
Though England played with a half-press strategy, India failed to build attacks. They mostly played on the counter. There were very few build-ups — the forwards and the midfielders couldn't link up, the ball was not rotated.
Spain and Malaysia will also play like England, so India will get more freedom in the midfield. The team should take six points from the two matches before it faces Australia in the final pool match.
Strategically Speaking
Not their day: A few decisions could have gone their way. They had a penalty stroke decision reversed by the video umpire and the last penalty corner, which resulted in the winning goal, was a close decision. The video umpire usually goes with the on-field umpire.
Fitness no issue: While a few years ago the team's fitness was questioned after such losses, I didn't see that issue playing any role in the defeat. Overall, India improved a lot from the first game. The senior players, Sardar Singh and Gurbaj Singh, were far more visible and played with greater confidence.
Forwards disappoint: The weakest link was again the forward line. SV Sunil was yet again disappointing. He is the most experienced forward and should be the centre of an attack. After playing for this long, a player has to change and take up more responsibility. He should be the playmaker up-forward. But he was invisible in both the matches.
The writer is a former India captain
The Tribune
Why this last minute paralysis?
S. Thyagarajan
The script remains unaltered. Every other thing — coaches, administrators, players, et al — has changed, but not the trauma of last minute defeats for India.
The displays in the current hockey World Cup only testify to this.
India lost to Belgium and England from a position of strength.
The 2-3 reverse against Belgium came less than half a minute before the final whistle. It was a repeat against England on Monday.
How frustrating these verdicts are for the coaches and to the millions of viewers cannot be described.
Incomprehensible
It is still incomprehensible why it occurs with unfailing regularity regardless of who is at the helm of coaching.
Is it from lack of fitness, stamina, psychological mind warp, or sheer absence of a plan to cope with the last minute pressure?
India was anything but impressive against Belgium.
Despite this it managed to equalise, forge ahead, and then concede one to level.
But it was winkled out 47 seconds from finish. For the major part,
India was overwhelmed by the Belgians’ pace, precision and persistence.
The gutsy Sreejesh along with Raghunath and Sardar kept the opponents at bay.
India’s attack was rarely in the picture. It has been a flop in both matches.
The forwards appear nowhere near the class to be in this high voltage competition. Sunil’s approach makes one wonder how he made the grade.
Everyone speaks of Mandeep Singh in an adulatory refrain. But he plays more by instinct than with intelligence or imagination.
Overall, the lacklustre frontline has caused enormous damage.
Added to this comes the poor penalty corner conversion. India made a hash of a handful against England.
Rupinderpal Singh regarded as the best flicker was neither confident nor accurate.
Giant leap
Predictably, only a giant leap in the forthcoming matches against Spain, Malaysia and Australia can keep India afloat. Full points against Spain and Malaysia lie within the realm of possibility given their showing so far.
The defending champion Australia has steamrolled Malaysia and Spain. Nothing seems to be in its way to reach the top in Pool ‘A’.
The spectre of the 1986 World Cup in Willesden (London) and the 2012 Olympics (London) where India finished 12th flickers across the mind from the way this edition is shaping for India.
Every enthusiast is striving hard to resist such thoughts as the team lines up to take on Spain on June 5.
The Hindu
Spain's seasoned strikers present massive challenge for India
THE HAGUE (The Netherlands): Bogged down by two successive losses, an under-pressure Indian hockey team will be confronted by Spain's livewire strikers when the two teams clash in their preliminary league encounter of the World Cup at the Greenfields Stadium on Thursday.
After conceding match-winners to Belgium and England in the closing stages of successive matches, the Indian defence will need to raise its game several notches against Spain, who won a penalty shootout against India for the fifth position when they last met in the 2013 World League Semifinals.
Financial woes have forced the Spanish hockey team to opt out of some big-league events over the past two years, but the crux of the team is still there, and could again be troublesome for the Indian defenders. Santi Frexia and seasoned Eduard Tubau would be major threat to the wobbly defence of India.
Indian team's technical director, Roelant Oltmans feels the high-quality individuals in the Spanish team could pose problems for his team. But Indian players, according to Oltmans, are professional enough to overcome the trauma of the losses in earlier games.
"We've not played Spain often in recent times, but they have several high-quality players in their ranks," said Oltmans.
"We'll have to perform well as a team to overcome this rival."
Oltmans said it was disappointing to have lost two matches due to late goals, but the Indian team has "played quite well."
Oltmans said there were clear signs of the team's rising performance graph, and it should be visible more in the World Cup itself.
"We're disappointed over the result, but not at the level of performance by the boys. In due course, it should lead to better results. The Indian team needs to lift its game further," he said.
While India have no points from two outings, Spain have just one from a 1-1 draw against England following which they were beaten 3-0 by defending champions Australia.
Spanish coach Salvador Indurain says his team has not lost hope of making the semifinals.
"We'll now play every match as a final. The Indians are complicated rivals. India is also ranked higher than us and it's not going to be easy for us," said Indurain, aware of the problems the Indians could cause for Spain.
"We know how the Indians play and they've improved a lot. We're not as strong as we used to be a few years ago, although we have several senior players," he added.
Eight players in Spain's team have played more than 100 internationals. Tubau's 269-match experience makes him the most experienced, followed by Ramon Alegre (256 matches) and David Alegre (219 matches).
Captain Frexia, the star strikers of many internationals for Spain, has featured in 179 matches, while goalkeeper Quico Cortes has 162 international caps against his name.
Others who have played over 100 games are Roc Olava and Miquel Delas. Indian captain Sardar Singh has 182 caps, while others with more than 100 appearances are Gurbaj Singh, V R Raghunath and S V Sunil.
Coach Indurain would prefer Spain going into the contest as the underdogs, since that could take the pressure away from his players.
"We have some fine players in the team, but the entire unit needs to focus on competing. They should not let other factors distract them," said Indurain.
The Times of India
Time to consolidate positives in The Hague
K Arumugam
Its long time since Spaniard Jose Brasa left the scene that did any Indian team play with a structure, purpose and came near to winning against higher ranked teams as the they did so in the last two matches that India had played in the Hague, so far.
It was excellent defence in the first half that kept Indian chances alive till that fateful last minute against Belgium. How we lost in the last seconds, ‘otherwise we could have drawn’ is one view, but that is not THE view, certainly not the reality.
Did anyone write in the curtain raisers that India will upset Belgium? None. We were almost ready to, and were expected to lose considering the recent history, but we came nearly to upset them with a draw is a positive occurrence.
The fact of the matter is that India fought back after conceding first goal. The way it regrouped and took lead capitalizing rival’s pressure, and almost threatened with a draw against a team which is tipped to be top four here, speaks volume of the improvement the team have made. It may fall short now, but will only pick up.
Second outing was a chances galore. India showed glimpses of what it has achieved in the last six months since Australian Terry Walsh took over the coaching mantle. There was method in its approach, with over-enthusiasm in check, cautious build ups to the fore, each player doing what they are expected of instead of blind runs.
These do augur well.
England was rustic, and India made use of it. Our positioning, mode and consolidation of attack, less enthusiastic individual but controlled flow from them, were all there to see. The story would have been different had we converted early changes, read three consecutive penalty corners, but that the way the game is.
Winning and losing matters. But there is life beyond that. The manner we played, the method we adopted to, the idea we are improving or declining, are the factors that count for the future of hockey. The world cup is a long drawn out affair. Indian team has shown promise with a clear change of play format.
Indians want to play like Europeans do. Its their long cherished dream. Here is one team that is really playing that way, though results do not match the effort. One or two players do cross the instructions or limits, there are unforced errors unlike top ranked teams, but the signs are that things can only improve.
Terry Walsh says countries like Belgium worked ten years or so to reach this, and we cannot dream to jump ladders to be at top, which is not done, not practical. There is wisdom in his words.
Instead of bogged down down by the results, and the manner those went against us, its time to go further and stay focussed, much like the players do.
Simply because, there is lot of character in the current team
Stick2Hockey.com
Extremely disappointing to lose close matches: Sardar Singh
THE HAGUE: India captain Sardar Singh hoped his boys would bounce back against Spain Wednesday following back-to-back losses against Belgium and England after conceding last minute goals in the FIH Hockey World Cup.
Sardar admitted that the team fumbled in the last minutes against England and Belgium.
"The team has put up a very competitive challenge against both the higher ranked teams Belgium and England; it was only towards the end of both the games that we fumbled and gave away the match," said Sardar after a training session here.
"Yes, it is extremely disappointing to have lost such matches where the team had put in so much effort. We are working on our mistakes in team meetings and practice sessions," he added.
India coach Terry Walsh was happy with the way his boys performed against England but was surely not happy with the end result.
"The boys have delivered a great game of hockey yesterday though the end result was disappointing. We are working on our strategy by analysing the mistakes made in the last two games and will try to change our game accordingly. These changes will also apply on rotation of players and goal scoring strategies. Team is working on its tactics in the training sessions for the next match and we are determined to give a great performance for the upcoming matches against Spain, Australia and Malaysia," he said.
The Times of India
Coaches trying to lift sagging morale of beleaguered Indians
THE HAGUE (The Netherlands): India's hockey team on Tuesday went about working on the mistakes that led their narrow losses in the first two group league matches of the men's hockey World Cup.
India conceded match-winners to Belgium and England in the dying stages of the preliminary league matches, leaving captain Sardar Singh disappointed not to have secured any point from two competitive games.
"We're put up a very competitive challenge against both Belgium and England, but we fumbled and gave away late goals to suffer defeats," Sardar said after the team's intensive training session on Tuesday.
"Both Belgium and England are ranked much higher than us in world rankings, and yet we gave them a good competition," said Sardar, dejected like the rest of the team to have conceded goals in the final stages.
Belgium, who won 3-2, got the match-winner against India with just 15 seconds on the board on the opening day, while England's 2-1 victory was sealed with a penalty corner conversion just 85 seconds before the hooter.
In the game against Belgium, India were at the receiving end for long periods and tried to pack their defence to defend the goal. In the encounter with England, the Indians had a clear advantage in the run of play.
However, they repeatedly gave away the ball after working hard to bring it to the rival circle. There was a time in the last stages of the match that India went out looking for the lead, only to concede the critical penalty corner at the other end and England got the match-winner on a penalty corner rebound shot from Simon Mantell.
Sardar said the defeats had certainly dejected the players, but there was a lot left in the tournament to play for. He said the Indian team will come out stronger after working on the mistakes they had committed in the earlier games.
India are clubbed with another Asian team Malaysia at the bottom of Group A standings with zero points from two outings, while defending champions Australia and Belgium have earned a maximum six points and England have four points for two matches.
Coach Terry Walsh was all praise for the way India played against England and said it was extremely disappointing to have lost such matches, but the boys need to lift themselves.
"We're working on our mistakes. We've discussed them in the team meetings and have worked on them at the training sessions," said Walsh.
"The boys delivered a great game of hockey yesterday, although the end result was disappointing," said Walsh.
"We're analyzing the mistakes made by us in the two matches here and will seek to plan our strategy accordingly," the Indian coach said.
India have two days to get over their dejection and work on strategy before their next match on Thursday against Spain, who have one point from two matches. Spain held England to a 1-1 draw, but were beaten 3-0 by Australia.
"We're determined to give a much better performance in the upcoming matches," said Walsh.
He said the team was working on the goal-scoring strategies and also player rotation.
The Times of India
Pakistan’s absence from World Cup a nightmare
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey team head coach and manager Shahnaz Sheikh termed the national team's absence from Hockey World Cup as nightmare.
Talking to the Nation on Tuesday, Shahnaz said: “I cannot even dream that I have to see a day in my life when Pakistan team, which is winner of four World Cups, has to sit outside of the World Cup due to wrong policies of some certain individuals.”
“No one can even imagine the pain and agony I have to go through. I am one of the few players, who has honor of being the part of three World Cup campaigns out of which we won the two and in 1975, due to disputed goal, we had to suffer defeat in the final against arch-rivals India,” he added.
“People want to know my comments on darkest day of Pakistan hockey history, but they didn't even bother to contact those persons, who destroyed Pakistan hockey and inflicted such misery and pain on the masses. We have the unique record of winning all the inaugural events started after Pakistan's independence. Hockey World Cup is the brainchild of Noor Khan and Brig Atif and it was because of their tireless efforts, the concept became reality. The first World Cup trophy was designed at 502 workshops and Rs 400,000 were spent on the trophy at that time. The 1970 inaugural World Cup was planned in Pakistan, but due to unrest, the event was shifted to Barcelona, Spain and that trophy was presented to Pakistan hockey team. Those moments are still very much alive in my memories,” Shahnaz stated.
“When Pakistan team finished at 12th out of same amount of participating countries, but no heed was paid by PHF top brass rather they were busy in other areas. Instead of taking responsibility of debacle performance and resign, they had received huge financial assistance from the government. Such amount was never allocated in the history of Pakistan hockey. Now they are accountable for each and every penny and have to tell that where have they spent such hefty amount and why action was not taken against them?
He said that had previous government taken serious notice of their blue-eyed persons’ wrongdoings, the situation could have been far different. But no one bothered to even seek explanation from them which was not fair. “I have just taken over the helm of affairs and I don't consider coaching as job. It is our national responsibility to pay to the country which gave us name and fame. I am going to accomplish my task and the results will start to come thick and fast in a matter of time. I once again repeat that I don't have any magical lamp, but I will change the fortunes of Pakistan hockey gradually and people will see a major change in due course of time.”
“The government must have to come forward and should lend a helping hand to the federation by providing not only financial help but also providing jobs to players as majority of our players are jobless. It is quite disheartening that former skipper Shakeel Abbasi doesn't even have a job, without providing mental satisfaction, no one can even think of getting ordinary results so thinking about winning international events is a day dreaming. Corporate sector should also play their role in assisting the national game just like they have been doing for cricket,” Shahnaz added.
“I have come up with solid plans and I have started six-week training camp. For this, I visited several cities to get maximum players and that’s the reason why I managed to find 660 players, out of which top 37 were invited for the first phase of training. In the past, long training camps were ignored therefore the players suffered a number of injuries and they don’t have strong stamina. I have emphasised on district level, school level and divisional level hockey and if I manage to enhance pool of players, everyone will see we will get more than desired results in next two to three years,” Shahnaz concluded.
The Nation
Competition Commences at 2014 FIH Masters World Cup
Best of luck to the four squads representing the U.S.
Experience, dedication, poise: Three words that are easily attributes of athletes who will begin match play tomorrow at the 2014 FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, which takes place at the Hockey Club Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The tournament runs June 5-13 as an official side event of the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup.
Of the seven divisions running concurrently, Team USA will be going for gold in 40+ Men, 40+ Women, 50+ Men and 50+ Women.
Both the men’s and women’s squads feature several former members of U.S. National Squads and familiar faces of club and college coaches. For the women, a total of 10 USA Field Hockey National Team Members were selected to the rosters, including six who played in an Olympics and/or World Cup. For the men, 12 players proudly wore the red, white and blue as National Team Members.
The Masters World Cup is an incredible opportunity for our nations experienced players to represent the USA on the world stage. While there has not been a women’s squad representing the U.S. at a Masters event since 1998 in Utrecht, Netherlands, the men more recently competed at the inaugural 2012 FIH Masters World Cup in Canterbury, United Kingdom.
"We would like to thank USA Field Hockey and US Men's FHF for their continued support of the Masters program, which over the past three years has grown to two men's and two women's teams this year," said Warren Prestwich, U.S. Men's Masters Traveling Manager. "We are extremely excited to be playing at the Masters World Cup in the Netherlands, one of the field hockey powerhouse countries, at Rotterdam Hockey Club, a club facility that has seven turf fields. We are looking forward to raising the level of our game and to further challenge the best Masters teams in the world so as to elevate our standing within the Masters Field Hockey world."
"I echo Warren's statements," said Pam Stuper, Women's Masters Coordinator and Traveling Manager. "This is the first time a USA Women's Masters team has been represented since the 1998 Masters World Cup in Holland. We are excited to be back here! We look forward to great competition from all the countries represented. We are committed to the continued growth of FIH Masters sanctioned events and look forward to bringing women's teams to all future tournaments."
Best of luck to the squads on their journey to put the U.S. on the map of Masters’ competitions and all of the athletes below!
Women:
40+ Team:
Katie Beach* (Northbrook, IL), Ana Berra (Weston, FL), Kerry De Vries (Virginia Beach, VA), Beth Denmead (Netcong, NJ), Susan Elliott (Coatesville, PA), Megan Fraser (Baltimore, MD), Tracey Griesbaum* (Iowa City, IA), Nicky Hitchens+ (Wilmington, DE), Dawn Hill* (Norfolk, VA), Nancy Houghton (Wallingford, VT), Kari Johns (Darien, CT), Maria Keesling+ (Downingtown, PA), Antoinette Lucas* (Harrisonburg, VA), Florencia Manero (Key Biscayne, FL), Wendi Massaro (Stamford, CT), Jill Reeve* (Rumford, RI), Pam Stuper* (Hamden, CT), Denise Zelenak+ (Wilmington, DE)
50+ Team:
Beth Anders* (Norfolk, VA), Elaine Bower (Deerfield, WI), Diane Bracalente* (Quakertown, PA), Karen Chambers (Hopatcong, NJ),Christine Couteau (San Jose, CA), Lisa Cropper (Franklin, MA), Barbara Doran* (New York, NY), Cindy Dysenchuk (Coventry, CT),Lucy Godfrey (Stewartstown, PA), Julie Hayden (Ashburn, VA), Anne Keating* (New York, NY), Pam Lester (Skillman, NJ), Laura Alejandra Mena (North Miami, FL), Mary Michailidis (Stamford, CT), Georganne Nattress (Norwalk, CT), Karen Norris (Landenberg, PA), Linda Treadway-Dillmon (Fountain Valley, CA)
*USA National Field Hockey Team
+USA National Indoor Hockey Team
Men:
40+ Team:
*Mohammed Barakat (Los Angeles, CA), *Ahmed Elmaghraby (Ledgewood, NJ), *Binh Hoang (Westlake Village, CA), Tommy Hoang (Thousand Oaks, CA), Srinu Karuturi (Monroe Township, NJ), *Paul Lewis (Colorado Springs, CO), *Olaf Maack (Hannover, Germany), *Ben Maruquin (Ventura, CA), Manuel Morales (Miami, FL), Greg Pereira (Fulton, MD), *Gus Reed (Shorewood, WI), Uli Reinhardt-Sega (Ann Arbor, MI), Alvaro Salcedo (Baltimore, MD), Amanmeet Sandu (Corona, CA), *Steve Van Randwijck (Amsterdam, NED), *Steve Wagner (Philadelphia, PA), Chip Rogers (Oxford, OH), Euan Vassou (Arlington, VA)
50+ Team:
Phil Danaher (Tatamy, PA), Joost Douwes (Stanwood, WA), Andrew Dunning (Renton, UK), Richard Hayden (Ashburn, VA), Brian Hope (Blandon, PA), *Manzar Iqbal (Darien, CT), Clarence Jennelle (Elverson, PA),*Peter Jones(Stamford, CT), Bob Khosla (Phoenix, AZ), *John Michalak (Camarillo, CA), Warren Prestwich(Baltimore, MD), Jeremy Roberts (Beltsville, MD), *Brian Spencer (Los Angeles, CA), Ian Tapsall (Fairfield, CT), Ian Wagge (Scottsdale, AZ), *Don Warner (Henrico, VA), Eric McGinley (Arlington, VA), Amjad Zia (Nottingham, ENG), Andrew Dunning (Herndon, VA)
*USA National Field Hockey Team
+USA National Indoor Hockey Team
USFHA media release
Scotland's Grand Masters head to The Hague
2014 Scottish over60s men
The Scotland over 60s and over 65s National teams are competing in the World Grand Masters Association World Cup, Den Haag, Netherlands from 5th - 13th June 2014.
This is the largest event ever hosted by the WGMA with 37 National and 22 tournament teams taking part. With over 1200 players, managers, coaches and officials this is truly the highlight of the Grand Master's calendar.
The over 60s tournament consists of three groups of five teams. With Scotland taking on the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Wales in their section. The top two teams in each group plus the two best 3rd place teams from the three groups, qualify for the quarter finals.
The over 65s tournament consists of two groups, one of four teams, one of five teams. Scotland again face tough opposition in their group with games against Netherlands, England and Japan. The top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter finals.
2014 Scottish o65s men
There will be a series of play off matches, in both age groups, to decide the final placings. We wish both teams all the very best of luck for this prestigous event. For more details please see the official WMGA website
Scottish Hockey Union media release
2 Irish Men's Masters Teams Head to Europe
by George Blackwood from Ireland Masters.
Ireland will be sending 2 men's teams to the Masters' World Cup (over 55's) and Grand Masters' World Cup (over 60's) in Holland beginning 6th June.
The Masters' team will play at the Rotterdam HC and have been drawn against South Africa, Australia, Holland and Scotland followed by classification games. They recently won an invitational tournament in Chelmsford, defeating East Division, Wales O50's and drawing with England Grand Masters'.
This is the inaugural season for the Grand Masters'. They have been drawn against Wales, Scotland, Spain and Holland. The squad played in the first Masters' Celtic Cup in Glasgow in April. They finished 3rd, losing narrowly to Wales and Scotland but defeating France.
Both squads have been monthly training sessions since September 2013. If you interested in playing contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irish Hockey Association media release
First batch of veteran hockey squad leaves for Rotterdam today
KARACHI: The first batch of Pakistan veterans hockey team will leave for Rotterdam on Wednesday to take part in the Masters Hockey World Cup which opens there on Thursday.
Due to delay in the Netherlands visas of the team contingent, Pakistan Veterans were forced to work out a new travel plan after cancellation of their tickets.
“Due to no availability of seats, the team will be now departing in two batches,” manager-cum-chief coach of the team Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui informed on Tuesday. “Our departure was delayed for two-days. However we will be able to play our opening match against Australia on Thursday, though without any practice,” he added.
Pakistan Masters team comprises greats of the game including former Pakistan captains Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Tahir Zaman, double Olympian Shahid Ali Khan, penalty corner expert Khalid Bashir, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid and Olympian Qamar Ibrahim. Team also included half-back Ayaz Mahmood, 1984 Los Angeles gold medallist.
Pakistan Masters squad:
Shahid Ali Khan, Masood-ur-Rehman (goalkeepers), Azam Khan, Khalid Bashir, Rana Mujahid, Ayaz Mahmood, Khawja Junaid, Qamar Ibrahim, Laiq Lashari, Shahbaz Ahmed Sr. Tahir Zaman, Muhammad Yousuf, Ashar Kidwai.
Dawn
PHF to set up five-month long juniors camp for Malayisa event
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has taken a surprise decision to hold a five-month long camp for the juniors from June 9 to Oct 10 to prepare and select the national junior team for participation in the 4th edition of Sultan of Johor Junior Invitational Hockey Tournament which will be held in Johor Baru, Malaysia from Oct 12-29.
The training camp is being set up at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi. The PHF has invited 53 junior probables and officials to report to Olympian Manzoor-ul-Hassan, the camp-commandant, on June 9.
Probables:
Goalkeepers: Munib-ur-Rehman (Railways), Talal (Wapda), Nauman (Islamabad), Adeel Rao (Punjab), Hafiz Ali Umair (Pak Boards), Awais (Punjab Colours), Wajid Ali (Customs), Ali Raza (NBP) and Kashif (Army).
Full Backs:: Mubasshir Ali (NBP), Abid Bhatti (NBP), Shah Faisal (Punjab Colours), Mateen (Customs), Hafiz Ammar Tayyab (Railway), M. Ahad (Wapda), Ejaz-ul-Haq (Lahore), Hassan Muhammad Anwar (Punjab), Ali Sher (Islamabad), Atif Mushtaq (PIA) and Nauman (Railway).
Half-backs: Sikandar Mustafa (NBP), Mohammad Junaid Kamal (NBP), Khizar Akhtar (NBP), Abu Bakar (PIA), Ghazanfar (Wapda), Waseem Abbas (Wapda), Qasim (Punjab Colours), Nayyar Haider (Wapda), Aasim Jonti (Punjab Colours), Azhar Hussain (Army), Arslan Zafar, Ali Haider Raza (Lahore) and Zahid Ghaffar (Lahore).
Forwards: M. Azfar Yaqoob (PIA), Nohaiz Zahid Malik (PIA), Shan Irshad (NBP), Samiullah (KP), Mirza Aamir Baig (Wapda), Ali Raza (NBP), Mohsin Sabir (Punjab), Asif (Punjab), Bilal (Wapda), Naveed (Wapda), Sarhan (Customs), Asfand (Balochistan), Aamir (PIA), Ilyas (PIA), Sohail Abbas (Karachi), Arslan (Customs), Nauman Wahab (Karachi), Abdul Saboor (Karachi), Sharjeel (Sindh) and Hammad (Sindh).
The officials include head coach Manzoor-ul-Hassan and coaches Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Sr and Rehan Butt. Dr. Mubasshir Mohsin is the physio while Nadeem Khan Lodhi is the video analyst.
Dawn
Perak keep their promise
Perak players celebrate after winning the hockey gold medal yesterday. Pic by Hasriyasyah Sabudin
THEY vowed to win the title in honour of the late Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah earlier in the tournament and that was what Perak did yesterday.
They whitewashed Negri Sembilan 6-0 in the Perlis Malaysia Games hockey competition final.
Perak were rampant from the start at the Perlis Sports Complex in Kangar and got on the scoresheet through Muhammad Haziq Samsul (fifth minute), Muhammad Akmal Md Tajuddin (11th minute penalty corner) and Mohd Ashran Awang Abas (34th) to enter the half-time break with a 3-0 lead.
Perak, who have not won the hockey gold since 1992, consolidated their lead with another three goals in the second-half from Mohamad Zulhamizan (46th), Mohd Ashran Hamsani (58th) and a penalty stroke by Syed Mohamad Syafiq seven minutes from time.
Perak coach Mohd Nizam Mohd Hashim said: “It was our intention to win this tournament in honour of the late Sultan Azlan Shah.
"Perak has been waiting for 22 years for this win and we would also like to dedicate it to the Perak people.
"More than half of this squad will still be able to play in two years’ time. Perak have also won the Malaysian Schools Sports Council championships twice in recent years, so we do have a bright future."
Defending champions Terengganu, who lost to Negri in the semi-finals, finished third after they downed Penang 4-2 in the playoff.
Federal Territories emerged victorious in the women's competition with a 3-0 win over Johor in the decider. Malacca, who lost to Johor in the last-four, clinched the bronze after defeating Terengganu 2-1.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Perak thrash NS for hockey gold
By Aftar Singh
Perak players celebrate after beating Negri Sembilan 6-0 for the gold medal. - Bernama
KANGAR: Mohd Zulhamizan Awang Abas scored a brace to help Perak outplay Negri Sembilan 6-0 in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) men’s hockey final at the State Sports Complex Turf.
Zulhamizan was on target in the 34th and 46th minutes yesterday. Mohd Haziq Samsul (5th), Mohd Akmal Nohd Tajuddin (11th), Mohd Ashran Hamsani (58th) and Syed Mohd Syafiq (63rd) netted the other goals for the Silver state.
This is the second time that Perak have won the men’s hockey title. They last won it in 1992 in Johor.
Negri, who defeated defending champions Terengganu 3-1 in the semi-finals, were pale shadow of themselves in the final.
Sukma debutant Zulhamizan was delighted to score two goals in the final.
“I did not have a good outing in the group matches ... I only scored one goal in five matches. I was surprised to score two goals in the final,” said the Form Five student of Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) .
Perak team manager Hakimi Abdul Hamid praised his players for capitalising on their chances.
“We had a tough match against Penang in the semi-finals on Monday, luckily it did not affect our performance against Negri,” he said.
Terengganu defeated Penang 4-2 for the bronze medal.
Syamiru Aiman Bidin (16th, 43rd), Mohd Sufi Ismat (4th) and Mohd Khairul Anuar Zakaria (10th) scored for Terengganu while Mohd Hafiizhuddin Zaidi (7th) and Mohd Khairul Naim Johari (29th) replied for Penang.
The Star of Malaysia
Police, Orange win Nairobi cup
Premier League champions arrest Wazalendo as African queens hit Strathmore to lift maiden title
Kenya men’s hockey Premier League kings Police and women’s champions Orange Telkom are the winners of the inaugural Nairobi Cup tournament played at City Park stadium at the weekend.
Police survived a scare coming from two goals down to arrest Wazalendo in a penalty shout-out. The police won 3-2 while Orange thrashed Strathmore University Scorpions 3-0.
Drawn on 2-2 in regular time, Police goalkeeper Duke Ombagi was undoubtedly the hero saving three penalty shots to see the law enforcers lift the trophy. Ombagi told FeverPitch that the secret to his good show in goal was intensive training.
Intensive training
“I train very hard in all aspects of goalkeeping, because anything can happen in a match. I have been practising on using my reflexes to save penalties and today’s matches proved that my efforts have not been in vain,” he said.
He added, “All our goalkeepers are good, one needs to go an extra mile to earn a place in the team,” he added.
Nelson Shilaku opened the score for Wazalendo two minutes into the game leading to a very heated match with both teams wasting chances to score.
Gideon Kimunge made it two for Wazalendo in the 22nd minute, Felix Okoth responded a minute later pulling one back from a short corner nicely pushed by Oliver Echenje.
Echenje levelled the score three minutes later, with all teams trying to break the opponent’s defence with no success. The winner had to be decided through spot kicks.
Wazalendo’s Shilaku, Kimunge and Fidhelis Kimanzi lost their penalties while Okoth converted the decisive penalty. Police had also cruised to the finals from a shoot-out following a 1-1 draw with Greensharks.
Orange who have been on a mission to grab all women’s hockey trophies available in the country were no match for Strathmore.
Veteran Jacqueline Jow announced their intended win in the first minute of the game. Five minute later former Scorpion Lilian Aura scored making it two for the African queens. Jow ended the match as she started in style with a last minute goal.
Orange captain Betsy Ommala said there was no competition in women’s hockey making it easy for them to win all the trophies.
“There is no competition other teams need to work hard, we train very hard and we need competition so we can improve the hockey standards in the country,” she said.
Meanwhile the Kenya Hockey Union chairman Nashon Randiek announced that Kenya will in September host the world hockey league one. This will be a qualifier for the world league two and over seven nations are expected to take part.
The Standard Online
Monkstown, Banbridge, Loreto All Head to Europe
Irish clubs Monkstown, Banbridge and Loreto are all heading to Europe this week to compete in the European Club Competitions. We wish all teams, coaches, managers and supporters the best of luck . For regular updates follow each club's twitter account. Bur for direct links to results and pools see below.
Monkstown Hockey Club are heading to the sunny Italian shores to compete in the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy in Cagliari with the action kicking off this Friday 6th June. Monkstown match schedule
Banbridge Hockey Club meanwhile are heading to Rakovnik in Czech Republic for the EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge I Banbridge Match Schedule
Loreto Hockey Club also kick off their campaign on Friday a little closer to home competing in the EuroHockey Club Championships taking place in Loughborough for the three days. Loreto Match Schedule
Irish Hockey Association media release
Town at full strength in Euro Hockey League ticket hunt
by Monkstown HC
Monkstown will be able to select from a full deck for the first time in a lengthy season when they compete in the Euro Club Champions Trophy in Sardinia with the target earning back a Euro Hockey League place for themselves and Ireland for next season.
Irish internationals David Cole and Stephen Cole – both long-term injury victims – are back in the mix, giving Graham Shaw a tough decision when trimming a panel of 20 down to 18 for the tournament. It comes following an intense recent training block with no competitive action since early April when the Town won back to back IHL titles in Banbridge.
Speaking about the break from week-to-week action, Kyle Good admits “it has been tough” to reach the heights in terms of performance. “It has been tough; there was a lot of hockey leading into the IHL when we were at our peak. Then we had this six-week break where we have to maintain fitness and your hunger levels to play.”
Nonetheless, with final exams for a number of players, it did suit Good – among others – to be able to focus on his studies before building toward a big tournament and says top spot is very much in Monkstown’s line of sight.
“We are going into the competition wanting to win and believe we can win it. If we do well, we get into the EHL. We are in good shape and everyone is getting excited now. Managing the heat will be the difficult thing but our games are at good times, early in the morning which will help and we have a good crowd of over 50 supporters coming along.”
They have a tricky start, coming up against HC Bra at 11am who won the Italian championship last weekend with a final victory over this weekend’s hosts Amsicora having topped the regular season by 11 points. The early time will benefit Monkstown as the heat and humidity won’t be as big a factor as it could be.
Next up, they play Austrian side AHTC Wien, a side who had nine players in the national squad for the Olympic qualifiers in 2012 but have fallen back to fourth in their national championship in the regular season, just scraping into the playoffs. That tie takes place at 1pm on Saturday.
Their last game of the round-robin is against Atasport from Baku in Azerbaijan, a club that has lots of European experience under it’s belt. They played in the Club Championship II in 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013. From there, they will hope to top the group and play in Monday’s final against one of either Scottish cup finalist Grange, Welsh cup champions Whitchurch, hosts SG.Amsicora ASD and HC OKS-SHVSM from Ukraine.
Please follow Monkstown HC on twitter for tournament and match updates.
Monkstown panel (from): David Fitzgerald, Jamie Carr, Lee Cole, David Cole, Richard Sykes, Ian Horsfield, Keith Kenning, Gavin Groves, Andy Ewington, Graham Shaw, Stephen Cole, Gavin O’Halloran, Nick Dee (capt), David Nolan, Kyle Good, Peter Caruth, David Carson, Ross Watkins, Jazze Henry, Gareth Watkins
Irish Hockey Association media release
Australian YOG squad named
Australia’s YOG squad named for new fast format for Nanjing in August
Photo credit: Alec Rasmussen
Nine of the country’s best young hockey players have been selected to compete at the second summer Youth Olympic Games, taking place in Nanjing, China this August.
The aspiring Olympians are the only male team to represent Australia in Nanjing, and will compete in a fast and furious format of the sport called Hockey5s - a complementary version of the game with simplified rules and more excitement for the fans.
“We all enjoy the five a side concept,” Australian Youth Hockey Coach David Guest said.
“It’s very tactical, basically man-on-man in a small space, testing the players both physically and mentally.”
Australia gained selection to compete at the Youth Olympics after a solid performance at the qualification event in Vanuatu in March.
“The team on a whole learnt a lot throughout the tournament. We tried a number of different formations and structures, which was a good learning tool leading into Nanjing,” Guest said.
The team is comprised of athletes who competed in Vanuatu as well as players from the U18 National Championships held in April.
Nathanael Stewart and Alec Rasmussen were two of the outstanding talents from the National Championships to be chosen for the Youth Team.
“I was very happy with my achievements and performances at the National Championships and I believe that this form is a good foundation going into the Youth Olympic Games,” Stewart said.
Stewart, 18, has played representative hockey since 2006 and has never looked back especially after playing in Europe a couple of years ago with the Australian Schoolboys team.
“After the trip to Europe I made the decision that I wanted to pursue my dream of competing at the Olympics and representing my country,” the Sydneysider said.
Rasmussen, born in Townsville but now a resident of Perth, has won numerous accolades. Apart from being a great talent, the 17-year-old plays alongside Olympians Matt Ghodes, Fergus Kavanagh and Tim Deavin for the Perth based club Hale.
Rasmussen doesn’t just play with Olympians; David Guest who is also an Olympian, coaches the Perth youngster and will also be his coach in Nanjing.
“Guesty is a great mentor and inspiration to me and it is definitely helpful to have worked with him in the past as it makes it easier to turn up for that first training, knowing the work rate and effort he expects at every training and the quality he is looking for,” Rasmussen said.
Both teenagers are extremely honoured to be part of the Australian Youth Olympic Team. They will defend the gold medal Australia won at the last Youth Olympic Games in 2010 when hockey was contested in its traditional format.
“The ambition of making the Australian Youth Olympic Team stemmed from the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore and wanting to be able to share the same feelings of representing my country at an Olympics,” Stewart said.
Hockey5s will take place at the Youth Olympic Sports Park Hockey Stadium from 17 to 27 August.
Australia is represented in the male only event and the team will compete against nine other nations.
To follow, support and find out more information about the Australian Youth Olympic Team, visit the dedicated team website nanjing2014.olympics.com.au. For the latest social media news, follow @AUSOlympicTeam on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Google+.
2014 Australian Youth Olympic Team
Name (age)
Matthew Bird (17) WA 6163
Jonathan Bretherton (16) VIC 3186
Max Hendry (16) VIC 3124
Tim Howard (17) QLD 4154
Max Hughes (17) NSW 2502
Alec Rasmussen (17) WA 6028
Nathanael Stewart (18) NSW 2567
Mackenzie Warne (17) QLD 4107
Corey Weyer (18) QLD 4216
Credit source: Australian Youth Olympics
Hockey Australia media release
Great final day of youth hockey in the U16 National Competition
Grove Menzieshill boys celebrate the win after a close match against Clydesdale taken by Roy Whittaker
A great spectacle of youth hockey at the final day of the U16 National Competition this weekend at Peffermill, Grove Menzieshill and CALA Edinburgh coming away as champions.
In the boys final Glasgow based side Clydesdale lost out by one goal 3-2 in an end to end match. Grove scored two late goals from penalty corners to claim the win, Cameron Golden scoring all three for the Dundee based side.
In the womens final we saw an all Edinburgh affair as CALA Edinburgh won 6-2. After only 15 minutes of play it was all level at 2-2 but CALA soon found form and put another four past rivals Watsonains.
Well done to everyone that competed throughout the competition.
U16 Girls winners CALA Edinburgh taken by Roy Whittaker
Girls
3rd Pool A v 3rd Pool B
Clydesdale 5 - 1 Granite City Wanderers
4th Pool A v 4th Pool B
Kelso Ladies 2 - 2 Hillhead
1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B
CALA Edinburgh 7 - 0 Kelburne
1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A
Watsonians 4 – 0 Inverleith
FINAL
CALA Edinburgh 6- 2 Watsonians
Boys
3rd Pool A v 3rd Pool C
Kelburne 1 – 4 Gordonians
4th Pool A v 4th Pool B
Inverleith 2 – 2 East Kilbride
2nd Pool A v 2nd Pool C
Perthshire 1 – 1- Grange
1st Pool A v 1st Pool C
Western Wildcats 0 – 2 Clydesdale
1st Pool B v 1st Pool D
Grove Menzieshill 7-2 Watsonians
FINAL
Clydesdale 2 – 3 Grove Menzieshill
More photos from the event please go here all taken by Roy Whittaker
Scottish Hockey Union media release