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All the news for Friday 6 June 2014

Jacko tames the Speedy Tigers, Kookaburras take top of Pool, India and Spain draw

Hard-working Malaysians are ground down by England, Charter keeps Aussies on top of Pool, India and Spain level


(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

It's day five of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague Netherlands and game one saw England grind out a 2-0 win, their first of the tournament, against the Malaysia Speedy Tigers. Australia earned their third-straight win, 3-1, over Belgium to take the top of the Pool.

POOL STANDINGS

MEN Pool A: Malaysia v England 0-2 (0-1)

As the rain poured down, England men ground out a 2-0 win over Malaysia, but the Speedy Tigers can thank their 'keeper Kumar Subramaim that the scoreline remained so close. By contrast, England will look back on the number of wasted opportunities with some concern. Fourth-ranked England opened their scoring in the fourth minute of the game through a goal from Mark Gleghorne, but despite having far greater possession for a large percentage of the game, Barry Middleton and his men could not take further advantage until the 66th minute when Ashley Jackson put the game out of reach.

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MEN Pool A: Belgium v Australia 1-3 (0-2)

An intriguing match between the world number one team and the up and coming Red Lions of Belgium saw the reigning World Cup holders emerge with a 3-1 win, but only after a fine performance by the Kookaburra's 'keeper Andrew Charter and his back line kept Tom Boon and his medal-hungry teammates at bay.

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MEN Pool A: India v Spain 1-1 (1-1)

Pool A rivals India and Spain played out a hugely entertaining but ultimately frustrating 1-1 draw at the GreenFields Stadium. The result was one that neither team wanted, leaving them well adrift of the teams fighting it out for the top positions in the Pool. Both goals came in the first half, with Rupinder Singh netting a penalty stroke in the 28th minute before Roc Oliva netted a field goal six minutes later.

Seven minutes into the match, a timely interception from Spain captain Santi Freixa enabled Roc Oliva to break forward and win a penalty corner, but the Spaniards were thwarted by a fine save from brilliant India goalkeeper Sreejesh, who had yet another outstanding game.

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Men's Pool B action will continue tomorrow, 6 June, with New Zealand and Argentina squaring off first (13:00 CET), followed by Korea and South Africa (17:30 CET), as well as Netherlands and Germany (19:45 CET). For Schedules, scores, highlights and more visit www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com.

FIH site

Aussies blushes spared by two-goal Kenny, Japan and Korea draw, Netherlands blank Black Sticks

Penalty corner conversion rate causes concern in Hockeyroos camp, Cherry Blossoms hold Korea to tie, Might Dutch prevail over New Zealand


(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

It is day five of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague, Netherlands and the opening game saw Australia edge Belgium in a scrappy 3-2 affair. Anna Flanagan scored her fifth of the tournament on a penalty corner to now lead all women's scorers. Also clashing today are Korea and Japan (14:30 CET), as well as the Netherlands and New Zealand (19:45 CET).

POOL STANDINGS

WOMEN Pool A: Belgium v Australia 2-3 (1-1)

Australia made hard work of their 3-2 win over 12th-ranked Belgium in a game that was distinctly lacking in quality from both sides. The Hockeyroos maintain their unbeaten run in this tournament, but with two goals from 14 penalty corners, coach Adam Commens will be concerned that his team are lacking their usual firepower and, more importantly, conceding goals at the other end.

This is the third match that Australia have won 3-2, and tournament top-scorer Anna Flanagan joked as she said: "Why make it convincing, it is far more exciting this way." The drag-flick specialist added that the team has scored nine goals which is three more than their entire Olympic campaign, so they weren't unduly worried.

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WOMEN Pool A: Korea v Japan 1-1 (1-0)

The re-match of the Asia Cup final ended with the scores locked together as Asian champions Japan claimed their first point of the tournament with a deserved 1-1 draw against Korea. Goals either side of half time from Korea captain Kim Jongeun and Cherry Blossoms' Shihori Oikawa ensured that the honours were even in the Pool A contest.

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WOMEN Pool A: New Zealand v Netherlands 0-2 (0-2)

The Netherlands continued their triumphant domination of pool A with a 2-0 victory over a brave, committed New Zealand side who, despite defending heroically, could not create more than a handful of scoring opportunities. While not the scoreline that the opening few minutes threatened to deliver, this was a game that the women in orange were in control of and opposing teams will have struggled to identify too many chinks in Max Caldas' side.

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Women's Pool B action continues tomorrow, 6 June, at Kyocera and Greenfields Stadiums in The Hague, Netherlands. Up first are China and USA (10:30 CET), followed by South Africa and England (14:30 CET), as well as Germany and Argentina (16:00 CET). For schedules, scores, highlights and more visit www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com

FIH site

Gleghorne & Jackson seal win against Malaysia


Wimbledon's Henry Weir in action for England against Malaysia at the Rabobank World Cup - credit Ady Kerry

England secured another three points today from their third Pool A match against Malaysia at the Rabobank World Cup. A goal either side of half-time from the East Grinstead duo of Mark Gleghorne and Ashley Jackson sealed the 2-0 victory and kept England on track for a semi-final spot.

The result leaves England top of Pool A having played the extra game; rivals Australia and Belgium face each other later on today.

England were also boosted by the return of Iain Lewers, making his World Cup debut, as he continues to recover from a leg injury; the defender is a key player to have back in Bobby Crutchley’s side.

Speaking after the game, England Head Coach Bobby Crutchely said: “I was really pleased with the performance. I thought we were strong and defended as well as we have done so far. We controlled the game for large periods and although they had a lot of possession we created the better chances.”

The first half saw torrential rain in The Hague, but it wasn't enough to stop an early goal courtesy of Mark Gleghorne just four minutes in to give England the perfect start. It was great vision and quick thinking by Ashley Jackson to pass to Barry Middleton who in turn found Gleghorne and fired home his second goal in two games in The Hague with a fantastic reverse stick shot.

In what was a lively first-half England created several scoring opportunities early on, with Tom Carson, Nick Catlin and a handful of others nearly adding to the goal tally, but Malaysia’s goalkeeper, Kumar Subramiam, kept his side within reach. The first half ended in perhaps frustrating fashion with more scoring opportunities for England, but as the rain lashed down the sides went in with just one goal separating them.

The second half continued in much the same way as the first. England continued to dominate with chances for both captain Barry Middleton and David Condon to score. At the other end of the pitch some great defending from England held back two penalty corners, and this was followed by some great work from Catlin on the break who secured his side a final corner with just three minutes left on the clock. Jackson set-up ready to take the drag flick and in sensational style he fired home into the top right corner of the goal to take the final score to 2-0.

Looking ahead to playing Australia and Belgium, England Captain Barry Middleton said: “We’ve played them [Australia and Belgium] enough over the past 18 months to know what is going to come at us, and they probably know what to expect from us as well. We’ve proved against them in the last twelve months we can hurt them if we play well and we’ll be looking to do that in our next two games.”

England men’s next game is against Australia on Saturday at 15:00 (UK time), and England’s women play tomorrow in their third Pool B game against South Africa at 13:30.

MALAYSIA 0 (0)

ENGLAND 2 (1)
Mark Gleghorne 4 (FG)
Ashley Jackson 67 (PC)

England Hockey Board Media release

Sorry Malaysia blown away

POOR SHOW: Team fail to rise as World Cup campaign hits the skids

By JUGJET SINGH

MALAYSIA had the chance to salvage their World Cup campaign, but played scrappy hockey to hand England full points as they went down 2-0 at the Hague, Netherlands yesterday.

It was their third straight defeat, after being hammered 4-0 by Australia, and 6-2 by Belgium.

Their remaining matches in Group A are against India and Spain.

England also played in patches, but were lucky to take the lead in the fifth minute, when the entire Malaysian defence stood rooted and Mark Gleghorne had all the time to beat goalkeeper S. Kumar with a reverse stick flick.

Kumar was the best Malaysian player yet again, as he produced eight point-blank shots in 70 minutes and received accolades online via the England Hockey and International Hockey Federation tweets.

The match statistics provided by the FIH were damning as Malaysia only had one shot on target, while England had eight and scored two.

All three Malaysian penalty corners went to waste, while England scored one off their three.

Malaysia again played erratic hockey in the last 10 minutes of the match, when they should have been looking for the equaliser, and were made to pay when Ashley Jackson’s 67th minute goal sealed England’s victory.

World No 4 England now have seven points from three matches as they held Spain 1-1 and beat India 2-1 earlier.

Malaysia are left with the task of beating India and then Spain, if they don’t want to finish at the bottom of the pool.

Coach K. Dharmaraj’s men have let in 12 goals, and only scored two — indicating that the defenders have been sleeping on the job.

“It was another tough game, and letting in so many goals after three matches is demoralising, but I always look at the bright side.

“I believe we will not disappoint in the remaining matches,” said Kumar, whose heroics in all three games saved at least another 15 goals from being scored against Malaysia.

MALAYSIA’S World Cup Fixtures (Malaysian time) — Saturday: v India (8.30pm); Monday: v Spain (8.30pm).

New Straits Times

Malaysia remain winless after England defeat

By S. Ramaguru


Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar tries to foil England's Tom Carson from scoring during their World Cup Group A match at The Hague on Thursday. Malaysia lost 0-2 for their third straight defeat. - AFP

THE HAGUE: Three matches. Three defeats. That’s Malaysia’s record in Group A of the hockey World Cup in The Hague, Holland.

On Thursday, Malaysia went down 2-0 to an England side they had high hopes of defeating.

Instead, it was the Englishmen who struck on either side of each half through Mark Gleghorne in the fourth minute and Ashley Jackson in the 66th minute.

The winless Malaysians will now look at India and Spain to get the points and keep alive their 10th-placing target.

Malaysia, who had earlier lost to Australia 4-0 and Belgium 6-2, suffered another blow when forward Hafifihafiz Hanafi was injured after being accidentally kicked in the face by England goalkeeper George Pinner.

Hafifihafiz was chasing the ball in the D when he collided with a defender and was then kicked in the face by Pinner. Hafifihafiz was stretchered out and taken to hospital.

Despite the loss to England, coach K. Dharmaraj was still pleased with their performance.

“We need to make better use of the chances we get. Defensively, there were some mistakes but overall it was a much better effort. We didn’t win but I’m pleased with the attitude shown in the match. They have to keep improving,” he said.

The match got off to a wet start as the skies opened up just for the game and before the players could even warm up properly, the Malaysians found themselves one goal down.

That came in the fourth minute. England took a quick free hit at the 25-yard line and, before the defenders could react, the ball reached Gleghorne in the D.

The forward easily slotted a reverse flick past goalkeeper S. Kumar.

England continued to dominate as Malaysia allowed them too much space and possession.

There was a slight improvement in the Malaysian attack after the break, although they were again guilty of individual play.

Faizal Saari, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohd Firhan Azhaari and Ismail Abu had chances but they overdid it with their dribbles.

Malaysia had two chances to pull a goal back when they were awarded penalty corners in the 63rd and 64th minutes. Unfortunately, England goalkeeper Pinner was up to the task on both occasions.

Then, two minutes later, England struck the killer blow off their third penalty corner as Ashley Jackson’s drag flick beat Kumar all the way.

England now have seven points and are still in the running for the semi-finals.

The Star of Malaysia

Ashley Jackson fires England to victory against Malaysia at hockey World Cup

ASHLEY JACKSON, playing through the pain of a shoulder injury, flicked an unstoppable penalty corner in the 67th minute to finish off a 2-0 victory over Malaysia to maintain England's hopes of a semi-final place in the Rabobank World Cup in The Hague.

By Graham Wilson


Ashley Jackson scored the second goal for England against Malaysia[PA]

Jackson - and England - have been suffering with the restrictions placed on his trademark set-piece after he was initially injured following a clash in a warm-up international against Australia at Bisham Abbey.

Though the shoulder is weak, he continues to be pretty effective on the pitch in normal play, particularly in his covering defence and going through on the dribble.

His quick thinking after being fouled on the ball sent his captain Barry Middleton away on the flank. His short cross found Mark Gleghorne, who had time to place a safe reverse shot into the net after only four minutesto record his second goal of the tournament.

Key defender Iain Lewers finally got onto the pitch to make his World Cup debut after he had suffered a dead-leg in the Australia warm-up. And you could only wonder about England's chances if those two players had been able to be fully let loose for the opening 1-1 draw against Spain.

As in that first half, England missed a host of chances against Malaysia, particularly through Tom Carson and Nick Catlin.

Eventually Jackson settled the points three minutes from time with a wonderfully angled high flick that gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Jackson knelt to the floor, holding his shoulder as his team-mates celebrated.

He said afterwards: "The shoulder is sore but felt really good during the game and it's case of just cracking on."

But he warned: "It shouldn't have come down to that, though. Something has to change and unless we start putting in the goals then we will struggle to get through the rest of the tournament.

"It was a clean sheet and I think we have conceded the least goals of the tournament so far so we will take that on against Australia on Saturday. We should be very dangerous by the end of the tournament if we can put the ball in the net."

Middleton said: "We've seen Ashley step up plenty of times in the past and that's what we have in this team. We have players who will go through pain or tiredness barriers and put their body on the line to try and win something for England.

He added: "It's big for all of us having Iain Lewers back. Just having him on the pitch gave us a lift. We're now playing with 18 not 17 which helps give people a rest and makes the rotations that bit easier.

"Everyone knows how good he is and he showed it again today. Even though he hasn't played for a week or so he's come straight back in and done what he does. Hopefully, he'll pick up more minutes now and be a big player for us coming through the rest of the tournament."

Coach Bobby Crutchley said: "I was really pleased with the performance. We were strong and defended as well as we have done so far. We controlled the game for large periods and although they had a lot of possession we created the better chances.

"It was typical of us keeping it a bit closer than I would have liked. If we could have taken a few more of the chances we created it would have been a bit more comfortable but generally it was a good performance and another step up."

England can take some much-needed rest before they play the reigning champions Australia on Saturday, while England's women take on South Africa on Friday in a must-win showdown.

Daily Express

England made to sweat by Malaysia

England's men remain on course for the semi-finals of the World Cup after a 2-0 win over Malaysia in Holland.

Despite dominating throughout they had only Mark Gleghorne's fourth-minute goal, scooping reverse-stick past goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam after Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton combined, and the closing stages became tense.

However, Jackson - nursing a shoulder injury which means he is only used on penalty corners in times of real need - converted a set-piece three minutes from time to ease the nerves.

It should not have been that close as Tom Carson was denied twice at close range by Subramiam in the first half and, after the break, Middleton guided Jackson's pass through the goalkeeper's legs but wide of the post and Alistair Brogdon fired a shot into the grill of Subramiam's helmet.

England's own goalkeeper George Pinner produced an important save from a Malaysian penalty corner late in the second half and his side went down the other end to win the set-piece and score the second.

"I thought we played reasonably well in large periods of the game and created a hell of a lot of chances and we could have killed off the game earlier," said Gleghorne in his post-match interview.

"Defensively we are pretty sound and if we can continue that and take a few more chances we can hit our straps."

England face Australia in their penultimate Group A match on Saturday.

Daily Express

England on verge of Hockey World Cup semi-finals

ENGLAND'S men stayed on course for a place in the Rabobank World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in The Hague yesterday.

By Graham Wilson


Mark Gleghorne put England ahead[PA]

The win leaves them in second place in Pool A - with the top two progressing to the semis - behind Australia, who beat Belgium 2-0.

East Grinstead pair Mark Gleghorne and Ashley Jackson scored for England, who play Australia tomorrow, before rounding off the group stage against Belgium on Monday.

Captain Barry Middleton said: "It will come down to whether we can play our game the way we want to and put our chances away."

England's women face South Africa today in a must-win match.

Daily Express

England march on as Ashley Jackson goes through pain barrier

England make it three matches unbeaten with 2-0 victory over Malaysia

By Rod Gilmour, in The Hague


Hard man: Ashley Jackson is continuing to soldier on half-fit despite a niggling shoulder injury Photo: ADY KERRY

Taking the German approach to tournament hockey is how captain Barry Middleton viewed England’s current position after a slender pool victory over Malaysia set up a mouth-watering encounter against Australia on Saturday afternoon.

A tight defence and improving form saw England make it three matches unbeaten thanks to Mark Gleghorne’s first-half strike and a late penalty corner from Ashley Jackson, who continues to soldier on half-fit thanks to a niggling shoulder injury.

“Tournament hockey is about getting better as it goes on,” said Middleton. “We’ve seen it from the Germans for so long. They start slow and come good at the end. We’re getting like that, too.”

Malaysia, playing their first World Cup in 10 years, had already leaked 10 goals to Belgium and Australia, England’s main rivals in their fight for a top two finish, so a convincing victory here was pivotal. That they have done means that England's encounter with Belgium on Monday is a virtual quarter-final match.

Against Malaysia, England’s ball speed proved too much in the early stages and they were rewarded when a swift series of passes from Jackson and Middleton found Gleghorne and a lapse defence. Gleghorne duly slotted home for his second goal of the tournament.

The torrential rain at the start had no bearing on England, too. The pitch showed no visible signs of slowing and Middleton praised the "quick and flat" surface.

Indeed, the high tempo saw Hafifi Hanafi and George Pinner collide in the eighth minute. However, the Malaysian came off worse, connecting with Pinner’s bulking left boot and had to be carried off.

At the other end, Tom Carson missed two chances to double England’s lead. But after two opening games which could easily have seen defeat, this was by far England’s best 35 minutes of the week.

Since scoring that last-minute winner against India, there has been a renewed spark to Bobby Crutchley’s side. Against Malaysia, midfielder Harry Martin played with freedom, Jackson and Middleton combined promisingly, while the introduction of Iain Lewers for the first time after the restart has made England’s defence one of the tightest.

Malaysia, though, were also proving a menace in defence. Roslan Jamaluddin was having a fine game in goal and kept his side in the game after a series of smart saves. England had nine shots in total, eight of them on target.

His interventions gave the world No. 13 outfit the chance to level with seven minutes remaining. However, Pinner had to be at his astute best in goal and his wide stance scuppered their second penalty corner strike.

Three minutes later, pain was etched across Jackson’s face as he rifled home high into the Malaysian net. He immediately sat out the rest of the game, but judging by his one-handed skills and general willingness to sacrifice himself every game, he would return to play Australia in a sling if needed and still do a job.

The irony is that he suffered the injury while playing the second of two warm-up games against Australia before the tournament, though the Kookaburras had to call-up replacements for the World Cup after losing two of their own. Those brutal battles at Bisham could well end up playing a telling role in both sides' progress.

“It is sore but I felt really good during the game and it’s a case of just cracking on,” said Jackson. “It shouldn’t have come down to that though. Something has to change and unless we start putting in the goals then we will struggle to get through the rest of the tournament.”

The Telegraph

England stay in semifinal hunt with 2-0 win over Malaysia

THE HAGUE: England played tactical hockey to overcome a strong challenge from Malaysia with a 2-0 win and stay in contention for the semifinals of the men's World Cup on Thursday.

England enjoyed an edge from the moment Mark Gleghorne put them ahead in the fourth minute with a field goal.

Malaysia pushed them hard, forcing a number of chances and three penalty corners, but failed to secure the equaliser as England hung on grimly.

Three minutes from close, Ashley Jackson placed a stinging penalty corner into the goal to seal the victory for England.

England now have seven points from three matches in Group A. They stay in semifinal contention with Olympic silver medalists Australia and Belgium, both of whom have won their previous two games and are to clash later this evening.

Also in the same group, India, who lost their previous two matches, play Spain later this evening.

The Times of India

Sloppy England good enough for Malaysia

The Hague - As the rain poured down, England men ground out a 2-0 win over Malaysia, but the speedy tigers can thank their 'keeper Kumar Subramaim that the scoreline remained so close. By contrast, England will look back on the number of wasted opportunities with some concern.

Fourth-ranked England opened their scoring in the fourth minute of the game through a goal from Mark Gleghorne, but despite having far greater possession for a large percentage of the game, Barry Middleton and his men could not take further advantage until the 66th minute when Ashley Jackson put the game out of reach.

"It should not have come to that," said a clearly disgruntled Jackson. "We should have put the game away long before that." Gleghorne's goal came when he was found unmarked in the circle with only the keeper standing between him and his second goal of the World Cup. His clinical finish was in marked contrast to the inept finishing of his fellow strikers, with Tom Carson in particular finding himself in good positions time and again, but unable to get the ball in the back of the net.

Malaysia were industrious, without achieving any meaningful result. Their quick, nimble play meant they were able to twist and turn through the England defence, but all too often the sheer size of the England men was enough to knock the Malaysian players off the ball and overturn possession.

Hafifi Hanafi was the most unfortunate casualty of the physicality of the game: his diving attempt on goal saw him leave the field on a stretcher after he came into sharp contact with goalkeeper George Pinner's outstretched foot.

For the first 20 minutes of the game Malaysia worked hard to overturn the England lead, Tengku Ahmed and Fitri Saari in particular were busy in the midfield; it was simply a case that the England defence stood very strong and the Speedy Tigers were unable to breach the final line of defence.It was a penalty corner strike from Ashley Jackson that finally put the game safely out of Malaysia's reach. Despite a hampering shoulder injury, the midfielder was able to find a way past Subramaim.

Speaking after the game, Pinner said "Every game for us is a cup final. We have been strong defensively and we don't give away many corners. We just need to make sure we out the game to rest a bit quicker." The weather was closer to monsoon conditions, said Bobby Crutchley, referring to the first half downpour. The England coach said he was pleased to have won the match, and felt that the team had shown the patience and persistence necessary to win three points.

The Tribune

Kookaburras beat Red Lions

Goals from Ciriello, Whetton & Ockenden help Kookaburras to victory



Two goals in a storming opening ten minute spell helped the Kookaburras to a 3-1 victory over Belgium in their World Cup title defence in The Hague on Thursday.

Chris Ciriello’s lightning quick penalty corner drag flick seven minutes in and Jake Whetton’s close range finish two minutes later put the Australian men in the driving seat against a Belgium side backed by a sizeable support just 90km from home.

Goalkeeper Andrew Charter held Belgium’s Red Lions at bay on numerous occasions in the first half before, a minute into the second period, Eddie Ockenden finished a tremendous solo effort with a tomahawk strike through the legs of goalkeeper Vincent Vanash for 3-0.

Sebastien Dockier struck back for Belgium ten minutes later to make it 3-1 and despite a series of penalty corners and chances at both ends that was how it stayed.

Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth declared himself pleased with the result and his side’s trajectory in the competition while admitting he still expects more from his team.

“It was a tough match,” he said. “I think there was some good hockey played but both teams would be a bit unhappy with some of the mistakes they made. I think we had too many lapses, I’m not happy with that. We played maybe two good quarters and two average quarters in the game and I expect more than that. I’m very happy with the result because Belgium is a team of high quality and I expected the sort of game that we got.

“The goal that they scored, again we fell asleep. We thought the danger had gone and it’s ever present in hockey. So, yeah, I’m not happy with that and it needs to be addressed.

“We haven’t had, coming into this tournament, the number of matches some other teams have had so we’re perhaps a little bit rusty still but I don’t mind our trajectory. I think it’s ok. But we expect to play better than this, yes.

“The group matches in these tournaments are about fighting for a place in the classification part of the tournament and that’s what our aim is. We still have to do more.”

Kieran Govers had already signalled Australia’s intent, forcing Vanash into an early save before Ciriello beat the goalkeeper with the pace of his penalty corner in the seventh minute. Jake Whetton was in the right place at the right time to capitalise and make it 2-0 soon after following good work by Glenn Turner, who found his fellow forward at the back post after seeing his initial shot blocked.

Canberra-born goalkeeper Andrew Charter pulled off several good blocks from open play and Belgian set pieces to keep the Kookaburras goal intact heading into half time.

Tasmanian Eddie Ockenden gave Australia the best possible start to the second half when he waltzed past two defenders, cutting in from the right before unleashing a powerful tomahawk that flew into the goal for 3-0.

Sebastien Dockier, in space at the back post, hauled a goal back for Belgium in the 46th minute, but despite penalty corners and chances in front of goal at both ends that was how it stayed.

Goal scorer Jake Whetton, who netted his first World Cup goal, said afterwards, “I think we have started slow in the past against Belgium. World League [round] three was a classic example; they got a goal in the first 30 seconds, so we knew they were going to come out pretty strong against us, so we wanted to start well and, yeah, we did it.”

Paying tribute to teammate Glenn Turner for setting up the goal, he added, “I’ll leave the bargy stuff to G (Glenn Turner) - he’s pretty good at it - and I just get to those spots where I know I’m going to be dangerous, and fortunately G was skilful enough to find me on the back post. Nice to get one in a big tournament but plenty to go from here.”

The Kookaburras now have a maximum nine points from a possible nine and sit top of Pool A, two points ahead of England, who they meet on Saturday (4pm local time / midnight AEST Saturday into Sunday). Belgium are third in the pool with six points. The top two in each pool after five matches progress to the semi finals. The Kookaburras meet India on Monday in their final pool fixture.

Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Den Haag, Netherlands
Pool A | Match 3

KOOKABURRAS 3 (2)
Chris Ciriello 7 (PC)
Jake Whetton 9 (FG)
Eddie Ockenden 36 (FG)

BELGIUM 1 (0)
Sebastien Dockier 46 (FG)

Hockey Australia media release

Kenny strikes for Hockeyroos

Jodie Kenny double helps Hockeyroos to win over Belgium



Two goals from Jodie Kenny, including one from the penalty spot, and an Anna Flanagan penalty corner flick ensured the Hockeyroos took a maximum three points with a 3-2 win over Belgium at the World Cup on Thursday.

But it was far from plain sailing for the Hockeyroos, who welcomed back captain Madonna Blyth from injury for her first game of the tournament.

Head Coach Adam Commens said afterwards that he believed missed chances early in the game had contributed to a tight contest later on.

He said, “We began the game very well. First 15, 20 minutes we had a lot of opportunities and I think in that moment you need to take them and score two or three goals and the match is put to bed. We were unable to do that, which is a little frustrating as a coach.

“After that I thought Belgium played very well. It’s a team that we knew is a little tricky. They’ve got some good players through the midfield that can handle the ball under pressure and I thought they did that. On the flip side I thought our ball handling was as bad as I’ve seen it in a number of years and we weren’t good in the second half. We will need to be much better than that against the Netherlands.”
 
Twice the Hockeyroos took the lead only to see the 12th ranked Red Panthers claw their way back into contention with goals from Stephanie De Groof and Jill Boon. Flanagan’s flick midway through the first half had given the Australian women a deserved lead but Belgium were worthy of De Groof’s swept equaliser on the stroke of half time after responding well to going behind.

Kenny unleashed a powerful low penalty corner flick three minutes after the restart to put the Hockeyroos back in front but Boon’s swivel shot in space four minutes later levelled things at 2-2.

Kenny’s winner, from the spot 16 minutes from time, came following a bout of sustained pressure that saw the Hockeyroos earn five consecutive penalty corners. The 26 year old Queenslander’s effort from the fifth set piece struck Belgian scorer De Groof on the goal line and she stepped up to slot the resulting penalty stroke narrowly underneath the outstretched foot of ‘keeper Aisling D’Hooghe.

In the final stages Belgium came close to snatching a late equaliser on several occasions but the Hockeyroos held out for three points, earning them a maximum haul of nine points from a possible nine so far.

Captain Madonna Blyth, who belatedly began her third World Cup campaign after a calf injury ruled her out of the opening two rounds, said, “It’s felt like a long time sitting on the bench watching but really happy to get out there today. It was a tough match and I feel like my leg’s pulled up fine so [I’m] looking forward to having a bit more of an impact in the next games.”

Speaking about the match, she said, “I think they’re [Belgium] a good team. They’re probably on the rise and you’ll probably see their ranking drop in the next few years so they’re a tough match. We knew they would be but I thought we could have put the game away a little bit earlier and it wouldn’t have been such a scrap in the last ten, 15 minutes.”
 
The Hockeyroos now look forward to a showdown with hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands in a packed Kyocera Stadium at 19:45 local time on Saturday night (03:45 AEST Sunday morning).

World Cup
The Hague, Netherlands
Pool A | Match 3

HOCKEYROOS 3 (1)
Anna Flanagan 16 (PC)
Jodie Kenny 38, 54 (PC, PS)

BELGIUM 2 (1)
Stephanie De Groof 35 (PC)
Jill Boon 42 (FG)

Hockeyroos’ squad v Belgium
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 282/65 [28]
Eddie Bone (Evatt, ACT) 43/2 [26]
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 206/44 [25]
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 127/28 [22]
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 109/55 [26]
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 107/0 [27]
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 42/4 [22]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 151/61 [27]
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 59/16 [25]
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 89/36 [21]
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 79/24 [22]

Used Substitute
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 44/4 [21]
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 51/2 [25]
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 81/30 [24]
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 98/1 [24]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 127/23 [22]
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 97/1 [29]

Unused Substitute
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 34/0 [24]

Hockey Australia media release

Holders Australia stay on course for semifinals

THE HAGUE: Defending champions Australia stayed on course for the semifinals of the men's hockey World Cup with an assertive 3-1 victory over European Cup silver medallists Belgium at the Kyocera Stadium here today.

Australia's third successive victory gives them nine points and keeps them on top of Group A standings, followed by England on seven points from three outings after their 2-0 win over Malaysia today.

Belgium, having won their previous two matches, stay in the running with six points from three games.

Australia took a two-goal lead at the start with goals from Chris Cirello (seventh minute) and Jacob Whetton (ninth minute).

Eddi Ockenden increased the lead in the first minute of the second session, but Belgium pulled one back in the 46th minute through Sebastian Dockier.

Playing tactical hockey England overcame a strong challenge from Malaysia.

England enjoyed an edge from the moment Mark Gleghorne put them ahead in the fourth minute with a field goal.

Malaysia pushed them hard, forced three penalty corners and a number of other scoring chances, but failed to secure the equaliser as England hung on grimly.

Three minutes from close, Ashley Jackson placed a stinging penalty corner in the goal to seal the England victory

The Times of India

Aussie eves prevail 3-2 over Belgium for third straight win

THE HAGUE: Australian women stayed on course for the semifinals of the Hockey World Cup after defeating Belgium 3-2 for their third straight victory on Thursday.

Jodie Kenny scored two goals in the contest that saw Belgium equalising twice before Aussies sealed the match in their favour.

Australia opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Anna Flanagan's penalty corner conversion, only to see Belgium equalise in the last minute of the first session through a penalty corner goal by Stephanie de Groof.

Kenny then got into the goal-scoring act with a penalty corner conversion three minutes into the second half.

Belgium drew parity once again with an open play strike by Jill Boon in the 42nd minute, but Kenny ensured full three points for Australia with her deft penalty stroke flick in the 54th minute.

The Times of India

First point for India

K. Arumugam

Three referrals in their favour, three penalty corners in their pocket, almost thrice more attacks than their rival, yet India could not post the elusive win in the on going world Cup.

It settled with 1-1 draw against Spain, thus opening its point on the scoreboard.

"We wanted a win today, but Spain was also good", said the dejected Indian chief coach Terry Walsh.

India was close to winning the match, with two clear chances in the last five minutes, even prompting a Belgium crew member to comment that it seems it is India's turn to score in the last minutes.

But it was not to be

Dharamvir, who is pick of the forwards here, got a gem of feed from right, and took a good hit from the centre of the circle, but could only hit the rushing Francisco Foretes, the famous goalie of Hockey India League.

Moments later, India got a penalty corner. With just a few minutes left in the clock, a turn around was expected, but Sardar messed it up. He could not gauge the pace of the turf, which was any case vagarious as the weather played big role in today's game.

There were intermittent rains, with hot sun oscillating inbetween, and the blowing chilly winds, were all there today, a nightmarish atmosphere for continental players.

Sometimes the turf also looked dry, as a player was seen putting water before the ball was injected for the penalty corner conversion.

India did not play a structured and patient game today, which was the hallmark in the last two games, and were a bit wayward, and giving up moves easily, succumbing to pressure at slightest of press

India's Rupinder Pal Singh converted a stroke to give India the lead in the 28th minute. India earned it when Mandeep Singh on the top of circle was tripped.

A minute before the hooter, Spain's Roc Oliva struk to equalize. Indian goalie Sreejesh, who is having a wonderful tournament here, save first shot and three rebounds but the fourth shot by Roc was rock solid and went past him on his left. Indian defence otherwise was sluggish at that point of time.

Despite a flurry of action in the next half, scoreboard did not move. Its second draw for Spain, while first point of India in three matches.

Stick2Hockey.com

Sardar Singh accidentally hurts himself

It was not his intention, but it did happen. It hurt his feelings first, and then physically his right knee.

Because of that, Indian captain Sardar Singh was all along out of place in his press conference, attended together with Santi Freixa and Spain coach Indurain, besides Indian coach Terry Walsh.

India got a penalty corner in the crucial juncture of the game, only third in the match. Usually precise Sardar could not inject the ball in the set piece drill, disappointing many.

So disappointed was he that swung his stick badly, hoping it will hit his shin guard, but went a bit above and this is how he got big swelling just below knee.

He did not take chair in the press meet, but was bending and nursing his wound, and was frank enough to admit the reasons thereof.

However, coach Terry Walsh did not blame Sardar Singh for the faulty injection. He felt the ground was slower, and the wind was blowing strong, and even turf became dry.

“The second pitch is slower. Much slower compared to fast turf of the main stadium, where we played last two matches. You may have even seen him pouring water on the spot before pushing”, he reasoned.

Incidentally, Sardar Singh's father was here to witness Indian match.

The pain of players during and after the match there to see.

At half time, PR Sreejesh, who had another gem of a game today, fell flat on the sidelines, eve leading to swelling but concerned onlookers.

After the match, when defender VR Raghunath was called for a discussion by a media person in the mixed zone, he told he has problem. “Lot of gas problem” he said holding his hands between chest and abdomen.

Stick2Hockey.com

India snap the losing streak

Hold Spain to a draw but semis hopes are all but over with just one point from three games


A Spanish player tries to catch up with an Indian forward during their contest in The Hague on Thursday. FIH

The Hague - India missed a few clear chances, while goalkeeper PR Sreejesh frustrated the Spanish as the Pool A rivals played out a hugely entertaining but ultimately frustrating 1-1 draw.

The result was one that neither team wanted, leaving them well adrift of the teams fighting it out for the top positions in the Pool. Both goals came in the first half, with Rupinder Singh netting a penalty stroke in the 28th minute before Roc Oliva netted a field goal six minutes later. Seven minutes into the match, a timely interception from Spain captain Santi Freixa enabled Roc Oliva to break forward and win a penalty corner, but the Spaniards were thwarted by a fine save from Sreejesh, who had yet another outstanding game. The lively Indian attackers were a constant threat to the Spanish defence, forcing their opponents into a number of important challenges deep in their own circle to protect the goal of Quico Cortes.

The two sides played entertaining hockey throughout the first period, with Sreejesh saving from Salvador Piera before giant India defender Raghunath superbly charged down a Spanish penalty corner.

The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when forward Mandeep Singh forced a rash challenge from Spanish defender Sergi Enrique, with umpire Roel van Eert immediately awarding a penalty stroke. Rupinder Singh made no mistake from the spot, slamming into the bottom left corner to give India a 1-0 lead.

The Indian advantage lasted just six minutes, with Roc Oliva firing into the net from the top of the circle after more terrific play from captain fantastic Freixa.

The frenetic action continued throughout the second half, with the ball racing from one end to the other at breakneck speed.

Freixa continued to stamp his class on the game with a visionary overhead pass to release a racing David Alegre through on goal, but the Spaniard could only send his lobbed effort wide of the target and ended up leaving the field injured after a heavy collision with the onrushing Sreejesh.

Both Sreejesh and Cortes were forced into action on regular occasions in the second half, with Sreejesh making two decent penalty corner saves while Cortes produced a sensational diving stick save to deny Rupinder's goal-bound drag-flick.

Spain and India both had numerous chances to take the points, with Spain's Piera hitting the side netting before Dharamvir Singh rattled a shot into the pads of Cortes five minutes from time.

"In the end it is good to have a point. It is interesting to pick up a point in a game that we played resolutely and both teams could have won. We had hoped to play more openly than we did and I congratulate the Spanish team on taking that away from us," India head coach Terry Walsh said.

The Tribune

India draw with Spain, earn 1st point

THE HAGUE: India earned their first point of the hockey World Cup when they drew their third Group A match against World No.10 Spain 1-1 at the GreenFields Stadium on Thursday.

After losing their opening two matches in the last couple of minutes against Belgium and England, World No.8 India could only manage a draw in their third game.

India broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Rupinder Pal Singh scored off a penalty stroke to put the 1975 champions on the board.

When it looked like India would head into the break with the lead, Spaniard Roc Oliva equalised through a field goal in the 34th minute.

Both teams had many attempts of scoring in the second half but failed to convert the chances to keep the same score till the hooter.

While India are in fifth position in the six-team group with one point from three games, Spain have two points from three matches and are fourth.

India next take on Malaysia Saturday and play their final group match against defending champions Australia Monday.

The Times of India

Sreejesh earns India first points with 1-1 draw against Spain


Spain's David Alegre (right) battles for the ball with India's Dharamvir Singh during their Field Hockey World Cup match in The Hague, Netherlands on Thursday.   

India finally managed to earn their first points in the World Cup Hockey as they held Spain to a 1-1 draw as custodian PR Sreejesh effected at least four brilliant saves.

The Indian goalkeeper fought gallantly to effect numerous saves as Spain’s strikers often broke past the jittery Indian defence only to find Sreejesh standing like a rock.

India went into the lead, for the first time in this World Cup, courtesy a penalty stroke conversion by Rupinder Pal Singh in the 28th minute.

Roc Olivia equalized for Spain with a low flick just one minute before half-time after Sreejesh had blocked two earlier shots at the goal.

Spain forced the first penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Sergi Enrique’s drag flick was stopped by Indian custodian Sreejesh.

At the other end, Rupinder Pal’s long diagonal ball found striker Lalit Upadhyay, but his deflection was way off the target.

The Indian goal came under threat in the 17th minute when Salvador Piera was in a one-on-one position with goalkeeper Sreejesh, who padded away the shot.

Sreejesh was again in action to block the second Spanish penalty corner conceded by erratic Indian defence. India went into the lead on a penalty stroke which was awarded when Dharamvir Singh’s diagonal assist was picked up by Mandeep Singh on top of the circle.

He was tripped from behind by Spanish defender Ramon Alegre as he created space for a shy at the goal. A lapse in their own territory by the Indians allowed Spain to get the equalizer.

Defender V.R. Raghunath lost the ball allowed the Spaniards to build an attack with the Indian half-line out of their positions. Couple of tries by the Spanish strikers were brilliantly parried by Sreejesh before Olivia slotted the ball into the goal.

The Hindu

Fastest World Cup goal for Steve Edwards



Black Sticks midfielder Steve Edwards scored the fastest ever goal at a Hockey World Cup in his side’s 2-1 win over Korea.

Edwards put New Zealand onto the scoreboard just 11 seconds into the match after a tactical charge from the opening whistle saw the Korean defenders outnumbered.

The goal was the fastest at a World Cup, but the fastest overall international goal was just seven seconds by John French for England vs West Germany in 1971.

“We had a set play that we used and we were looking to start well, so both things worked and I was the lucky one to tap it in but really it was a great team goal,” he said.

The Black Sticks currently have two wins from two games at the World Cup and go up against Argentina next up on Friday at 11:00pm (NZ time).

Edwards knows it will be a tough physical encounter but is looking forward to the challenge.

“Argentina are a lot more physical and flamboyant so we need to make sure we don’t get into the hustle and bustle game that they really like.

“You could tell the Germans got frustrated against them in the last game so we need to remain disciplined, stick to our game and the rest will take care of itself.”

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks Women outgunned by Netherlands


Pictured: Stacey Michelsen courtesy Dirk Markgraf, www.265-images.com

The Black Sticks Women have been defeated 2-0 by the Netherlands in front of a huge crowd at the Hockey World Cup in The Hague.

New Zealand fought hard under pressure throughout the match but ultimately the 2012 London Olympic champions proved too strong.

The result means the Black Sticks Women must now win both remaining pool games against Japan and Australia to have a chance of making the semi finals.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was a difficult first half but it was pleasing to regroup and improve as a team in the second half.

“In the first half we weren’t very good at all. We defended ok and Sally was good in the net but we conceded too many PCs and weren’t going forward with the ball,” he said.

“We’re still a chance, we have to beat Japan and need a Dutch win against Aussie. That will mean it comes down to the game between us and Aussie and possibly goal differential.

“It’s a tight competition and you never know, in tournament situations you still have a chance and have to play that way.”

Emily Naylor said the girls scrambled well in the second half and will need to step up in the next must-win game against Japan.

“I think we scrambled well. Our defence was pretty tight in second half and our go forward was better so we will take that into the next game against Japan.

“When we’re aggressive and have a go it works for us. We’re not a team that’s good at sitting back and defending so we’ve got to back ourselves and play with that belief to go forward.”

In front of a packed crowd of 15,000, the Netherlands were fast starters and opened the scoring in just the fourth minute thanks to Carlien Dirske van den Heuvel.

Kiwi goalkeeper Sally Rutherford made some outstanding saves in the first half but couldn’t stop a brilliant deflection through the legs of Kim Lammers to guide the Dutch into halftime up 2-0.

The Black Sticks played a much improved second half, especially on defence and managed to shut their opponents out from adding to the score line.

New Zealand created several good chances and lifted the intensity in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t penetrate the Dutch defence.

The Black Sticks Women play their fourth pool game against Japan on Sunday at 3:30am (NZ time), live on SKY Sport 2.

Meanwhile, the Black Sticks Men are up against Argentina at 11:00pm tonight (NZ time), live on SKY Sport 1.

In other women’s Pool A games today, Australia edged Belgium 3-2 to remain undefeated while Korea and Japan drew 1-1.

BLACK STICKS 0
NETHERLANDS 2: (Carlien Dirske van den Heuvel, Kim Lammers)
Halftime: Netherlands 2-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks into must-win mode at World Cup

The New Zealand women's hockey team are now in must-win mode at the World Cup after being steam-rolled by the Dutch home side this morning.

The Dutch won 2-0, but had birthday girl Sally Rutherford not had such a good game in goal for the Black Sticks it could have been much worse.

After losing to 1-0 to Korea in their second match, New Zealand needed to pick something up from this match which was always going to be tough against the world's top women's team.

New Zealand's cause was made tougher as they conceded early.

The Dutch are well known for their dragflicking from penalty corners, but they surprised the New Zealanders with a deflection option first up.

It worked; in just the fourth minute the Dutch scored through Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel in her 100th test.

New Zealand were completely outplayed in the opening half and were simply unable to put the Dutch under any pressure.

They did, however, keep the hosts out for large periods and as halftime neared, would have been happy to only trail by one.

Rutherford had made a number of handy saves, three of which were diving efforts low on her stick side.

The Dutch were starting to get frustrated before a stunning second goal, albeit a rather lucky one.

A hit-and-hope pass from wide in the 30th minute was met by Kim Lammers on the run who deflected the ball through her own legs and into the top of Rutherford's net to double the home side's lead.

They deserved their halftime buffer, having had 12 clear shots to New Zealand's one. The Kiwis' only half-chance of the first half came in the last minute when Katie Glynn found herself in space in the Dutch circle, but her attempt on goal was comfortably blocked.

The second half was more open as New Zealand searched for goals. The Dutch still dominated and cut down any New Zealand attack, but they too were far from their best.

The world No 1 team will be disappointed they scored just two goals and only one from their seven penalty corners, though their defence was impressive. New Zealand only forced the Dutch goalkeeper into one save, with just eight minutes to go.

Rutherford on the other hand had a far busier 33rd birthday than she would have liked.

And while the New Zealand defence received a pass mark for their effort, the attack was limp.

New Zealand have now gone 166 minutes at this tournament since scoring their last goal.

They now must beat the unbeaten Australians and Japan in their final two matches if they are to have any chance of making the top four and the medal round.

Earlier in the day in New Zealand's group, Australia beat Belgium 3-2 to remain unbeaten while Japan and Korea drew 1-1.

Result: Netherlands 2 (Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel 4, Kim Lammers 30) New Zealand HT: 2-0.

Group A Points: (after three matches) Netherlands 9, Australia 9, Korea 4, New Zealand 3, Japan 1, Belgium 0

Stuff

SA hockey teams need points in Friday’s showdowns in The Hague

JONATHAN COOK in The Hague


Investec SA midfielder Illse Davids knows that the only way is up. Photo: STANISLAS BROCHIER

At the bottom of their respective log tables, there is much to play for when the national teams take the field in Friday’s third round of Group B matches at the World Cup in The Hague, Holland.

The world’s 11th-ranked Investec South Africa women’s hockey team tackle England at 2.30pm in a massive game for both sides.

Underlining the fierce competition at this World Cup, London 2012 Olympic Games bronze medallists and world number three England have suffered a 2-1 loss to world number 10 the USA and a 3-0 shutout by world seven China.

These setbacks have surely sent shockwaves through a side that need to find victory against SA if they are to make a go of living up to their semi-final seeding.

SA, too, have lost two matches from two starts and while the 4-1 defeat by World Cup holders Argentina was not unexpected by the pundits, the same seasoned observers were of the opinion that the girls in green and gold should probably have beaten world six Germany.

SA had more shots at goal than the Europeans and three times as many penalty corners yet a 3-1 defeat was the outcome.

Should super-quick striker Sulette Damons, who missed the first two matches due to injury, be ready it will give the girls in green and gold more penetration against the English.

The world’s 12th-ranked SA men, defeated 4-0 by London 2012 Olympic champs Germany and 5-0 by the world number six New Zealand Black Sticks, face world seven South Korea at 5.30pm and again it’s a massive game for each team.

Both have lost twice from two starts and need to get away from the foot of the table in a hurry.

Korea were shaded 2-1 by both world number three Holland and Group B leaders New Zealand and have more of a right to feel confident going into the clash with the African champions.

Yet the SA men can draw encouragement from their loss to the Black Sticks, as they entered the strike zone more often than their opponents. But that’s where the good news ends. SA’s finishing was poor while the Kiwis succeeded in scoring 50% of the time.

Friday’s assignments are a tough ask for the SA teams, the only truly amateur World Cup sides in The Hague, but if they can right their wrongs it’s certainly not impossible.

SA Hockey Association media release

It’s do or die for Germany

By S. Ramaguru


The Germans will have to beat hosts and favourite Holland, backed by their vociferous fans, in their Group B match on Friday if they want to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup at The Hague. - SS KANESAN/ The Star
   
THE HAGUE: Olympic champions Germany have their backs against the wall when they face one of their toughest opponents – Holland – in a Group B match on Friday.

The clash at the Kyocera Stadium here is crucial for the Germans as they need the points to get back on track for the World Cup semi-finals.

Germany started off impressively, whipping South Africa 4-0. But lost their way in their second match, finding Pan-American champions Argentina too hot to handle and went down 1-0.

With Holland in good form on their home ground, Germany will have their work cut out for them as they seek to get back to winning ways.

Germany coach Markus Wiese was far from pleased with his team’s performance against Argentina as he felt that that they did not create enough chances to get the goals.

“Against Argentina, we deserved to lose. We couldn’t create, no corners, nothing. Our build-up was poor. We couldn’t threaten Argentina’s goal. Lots of things were missing and it wasn’t much of a game,” he said on Thursday.

“If you don’t create more chances, you will not score. The Dutch team played a convincing game against Argentina and are probably the top team here.”

Germany skipper Maximilian Muller agrees with his coach.

“The players only gave 87% against Argentina ... we will not win if we do not give 100%. Holland are a good team and strong. We have to start winning again,” he said.

Germany have qualified for the semi-finals in all the 12 World Cups they have taken part in. They were finalists in three World Cups, winning twice – in 2002 (Kuala Lumpur) and 2006 (Mochengladbach). In 2010, Australia denied them a third title.

Germany also defeated Holland in the final of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The Germans and the Dutch have been touted as the two teams likely to make the last four from Group B.

But it’s New Zealand who are leading the group with six points. They have a better goal difference to Holland, who also have six points.

With Argentina winning on Tuesday, the semi-final race in the group is very much an open affair.

The Germans still have to play against the Kiwis, who themselves still have Holland and Argentina to tackle.

So the Oceania team will have a major hurdle to clear.

With Holland bent on booking their semi-final berth as early as possible, Friday’s match-up against Germany is set to bear all the hallmarks of a classic clash.

The Star of Malaysia

Hometown Holland

For Team USA’s Janneke Schopman and Tjerk Van Herwaarden, traveling to the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in Holland is a homecoming. Schopman only recently moved to Pennsylvania, while Van Herwaarden has been in the U.S. for 9 years. During the globe’s most prestigious hockey event, the pair was excited to show the U.S. squad around their home country and to share with us a local’s view of the nation.

USA Field Hockey: What is a local’s must-do or must-see secret in or around The Hague/Holland?
JS: Madurodam, this is a great place for kids but also for grownups. A miniature Holland with all the famous places from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the rest of the Netherlands.
TV: In the Hague you should definitely visit Scheveningen to take a stroll on the beach or go to Madurodam, a miniature city which is a great place to visit with kids. If you are here during the World Cup, come to the stadium to experience firsthand the Dutch Hockey culture and excitement everyone has here for the game. Young and old, everyone will be part of this World Cup.

USA Field Hockey: What are you favorite Dutch food and suggestions on where to get it?
JS: Haring met uitjes, local fish to be bought in every fish stand in the street; it’s the season. Licorice available in every supermarket. Kroketten en bitterballen available in every snack bar, at hockey clubs or straight from a vending machine in the wall.
TV: Beside the treat, stroopwafel, which is caramel syrup between thin waffles. I would suggest for everyone to try Bitterballen, a dutch snack which is great in the afternoon.

USA Field Hockey: What's your favorite part of summer in the Netherlands?
JS: Long summer evenings eating on a terrace, probably in the month of August.
TV: The summer is a great time in Holland, lots of people will ride their bikes everywhere. The countryside is beautiful and there are lots of great little old towns to visit along the water. Although the beach is nice, the are a bit to crowded to enjoy.

USA Field Hockey: What are your feelings about being back in Holland during the world’s largest hockey event?
JS: For women's hockey it’s the best place to be, playing in either Argentina or Holland. To be able to play here for so many people is great. Also for me, it’s a nice way to be back in my home country and see family and friends. They are all supporting USA now, so we have many more fans!
TV: Very excited, in 1998 I watched every game of the World Cup in Utrecht and being back in my home country and to be part of the USA coaching staff is very special. Holland truly is the no.1. hockey country in the world and they will make sure this event will be an amazing experience for all teams and fans who come to watch the games. Being part of a major hockey event in Holland is a great experience but being part of a World Cup for both men and women is a unique and very special experience.

USA Field Hockey: What's one must-know Dutch phrase to learn and use when traveling through the Netherlands?
JS: Don’t know one, most people understand English here. But to thank people for their help you can say
“Dankjewel."
TV: "Waar is het gezellig?" We are still searching for the right word to translate “gezellig” but it basically means that you are looking for a spot where you can have a great time!

USA Field Hockey: What's the top tourist spot to visit in The Hague/Holland?
JS: Paleis Noordeinde or Panorama van Mesdag. The first is one of the many palaces where our royalty lives. Our former Queen Beatrix used to and still lives in The Hague as now is our King Willem Alexander.Panorama Mesdag is a 360 degrees painting painted by Mesdag, capturing the city of Scheveningen. It is very beautiful, lit by daylight coming from the outside and it almost seems real. A must see!
TV: While in the Hague I would suggest to visit Delft, an old town with a beautiful old historic downtown area. To really get a view of the Netherlands you should visit the keukenhof but all flowers are in bloom in April so we are a bit too late. The Hague is a great city as well with lots of historic buildings, and the beach town of Scheveningen is great to visit on a beautiful day.

USA Field Hockey: What's one thing or place that best captures the essence of Holland in your eyes that you suggest people visit?
JS: Kinderdijk, you’ll see the Dutch windmills and scenery
TV: Amsterdam, a fantastic city, which gives you really a good sense of Holland, and you should go for a drive through the open farm lands, you will see how flat this country is.

USA Field Hockey: Give a little insight into the bike culture in Holland.
JS: In Holland it’s more common to have a bike than not to have a bike. I used my bike almost every day, just to go into town, go to the supermarket or for a little tour to relax.
TV: When we arrived to our practice venue in Delft the team could not get to the field because too many bikes were blocking the entrance (there must be a few hundred), so yes, it really is that popular. I used my bike all the time, go to school, go to the club for practice and to see friends or visit down town. There are special devices here to attached your field hockey stick to you bike so we have a biking culture.

USFHA media release

How does Argentina coach Retegui do it?

By S. Ramaguru


Argentina coach Carlos Retegui is in charge of both the men's and women's hockey teams at the World Cup at The Hague in Holland. - SS KANESAN/ The Star

THE HAGUE: Handling one team is already a major headache for most coaches, more so when they are playing in the World Cup.

So imagine how much more difficult it would be to handle two teams – at the World Cup?

But that’s what Argentina’s Carlos Retegui is doing in The Hague – as head coach of Argentina’s men’s and women’s teams.

The challenges he faces at the World Cup are two-fold, yet he takes it all in his stride.

As coach of the women’s team, who are the defending champions, he has been tasked with managing expectations and recreating the brilliance of the 2010 campaign.

With the men, he is nurturing a team undergoing a rebuilding process and improving over a four-year period.

Retegui is a former international, having played in three Olympics from 1996.

Over the years, though, he has gained a reputation as a good coach.

So, how does he manage two teams at one go?

For him, it’s like a family affair “where I just need to divide my time equally”.

“I know it’s a big challenge. But we are a fully structured organisation. We know what we will be doing every day and every hour with both teams. It is essential that the coaching staff works as a team and, luckily, it feels like that,” said Retegui.

“You have to know how to delegate duties and rely on your assistants. That is what happens to me and it gives me a peace of mind.

“I try and live each day to the fullest.”

On Tuesday, the Argentina men’s team sprang a major upset when they defeated Germany 1-0. They had earlier lost 3-1 to Holland.

Retegui believes that the men’s team have a good chance at making the semi-finals if they can build on the German victory.

“There are still three matches to go ... that’ll give us enough points to make the last four,” he said.

The Argentine women’s team got off to a flyer – thumping South Africa 4-1 – before stumbling to a 2-2 draw with the United States.

The Star of Malaysia

Men’s Over 40 Masters Squad Fights to the Finish against South Africa

Paced by 12 saves from 1996 Olympian Steve Wagner (Philadelphia, Pa.) and a solid defensive back line, the USA Men's Over-40 Masters team stood toe-to-toe against South Africa in the opening game of the 2014 FIH Masters World Cup in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Americans held the South Africans off of the board for the final 45 minutes of the game and pulled within one in the final seconds, but time ran out and South Africa took the three points with a 2-1 victory.

After South Africa got on the board with a goal off a penalty corner in the 14th minute, they doubled their advantage ten minutes later on a strike to take a two-goal lead. From there, the American defense clamped down and kept the opponents off of the board for the remainder of the contest. USA defender Amanmeedt Sandu (Corona, Calif.) notched a defensive save and played crucial minutes in stopping the South African attack.

With time winding down, Team USA's Alvaro Salcedo (Baltimore, Md.) chased down a ball on the sideline in the deep right corner and slotted a brilliant cross into the circle where teammate Binh Hoang (Westlake Village, Calif.) tipped the ball to the roof of the cage for the American tally.

The Over-40 men continue action tomorrow with a match against Australia at 5:00 am EST, while the Over-50 women begin World Cup play against Ireland at the same time. The Over-40 Women, taking on South Africa, and the Over-50 Men, going against England, will round out Team USA play at 9:00 am EST tomorrow.

USFHA media release

Masters O50s Ireland 5-0 USA World Cup

By Jill Jackson

Match Report, Ireland v U.S.A

The Irish Women Over 50’s got off to a great start to their World Cup Campaign today in a blustery Rotterdam, with a 5-0 win over a competitive USA team.

In the first 3 minutes Joan Dobson made a mazy run and slapped the pass to Marian O’Brien who was unlucky to miss the deflection. Following a number of surging attacks by Ireland, Kathy Shaw was delighted to finish a great individual run with her first goal for the over 50’s.

On 14 minutes Kathy Shaw got the second and goal of the game, after good work by Dymphna Hill and Siobhan Glynn. Just before the half time whistle Dymphna Hill scored a second after a fine Kathy Shaw Baseline run.

Early in the second half a slick interchange between Marian O’Brien and Claire Bell set up vice captain Joanne O’Grady for a shot at goal, which the US Keeper deflected. Claire Bell pounced on the rebound and scored. The final goal of the match came after good baseline running again from Claire Bell to put it on a plate for Dee Wallace.

Captain Maggie Hunter had little to do at sweeper in this performance except applaud from the half way line. Coach Ben Epstein would like to improve the short corner conversion rate after 5 corners with no scores.

Next game is Wales on Friday.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Smith Names Squads for Scottish & Italian Series (Women)



Irish National Hockey Coach Darren Smith has named his squads for the upcoming Scottish and Italian series. The squads of 21 and 20 athletes are selected from Smith’s national panel of 25 athletes and is the start of a busy summer period for the team as they continue preparations for the World League 2 set for Dublin in March 2015.

These series will see Loreto’s Hannah Mathews and Pembroke keeper Stella Davis making their debut. Aine Connery returns to the international stage after 15 months and the experienced Alex Speers is back in action in the green jersey for the first times since the Europeans in Belgium August 2013.

Talking about the upcoming series Coach Smith said "We are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch with the new national squad for 2014. All squad members will play over the two series as we look to build toward 2015"

"After the Champions Challenge tournament it will be great to see the girls who played in Glasgow alongside some who narrowly missed selection or were unavailable. The more competition in the squad the better for Arlene, Graham, Mary and I to assess. Scotland will be a tough 2 games as they narrow their focus to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. We expect that they will be fit, drilled and ready to go"

Ireland v Scotland (Glasgow)

June 20th Ireland v Scotland 19.00
June 22nd Ireland v Scotland 12.00

3 Nations: Ireland; Italy; Wales (Mori, Italy)

June 26th Ireland v Italy 17.30
June 27th Ireland v Wales 17.30
 + 1 Test June 29th Ireland v Italy 15.00

Scotland series, 19-22 June 2014

 Emily Beatty (UCD)
 Chloe Brown (Ards)
 Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute)
 Kate Dillon (Railway Union)
 Deirdre Duke (UCD)
 Nikki Evans (UCD)
 Megan Frazer – Captain (Holcombe HC / Ballymoney)
 Shirley McCay (Old Alex)
 Ayeisha Mcferran (GK) (Randalstown)
 Katie Mullan (UCD)
 Stella Davis (GK) (Pembroke Wanderers)
 Ali Meeke (Loreto)
 Yvonne O'Byrne (Cork Harelquins)
 Anna O'Flanagan (UCD)
 Audrey O'Flynn (Hermes)
 Gillian Pinder (UCD)
 Cliodhna Sargent - Vice Captain (Cork Harlequins)
 Emma Smyth (Railway Union)
 Alex Speers (Railway Union)
 Vanessa Surgeoner (Pegasus)
 Chloe Watkins (Club De Campo / UCD)

3 Nations Ireland, Italy, Wales 25-29 June 2014

 Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute)
 Aine Connery (Hermes)
 Nicci Daly (Holcombe / Loreto)
 Kate Dillon (Railway Union)
 Deirdre Duke (UCD)
 Nikki Evans (UCD)
 Megan Frazer – Captain (Holcombe HC / Ballymoney)
 Emma Gray (GK) (Hermes)
 Hannah Matthews (Loreto)
 Stella Davis (GK) (Pembroke Wanderers)
 Ali Meeke (Loreto)
 Yvonne O'Byrne (Cork Harlequins)
 Anna O'Flanagan (UCD)
 Audrey O'Flynn (Hermes)
 Gillian Pinder (UCD)
 Cliodhna Sargent - Vice Captain (Cork Harlequins)
 Emma Smyth (Railway Union)
 Alex Speers (Railway Union)
 Vanessa Surgeoner (Pegasus)
 Chloe Watkins (Club De Campo / UCD)

Irish Hockey Association media release

Canadian development squad splits first two games in Mexico

Shaheed Devji



The Canadian Men's National Development Squad split two close matches against Mexico A and Cuba this week at the Tri-Nations Tournament in Mexico City.

In the first of the two matches, the Mexicans got on the board early in the twenty-third minute as Fracisco Aguilar beat Canadian goalkeeper Tristan Burgoyne (Vancouver, B.C.).

Canada responded well in the thirty-third minute with a goal from James Kirkpatrick (Victoria, B.C.) from a penalty corner and the two teams headed into the half tied at one.

In the second half it was all Mexico, as Aguilar notched his second of the game in the sixteith minute on a penalty corner. That was followed up by a goal from Saul Rangel Oritz, who also beat Burgoyne on a penalty corner.

The final score was 3-1 for Mexico A.

Canada's next match was against Cuba, and the Canadians got off to a great start.

In the sixteenth minute, Matthew Sarmento (Vancouver, B.C.) beat Cuban keeper Leordan Hernandz Alcolea to give Canada its first lead of the trip. Canada held onto the 1-0 lead into the half.

In the second half, Cuba mounted a comeback, starting in the forty-eigth minute on a goal from Yoel Veitia Alfonso on a penalty corner.

Only three minutes later, though, Canada struck again to take the 2-1 lead thanks to a goal from Jannu Mahal (Surrey, B.C.) They would hold on for the victory and the split of the first two games of the series.

Canada takes on Mexico B on Thursday. For full match statistics, click here.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Men’s national team members win title at California Cup

Shaheed Devji



Every year at the end of May, members of the Field Hockey Canada Men’s National Team pack their shorts, sunglasses and sunscreen and head south to sunny Southern California to take part in one of the longest standing field hockey tournaments in the North America, the California Cup (CalCup).

The tournament, which has been running since 1972, features 150 teams in 14 divisions and hosts athletes from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Argent, Holland, Spain, Taiwan, India and more.

And while many of the Canadian have been heading down for more than a decade, winning the tournament has been elusive.

That was until this year.

“I’ve been attending the tournament since I first starting playing for UBC in 2001,” says Men’s National Team goalkeeper David Carter, who was a part of a contingent which took part in this year’s tournament. “It is an extremely well organized event with beautiful weather, big crowds, and a competitive game which is why we’re continually drawn to the tournament."

Carter was joined by Canadian teammates Richard Hildreth, Mark Pearson, Harp Virdi, all of whom represented the San Jose Khalsa in the Men’s Super Division (the highest in the tournament).

Before winning in the tournament final, the Khalsa got by the Los Angeles Tigers in the tournament semi-final, a team which featured current Canadian National Team member Sukhi Panesar, and alumni Rob Short, Ken Pereira and Ranjeev Deol.

“Seeing that this was the first time Hildreth, Pearson, Tupper and I had won this event, it was quite exciting and like a weight lifted off our shoulders,” adds Carter. “This was my 4th Cal Cup final.”

It was the Khalsa’s first championship at the tournament since 1992 and it had a particularly strong Canadian flavour.

“The five of us that went down together have all been playing together since we were quite young,” says Hildreth. “We have a good understanding of how to play together which is important in such a short tournament format.”

Held just an hour outside of Los Angeles at the Moorpark College, California, the tournament is extremely well attended and has a festival atmosphere, making a victory even more meaningful. The winning team also comes away with $5,000 to share.

“Personally, this was the first time I've ever won Cal Cup in about four or five tries,” says Hildreth. “Many people say that it is one of the most difficult trophies to win in all of North American sports. So it is a nice feeling to finally win this elusive trophy.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

James’ double seals Army Big-4 spot

Nigel Simon


Shandy Carib Magnolias players are all smiles after capturing the T&T Hockey Board Trinity Women’s Division title after defeating Harvard Checkers 3-1 in their penultimate match at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Saturday. Photo: Courtesy Sean Olton

National midfielder Marcus James scored in each half as Defence Force trounced Fatima 4-0 to clinch the final spot for the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division “Big-Four” Tournament at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Wednesday.

Defence Force started the match with 19 points, one ahead of Courts Malvern which had played two matches more and knew it would have secured the remaining spot with a win.

And within 11 minutes of the flick-off, veteran Anthony Morales cooled the nerves of his commrades with the opener while Ryan Chin doubled the advantage in the 26th before James got his first in the 35th-minute to put his team in command.

James’ 53rd minute item, his second of the match, was the lone goal in the second half.

The win improved the “Teteron Boys” to 22 points and two matches left against Paradise and Fatima while Paradise also faces Malvern to end the league series ahead of the Big-Four flick off on June 11 at Tacarigua.

In addition to Defence Force, the other qualifiers for the “Big-Four” are league champions Notre Dame, runner-up Queen’s Park and dethroned champions, Petrotrin.

On Monday, Shandy Carib Magnolias brushed off its failure to land the Women’s title with a 2-1 victory over Notre Dame.

With Paragon blanking Notre Dame 2-0 on Saturday to claim its first women’s league title in over two decades, Magnolias knew it could finish no lower than second and fell behind to a Vanessa Chewitt 32nd-minute goal.

Brianna Govia and Brittney Hingh scored in the 41st and 45th minutes respectively to give Magnolias victory, to end with 20 points from its ten matches, two behind Paragon, the reigning “Big-Four” title-holders.

Meanwhile, the last title to be decided in the T&THB League this season, the Girls Under-19 competition, will be determined with joint table-toppers Magnolias and Notre Dame on Saturday at Tacarigua from 3.30 pm.

Currently, Magnolias and Notre Dame, both have maximum 15 points from five matches, but Magnolias has a superior goal-difference of plus-31 to the Dames’ plus-15 and will clinch the crown with a draw while the latter needs nothing less than full points.

Results

Wednesday
Men’s Championship:
Defence Force 4 (Marcus James 35th, 53rd, Anthony Morales 11th, Ryan Chin 26th) vs Fatima 0

Monday
Women’s Championship:
Magnolias 2 (Brianna Govia 41st, Brittney Hingh 45th) vs Notre Dame 1 (Vanessa Chewitt 32nd)

Fixtures
Saturday
Venue: National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua:
Under-19 Boys: Paragon vs Raiders, 2 pm
Under-19 Girls: Magnolias vs Notre Dame, 3.30 pm

Venue: Dwight Yorke Stadium, Training Field, Bacolet
Men’s Championship: Paradise vs Malvern, 8.30 am
Trinity Women: Malvern vs Paradise, 10 am
Trinity Men: Malvern vs Paradise, 1 pm
Under-19 Boys: Malvern vs Paradise

Sunday:
Venue: National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua
Under-19 Girls: Ventures vs Malvern, 2.30 pm
Men’s Championship: Defence Force vs Paradise, 4 pm

Standings
Men’s Championship
Teams P W D L F A Pts
Notre Dame 14 10 1 3 42 20 31
QPCC 14 9 1 4 37 25 28
Petrotrin 14 8 1 5 40 23 25
D/Force 12 7 1 4 30 27 22
Malvern 13 6 0 7 24 32 18
Paragon 14 4 2 8 39 44 14
Fatima 13 3 1 9 15 35 10
Paradise 12 2 1 9 18 38 7
 
Women’s Championship
Paragon 10 7 1 2 19 9 22
Magnolias 10 6 2 2 29 15 20
Malvern 10 5 1 4 20 20 16
Notre Dame 10 3 3 4 24 21 12
Checkers 10 2 3 5 8 13 9
Ventures 10 1 2 7 11 33 5

The Trinidad Guardian

Congratulations Scott Goodheart

Congratulations to former French National Men's coach, Scott Goodheart and his wife Sophie on the birth of twin girls Maisie and Lulu yesterday at 12:15 pm at the St John of God Subiaco Hospital, Perth, Australia.