News 08 June 2014
All the news for Sunday 8 June 2014
Belgium Lions win the battle of the Reds, India nab first win, Five-star Australia drop England
Belgium take step nearer semi-finals, India drop Malaysia, Kookaburras undefeated
(Photo: Van Berkum Fotografie)
It's Day 7 here in The Hague, Netherlands at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup. The first match up for today in Pool A saw Belgium put out a spirited Spain team. Tanguy Cosyns buried two penalty corners for Belgium while Spain fought until the end under the leadership of captain Santi Freixa. India edged Malaysia 3-2 thanks to a two-goal performance from Akashdeep Singh. Also playing today are England and Australia (16:00 CET).
POOL STANDINGS
MEN Pool A: Spain v Belgium 2-5 (0-3)
In a feisty game that saw three yellow cards, five goals and an interminable number of referrals, Belgium cemented their reputation as a goal-scoring nation with a 2-5 win over a battling Spanish team.
Proving that they are not a one-man scoring team, Tanguy Cosyns, Alexandre de Saedeleer and John-John Dohmen all got their names on the score-sheet, with Cosyns scoring twice, both times spectacularly well-taken penalty corners. Although Spain scored two late consolation goals in the 58th and 66th minutes, through Eduard Tubau and captain Santi Freixa, the match was already beyond them.
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MEN Pool A: India v Malaysia 3-2 (1-0)
Akashdeep Singh scored two superb second half goals to help India claim a 3-2 win over Asian rivals Malaysia in front of yet another big crowd at a sun-drenched GreenFields Stadium. The result gives India their first win of the tournament and takes their Pool A tally to four points, moving them up to fourth place in the standings. Malaysia sit at the bottom of the pool and remain without a point.
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MEN Pool A: England v Australia 0-5 (0-3)
The game was just 24 seconds old when Australia opened their account against England in the third pool B match of the day. Matt Gohdes took advantage of a turnover by GlennTurner and slammed the ball past George Pinner in the England goal to signal the start of a 5-0 demolition job that left England stunned and demoralised.
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For schedules, scores, highlights and more visit: www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Belgium turn up late for Korea's party, Punt bags two in New Zealand win, Netherlands continue undefeated
Park Mihyun finds her range as Red Panthers wilt in the sun, Black Sticks puts away Cherry Blossoms, Hockeyroos take first loss
(Photo: Stanislas Brochier)
It is Day 7 of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 and we are back to the women's Pool A matches. This morning Korea earned two goals from Mihyun Park to down Belgium 4-2. Also happening today are Japan playing New Zealand (17:30 CET), while the Netherlands will play Oceania champs Australia (19:45 CET).
POOL STANDINGS
WOMEN Pool A: Korea v Belgium 4-2 (1-1)
A game in which Korea's top scorer Park Mihyun rediscovered her form was nearly overshadowed by a controversial start to the second half as the Belgium team were not on the pitch when the whistle blew. A race between the Korea forwards and the Belgium team saw all the field players race to the circle, followed a few seconds later by goalkeeper Aisling D'Hooghe. Fortunately for the Belgium side, Korea did not capitalise on that occasion. Less fortunate for Belgium was the fact that Korea's inspirational forward Park Mihyun opened her World Cup scoring account with two goals, and two more goals from the excellent Cheon Eunbi saw Korea win 4-2 to take all three points.
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WOMEN Pool A: Japan v New Zealand 1-4 (0-1)
New Zealand kept alive their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup courtesy of a 4-1 triumph over Asian Champions Japan in the GreenFields Stadium. Anita Punt netted twice in the contest as the Black Sticks claimed their second win of the tournament and moved onto six points in Pool A, three points behind frontrunners the Netherlands and Australia, who play each other in this evening's showpiece match in the Kyocera Stadium. A win for either the host nation or the Hockeyroos would keep New Zealand very much in the running, while a draw would end New Zealand hopes of reaching the semis.
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WOMEN Pool A: Australia v Netherlands 0-2 (0-0)
On a day when the big guns needed to perform, the Dutch superstars were found wanting for the first 55 minutes of the game. Uncharacteristic errors across the pitch and two Maartje Paumen misses at penalty corners kept the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats. It took an absolute gem of a shot from Kelly Jonker, which was just tipped in by Kim Lammers, and a fine sole effort from Naomi van As to secure a 2-0 win over a hugely competitive Australia team.
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Pool-play action continues tomorrow, 8 June, with USA playing Germany (14:30 CET), England facing Argentina (16:00 CET), and China playing South Africa (17:30 CET). For schedules, scores, highlights and more visit www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Dutch defeat for ’Roos
Spirited Hockeyroos go down 2-0 to hosts the Netherlands
Ashleigh Nelson is challenged by Ellen Hoog. Photo credit: Grant Treeby / Treeby Images
The Hockeyroos will face trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand on Monday with their World Cup destiny still in their own hands after a pulsating match against the hosts, the Netherlands, ultimately ended in a narrow 2-0 defeat for the Australian women.
Kim Lammers’ near post deflection midway through the second half gave the Dutch the lead before Naomi Van As’s late strike made it 2-0.
It might have been a different outcome but for the heroics of home goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek, whose athleticism and reflexes thwarted Emily Hurtz, Jodie Kenny and Anna Flanagan as Australia came out of the traps quickly. The Hockeyroos’ energy and pressing attack had already caused the Olympic champions problems in the opening few minutes with Georgie Parker creating an early sight of goal before Emily Hurtz saw her deflection fly over the top.
In a pulsating encounter, the Hockeyroos were also made to work hard in defence with captain Madonna Blyth, Kenny and Kirstin Dwyer all making telling interceptions in the first period. At the other end, Kenny and Flanagan found the Dutch defence determined to prevent them from displaying their penalty corner prowess.
In the second half, Dutch set piece expect Maartje Paumen fired two corners wide of Ashlee Wells’ left post before teammate Kelly Jonker missed the target with a back post deflection. But with 57 minutes on the clock Lammers struck, finishing off a flowing counter attack after Australian Ashleigh Nelson had seen her tomahawk shot deflected wide. As the Hockeyroos pushed for a way back into the game they were grateful to Wells for a good double save. With five minutes remaining, however, the outcome was settled as Van As drove right inside the circle and fired home for 2-0.
Despite the defeat, the nature of the Australian performance pleased Head Coach Adam Commens, who said, “It was a fantastic match and a great advertisement for women’s hockey. Both teams played some really enterprising hockey. I thought, particularly in the second half, the Dutch team held the ball really well, moved it around the pitch nicely and they went with real power on the counter.
“I thought that in the first half our girls played a very spirited game. They worked hard, they were low in the contests and when they won the ball they moved it quite well and a lot cleaner than they had in the previous matches, so a great match for women’s hockey and a fantastic spectacle.
“In international hockey, and when you look at the great match we had last night between the Netherlands and Germany [men’s sides], you have to take your chances. Unfortunately, we didn’t take ours tonight and the Dutch were able to take theirs and they were very well taken at that, as well.”
Captain Madonna Blyth added, “It was most definitely our best game of the tournament so far and probably some of the best hockey we’ve played against the Dutch over the last couple of years. It was a pretty high paced match and we had to work pretty hard, and obviously when we’re trying to get a goal back it gets a bit scrappy at the end. I thought our girls did really well and if we play like that moving forward we should have some great results.”
The Hockeyroos can guarantee their place in next Thursday’s semi finals with victory over New Zealand on Monday (6:30pm AEST). Should they draw that match, they will require the Netherlands to either draw with or beat Korea, who sit two points behind them.
Rabobank Hockey World Cup
The Hague, Netherlands
Pool A | Match 4
HOCKEYROOS 0 (0)
-
NETHERLANDS 2 (0)
Kim Lammers 57 (FG)
Naomi Van As 65 (FG)
Pool A (all played four games, one to play)
1. Netherlands – 12 points
2. Australia – 9 points
3. Korea – 7 points
4. New Zealand – 6 points
5. Japan – 1 point
6. Belgium – 0 points
Pool B (all played three games, two to play)
1. Argentina – 7 points
2. USA – 7 points
3. Germany – 4 points
4. China – 4 points
5. South Africa – 3 points
6. England – 0 points
Hockeyroos’ squad v Netherlands
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 283/65 [28]
Eddie Bone (Evatt, ACT) 44/2 [26]
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 207/44 [25]
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 128/28 [22]
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 110/55 [26]
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 43/4 [22]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 152/61 [27]
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 60/16 [25]
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 90/36 [21]
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 35/0 [24]
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 80/24 [22]
Used Substitute
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 45/4 [21]
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 52/2 [25]
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 82/30 [24]
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 99/1 [24]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 128/23 [22]
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 98/1 [29]
Unused Substitute
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 107/0 [27]
Hockey Australia media release
Semi final secured
Kookaburras confirm their spot in World Cup semis with victory over England
Kieran Govers celebrates his wonder goal for 4-0. Photo credit: Grant Treeby / Treeby Images
The Kookaburras swept into the semi finals of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup with a stunning 5-0 victory over England in The Hague on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Gohdes’ early strike inside the opening 30 seconds set the tone for a feast of goals in a first half that finished with Kieran Govers scoring one of the goals of the tournament (video below), knocking a Mark Knowles aerial pass into the goal with just one second of the half remaining.
In between, two of Australia’s most decorated players – Athens Olympic gold medallists Liam De Young and Jamie Dwyer – showed they still know where the goal is with De Young knocking home a penalty corner rebound and Dwyer finishing from close range after Jake Whetton’s unselfish pass across goal.
Aran Zalewski’s surging run through the heart of the English defence just three minutes after the re-start made it 5-0 to the men in green and gold, who had further chances to extend their lead but were ultimately denied by several late blocks.
The result takes the Kookaburras on to 12 points with one pool match remaining. Their nearest challengers Belgium are three points behind with England a further two back on seven. England and Belgium meet on Monday to decide the other semi finalist from Pool A while the Kookaburras play India the same day.
After the match, Ric Charlesworth admitted he would have settled for a draw.
He said, “When I came to the ground I would have been happy with a draw because that was enough for us to qualify for the main games.
“We got a good start. In fact, the first quarter of the game was a bit of an arm wrestle, a bit of a struggle. We gave away a corner but I think that progressively we played better. I would have liked to finish more chances in the second half. We had many more chances in the second half than the first half but one goal, it’s crazy.
“I’m happy with the way the team played. I’m happy that our players are fit. We now have the opportunity of a long break before the semi final but the next game [against India on Monday] is important for us to play well again and start preparing for what will be a semi final next Friday.”
When asked about Govers’ goal on the stroke of half time, Charlesworth labelled it, “terrific, brilliant, great, [a] great spectacle, brilliant skill.”
He added, “Fergus [Kavanagh], who is in fact a defender, scored a similar goal in the final of the Champions Trophy in 2009 and it was front page of the newspapers in Melbourne where they’re mad about football so that was a stunning goal, too. This was a very good one.
“I was angry with our players in one of our games earlier [in the tournament] because with 15 seconds to go they stopped trying to score. When you have the ball with 15 seconds to go you’ve got to try and get in the circle and I was glad that Mark [Knowles] threw the pass and that the finish was, of course, terrific, brilliant, great, [a] great spectacle, brilliant skill.”
The Kookaburras had chances to extend the margin of victory but Glenn Turner, Govers, Chris Ciriello and Jamie Dwyer all saw efforts blocked by the English defence.
Speaking about his goal, Kieran Govers said, “We got a bit of a rocket from Ric [Charlesworth] the other day for not staying switched on until the half time whistle and we know with Knowlesy [Mark Knowles] on the ball you’ve got to look out. Really, GT [Glenn Turner] was having words with one of the full backs so I went over to see what he was saying and the ball just popped over so I just whacked it in the goal. It was pretty good!”
Australia’s final pool match is against India on Monday (1:00pm local time / 9:00pm AEST). A draw or victory will guarantee their progress as the Pool A winner. Only a Belgian victory over England and a defeat to India, with a substantial goal swing, would see them go through as Pool A runner-up.
With Pool B a day behind, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Argentina and Germany are all still in the running to progress to the final four from the other half of the draw.
The men’s World Cup semi finals take place on Friday 13 June at 3:15pm local time (11:15pm AEST) and 6:00pm local time (2:00am AEST on 14 June).
Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Pool A | Match 4
Kookaburras 5 (4)
Matt Gohdes 1 (FG)
Liam De Young 13 (PC)
Jamie Dwyer 29 (FG)
Kieran Govers 35 (FG)
Aran Zalewski 38 (FG)
England 0 (0)
-
Pool A (all played four games, one to play)
1. Australia - 12 points
2. Belgium – 9 points
3. England – 7 points
4. India – 4 points
5. Spain – 2 points
6. Malaysia – 0 points
Pool B (all played three games, two to play)
1. Netherlands – 9 points
2. New Zealand – 6 points
3. Argentina – 6 points
4. Germany – 3 points
5. Korea – 1 point
6. South Africa – 1 point
Kookaburras’ squad v England
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 67/0 [27]
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 137/79 [28]
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 88/4 [30]
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 91/26 [24]
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 90/44 [26]
Rob Hammond (Townsville, QLD) 253/28 [33]
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 236/20 [30]
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 182/14 [29]
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 212/54 [27]
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 147/46 [27]
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 109/78 [30]
Used Substitute
Liam De Young (Brisbane, QLD) 309/35 [32]
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 318/205 [35]
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 14/3 [21]
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 25/0 [27]
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 104/5 [24]
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 59/24 [22]
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 34/4 [23]
Hockey Australia media release
World number one too strong for England
England fell to their first defeat at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup earlier today at the hands of world number one side Australia. The Kookaburras put four goals past England in the first 35 minutes and despite an improved second half performance there was no way back for Bobby Crutchley’s side against a quality opposition.
The result leaves England third in Pool A and means they must beat second placed Belgium on Monday night in their final group game if they are to progress to the semi finals.
Speaking after the game England Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said, "We didn’t start well and that’s frustrating. When you’re forced to chase the game against someone like Australia it becomes harder and harder. When you’re chasing you are sometimes not quite good enough on the ball and in those hot conditions it becomes a real struggle. We then lost another goal before half time through a lack of concentration and that really put us on the back foot.”
“The good thing is our players really stood up in the second half and worked hard. They stood together which was great but we have to be far better at the start of a game and much more competitive.”
England Captain Barry Middleton was keen to look ahead to playing Belgium on Monday, “We won’t do anything too different from what we’ve done in the whole tournament or the last 12 months. We’ll go away and pick ourselves up from this. It’s disappointing now, but ultimately it makes no difference going into the Belgium game. We know what we have to do. We’ve played them enough over the last twelve months to know what to expect and I’m sure they know what to expect from us. It comes down to who plays well on the day and who fights in and around both circles, which is where we let ourselves down today. We need to make improvements on those things for Monday.”
In the other Pool A games of the day Belgium beat Spain 5-2 whilst India came out on top against Malaysia in a tight game which ended 3-2.
England were immediately put on the back foot by Australia in the opening minute as Matt Gohdes scored for the Kookaburras. Just a few minutes later the England team had a great opportunity to equalise in what would turn out to be perhaps their best opportunity in the game. East Grinstead’s Mark Gleghorne produced a good drag-flick off an England penalty corner, however Andrew Charter, made an important early save.
It was in the 13th minute that the Kookaburras extended their lead to 2-0; a Liam De Young score from a penalty corner rebound earned him his 35th career goal for the men in gold.
Ric Charlesworth's side were in scintillating form and England, despite getting plenty of possession never really threatened Charter in goal. Australia, on the other hand, had many opportunities to extend their lead but some good defending from Nick Catlin and Henry Weir prevented any further goals with just 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Kookaburras third goal came, in the 29th minute, courtesy of five times former FIH Player of the Year, Jamie Dwyer. Despite England’s referral for potential dangerous play, the video umpire saw no reason to amend the decision and the goal stood.
It was Australia’s fourth goal in the 34th minute that was without question the most impressive of the match. A beautiful arial ball into the circle found Kieran Govers who made a spectacular touch that volleyed the ball into the back of the net, past Pinner, seconds before the half-time whistle blew.
In the second half it took Australia two minutes longer to get on the score sheet than it did in the first; this time it was Kookaburras’ Aran Zalewski adding his first goal of the tournament on the 38th minute.
There were several chances for Australia to extend their lead even further, with Jamie Dwyer in particular coming close to a second goal, but England stepped up their performance to keep the Kookaburras at bay.
Despite the improved performance from Crutchley's side the damage had already been done and the Kookaburras secured a convincing 5-0 victory and a place in the World Cup Semi Finals.
England men’s next game is a must win meeting against Belgium on Monday at 1845 (BST). England’s women play tomorrow in their fourth Pool B game against Argentina at 1500 (BST).
ENGLAND 0 (0)
AUSTRALIA 5 (4)
Matt Gohdes 1 (FG)
Liam De Young 13 (PC)
Jamie Dwyer 29 (FG)
Kieran Govers 35 (FG)
Aran Zalewski 38 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Unbeaten Aussies thrash England 5-0 to top group
The Hague - The game was just 24 seconds old when Australia opened their account against England in the third pool B match of the day. Matt Gohdes took advantage of a turnover by GlennTurner and slammed the ball past George Pinner in the England goal to signal the start of a 5-0 demolition job that left England stunned and demoralised.
That England met Australia on a day where every ball seemed to bounce kindly for them was unfortunate for the world number four side, and there is a growing sense that Ric Charlesworth's men are not only playing well, but they are also improving with each match and, perhaps more importantly, revelling in the atmosphere that has been created at this 2014 World Cup.
On 13 minutes Liam de Young doubled the Australian lead through a penalty corner, and with the clock approaching the half hour, Jamie Dwyer (30') was on hand to tap in a cross from the tenacious Jacob Whetton. The most audacious goal of the day came on the stroke of half time. Mark Knowles threw a terrific aerial ball from just beyond the half-way line and, as it started its trajectory into the circle, and unmarked Kieran Govers was on hand to trap it mid-air and angle it past Pinner into the goal. The England goalkeeper was furious with his defence, but there was a feeling that this was a day when all Australia touched would turn to gold. As with many of the Australia games this tournament, there was an easing of pressure in the second half. Only one goal was scored, this time fromAran Zawelski (38'), who turned and shot home with precision and power.
In a feisty game that saw three yellow cards, five goals and an interminable number of referrals, Belgium cemented their reputation as a goal-scoring nation with a 2-5 win over a battling Spanish team.
Proving that they are not a one-man scoring team, Tanguy Cosyns, Alexandre de Saedeleer and John-John Dohmen all got their names on the score-sheet, with Cosyns scoring twice, both times spectacularly well-taken penalty corners. Although Spain scored two late consolation goals in the 58th and 66th minutes, through Eduard Tubau and captain Santi Freixa, the match was already beyond them.
"Belgium played better than us," said Spain's coach Salvador Indurain. "We are still building this team. There have been changes to our team in recent years and we are still in transition. We cannot make excuses such as a lack of funding, we are just finding our way at the moment." Talking about the disallowed goal, Indurain said that he accepted the decision and thought the umpires had done well in the way they had dealt with some difficult situations." "It was the case against Malaysia and the case today that I scored from penalty corners and I am happy with that," said two-goal hero Cosyns. Belgium coach Marc Lammers added: "We will look at our defence before the game against England, because we are letting some goals in. But we are scoring goals so I am not overly worried."
Akashdeep Singh scored two goals in the space of three minutes to set up India's 3-2 victory over Malaysia in the men's hockey World Cup on Saturday. Jasjit Singh Kular opened the scoring for India in the 13th minute and Malaysia equalised in the 45th with a penalty corner conversion by Mohammad Razie before Akashdeep got into the goal-scoring act, which helped his team post its first win of the tournament.
Akashdeep first applied the finishing touch to Rupinder Pal Singh fine run on a counter-attack by deflecting in a diagonal cross into the boards in the 49th minute. Two minutes later, he picked up a pass from captain Sardar Singh inside the circle and slammed the ball past the desperate goalkeeper. Malaysia reduced the lead in the 61st minute when Marhan Jalil fired in on a rebound from Indian goalkeeper P R Sreejesh on a breakaway move.
India wasted several scoring opportunities, but also had to depend on their defenders to keep out the dangerous Malaysian raids in the closing stages..
POINT TABLE
Group A
Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Australia 4 4 0 0 15 1 14 12
Belgium 4 3 0 1 15 9 6 9
England 4 2 2 1 5 7 -2 7
India 4 1 1 2 7 8 -1 4
Spain 4 0 2 2 4 10 -6 2
Malaysia 4 0 0 4 4 15 -11 0
Group B
Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Netherlands 3 3 0 0 6 2 4 9
New Zealand 3 2 0 1 8 4 4 6
Argentina 3 2 0 1 5 4 1 6
Germany 3 1 0 2 4 2 2 3
Korea 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1
South Africa 3 0 1 2 0 9 -9 1
The Nation
Aussies first to check into World Cup semis
By S. Ramaguru
Australia's Matt Gohdes (left) celebrates his goal with Glenn Turner during the World Cup group stage match against England at The Hague on Saturday. Australia won 5-0. - EPA
THE HAGUE: Australia became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the hockey World Cup.
The defending champions won their fourth straight game in Group A when they defeated England 5-0 in The Hague, Holland, on Saturday. That gave the Australians the maximum 12 points and a place in the semis with a game to spare. They play India today to wrap up their fixtures.
Despite a healthy five-goal win, Australia coach Ric Charlesworth felt they could have scored more against England.
“When I came to the ground I would have been happy with a draw.
“The first quarter of the game was a bit of an arm wrestle, but then we scored the goals. I would have liked to have seen more chances put away in the second half,” said Charlesworth.
Charlesworth was also not happy with the team’s penalty corner conversion rate.
Out of the 19 penalty corners in the four matches, the Australians only managed to convert only three.
“The penalty corners are not working. We are looking into that as it has been a cause for concern for us,” said Charlesworth.
The Australians, though, have an impressive record – scoring 15 goals in four matches and conceding only one. Only Belgium managed to score against them.
England occupy third place in the group with seven points, while Belgium are second on nine points.
The battle for the second semi-final spot is a direct fight between England and Belgium. The two sides play each other in the last match today.
Said England coach Bobby Crutchley: “Our destiny is in our hands.
“We need to beat Belgium to make the last four. It was a tough match against the Australians.
“We were chasing the game and that was hard work. I thought some of our players stood up really well towards the end. There was a lack of concentration at the start and end of the first half and we gave them two goals.”
The Star of Malaysia
England's World Cup hopes in the balance after Australia put them to the sword
England's Hockey World Cup dreams rest on beating Belgium on Monday after a 5-0 thrashing by Australia
By Rod Gilmour, in The Hague
On the brink of an exit: England's Michael Hoare Photo: EPA
England’s World Cup hopes rest on a virtual quarter-final clash on Monday against Belgium, one of the rising forces in world hockey, after holders Australia coasted to an emphatic 5-0 victory here against Bobby Crutchley’s side, which included one of the finest goals in recent memory.
Australia were superior from the start here – no doubt buoyed by England’s surprising decision to play two warm-up games against the world champions at Bisham Abbey a week before the tournament, winning both – as they scored one of the quickest World Cup goals in a ruthless, clinical display.
England’s usually solid defence simply couldn't cope. After Matt Gohdes’ opener inside 30 seconds, Liam de Young touched home from close range before Jamie Dwyer, Australia’s record goalscorer, lashed a third as England’s video referral for a dangerous swing and a miss from Matthew Swann went unfounded.
Just before the hooter, captain Mark Knowles sent a pinpoint, 50-yard aerial pass into the D where an unmarked Andrew Charter nonchalantly volleyed past George Pinner from shoulder height.
It was a wonderful goal, which perfectly summed up Australia’s free-flowing first-half. Even Ric Charlesworth, the great Australian coach, hailed it as “a brilliant finish and a great spectacle.”
Such was their grip, that Australia’s record 10-0 win over England, in 1997, looked under threat, but England thankfully stemmed the tide after Aran Zalewski was allowed to take two touches through an open defence, smashing home a fifth.
The lack of goals remain a concern, but there were bright moments in possession against Australia, notably from ball carrier Nick Catlin, fresh from taking a law exam in Rotterdam before the match.
Dan Fox, the England defender, said: “You know Australia will always come at you hard and we just weren’t ready for those individual battles. We pride ourselves one-on-one, but we were rubbish.
“They are the best team in the world as they are so quick on to the ball. Typically we stay with them for long periods and cause them trouble, but today we didn’t.”
England, whose defeat was their first in 10 tournament matches this year, must now beat a Belgium side who have mustered an impressive 15 goals from their four group games. They have also leaked nine, which leaves the encounter wide open.
A win for Crutchley’s side would almost certainly mean a semi-final clash against Holland. However, judging by the raucous atmosphere created by the 15,000 sell out each time the Dutch play at the impressive Kyocera Stadium, England’s chances of reaching a second World Cup final look decisively slim.
Tom Boon, the Belgian forward who has notched four goals this week, said ahead of Monday evening’s final group game: “It will be tough but we are confident and scoring lots of goals. We are good in attack and creating more chances than other teams.”
Meanwhile, Marc Lammers, Belgium’s coach, remained cautious of England’s midfield trio of Catlin, Barry Middleton and Ashley Jackson.
“They are a very important part of their team,” he said. “They are better than last year but we can get through if we use our physical strength.”
The Telegraph
Pelliat hits hat-trick to seal Argie win
Manuel Brunet of Argentina is closed down by two New Zealand players during their World Cup Group B match at The Hague on Friday. Argentina won 3-1. - EPA
THE HAGUE: Argentina penalty corner drag flicker Gonzalo Pelliat single-handedly destroyed New Zealand in a crucial Group B match at the Kyocera Stadium at The Hague.
Pelliat struck a second-half penalty corner hat-trick to help Argentina down New Zealand 3-1 for their second win in three matches.
Although New Zealand went into Friday’s match as group leaders, the Pan American champions, who stunned Germany 1-0 on Tuesday, had other ideas.
After a goalless first half, the game came alive with both sides going at it earnestly.
Argentina earned their first penalty corner in the 44th minute and Pelliat was on target.
The Kiwis hit back five minutes later through a deflected goal by Stephen Jenness.
But Pelliat had the last say – finding the target with the next two penalty corners in the 51st and 63rd minutes for a 100% conversion rate.
The win puts Argentina level on points with both New Zealand and hosts Holland at six, but are placed third due to inferior goal difference. The Kiwis still top the group on better goal difference with Holland yet to play Germany in the later match at posting time.
The Star of Malaysia
Netherlands women enter semifinals with 2-0 win over Australia
THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Olympic silver medalists The Netherlands stormed into the semifinals of the women's hockey World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia at the Kyocera Stadium.
Kim Lammers opened the scoring in the 57th minute of the fast-paced encounter on Saturday when she darted into the scoring circle from the left flank and scored with a firm reverse hit that deflected in off the goalkeeper.
Naomi an As Put the issue beyond Australia in the 65th minute when she scored with a deft placement after receiving the ball from a free hit inside the circle.
The Netherlands now have 12 points from four matches and are assured of a spot in the semifinals from Group A. Australia are on nine points, followed by South Korea on seven and New Zealand on six.
South Korea stayed in the third spot after registering a 4-2 victory over Belgium, who have now lost all their four matches.
Cheon Eun-bi and Park Mi-hyun scored two field goals each to shape the Korean win, after they fell 1-2 behind five minutes into the second session.
Jill Boon and Alix Gerniers scored a goal each in open play for Belgium.
New Zealand posted a 4-1 win over Japan, who have one point from four games.
For New Zealand, Anita Punt scored twice, while Sophie Cocks and Katie Glynn contributed one goal each. Japan's only goal was scored by Yuri Nagai.
The Times of India
Akash's brace help India to beat Malaysia 3-2
s2h Team
Akash's brace help India to beat Malaysia 3-2 Two goals in three minutes by youngster Akashdeep Singh helped India post its first win here in the World Cup.
In a tough match, in which India showcased its dominance, Akash sent a gem of a pass by Sardar Singh between his legs to bemuse otherwise rival goalie Kumar Subramaniam, to take lead second time in the match. The goal came moments after India conceded a penalty corner and survived. In the counter, its Sardar who engineered a move from near his own D to other before passing a hard push towards circle, which Akash capitalized. The score that time was 2-1, time 49th minute.
Earlier, India got its goal following a failed penalty corner attempt. However, 24-year old Jasjit Kular struck his first international goal to break the ice in the 14th minute. Indian forwards got numerous opening thanks to hardworking midfield and defence splitting passes by Rupinder Pal Singh, but they missed. SV Sunil in particular is culprit of two sitters. He also messed up a good solo of him, hitting wide in a clear cage midway in the second half.
However, 11 minutes after half time, Rahim Razie struck for Malaysia (1-1). His shot off the penalty corner was well anticipated by PR Sreejesh, but it bounced back of him, he swung his stick to clear before the ball crosses the goaline, but did not connect.
Then came the Akashdeep Singh's first goal in the 49th minute much to the relief of good Indian support.
The Malaysian bench went for a referral, but Indian goal stood to tv scrutiny.
Within three minutes, Akashdeep gave a good finish to a combined counter to give India 3-1 lead.
Ten minutes later, Marhan Jalil punctured India to make it a fight (3-2), and the fears Indian shortcoming of closing down the matches started haunting.
India survived those remaining nine minutes with caution and aggression.
"We should have scored 2,3 more goals in the first half, said jubilant coach Terry Walsh
"We are definitely improving" said captain Sardar Singh
Stick2Hockey.com
Terry Walsh: We are getting closer and closer
Analysing the victory of India over Asian-rival Malaysia, Indian coach Terry Walsh says that the Indian team is improving after each match here, and felt the team is getting closer to its target becoming a world power.
"We are improving, we gave very very decent performances notwithstanding results. Today we got the result, three points".
Beyond winning he felt the full points will give definite booster to the team.
"We needed a victory today and got it, its good", he said
However, he also felt that the team could have done better in the scoring department.
"We could have put out some more goals when we dominated, but it was not to be. Lest we need not have come across press subsequently", he asserted.
Regarding next match against Australia, he felt it is a challenge. "We are an up and coming team. Meeting Australia in such a big tournament is an opportunity as well as challenge. We need to defend strongly and hope we do it".
If you ask me whethere we can make history by defeating Australia, my answer is definitely no
Because, I understand the reality, and respect that"
"But at the same time, if you ask whether we have potential to defeat Australia, my answer is definite yes", Terry said.
He conceded to the fact that he was annoyed after the England match, as it was within our grasp to put it away, but we haven't
Had only we done well against England, things would have been different by now"
Stick2Hockey.com
Jaap Stockmann: India is vastly an improve side
World’s numero uno goalie Jaap Stockmann of The Netherlands see a vast improvement in India’s game and feels the team can only go further grow.
“Indian team is playing well here, definitely showing improvements. I am particularly happy the way they played their first two games”.
“Back home guys may not be happy, but the fact is that the team is doing well, and narrowing the gap”.
“Previously the gap was big, now the way the team played against Belgium and England, it has come down.
“With Terry Walsh doing a neat job, I feel the team will further narrow down. Better not to expect big results in the World Cup, but need to know the team has improved tremendously.”
He also advised patience when he said, ”Hope coaches are allowed to continue. This is really a good side, hope to see them continue and excel shortly”.
He said while still sweating, on the sidelines after his side won easily against Belgium
Stick2Hockey.com
Malaysia go down to fourth defeat
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA'S World Cup campaign hit another low when they went down 3-2 to India at the Hague, Netherlands yesterday.
After four matches, Malaysia have nothing to show, and their last Group A match is against Spain tomorrow, which they need to win to avoid playing in the 11-12th classification playoff.
Spain also had a bad day when they were thrashed 5-2 by Belgium yesterday, leaving them with only one point after four matches.
Seven penalty corners were won, but only one went in as Razie Rahim scored his third goal of the World Cup. The other two goals were against Belgium.
India took the lead in the 15th minute when Jasjit Singh salvaged a botched penalty corner, but Razie equalised in the 46th minute to inject some hope.
However, a brace from Akashdeep Singh in the 49th and 51st minutes made it a tall order for coach K. Dharmaraj's men.
Marhan Jalil narrowed the deficit with a 61st minute goal, but Malaysia failed to make a comeback and will now have another mammoth task when they play Spain.
New Straits Times
Malaysia laid bare in latest World Cup defeat
By S. Ramaguru
India's Akashdeep Singh celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysia in the World Cup Group A match at The Hague on Saturday. Malaysia lost 2-3 to remain winless in the tournament after four matches. - EPA
THE HAGUE: Coach K. Dharmaraj described it best when he said “Malaysia made India look good” after his men were beaten 3-2 in a Group A match of the hockey World Cup at The Hague, Holland.
Malaysia went into the match against India on Saturday needing at least a point to meet their target of a top-10 placing.
Instead, they ended up losing for the fourth straight time at the GreenFields Stadium.
They have one last chance to reach that target – provided they beat Spain on Monday.
In Saturday’s match, India got their goals through Jasjit Kular (fifth minute) and Akasdeep Singh (49th and 51st). Malaysia scored through Mohd Razie Rahim (46th) and Mohd Marhan Jalil (62nd).
Dharmaraj was disappointed with his players for making so many unforced errors to “practically gift India the win”.
“What can you say when your team plays like that? The first half was really bad ... there was simply no structure. We were practically giving away the ball ... the midfield and forward line was not there at all,” he lamented.
“We managed to get back some semblance of structure to our game in the second half and scored two goals. But the fight back was simply too late.
“We basically made the Indians look good.”
The way the Malaysians played, they would have made a school team look good.
In an earlier Group A match, Belgium got back on track for a place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 win over Spain at the Kyocera Stadium.
Spain started strongly but it soon became clear that the Belgians were the far better side as they raced into a 3-0 first-half lead, courtesy of goals from Tanguy Cosyns (13th), Alexandre De Saedeleer (16th) and Emmanuel Stockbroekx (34th).
Belgium continued from where they left off after the break with two more goals by Cosyns (38th) and John-John Dohmen (47th).
Victory confirmed, the Belgians took their foot off the pedal, allowing Spain to sneak in two goals through Edward Tubau (58th) and Santi Freixe (66th).
The Star of Malaysia
India beat Malaysia 3-2 to register first win at hockey World Cup
THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Akashdeep Singh scored two goals in the space of three minutes to set up India's 3-2 victory over Malaysia in the men's hockey World Cup on Saturday.
Jasjit Singh Kular opened the scoring for India in the 13th minute and Malaysia equalised in the 45th with a penalty corner conversion by Mohammad Razie before Akashdeep got into the goal-scoring act, which helped his team post its first win of the tournament.
Akashdeep first applied the finishing touch to Rupinder Pal Singh fine run on a counter-attack by deflecting in a diagonal cross into the boards in the 49th minute. Two minutes later, he picked up a pass from captain Sardar Singh inside the circle and slammed the ball past the desperate goalkeeper.
Malaysia reduced the lead in the 61st minute when Marhan Jalil fired in on a rebound from Indian goalkeeper P R Sreejesh on a breakaway move.
India wasted several scoring opportunities, but also had to depend on their defenders to keep out the dangerous Malaysian raids in the closing stages.
The victory gives India four points from as many matches in Group A, and ensures that it would not face the ignominy of being the bottom-placed team in the pool. Irrespective of the result of India's last group match - against defending World champions Australia - they will finish either in the fourth or fifth spot.
A combination of results in the last league outings for India, Spain and Malaysia would have bearing on the final group standings. Spain will play Malaysia in their last league outing.
Malaysia have lost all four matches, while Spain have two draws from four games. A victory for Malaysia could pave the way for India to finish fourth in the group and play the playoff for the seventh and eighth spots.
Spain were today handed down a 5-2 drubbing by Belgium, who are back in contention for a semifinal place, along with Australia and England.
India first got into the Malaysian circle in the eighth minute when Rupinder moved up and sent the ball from top of the circle toward Mandeep Singh, but a defender had no difficulty in clearing it.
Malaysia forced their first penalty corner in the next minute following a raid down the left flank, but Razie's shot posed no threat as it was padded away by custodian Sreejesh.
India started sustained attack thereafter and went into the lead by opening the scoring in the 13th minute following their first penalty corner, where the ball was not stopped.
But S K Uthapppa, positioned behind V R Raghunath, sustained the attack by sending a diagonal ball to Kular, who picked up the pass on top of the circle and sounded the boards by beating goalkeeper Subramiam Kumar with a deft shot.
Enjoying the run of play, India had a number of other scoring chances, but did not convert them into goals and went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Malaysia drew level with India on a penalty corner conversion by Razie 10 minutes into the second session when the shot was blocked, but the ball rolled off the goalkeeper's body and over the goal-line.
Akashdeep's first goal came following a Malaysian penalty corner, when the ball was snatched by Rupinder and he charged up to rattle the Malaysian defence and sent in the diagonal cross that was deflected in by Akashdeep in the 49th minute.
Sardar created the third Indian goal two minutes later as he ran down the centre and sent in a through ball which Akashdeep capitalised again.
India created several openings, but the strikers were wayward in their marksmanship, while Malaysia capitalised on a chance to reduce the lead through Jalil amid some confusion in the Indian defence.
The defenders raised their game to keep the Malaysian strikers at bay in the closing stages, even as Indian forwards messed up a couple of more scoring chances.
The Times of India
Akashdeep double downs Malaysia
The Hague - Akashdeep Singh scored two superb second half goals to help India claim a 3-2 win over Asian rivals Malaysia here today. The result gave India their first win of the tournament and took their tally to four points, moving them up to fourth place in the standings. Malaysia sit at the bottom of the pool and remain without a point.
India dominated the first half, pressing their 13th ranked opponents deep into their own territory for long periods and creating a number of decent scoring opportunities before the opening goal arrived in the 14th minute.
Jasjeet Singh Kular was the scorer, rifling the ball against the backboard following an Indian penalty corner that didn't go to plan but certainly proved to be effective.
The Malaysian players looked to be a step slower than an India team that enjoyed long periods of possession and could easily have been three or four goals up were it not for some top class goal-keeping from Kumar Subramaniam. The reflex save he produced following a dazzling run and shot from India captain Sardar Singh was up there with his best blocks of the tournament.
Malaysia almost got an equaliser against the run of play when Tengku Ahmad saw his backhand effort turned around the post by Indian keeper PR Sreejesh.
The equaliser came from a penalty corner in the 46th minute, with Razie Abdul Rahim's powerful drag-flick finding its way into the Indian goal via a defenders' stick.
However, India reasserted their authority on the match with two field goals from Akashdeep. Both efforts were truly world class, with a brilliant angled deflection being followed by a glorious chip over the keeper after some superb build-up play from Sardar.
The final ten minutes were played at a blistering pace, as the action breathlessly shifted from one end to the other. Malaysia's Marhan Jalil made things interesting with an open play strike in the 61st minute, although India held on. — Agencies
The Tribune
India need to learn to put away rivals, says Walsh
THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Indian hockey team coach Terry Walsh says his team needs to learn the skills to shut the door on comebacks for rival teams.
"The difference between India and the top teams in international hockey today is that the Indians do not know how to put away a team," Walsh said after his side's 3-2 victory over Malaysia in the World Cup on Saturday.
India dominated the match, but wasted several scoring chances in the first half, when they led 1-0.
Later, leading 3-1, they allowed Malaysia to reduce the deficit and thereafter have many shots at the Indian goal, which Walsh said should not have happened.
"After dominating them we allowed them to come back and make it 3-2, to me that was unnecessary," Walsh said.
"It is crucial for the teams in top-four or top-eight of the world to be able to cut out all chances for their rivals to stage a rally," he said.
Walsh felt India should have put this match beyond Malaysia early in the game, when they wasted several scoring chances.
"There was no reason for us not to put the match away in the first half itself. We should have been leading by three goals or so in the first half, and by some four goals in the second."
Indian captain Sardar Singh said this should have been a big victory.
"We should have won by a bigger margin today. We cannot afford to miss so many chances," said Sardar, who insisted that the team was getting better with every outing.
"The boys are doing well and really improving. They're playing consistent hockey," Sardar said.
Coach Walsh also insisted that the young team was improving.
"These are young lads and they are working hard. I would say we are making progress," said Walsh.
The Times of India
Walsh wants the Indian team to have 'self-belief'
THE HAGUE (The Netherlands): Indian coach Terry Walsh wants Indian team to have self belief as it braces for the last preliminary league fixture against defending champions Australia in the FIH Men's World Cup on Sunday.
Australia have already made the semifinals with four thumping wins, while India are in the fourth place in Group A with four points after posting their only victory over Malaysia on Saturday.
India defeated Malaysia 3-2 for their first win in four matches. India's other point came from a 1-1 draw with Spain.
"India are a young team and we are moving positively. We need to keep belief in our ability to put up a good contest against the best sides in the world," said Walsh, motivating his players to go into the game against Australia with a positive mindset.
"Our first objective is to ensure we don't allow chances in the closing stages, and we should start taking our chances and play to a plan that we have prepared," he said.
"I want the team to look at least for one point against Australia, but try for three points," said Walsh, when asked what targets had he set for the team against the world champions.
"If you ask me today whether we have the capacity, I would say "no", but asked about potential, I would say "yes"," said Walsh.
The coach said a positive mindset in the players can transform this team.
"Self-belief plays a big role in every sport, not just hockey," said Walsh.
"The boys understand the things we need to work on. The boys need to know when to be in the right position to score, take penalty corners and to close the gaps for the rivals," he said.
Australia have faced little opposition in their league matches. The way they hammered England 5-0 on Saturday showed that the team was determined to live up to the promise to present a World Cup victory to their coach Ric Charlesworth, for whom this will be the last World Cup in any capacity.
Charlesworth already has the distinction of having won the World Cup both as captain (1986) and coach (2010).
Charlesworth also had a short stint as coach in India on an initiative of the International Hockey Federation, but left the country a bitter man following a fallout with the Sports Authority of India.
Suffering two defeats through last goals against Belgium and England - who are both vying for the second semifinal spot from the group - India had no opportunity to stay in reckoning for a semifinal spot, but had plenty to play for.
The Indians finished eighth in the 2010 World Cup, and have a chance to improve on that if they can retain the fourth spot in the group.
Spain, who have two points, play Malaysia in their last game. Spain can overtake India's current tally of four points if they defeat Malaysia.
Walsh said his team had been analyzing the game and working on match situations.
"We have seen videos and discussed them and now we need to slowly apply to them match situations," said Walsh.
The coach said that captain Sardar Singh is a seasoned player, who is also trying to help him devising a strategy to counter the formidable 'Kookaburras'.
Sardar said the Indian team was working on improvements after every outing.
"We're working on several things and an important one about maintaining eye-contact and look out for your own players," Sardar said.
The Times of India
Australia enter hockey World Cup semifinals
THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Defending champions Australia became the first team to ensure passage into the semifinals of the hockey World Cup with a 5-0 hammering of England on Saturday, giving them a maximum 12 points from four matches in Group A.
England, with seven points from four outings, are still in contention for the semifinals, but must win their last league fixture against Belgium, who are on nine points after a 5-2 victory over Spain.
India are in the fourth position with four points, followed by Spain on two and Malaysia on zero.
Australia had five different players scoring a goal each against England.
Making entries on the scoresheet were Matt Ghodes, who opened the account in the first minute, Liam de Young, Jamie Dwyer, Kieran Govers and Aran Zalewski.
Belgium raced to a five-goal lead against Spain with goals being scored by Tanguy Cosyns (two), Alexandre de Saedeleer, Emmanuel Stockbroekx and John-John Dohmen.
As the Belgians relaxed a bit, Spain managed to salvage some pride through two late goals from Eduard Tubau and captain Santi Frexia.
The Times of India
Black Sticks Women keep semi final hopes alive
Pictured: Anita Punt, courtesy Dirk Markgraf www.265-images.com
The Black Sticks Women have kept their semi finals hopes alive with a 4-1 win over Japan at the Hockey World Cup in The Hague.
Anita Punt scored a double with other goals from Sophie Cocks and Katie Glynn delivering a win which moves New Zealand up to six points with one game still to play in Pool A.
To progress to the semi finals, realistically the Black Sticks need the Netherlands to beat Australia in their game later today, which would set up a must win against Australia in their final pool game on Monday at 8.30pm (NZ time).
Head coach Mark Hager said it was good to come away with a win but that there is still lots of work to be a chance at making the semis.
“We did well today to come away with a result. We still lacked some finishing up front but we were able to put away some goals and two penalty corners,” he said.
“Unfortunately we had a bad game against Korea and that could come back and bite us in the bum. We need the Dutch to beat Australia and then it’s down to our game against the Aussies and goal difference.”
With no shortage of motivation, the Black Sticks were on form today from the opening whistle.
The Kiwis opened the scoring in just the fifth minute after Sophie Cocks deflected an Anita Punt drag flick past the goalkeeper.
Japan solidified their defence following the goal and the score line remained 1-0 to the Black Sticks at halftime.
But three minutes into the second half Punt was in the spotlight again when she rocketed a penalty corner flick into the top of the goal.
The momentum continued and Katie Glynn knocked a reverse shot past the keeper just one minute later to give the Black Sticks a 3-0 buffer.
Japan scored after a bizarre series of events saw the Kiwis away on a fast break before being called back for a Japanese referral for a suspected foot in the circle.
With a decision not clear a bully was called which Japan chose to contest rather than pass the ball back to the Kiwis which is the generally accepted choice.
The Black Sticks lifted their intensity after the goal and finished strongly with Punt scoring a well-worked field goal on the reverse stick to seal the result.
The Black Sticks Women play their final pool game at the World Cup in a tough trans-Tasman clash against Australia on Monday at 8.30pm (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 3.
Meanwhile, the Black Sticks Men are set for a crucial Pool B game against Germany at 8.30pm tonight (NZ time), broadcast live on SKY Sport 2.
In other women’s Pool A results today Korea increased their semi final chances with a 4-2 win over Belgium while the Netherlands host Australia in the final game of the day.
BLACK STICKS 4: (Anita Punt 2, Sophie Cocks, Katie Glynn)
JAPAN 1: (Yuki Nagai)
Halftime: Black Sticks 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Blacks Sticks women stay alive at World Cup
KEY PLAYER: Anita Punt scored a double as the Black Sticks women beat Japan 4-1 to stay alive at the World Cup this morning. JOHN COWPLAND/ Alphapix
The New Zealand women's hockey team has set up a must-win group match with trans-Tasman rivals Australia as their semifinal hopes at the World Cup remain alive.
The Black Sticks downed Japan 4-1 in their fourth group match, at The Hague this morning, taking their record to two wins and two losses.
World No 1 the Netherlands then downed Australia 2-0 with two late goals to ensure New Zealand fight another day.
The hosts are through to the last four, with a maximum 12 points from their four matches, with the dogfight on for the second spot from group A.
Australia have nine points but could be caught by New Zealand, who have six. The arch rivals square off at 8.30pm tomorrow (NZT) in a match the Kiwis simply must win.
New Zealand would also need the Dutch to beat or draw with South Korea (seven points) in their final match to progress to the semifinals.
Against Japan, Anita Punt scored a double with Sophie Cocks and Katie Glynn also netting in a victory that kept Kiwi hopes alive.
''We did well today to come away with a result. We still lacked some finishing up front but we were able to put away some goals and two penalty corners,'' Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said.
''Unfortunately we had a bad game against Korea (surprise 1-0 loss) and that could come back and bite us in the bum ... it's down to our game against the Aussies and goal difference.''
With no shortage of motivation, the Black Sticks were on form today from the opening whistle.
The Kiwis opened the scoring in just the fifth minute after Cocks deflected a Punt drag flick past the goalkeeper.
Japan solidified their defence following the goal and the scoreline remained 1-0 to the Black Sticks at halftime.
But three minutes into the second half Punt was in the spotlight again when she rocketed a penalty corner flick into the net.
The momentum continued and Glynn knocked a reverse shot past the keeper just one minute later to give the Black Sticks a 3-0 buffer.
The Black Sticks lifted their intensity after Japan dragged a goal back and finished strongly with Punt scoring a well-worked field goal on the reverse stick to seal the result.
Meanwhile, the men's Black Sticks are set for a crucial pool match against Germany at 8.30pm tonight.
NZ 4 (Anita Punt 2, Sophie Cocks, Katie Glynn) Japan 1 (Yuki Nagai). HT: 1-0.
Stuff
Black Sticks' job simple: beat Australia
By David Leggat
New Zealand's job in their final pool game at the World Cup is simple: beat Australia and they are in the frame to win a medal.
After beating Japan 4-1 in their fourth pool A game in The Hague the women's Black Sticks sit fourth on six points, but a win over second-placed Australia on Monday night will lift them into second place.
That's assuming the top ranked and unbeaten Netherlands don't get beaten by Korea in their final pool game.
New Zealand coach Mark Hager was pleased with the win, but knows more hard work is needed before playing Australia.
''We did well today to come away with a result. We still lacked some finishing up front but we were able to put away some goals and two penalty corners," he said.
"Unfortunately we had a bad game against Korea (which New Zealand lost 1-0) and that could come back and bite us in the bum."
World No 5 New Zealand began strongly today and were up in the fifth minute, through a Sophie Cocks goal, deflecting an Anita Punt drive from a penalty corner.
Japan slowly worked their way into the game and missed an open chance when New Zealand's defence got sloppy.
However two goals within a minute early in the second spell - a Punt drive from another penalty corner and a goal from close range by Katie Glynn - had New Zealand in charge.
Japan got one goal back through Yuri Nagai - after an odd series of decisions which turned a New Zealand breakaway into a bully just outside the New Zealand circle -- before the impressive Punt closed out the win, capitalising on a fine cross field ball from fellow midfielder Stacey Michelsen to score with a strong reverse stick shot two minutes from the end.
New Zealand racked up 10 penalty corners but regular trapper Emily Naylor had big problems controlling the ball, an area the Black Sticks will need to be sharp on against world No 4 Australia tomorrow.
Korea kept their noses in front of New Zealand with a 4-2 win over Belgium while the Dutch beat Australia 2-0, a key result for Black Sticks hopes.
New Zealand's men play Germany tonight (crrt) in a clutch game for their semifinal aspirations.
They sit second behind the Netherlands in pool B, whom they meet in their final round robin game.
The New Zealand Herald
Black Sticks women top Japan, faint hopes alive
The Black Sticks women's side have emphatically completed the first part of their must-win semifinal scenario at the Hockey World Cup, but it could be all for nothing.
Two goals from Anita Punt and other strikes from Sophie Cocks and Katie Glynn gave New Zealand a 4-1 victory over Japan in their penultimate Group A match in The Hague.
The win improved the Black Sticks' record to 2-0-2, sitting on six points behind Australia and the Netherlands on nine points and South Korea on seven points. Australia and the Netherlands meet in the final match today, with New Zealand needing the Netherlands to win and then beat South Korea in two days time, while beating Australia in their final match themselves.
An Australian victory or a draw today would see New Zealand's semifinal hopes dashed.
Cocks opened the scoring in the fifth minute off a penalty corner deflection but New Zealand had to wait until after halftime to put the game away. Punt scored her first in the 38th minute before Glynn sealed the victory a minute later.
Japan got a goal back in the 51st minute before Punt sealed the result with her second in the shadow of full-time off a long break-out and reverse stick shot.
The Black Sticks converted on only two of their 10 penalty corners but forced Japan's goalkeeper into 14 saves, with 18 of their 25 total shots on target.
New Zealand face Australia in their final group match at 8.30pm Monday night (NZ time).
The Black Sticks men are in action again at 8.30pm tonight (NZ time) against Germany in what shapes as an import Group B match.
Stuff
Black Sticks face must-win World Cup match
COLIN BATCH: The Black Sticks coach and his team face a must-win match against Germany at the World Cup in Holland tonight. Photosport
The Black Sticks men's hockey team need to rebound quickly after suffering their first loss at the World Cup in Holland.
New Zealand lost 3-1 to Argentina at Kyocera Stadium yesterday.
They now face a crucial game against Germany tonight (8:30pm NZ time).
There were some encouraging signs against Argentina, although the team came unstuck in a poor second half.
After a goalless first half, Argentina powered home thanks to a second-half hat-trick from Gonzalo Peillat who scored all three from penalty corner drag flicks.
Down 0-1, the Kiwis scored a brilliant goal to equalise with Phil Burrows drilling a free hit into the circle where Stephen Jenness put a pin-point deflection through the goalkeeper's legs.
With the score locked up, the Black Sticks went searching for the winning goal but conceded two more penalty corners that Argentina were able to put away.
The result now sees New Zealand and Argentina both on six points in Pool B, although the Black Sticks hold an advantage with a better goal differential.
Head coach Colin Batch said the difference in the game came down to Argentina's success from penalty corners.
"If you look at the facts they scored three of four penalty corners and we got none out of three, so obviously the game was won in those areas," he said.
"Our first half was quite good, we created two very good chances and they defended well to their credit.
"It would've been nice to score that goal and go into halftime up 1-0 which could have really changed the game.
"We feel a bit disappointed in our final 15 minutes, we got to 1-1 and then pushed for a victory but unfortunately conceded two more penalty corner goals."
Stuff
Home grown talent
Marsha Cox's mother didn't have the chance to play international hockey; her daughter is making up for it.jpg)
(Photo: (c) Koen Suyk )
If South Africa captain Marsha Cox needed any motivation to play her heart out every time she dons the green and gold of South Africa, she needs look no further than her own family. Marsha's mother, Marian Marescia, has been described as "the best player not to have played for South Africa", her international career curtailed by the apartheid regime that operated in South Africa at the time. Nonetheless, the young Marsha spent much of her childhood on hockey fields across the country and from an early age she felt she was destined to play for her country.
That Marsha has now played 335 matches for the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team is testimony to the deep passion Marsha has both for the game and for her country. "I basically grew up on a hockey field and my mother instilled a great love of the game in me. She is still my role model, along with former South African player Gillian Montague, another great of the South African game whose career was blighted by apartheid."
The 31-year-old made her debut for South Africa in 2001 at the age of 18. Since then she has played in three Olympic Games and this will be her fourth World Cup. Speaking about her long career, Marsha says: "After 13 years of playing hockey I am still as excited as the first time I ran out on to the field. Every match is a new experience for me and I am still in love with the game. It is really special to be part of this team.”
The Johannesburg-born skipper played for her school’s team, Northlands Girls High in Durban North, before going on to provincial and national team level. She has twice been voted onto the FIH All Stars team and at this World Cup she has been a pivotal player in South Africa's impressive performances. Although the team lost to reigning world champions Argentina and fourth-ranked Germany, the South Africa team drew widespread praise for their attacking style of play. The 4-1 victory they enjoyed over third-ranked England was the icing on the cake. South Africa came into the tournament as the 12th-ranked team, and the chances are they will finish higher than that ranking.
So what does the future hold for Marsha. In 2013 she married Dutch coach Alexander Cox, and now lives and plays hockey in the Netherlands. But, she has no plans to stop playing international hockey. For the talented midfielder, who also has a degree in marketing, her love for the game will fuel many more years of service to South Africa.
“I still love the game and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Hopefully I will be able to play a lot more in the coming years and create many more memories. The day I stop loving the game will be the day I consider retiring and I do not see that happening any time soon,” she said. "When I started playing I never dreamt of making 300 caps or even being captain,” she said. “I just knew that I wanted to play for South Africa.”
South Africa women currently sit fifth in the pool with matches against the high flying USA and mid-table China to come. The win over England has boosted the team's confidence and Cox and her colleagues are daring to dream of more points in this World Cup edition. "Our target at this World Cup is to finish higher than our ranking," said Cox's other long-serving colleague Pietie Coetzee. "We have been given the opportunity through our new sponsor to play more internationals in preparation, so we should start seeing result."
FIH site
HockeyTracker: how fast can they go?
Ever wonder how fast a hockey ball travels? You can follow with the mobile app during the Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Whether you are in the stadium or watching the World Cup at home on the sofa, the HockeyTracker app for mobile phones allows you to check how fast the ball has been travelling during shots at goal. This is the first major hockey tournament where the speed of penalty corners and hits within the circle has been registered digitally. The innovative step forward has been made by HockeyTracker, an alliance between the KNHB, research institute TNO Delft, IT company SAP, The Hague’s hbo college and various other partners.
Speed devils
The system is simple. It uses radar technology behind the goals to measure movement within a radius of 27 metres. This information is then converted into speeds – producing interesting and useful facts which are transmitted to television commentators so they can use them as well. SAP has developed an app for general use so that supporters can follow exactly how hard the ball has been hit or pushed. The app also maintains a ranking of the fastest speeds throughout the tournament. On Saturday, Germany’s Christopher Wesley topped the listing with a hit measuring a punishing 140 km/h. The device also shows that Dutch player Eva de Goede manages to drag flick the ball harder than Maartje Paumen. She can reach 95 km/h compared with Paumen’s 79 km/h.
Valuable information
“This information also allows you to analyse penalty corners really well,” says developer Cor Krüter, who used to play at Dutch club Oranje Zwart. “We can measure everything. The speed the ball is delivered at, the speed of the runner and the speed the ball needs to reach so the keeper’s reflex is useless. A properly placed corner of 110 km/h is pretty impossible to stop. You saw it with Van der Weerden’s drag flick against Germany. The only reason it was not a goal was that it was saved by the post man.”
Krüter says even more information can be gleaned from the tracker. “If a corner is run out, then the ball was not delivered quickly enough. If you know what the ideal speed is, you can train for it. You can also determine the best position for the corner specialist. Using the tracker is a really interesting way to look at hockey. We’re even happy if Oranje’s opponents get a corner.”
You can download the app free of charge via www.hockeytracker.nl.
FIH site
Titbits Here and there:
An English translation will be a good idea
K. Arumugam
Titbits Here and there: "An English translation will be a good idea" After being with China’s men and women’s teams for nine years, famed Korean coach Kim Sam Ryul is back to his home state. He is now consultant with South Korean women’s team. He is surprised that China girls, world number three team not long ago, is doing poorly here in the Hague World Cup. When asked about their 0-5 loss, he said “terrible”. And hastened to add: “This is a new team”. Sam, whether with the national teams or not, is a regular at all the world cups held in the last three decades
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Bob Davidson was an enthusiastic participant in most functions here. He broke with his friends and came to this writer to chat about India. When asked you did you leave the Hockey Development project of India, he was quick to reply, I did not drop, its new FIH president who dropped it, ask him. He still fails to understand why a country should shun a coach in the calibre of Ric Charlesworth. When the discussion meandered around past FIH president Els van Breda Vriesman, he told she is busy with a medical firm as consultant and also doing lot of jobs for International Olympic Committee. ‘She is definitely coming to Kyocera stadium to watch the World Cup one day”.
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The press room here is a huge tent. First part, enclosed and normally not for others, houses FIH team and Arjen Rahusen’s. Arjen is local media officer. Second part in five rows is for photographers. The big chunk is for print and other media. Most of the old heads are absent especially the regulars like Bill Colwill and Pat Rowley. They are very old now”, says Susan Edgill, who is now secretary of the Hockey Writers Club. There is 4-member strong All India Radio team here, doing voice commentary of India matches. No one is from popular newspaper or television media. Indian media by and large gave a miss to this world cup. Veteran Sundeep Misra’s TV news agency is busy shooting all events, is an exception. There are 5 other freelancers here. Contrarily, Malaysia’s leading paper The Star has sent a reporter and photographer.
Mr. Thyagarajan from India's The Hindu is also missing his first World Cup since 1982
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Will Pakistan be back or not is the interesting question one or two old timers wonder here. Though Pakistan team is not here, former coaches Ishahuddin Siddique and Junior coach Alam were spotted here yesterday. They seemed to have come to attend various FIH courses. The Pak group entered the stadium after halftime of match between Germany and Holland.
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Its difficult here to say whether adults form the crowd or the kids. Nice to see both of them in equal numbers. There are more program to keep the kids engaged, and most stalls in the park area seem to be aware of this, and are ready with kids-friendly items.
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There is a book stall in the centre of the Park Area between two turfs. All books are in Dutch. What catches one’s eyes is a flurry of books written by known players and coaches, Marc Lammers, Roelant Oltmans, Jacques Brinkmann to quote a few. The last one had a signature signing event yesterday, saw good response. His book costs good 19 Euros. On seeing me he told the publisher: “This gentleman from India says the book will have good market if it is in English too”. Hopefully so.
Stick2Hockey.com
Over 40's Women's Masters Match Reports
Match 2 - Reports provided by Masters to Irish Hockey
For the second day in a row, the Irish Over 40s Women suffered disappointment, after another solid performance saw them going down 3-1 to England. Ireland again started strongly with some good early possession, particularly down the right side, and were rewarded with their first penalty corner in the 9th minute. Unfortunately the corner was not executed cleanly and the English defence cleared. England then took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, from their first penalty corner in the 13th minute, a straight strike just inside the left post. Ireland continued to dominate possession, creating the better opportunities, with England looking dangerous on the break, but there was no further score in the first half.
With just the single goal separating the teams, Ireland again started strongly in the second half, forcing their second penalty corner after 3 minutes. Emma Glanville took the ball at the top of the circle, carried past the first runner, and crashed the shot just wide. Ireland came close just five minutes later, Julie Doak picking the ball up on the right side and crashing across the circle. The keeper could only palm the ball out into the middle of the circle, but it fell to an English defender who was able to clear. England then started to come into the game, and forced their second penalty corner, but a high strike resulted in a free for Ireland. England then extended their lead just two minutes later from open play after a drive into the right side of the circle resulted in a crossed ball being slapped home by the English forward. Four minutes later England made it 3-0, again from open play. Despite being three down, Ireland rallied and pulled a goal back just two minutes later, JR Fisher finishing at the back post after a good drive into the right side of the circle by Clodagh McMoreland. Ireland then continued to dominate possession, with Julie Doak and Ali Farrell between them creating several half chances, but a second goal just would not come, and the game finished 3-1.
Despite the disappointment of losing, coach Guy Garrett was really pleased with some of hockey played by the Irish girls, and took many positives from the game. Sunday brings a third game in three days for Ireland, facing the Netherlands Over 45 team.
Match 1
Score: 1 - 0 to New Zealand.
Ireland ladies began their World Cup campaign with a good performance which unfortunately was not rewarded with at least a point from their opening pool game against New Zealand. Ireland dominated most of the first half but failed to capitalise on several good chances which came their way.
New Zealand altered their tactics in the second half and the game became more even. With 10 minutes gone, the ball fell nicely to a New Zealand forward who coolly slotted into the net for the only score of the game. Ireland rallied with a few penalty corners and some one on ones with the keeper but failed to equalise.
A good first day performance on a very hot and sunny Rotterdam; onwards and upwards from here :)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Ireland 50s v Wales 3-0
by Masters Team To Irish Hockey
Ireland Over 50’s women made it 2 wins from 2 beating Wales on a very hot Friday in Rotterdam. 3-0 was the final score, but the heavy sand pitch worked against the forwards who found it difficult to get power into their shots keeping the score down. Despite having all the play, Ireland needed an inspired Helen Roche in Goal, to keep out two Welsh attacks from mistakes in defence. The second save, was one on one, and Helen used her head – literally.
It was 0-0 until the whistle for half time brought a short corner. Captain Maggie Hunter’s strike found Jane Salter on the post to slot home. 1-0.
Ireland started the 2nd half strongly again. The midfield of Joanne O’Grady, Joan Dobson and Dymphna Hill were causing all sorts of trouble for the Welsh and the speed of Kathy Shaw and Marian O’Brien tore the Welsh defence open on many occasions. The Welsh defended brilliantly however and save after save was made by keeper and defenders off the line. There was a foot on the line at one point but the umpires ignored the appeals for a stroke and awarded a corner only.
Claire Bell caused havoc setting up many attacks and winning a number of corners. An intercepted hit out saw Kathy Shaw and Claire link up brilliantly for goal number 2 by Claire Bell.
Goal number 3 came from a steal on the right by Joanne O’Grady, passed back to right back Maura O’Neil who slapped straight into the circle to a waiting Joan Dobson, who calmly “passed” the ball into the corner of the goal.
In between the sustained pressure from the Irish the Welsh forced a couple of short corners but our defence is well organized and very solid.
Next match is against Holland on Saturday.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Veterans’ loss adds to Pakistan hockey woes
KARACHI: Pakistan’s reduced nine-man veteran team, led by national chief selector Islahuddin Siddique, was humiliated by South Africa 24-1 in their opening match during the 2014 Masters Hockey World Cup at The Hague.
Olympian Hanif Khan has labelled Pakistan veteran team’s defeat to South Africa as a disgrace to the country, saying that never in the history of Pakistan hockey has any team conceded so many goals.
Hanif said that participating in the Masters Cup, when the national team is not competing in the tournament, is as considerate as a child having a party over his father’s death.
“I can only say that they have disgraced the country, I foresee the end of hockey in Pakistan,” Hanif told The Express Tribune.
“It’s outrageous. The national team failed to qualify for the World Cup and it’s right here at home, but the entire Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) management is in The Hague.
“They shouldn’t have participated in the tournament out of respect. We began the Hockey World Cup, and our team wasn’t playing. These veterans should’ve been at least sensitive to that.”
Meanwhile, Hanif also pointed out that none of the big names in hockey went for the Masters Cup. He said that the PHF did not hold any camp before the tournament.
“None of the well-known names went for this tournament. Seniors like Samiullah, Hassan Sardar, and the ones who really matter were not even invited to play this tournament. The PHF took an incomplete team and humiliated themselves and the country.”
According to the official post by the Masters Cup tournament director Peri Buckley, Pakistan men’s team playing in the 45 years category withdrew from the tournament after the first match due to injuries.
An 18-member squad was required to compete in the tournament, but all Pakistan players did not get the visas on time and the team went for their first match with only nine players.
Out of the nine, three picked up injuries after the first match.
Meanwhile, Olympian Shahid Ali Khan said that the match result was ‘hurtful’.
“Why did they even compete when they didn’t have a complete squad?” said Shahid.
“This result is ridiculous. Why were they participating in the 45-year category when most of them should be playing in the plus-55 category? These players weren’t even fit to compete. I just want to ask who took this team.”
The main round: Belgium down Spain 5-2
In the men’s Hockey World Cup, Belgium won 5-2 against Spain, India overcame Malaysia 3-2 and Australia thrashed England 5-0 to lead Group A with nine points.
In the women’s competition South Korea defeated Belgium 4-2.
The Express Tribune
‘FIH to help Pakistan in resumption of international hockey’
THE HAGUE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) will be helping Pakistan in the resumption of international hockey on its soil, president Leandro Nagre said here on Saturday.
“We will be sending a strong FIH delegation to Pakistan later this year to meet the authorities and resolve different issues,” he told a group of reporters at the Kyocera Stadium where he was watching the World Cup matches. “There are some important issues to tackle there. It is not an easy task but we will do our best to resolve them,” said Negre.
“Because of these issues Pakistan cannot hold international events in Pakistan. But we can relocate them to other countries,” the FIH president said.
He said on the persuasion of Qasim Zia, the FIH has agreed that its delegation would spend several days in Pakistan to work out a comprehensive plan and meet the concerned authorities for resolving the problems.
He said he will be personally visiting Pakistan in October or November to meet the government and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials and discuss remedial steps for start of bilateral series before holding international tournaments.
“We will be doing things step by step to resolve the issue and ensure that international hockey returns back to Pakistan,” said Negre.
He revealed that teams from Argentina, Poland and other countries are ready to visit Pakistan and FIH will further encourage them to do so.
Negre said Pakistan can also stage at an event in Dubai and invite teams from Australia and India and other countries who are ready to play in the United Arab Emirates. “FIH will fully support and assist that event,” he assured.
He said due to lack of international hockey, PHF facing a serious financial problems and FIH wanted to fully support them. He said four-time former champion Pakistan is being missed at the World Cup and they wanted to see their return to big events.
“We know what Pakistan has contributed in hockey, they are the pioneers of World Cup and Champions Trophy,” he recalled.
The FIH chief also defended the FIH Rule Board decision of introducing four-quarters of 60 minutes each in the game. “To cover-up the time, clock will be stopped during penalty corners, injury and celebration times,” he disclosed.
Dawn