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All the news for Wednesday 17 June 2015

Irish eyes are smiling as quarter-finals take shape

Great Britain and Germany remain unbeaten as South Africa grab lifeline



Pool A: GBR v CHN 2-0: ARG v ESP 2-2
Pool B: USA v IRL 0-2: RSA v GER 0-0

Ireland upset hockey world order with a 2-0 win over the world number five side USA to take top spot in Pool B, while South Africa kept their Olympic qualification hopes alive with a gutsy 0-0 against Germany. In Pool A, Great Britain continued their unbeaten progress with a 2-0 win over China, while Spain and Argentina played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, meaning the hosts will face European rivals Germany in the quarter-finals.

In the other quarter-finals, Ireland will face China, South Africa will play against Great Britain and the final quarter-final spot is an all Pan-Am affair between USA and Argentina. It was a smash and grab performance by the Irish, built on a huge defensive effort as the USA won eight corners and drew a series of last ditch tackles from a gutsy Irish defence.

Ireland's goals were scored by Megan Frazer and Anna O’Flanagan With the few attacks Ireland had, they showed real menace. Frazer served notice of her intent with one backhand that was tipped around the post by Jackie Briggs before she opened the scoring. Gillian Pinder set it up with a neat turn before laying it into her captain’s path and she pinged home a low finish.

USA dominated the play thereafter. They had already seen a couple of chances well saved – including one from Melissa Gonzalez spectacularly batted away by Cliodhna Sargent. The second half was one-way traffic with the USA corner count mounting but Rachel Dawson and Lauren Crandall were stumped either by the helmet of Emma Gray or the diving blocks of Yvonne O’Byrne and Anna O’Flanagan.

Ireland secured the game when O’Flanagan swept home the second goal to secure Ireland's third win of the tournament.

Rachel Dawson, central midfielder for USA remained upbeat: "Although that wasn't the result we were looking for, we will go back to the drawing board. Scoring was a problem today, we had all the pressure in the attacking third for most of the last quarter but we didn't get the outcome."

Cliodhna Sargent of Ireland, said: “We knew we needed a huge performance to get a result against really tough opponents. They are really fit, really fast. We knew we had to play equally as hard to get a result.

“When it comes towards the end of the day, you are willing to do everything you can to keep the ball out of the goal. Putting your body on the line is the least you can do.”

Germany and South Africa played out the first goal-less draw of the competition to see the sides finish second and fourth, respectively, with South Africa doing what they needed to nail down a knock-out place. It was a tight-knit affair, with precious little between the teams as South Africa upped their performance.

Dirkie Chamberlain, speaking after the game said: "I don't know why, but it takes us getting to the end of the line before people really get stuck in. We knew we had to win today, so we played really well and stuck to our plan for the whole game. Now, we have another must-win game (against Great Britain)".

Sanani Mangisa was one of the heroes of the match. The South African goalkeeper made a fine pair of early saves from a corner barrage, and then made an excellent low stop from Hannah Kruger’s ripped flick from the top inside the last four minutes. Shelley Russell drew the best from Kristina Reynolds, while Lilian du Plessis had a low drag-flick kicked away and another blocked by the towering German keeper.

The result means South Africa advance to the last eight at the expense of Uruguay and will face Great Britain. Unbeaten Germany finish second in the group behind Ireland with USA in third place.

Sanani Mangisa (RSA) said: “It was an improved performance from us, doing enough to get into the quarter-finals. The tournament starts now and all focus switches to GB. It should be a good game. I am really proud of the girls; we stuck to our defensive principles and kept Germany out.

“My form has been up and down; the first game I was a bit off but I have made some improvements and I knew I had to keep the team in it today. Thankfully, I kept them out and made the simple saves.

Looking to the quarter finals, Mangisa added: “Great Britain have been good defensively. I have been impressed with the clean sheets they have kept but we will work out something to have up our sleeve when we face them.”

Earlier in the day, Great Britain made it four wins from four as they scored in the first and last four minutes of the game to get the better of China 2-0. It guarantees they top Pool A with a perfect record, to set up a quarter-final clash with South Africa, while China will face Pool B winners Ireland.

It was a game in which Great Britain scored at either end of time, and looked comfortable for long periods in between. Four minutes into the game, Alex Danson raced to the baseline before picking out Sophie Bray who scored her fourth goal of the tournament.

China started to force the tempo in the fourth quarter, winning two penalty corners. The second drew an excellent stop from Maddie Hinch to deny Wang Mengyu. The killer moment came three minutes from the end as Kate Richardson-Walsh picked out a delightful passing line through to Bray who dodged right and slipped the ball past the Chinese goalkeeper.

Maddie Hinch, Great Britain's goalkeeper, said: “Today was a big game for us with a win or draw keeping us top and giving us a more favourable draw for the big game on Thursday. To put in such a professional, diligent performance was so good to see. It shows how big strides we made.

“It can be quite hard for a keeper when you are not that busy but I know Danny Kerry would be making sure I stay switched on. I did and was pleased to make a couple of key saves in the final quarter."

Ma Wei of China said: "We are improving with every game, but we have team meetings where we discuss what we need to work on. We must definitely improve our scoring because Great Britain only created a few chances but took them."

The final match of the day was a thrilling encounter between 15th-ranked Spain and the third-ranked team Argentina. Christina Guinea gave Spain the dream start with a well taken goal in the fifth minute.

As expected, Argentina fought back immediately. Macarena Rodriguez Perez flipped a bouncing ball into the goal moments before half-time for 1-1 and then the Champions Trophy holders took the lead seven minutes from the end when Josefina Gomes Fantasia’s low drag-flick evaded the clutches of Maria Ruiz.

However, the home crowd were in for a treat, when Carlota Petchame scored 27 seconds from time to earn Spain a 2-2 draw. Ultimately, the result favoured the South Americans who ended Pool A second with the hosts in third.

Speaking after the match, Macarena Rodriguez Perez, said: “We were really motivated playing against Spain, the local team. But we had great fans here too; everywhere the Argentinian fans go, they are really animated and really supportive which is really enjoyable to play in front of. We play the game for them.

In reference to the forthcoming encounter with the USA, she added: "It’s a great rivalry, like the classico of Pan-America. It will be tough and physical match but we are going to play hard and enjoy the occasion.”

FIH site

Red Sticks prove match for Las Leonas in Pool A

Great Britain maintain winning ways



GBR v CHN 2-0
ARG v ESP 2-2

"We have been training for two years for this tournament," said Berta Bonastre, "And now we are here we want to show what we can do." And an equaliser in the penultimate minute of the match against the number three-ranked team, Argentina, was testimony to the transformation of the host nation over the past two years.

Earlier in the day, Great Britain made it four wins from four as they scored in the first and last four minutes of the game to get the better of China 2-0. They top Pool A with a perfect record, meaning they will play South Africa in the quarter-final.

Argentina secured second spot on goal different, earning a quarter-final encounter with fellow Pan-American rivals USA. Third-placed Spain will face Germany in the quarter-finals.

Great Britain versus China was a game of few chances. The first goal took just four minutes as Sophie Bray scored her fourth goal of the tournament. The second goal came near the end of the game, when Bray scored her second.

China, while outplayed for much of the game, had put the Great Britain defence under pressure in the fourth quarter, one attempt in particular drew an excellent stop from Maddie Hinch to deny Wang Mengyu.

After the game Hinch said: “Today was a big game for us with a win or draw keeping us top and giving us a more favourable draw for the big game on Thursday. To put in such a professional, diligent performance was so good to see. It shows what big strides we have made.

“It can be quite hard for a keeper when you are not that busy but I know Danny Kerry would be making sure I stay switched on. I did and was pleased to make a couple of key saves in the final quarter."

Ma Wei of China said: "We are improving with every game, but we have team meetings where we discuss what we need to work on. We must definitely improve our scoring because Great Britain only created a few chances but took them."

In the final match of the pool games, Carlota Petchame scored 27 seconds from time to earn Spain a 2-2 draw against Argentina but, ultimately, the result favoured the South Americans who ended Pool A second with the hosts in third.

Argentina had looked on course to land their third win of the campaign, coming back from a goal down against the tournament hosts. But Spain struck at the death for a healthily received draw. Christina Guinea gave Spain the dream start when she got to a superb cross from Gloria Comerma that was controlled into her path by Berta Bonastre. Argentina rallied but found it difficult to unpick their way through the Spanish defence. Agustina Albertarrio flashed one quick attack just wide of goal before Macarena Rodriguez Perez flipped a bouncing ball into the goal moments before half-time for 1-1.

The South Americans contiuned to press forward in the second half with Albertarrio continually at the heart of their attacks, fizzing a second chance just over the bar. They took the lead seven minutes from the end when Josefina Gomes Fantasia’s low drag-flick evaded the clutches of Maria Ruiz. Spain summoned one last push to bring it back to 2-2. Lola Riera whizzed a ball into the danger area where Begona Garcia nipped around a defender and laid on for Petchame. She smartly pulled the ball away from her marker’s attentions and flicked in.

FIH site

Ireland top Pool B after smash and grab

Uruguay's hopes of a quarter-final place disappeared as South Africa hold Germany


Hanging tough: South Africa defence stands firm against the German attack

USA v IRL 0-2
RSA v GER 0-0

Ireland upset the hockey world order with a 2-0 win over the world number five side USA to take top spot in Pool B, while South Africa kept their Olympic qualification hopes alive with a gutsy 0-0 against Germany.

The results mean that Ireland will face China in the quarter finals, while South Africa will play against Great Britain. It also turns the other two quarter-finals into continental encounters – Germany face Spain, while Argentina will play USA.

On a day that Nicola Evans celebrated 100 caps for Ireland, her team put in a smash and grab performance. The Green Army built on a huge defensive effort as the US won eight corners and drew a series of last ditch tackles from a gutsy Irish defence. Ireland's goals were scored by Megan Frazer and Anna O’Flanagan

With the few attacks Ireland had, they showed real menace. Frazer served notice of her intent with one backhand that was tipped around the post by Jackie Briggs before she opened the scoring. Gillian Pinder set it up with a neat turn before laying it into her captain’s path and she pinged home a low finish.

USA dominated the play thereafter. They had already seen a couple of chances well saved – including one from Melissa Gonzalez spectacularly batted away by Cliodhna Sargent.

The second half was one-way traffic with the USA corner count mounting but Rachel Dawson and Lauren Crandall were stumped either by the helmet of Emma Gray or the diving blocks of Yvonne O’Byrne and Anna O’Flanagan. Ireland secured the game when O’Flanagan swept home the second goal to secure Ireland's third win of the tournament.

Rachel Dawson, central midfielder for USA remained upbeat: "Although that wasn't the result we were looking for, we will go back to the drawing board. Scoring was a problem today, we had all the pressure in the attacking third for most of the last quarter but we didn't get the outcome."

Cliodhna Sargent of Ireland, said: “We knew we needed a huge performance to get a result against really tough opponents. They are really fit, really fast. We knew we had to play equally as hard to get a result.

“When it comes towards the end of the day, you are willing to do everything you can to keep the ball out of the goal. Putting your body on the line is the least you can do.”

Germany and South Africa played out the first goal-less draw of the competition to see the sides finish second and fourth, respectively, with South Africa doing what they needed to nail down a knock-out place. It was a tight-knit affair, with precious little between the teams as South Africa upped their performance.

South Africa's Dirkie Chamberlain, speaking after the game said: "I don't know why, but it takes us getting to the end of the line before people really get stuck in. We knew we had to win today, so we played really well and stuck to our plan for the whole game. Now, we have another must-win game (against Great Britain)".

Sanani Mangisa was one of the heroes of the match. The South African goalkeeper made a fine pair of early saves from a corner barrage, and then made an excellent low stop from Hannah Kruger’s ripped flick from the top inside the last four minutes.

Shelley Russell drew the best from Kristina Reynolds, while Lilian du Plessis had a low drag-flick kicked away and another blocked by the towering German keeper. The result means South Africa advance to the last eight at the expense of Uruguay, unbeaten Germany finish second in the group behind Ireland with USA in third place.

Sanani Mangisa (RSA) said: “It was an improved performance from us, doing enough to get into the quarter-finals. The tournament starts now and all focus switches to GB. It should be a good game. I am really proud of the girls; we stuck to our defensive principles and kept Germany out.

“My form has been up and down; the first game I was a bit off but I have made some improvements and I knew I had to keep the team in it today. Thankfully, I kept them out and made the simple saves.

Looking to the quarter finals, Mangisa added: “Great Britain have been good defensively. I have been impressed with the clean sheets they have kept but we will work out something to have up our sleeve when we face them.”

FIH site

Green Army stun USA

Womens World League 3, Ireland 2 - USA 0



Ireland stunned world number five side USA 2-0 with goals from Megan Frazer and Anna O’Flanagan to ensure they finish top of Pool B of the World League Round 3.
 
It means they end the group with three wins from four outings – two of them against higher ranked opposition – to comfortably earn a quarter-final berth. That knock-out game will be against China on Thursday . A victory there will bring Ireland to the brink of qualification for the Olympic Games in 2016.
 
It was a smash and grab performance, built on a huge defensive effort as the US won eight penalty corners and drew a series of last ditch tackles from a gutsy Irish defence.
 
From the few attacks Ireland had, they showed real menace. Frazer served notice of her intent with one backhand shot that was brilliantly tipped around the post by Jackie Briggs before she opened the scoring. Gillian Pinder set it up with a neat turn before laying it into her captain’s path and she pinged home a low finish.
 
USA dominated the play thereafter. They had already seen a couple of chances well saved – including one from Melissa Gonzalez spectacularly batted away by Cliodhna Sargent.
 
The second half was one-way traffic with the US corner count mounting.  Shirley McCay spent ten minutes in the sin-bin for an over-exuberant tackle to pen the side back further.
 
US corner strikers Rachel Dawson and Lauren Crandall, though, were stumped either by the helmet of Emma Gray or the diving blocks of Yvonne O’Byrne, Sargent and Anna O’Flanagan while Hannah Matthews and Ali Meeke were immense at the back, too.
 
It kept them clinging on for the result and, from their sole attack of the second half, with 70 seconds to go, Ireland broke through Frazer who laid on for O’Flanagan to sweep home the second goal.
 
Speaking afterwards, defensive lynch-pin Sargent said of her side’s efforts: “We knew we needed a huge performance to get a result against really tough opponents. They are really fit, really fast. We knew we had to play equally as hard to get a result.
 
“When it comes towards the end of the game, you are willing to do everything you can to keep the ball out of the goal. Putting your body on the line is the least you can do.”
 
Ireland had lost three times to the US in the past month in warm-up games but captain Frazer said the result “was not a complete surprise”.
 
“I knew we had it in us; we played them three times in the past month and it served us well and learned a lot about them. All credit to our coaching staff. They put together a fabulous tactical plan and we executed well. We had belief from the beginning.”
 
Meanwhile, coach Darren Smith said it was “a result to be cherished”.
 
“At times in the third and fourth quarter, we had to defend well but we did it. The defensive corner unit did well and it was nice to grab the second goal at the end.
 
“It was a really important win. First and foremost, we wanted to finish as high up in the group as possible and to beat the world number five side, World Cup semi-finalists, is something to be cherished. The higher up the pool you finish give you momentum for the semi-finals.
 
“All of our defenders did a fantastic job in front of Emma Gray. She made some good saves but, at times, she wasn’t called on as much as the US would have liked. That was because of the work we did in front of her, defending with numbers and tackling really well. To keep a clean sheet is fantastic.”

Women’s World League Round 3
Ireland 2 (M Frazer, A O’Flanagan) USA 0
 
Ireland: E Gray, Y O’Byrne, C Sargent, E Smyth, N Evans, S McCay, M Frazer, L Colvin, N Daly, H Matthews
Subs: K Mullan, G Pinder, A Connery, C Watkins, K Dillon, A Meeke, A McFerran
 
USA: J Briggs, M Gonzalez, K Kolojejchick, R Dawson, J Witmer, J Reinprecht, K Reinprecht, K O’Donnell, K Falgowski, L Crandall, A Manley
 
Subs: S Fee, M Vittese, M Kasold, P Selenski, K Sharkey, C van Sickle, A Widdall

World League Group B standings: 1. Ireland 9pts (+4) 2. Germany 8pts (+10) 3. USA 7pts (+3) 4. South Africa 2pts (-6) 5. Uruguay 1pt (-11)

Irish Hockey Association media release

USA Complete Pool Play with Loss, Now Switch Focus to Key Quarterfinal

The U.S. Women’s National Team Fall to Ireland 0-2

VALENCIA, Spain – With a quarterfinal positioned secured earlier in pool play, the USA despite winning the statistical categories of possession, shots on goal, circle penetrations and corners did not beat Ireland in the one category that matters most, the score line – falling 0-2 to a plucky Ireland side. Both teams will progress to the Thursday’s quarterfinals and will await the outcome of the final pool games before finding out who they will be matched up with.  

“Now that we’ve finished pool play with the reached objective of qualifying for quarterfinals, we shift our focus to the next game and continue on,” said Craig Parnham, U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Ireland visited the U.S. Women’s National Team headquarters in Lancaster, Pa. in May, where Team USA had three comfortable victories over the Green Army but the tables were turned as 14th FIH World Ranked Ireland scored early and late to secure the win. The conclusion of pool play for the red, white and blue proved a close tussle as Ireland got off to a fast start with the better of the opening passages. Ireland sliced a quick backhanded shot to the upper right, corner post but USA's goalkeeper Jackie Briggs' (Robesonia, Pa.) ensured the threatening ball was cleared with a glove save. The United States broke into their semicircle first and continued to develop chances that despite continuous effort didn’t prove in a result.

USA's Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) struck a diagonal ball to the left post; however it didn’t connect with another stick for the necessary finishing touch. Katelyn Falgowski (Landenberg, Pa.) came up big in the midfield by interrupting an Ireland breakaway with a strong block tackle to find Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) earning Team USA’s first penalty corner. Back-to-back corners opportunities didn’t change the scoreboard. It wasn’t until Ireland’s captain Megan Frazer entered the circle unmarked in the 29th minute, enabling her to send a smooth reverse strike from the top left of the semicircle and into the cage to create a halftime lead of USA 0, Ireland 1.

“That wasn’t really us today,” said USA’s Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.). “We didn’t have our ‘Gr’ factor that we normally carry for the full match. So those glimpses cost us. Our goal is to continue to bring all we have to the entire match. We’re looking forward to the next match.”

A back and forth battle ensued against USA’s attack force and Ireland’s defensive unit. Although the United States made numerous strong runs with possession into their attacking end, Ireland remained steadfast opposed to the USA’s relentless strikes. To close out the match and confirm their win, Ireland counter attacked and capitalized on a three on one with Anna O’Flanagan out to the left of Briggs, received a quick pass at the base line and pushed the ball past the goal line to create a final score of USA 0, Ireland 2.

USA pool play began with a 2-0 win to Uruguay followed by a 4-1 victory to South Africa. In their third game, Team USA and Germany left the pitch with 2-2 draw. The squad continues on with FIH Hockey World League Semifinals Thursday against the second or third place finisher in Pool A. The quarterfinal winners will likely book themselves a ticket to Rio 2016 with the  top three finishers in FIH Hockey World League Semifinals guaranteed Olympic qualification.

USFHA media release

'A result to be cherished' - Irish women's hockey team claim historic victory over USA to keep Olympic dream alive


The victorious Ireland women's hockey team. Picture Credit: Facebook/FIHockey

The Ireland women's hockey team have claimed one of the most significant wins in their history after beating the USA 2-0 in Pool B of the World Hockey League in Valencia.

The win puts the Irish side top of Pool B with the result of the final game between Germany and South Africa to determine their final pool placing.

The win is a major scalp with the Americans ranked fifth in the world and it was a defensive masterclass from the victors who soaked up the pressure from the favourites, with Megan Frazer and Anna O'Flanagan did the damage in offence for Ireland.

Ireland now advance to the quarter-finals of the competition knowing that a semi-final spot, or a win in the 5th-8th-place play-offs will qualify them for the Rio 2016 Olympics.


Ireland's Nicola Evans and Megan Frazer. The 2-0 over the USA sees Ireland top Pool B and qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Hockey League with one game remaining.

“It is a result to be cherished,” coach Darren Smith said afterwards.

“It was a really important win. First and foremost, we wanted to finish as high up in the group as possible and to beat the world number five side, World Cup semi-finalists, is something to be cherished.

“The higher up the pool you finish give you momentum for the semi-finals.”

Should they qualify they would become the first Irish team to qualify for the Games since the men's soccer team of London 1948.

Irish Independent

SA hockey women superb against Germany

JONATHAN COOK

If ever a goalless draw could be considered an absolute thriller, it has to be world number 11 South Africa’s 0-0 stalemate with world six Germany at the Women’s World League Semi Final hockey tournament in Valencia, Spain Tuesday.

SA’s courageous, skilful performance means they now meet in-form Pool A winners Great Britain in the first quarter-final at 11.30am Thursday (live on SuperSport 7).

With the South African Sports Congress and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) deeming the accepted International Olympic Committee (IOC) route of SA qualifying for Rio 2016 through retaining the Africa Cup of Nations - scheduled for Egypt in October - as not being of sufficient standing, reaching the quarter-finals in Valencia was an absolute must if SA were to keep the dream alive.

The in-form Germans had played some sublime hockey in Valencia while SA had struggled to develop consistency and rhythm, yet the girls in green and gold showed true grit in drawing 0-0 and in turn denying the Europeans their expected top-place finish in Pool B. A defeat by more than a five-goal margin would have seen world number 29 Uruguay – who enjoyed a shock 1-1 draw with SA Sunday – progress to the quarter-finals ahead of SA. A defeat by a five-goal margin would mean a penalty shootout with Uruguay to determine who would meet Great Britain in the quarters Thursday. Bottom line: SA needed to make sure that nothing worse than a four-goal defeat would suffice.

In the fifth minute Germany won a penalty corner (PC), followed by another after SA first wave Lilian du Plessis blocked the first one. The second PC brought a superb double-save from SA keeper Sanani Mangisa, first throwing herself acrobatically to the left to stick-save and then standing tall to stop the follow-up shot.

At the other end German keeper Kristina Reynolds made a remarkable triple save, the first from Shelley Russell, second from Du Plessis - a reverse-stick effort from close - and third from Dirkie Chamberlain’s deflection off Illse Davids’ pass, this after quality build-up down the right by Bernie Coston. In the 11th Mangisa came off her line with exquisite timing to make a stick intervention after narrowing the angle with a German attacker who had found space down the right. Mangisa played a critical role in keeping SA in the game when matters were not going according to plan.

Two minutes after the re-start Davids set Chamberlain free down the left with a beautiful pass before the striker showed her skill in winning a PC. The corner injection from the baseline spot was off-target but SA recovered well to win a second set-piece. The German PC defenders then showed cool heads in releasing the pressure after a dangerous moment in the mouth of goal.

A moment of indiscretion saw Germany give away a soft PC after admirable pressure from SA captain Nicolene Terblanche, and although the trapping of the ball at the top of the strike zone from the initial corner injection was poor, SA recovered to again put the favourites under pressure, but the scoresheet remained blank. As the clock ticked towards half-time, Terblanche, leading from the front, was gutsy in defence in stopping a German goal shot, while a disputed PC award with 32 seconds left was disallowed by the TV umpire on appeal.

While Germany had spent more time in the SA half, the highly motivated girls in green and gold had done exceptionally well in winning the PC count and sharing the shots on goal. Turning around 0-0 after the half-time break, the question was whether the SA tactic of using their rolling substitutes sparingly and relying on the more experienced players would result in tired legs as the match wore on.

The third quarter of 15 minutes saw Germany control the possession but SA, providing they could limit goal shots to a minimum, were content with that. In the 43rd SA stole away and Russell fed Kelly Madsen, who won a PC, but the opportunity was not converted into a dividend on the scoresheet.

At 0-0 in the final quarter, both sides had an early chance before sheer grit from Coston earned SA’s fifth PC with seven minutes left and German keeper Reynolds did well to save from Lisa Deetlefs’ strike. A minute later, Germany were awarded a disputed PC that was reversed on appeal. With three minutes left, a Hannah Kruger PC drag-flick bullet brought out another outstanding stick-save from the magnificent Mangisa and SA’s Olympic dream stayed alive.

SA team – Starting: Sanani Mangisa (GK), Lisa Deetlefs, Erin Hunter, Line Malan, Celia Evans, Nicolene Terblanche (capt), Shelley Russell, Jade Mayne, Kelly Madsen, Bernie Coston, Dirkie Chamberlain. Rolling subs: Anelle van Deventer (GK), Nicole Walraven, Quanita Bobbs, Illse Davids, Lilian du Plessis, Candice Manuel, Tanya Britz.

SA Hockey Association media release

Bray's Brace sees off China in Great Britain win


Sophie Bray rounds China's keeper

Two goals from East Grinstead’s Sophie Bray gave Great Britain a hard-fought 2-0 win over China and sent them into the quarter finals of the World League Semi-Final with a 100% record. Bray struck in the first quarter and then again three minutes from time to seal the points against a stubborn Chinese outfit. Great Britain, who will finish top of Pool A will now play either Uruguay or South Africa this Thursday.

Great Britain got off to a dream start, opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Kate Richardson-Walsh stepped forwards on the right and found Alex Danson who showed great strength along the baseline to hold off the defender. She cut the ball back to Bray who applied the finish for her fourth of the competition. Danny Kerry’s side had the lion’s share of the possession as China sat deep in an attempt to contain them. Maddie Hinch was a virtual spectator as GB closed the first quarter a goal up.

The second quarter was played at a slow pace with China once again setting up a half-court press, defending deep and trying to deny Great Britain space in the attacking half. China’s rare forays forwards were kept at bay by some stout defending from Laura Unsworth, making her 150th international appearance. The score remained unchanged at the break as neither side could fashion any clear chances.

Great Britain almost added a second in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Hannah Macleod did well to turn the ball over high up the pitch and showed great determination to manufacture a cross which was slapped just wide by a diving Danson. The game followed the same pattern as it had in the opening half with chances at a premium. Danson smashed in a reverse stick cross-shot but it was cleared by goalkeeper Dongxiao Li and then the No15 hit a snapshot on the turn which was well saved by the goalkeeper. China continued to frustrate Danny Kerry’s strikers and it was still 1-0 going into the final quarter.

China won their first penalty corner early in the final quarter but Mengyu Wang’s drag flick was charged down by Hollie Webb and the danger was snuffed out. Myung Jun Cho’s team showed greater ambition as the clocked ticked down and they won their second penalty corner. Once again Wang’s low effort was well saved by the telescopic right leg of Hinch. The goalkeeper was indebted to her teammate Giselle Ansley moments later as the Surbiton defender cleared off the line from Meiyu Liang’s audacious lob as the Chinese came close to the equaliser.

Great Britain then hit back with a lovely move. Shona McCallin transferred the ball brilliantly from left to right to find Hollie Webb breaking forwards and the No20’s hard-hit cross was deflected just wide by Danson.

With three minutes left on the clock Bray sealed the points. The No19 latched on to Kate Richardson-Walsh’s long pass before beautifully slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to grab her second of the match and her fifth of the tournament.

Great Britain must now wait and see who their quarter final opponents will be, with either South Africa or Uruguay on the horizon this Thursday.

Quotes – Great Britain Forward Sophie Bray

“They’re a great side and play a different style to the European sides we’re used to playing against. We knew how we had to play and we got the result we needed. To get the win keeps the momentum going into the crucial quarter-final game. We’ll go home, rest and recover and get ready for Thursday.

All the teams here are quality sides. We’ll look at the video and prepare for whoever we play as we have done all through the tournament.”

Head Coach Danny Kerry:

“It was a disciplined performance and the tactical execution by girls was excellent today. Our second goal was fantastically executed by Sophie Bray, who, like the rest of the team is having an excellent tournament.”

Great Britain 2 (1)
Sophie Bray 5, 57 (FG, FG)

China 0 (0)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Team GB 2 - China 0: Sophie Bray double keeps GB on top in Spain

By Graham Wilson


Sophie Bray was the star of the show for Team GB

SOPHIE BRAY scored two goals and her fifth of the World League Olympic qualifying tournament to keep Great Britain top of their pool and into tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory over China in Spain.

Bray, the East Grinstead striker, seems to be developing a fine partnership with key attacker Alex Danson which is creating a lot of trouble for defences out in Valencia. Their understanding paid dividends after just five minutes. Danson drove down the flank to the byline and into the circle where she cut the ball back for Bray to finish off neatly with a deflected shot.

Coach Danny Kerry’s side dominated from the back, and Bray next laid on a pass at the top of the circle where Laura Unsworth was left rueing a missed shot on her 150th cap.

Reading's Danson hit just wide after a great stealing tackle from Hannah Macleod and it was Danson again whose shot was parried away by China’s goalkeeper.

Eighth-ranked Britain came under pressure from the side world-ranked one above them for the last quarter of the game but they held their shape and defended well even when reduced to 10 with the sin-binning of Danson in the last few minutes. They survived two penalty corners, Hollie Webb taking a knock high on the hand for one and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch saving with her right boot.

Giselle Ansley cleared the danger on the line with a brilliant overhead after Hinch was committed wide to the edge of the circle.

With three minutes remaining captain Kate Richardson-Walsh came out of defence to put through a superb ball for Bray to run on to and pick up, draw the goalkeeper and cooly slide the ball home to make victory certain. She ended up in the sin-bin with a two-minute green card but by then the game was all over.

It was GB's fourth successive victory and a third clean sheet for Kerry’s girls who need to finish in the top three to gain automatic qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Bray was typically reserved about her performance as she said: “China are a great side and play a different style to the European sides we’re used to playing. We got the result we needed. To get the win keeps the momentum going into the crucial quarter-final game. We’ll go home, rest and recover and get ready for Thursday.

All the teams here are quality sides. We’ll look at the video and prepare for whoever we play as we have done all through the tournament.” 

Coach Kerry said: “It was a disciplined performance and the tactical execution by the girls was excellent. Our second goal was fantastically executed by Sophie Bray, who, like the rest of the team is having an excellent tournament.”

Daily Express

Sophie Bray inspires Great Britain women to table-topping performance

A last eight encounter with South Africa looms at the World League in Valencia as Sophie Bray turns in fifth goal of tournament, while Ireland stun USA to top other pool
           
By Rod Gilmour

 
On song: Sophie Bray, left, struck in both halves as Great Britain women beat China Photo: FIH

Great Britain women and Sophie Bray confirmed their status as form team and player respectively at the Olympic qualifiers in Valencia, Spain following a 2-0 victory over China on Tuesday afternoon.

Bray, with her fourth and fifth goals of the tournament, led Great Britain to their fourth successive win of the campaign, as Danny Kerry's buoyant side ended the pool stages top of their group and in fine fettle heading into Thursday's quarter-finals.

"China play different hockey to the European hockey we usually play against," said Bray. "But we went out there and knew how to play. To get the win keeps that momentum going into that crucial quarter-final."

By "crucial", Bray means that they need two more wins to guarantee a berth for the Rio 2016 Olympics, with the top three automatically qualifying.

Needing only a draw to top their group at Estadio de Hockey de Valencia, Great Britain's victory also means that they will likely face South Africa in the last eight, a team who ended England's hopes at last year's World Cup.


Provider Alex Danson, left, celebrates GB's opening goal (FIH)

Kate Richardson-Walsh, the captain, had a hand in both goals. She set up Alex Danson for the opener, the Reading forward passing from the baseline as Bray had only to tap in. Then, with three minutes remaining, the midfielder passed inside with China stretched and Bray lurking upfield.

She became the tournament's top scorer by finding herself one-on-one with Li Dongxiao before slotting home with aplomb from the right.

So often, Great Britain and England have relied on the form of Alex Danson for goals. But over the last year, the rise of Bray and Lily Owsley have given the side added dimension and intent with their forward play.

In Valencia, Great Britain have put together a series of impressive pool stage performances following wins over hosts Spain, Argentina and Canada.

“It was a disciplined performance and the tactical execution by girls was excellent today," said Kerry. "Our second goal was fantastically executed by Sophie Bray, who, like the rest of the team is having an excellent tournament.”

Meanwhile, Ireland produced a heroic result to beat much-fancied USA 2-0 and set up a quarter-final meeting with China after topping pool B.

Germany would have pipped Ireland with a win over South Africa but could only settle for a 0-0 draw.

The Olympic qualifiers are being played as part of the World League semi-finals, a series of tournaments being played in three different venues across the globe.

The Telegraph

Quarter final ties confirmed for World League in Valencia.


Great Britain celebrate Sophie Bray's goal. Credit World Sport Pics Stanislas Brochier

With the pool stages now complete at the World League Semi-Final in Valencia, the quarter final draw has been finalised, with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) releasing the schedule for Thursday’s all important clashes.

Great Britain, the only side to win all their games so far in the competition are drawn against South Africa, who finished fourth in Pool B. South Africa are yet to win a game in the competition, but held Germany to a 0-0 draw in their final pool game to book their place in the next stage. The match will start at 15:30 BST and is live on Sky Sports 1.

The first quarter final of the day will start at 10:30 and pits the surprise package of the competition, Ireland against China. Ireland’s superb win over the USA earlier today ensured they saw off higher ranked opponents to top Pool B. China, whose defeat to Great Britain today meant they finished fourth in the pool come into the game with just one win in the tournament so far. Second on the schedule is a repeat of the last four Pan-American finals as Argentina and the USA go head to head, starting at 13:00. The last match is at 18:00 and will be between European Champions Germany and hosts Spain.

The playoff for 9th-10th Place will be between Uruguay and Canada on Friday 19 June at 18:00.

Thursday 18 June 2015: Quarter final draw in full. (All times BST)

10:30 Ireland vs. China
13:00 Argentina vs. USA
15:30 Great Britain vs. South Africa
18:00 Germany vs. Spain

Great Britain Hockey media release

Stats Speak: All the five continents in the fray

By B.G.Joshi

Sehore-Bhopal, India: It is good to see global character of Hockey in Valencia (Spain). In HWL-all the five continents are in fray in the quarter finals.

World Ranked 14 Ireland topped the Pool A leaving behind USA (5) and Germany (6).Great Britain (WR 8) has surpassed mighty Argentina (WR 3) in Pool B. After retirement of legendary Luciana Aymar , Las Leonas (The Lionesses)  have struggled for top place. Luciana ( born Aug 10,1977; caps 376 ; goals 161, playing career 1998-2014) have won 8 FIH Gold medals includes 2 World Cup (2002,2010) and  6 Champions Trophy (2001,2008,2009,2010,2012, 2014). La Maga (The Magician) and the Maradona of Hockey- Luciana Aymar have won FIH player of the year award on most 8 occasions (2001, 04, 05, 07, 08, 09, 13). Like Ric Charlesworth of Australia Luciana also fails to win Olympic Gold winning Silver (2000, 2012) and Bronze (2004, 2008) twice.

Here are the quarter final lines up in Valencia:
1: Ireland versus China
2: Argentina versus USA
3: Great Britain versus South Africa
4: Spain versus Germany
Standings
Pool A

Pool B

Fieldhockey.com

Life begins at 30

Ireland's Kate Dillon on life beyond the hockey pitch


Kate Dillon's other passion – the Wooden Spoon cafe

For most hockey players, the “real world” of business begins long after their international career. Not so for Kate Dillon who earned her 50th cap for Ireland against Germany and turns 30 this week. We catch up with Kate on the eve of Ireland's quarter-final match against China at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Valencia.

She made her international debut in June 2013, a full three years after starting up her own business, The Wooden Spoon café in the Dublin suburb of Blackrock.

The colourful café serves homemade lunch and breakfast with stunning views of Dublin Bay while it prides itself on its gourmet coffee and chilled atmosphere. The company has also a number of offshoots, working with a number of hockey clubs for their catering needs. 

Speaking about how she juggles the demands of an international hockey career and her business, she says its “quite demanding” but adds that “once I am organised I love being able to do both”. 

This translates into 6am gym sessions followed by a full day’s work and pitch training in the evenings. 

“Time management on a daily basis is hugely important. I have to plan my week in advance especially if we are travelling to ensure the business runs smoothly in my absence. I have a fantastic team who work in the shop and keep things running efficiently.”

Dillon has previously said that she is surprised by her late arrival to the Irish set-up. During her early 20s, she flirted with the outskirts of national training panels but felt she was “making up the numbers” for training games. 

But current Irish coach Darren Smith was impressed by a run of form in the Irish Hockey League and Irish Senior Cup and duly brought her into the main panel at the age of 28. And Dillon says that having a successful business under her belt has taught her plenty of lessons that have helped her succeed on the playing field. 

“I think in business it is the attention to detail that makes you be successful as well as hard work and knowing you can succeed. 

“I find the same mentality applies to playing on an international team, as you need to be driven, focused and have a positive attitude at all times. I am passionate about both areas in my life and having a strong work ethic makes me feel like I can achieve this in business and hockey.” 

Ireland’s players on the women’s side are currently all effectively amateur players but endeavour to play and train to a professional standard, combining their working or student life with top level hockey. 

“Our setup in the Irish women's hockey team wouldn’t look out of place in a Premiership football club. We have a sports psychologist, physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist and physiotherapist and this helps with organising my life to be able to maintain a full time job and playing elite hockey.

“I am not the only one with these time commitments. The entire squad share similar heavy workloads combined with training schedules. 

“However, we also share the same drive, commitment and determination to do whatever we can do for the good of the squad. We know that we are one of the few teams that don’t have a semi-professional programme. If anything this teaches us to be even more self-responsible, self-driven and determined to be successful.”  

FIH site

HWL2015 Antwerp: Will Dazzling Dutch control women’s Pool A?



With the start of the eagerly anticipated FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Antwerp just days away, we look at the teams that will be competing in these crucial qualification competitions for the HWL Finals and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Today, turn our gaze to Pool A of the women’s competition, where Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Italy, and Azerbaijan will all be aiming to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Netherlands - current world ranking: 1

Reigning Hockey World League champions the Netherlands have long been one of the most dominant forces in world hockey, and in recent years have claimed the vast majority of the sport’s biggest prizes. They are the Olympic Gold medallists from both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, and last year proved themselves as the finest team on the planet by winning the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in front of their home fans in The Hague. Following the departure of hugely successful Head Coach Max Caldas last summer, who has taken charge of the Dutch men’s national team, the women are now lead by Sjoerd Marijne, an experienced coach who has been involved with various national youth teams in the Netherlands as well as some of the country’s top club teams. Marijne – who will work with the team at least until the end of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – landed a Bronze medal in his first major assignment thanks to a 3rd place finish at the Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy at the end of last year. The Netherlands team selected for Antwerp includes gifted and experienced attacking players such Naomi van As, Eva de Goede, Lidewij Welten and 2014 FIH Player of the Year Ellen Hoog. Combined with a rock-solid defence marshalled by 2014 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Joyce Soembroek and the talismanic talents of superstar captain Maartje Paumen, the Netherlands will be, as always, the team to beat.

Korea - current world ranking: 9

Following a difficult 2013 where the side were defeated in the final of the Asia Cup by Japan before recording a dismal 8th place finish at the Argentina Hockey World League Final, Korea started 2014 in disarray but ended the year in high spirits. Their 5th place finish at the Champions Challenge 1 event in Glasgow early in 2014 was a massive low for the proud Korean team, arriving as tournament favourites but failing to secure a place on the podium. However, Korea have always been a talented, industrious team so it was only a matter of time before their fortunes changed. A 7th place finish at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup proved to be both the turning point and ideal preparation for the 2014 Asian Games on home soil in Incheon. It turned out to be a fantastic tournament for the hosts, defeating China in the competition final to claim a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympics. Although the race for an Olympic place is not their concern here, the chase for a top three finish to land a berth at the end-of-year Hockey World League Final very much is. With live-wire striker Park Miyun in the team, they are certainly capable of doing it.

Japan - current world ranking: 10
Over the past decade the Japanese women’s team has been making in-roads on the international hockey scene and will be looking to upset the world rankings in Antwerp, something which they have done on numerous occasions in recent years. Their most notable performance of 2013 came when they defeated the higher- ranked Korea in the final of the Asia Cup, a superb result which secured a place at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup for the “Cherry Blossoms”, where they finished in 10th position. Their first foray into the Olympics in 2004 earned them an eighth place finish, and they have qualified for all subsequent Games, a record that they will be hoping to keep in Antwerp. The Japanese team is renowned for being exceptionally quick and masters of counter-attacking hockey, which will be useful assets in their hunt for a top three finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Final.

Italy - current world ranking: 16

A string of outstanding performances at the Hockey World League Round 2 tournament in Montevideo (URU) gave Italy a richly deserved place in the HWL Semi-Final phase. The Europeans bounced back from a surprise shoot-out defeat against lower ranked host nation Uruguay on the opening day to record five victories in succession, brushing aside the challenges from Mexico (5-0), Dominican Republic (5-0), Trinidad & Tobago (3-0), Azerbaijan (4-0) before gaining a measure of revenge over Uruguay with 4-0 triumph in the tournament final. The Italians produced a dominant display against the lower-ranked but hugely talented Uruguayans, with Giuliana Ruggieri, Marcela Casale, Agata Wybieralska and team captain Chiara Tiddi all finding the target in front of packed stadium. Tiddi and Ruggieri are both key players for Italy, being respectively crowned “Best Player” and “Top Scorer” (7 goals) at the tournament in Montevideo. The vast majority of individuals that make up the Italian squad selected for this event are yet to break through the 50 international appearances marker, but that will not stop them from believing that they can upset the odds in Antwerp.

Azerbaijan - current world ranking: 19

Azerbaijan qualified for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals by virtue of being the highest ranked of the 3rd placed finishers from the three Round 2 events, putting them ahead of Chile (3rd in Dublin) and Malaysia (3rd in New Delhi). The Azerbaijanis took the Bronze medal at the HWL R2 tournament in Montevideo, winning their first four matches before falling to a heavy 4-0 semi-final defeat against Italy, a team that they will once again face in Antwerp. The side recovered from that loss to record a comprehensive 5-2 triumph over Mexico, although they were forced to wait until the completion of the Dublin and New Delhi Round 2 tournaments before confirmation came through that they had reached the Semi-Final phase. Key players include team captain Khatira Aliyeva, Lyubov Druzhinina and Farida Mammadova, who scored six goals apiece at the tournament in Montevideo.

#HWL2015 #RoadToRio

FIH site

New faces at World League

Mariah Williams and Blake Govers set for first major tournament



As part of our countdown to the World League Semi Finals in Belgium, we are unveiling the new faces of the Hockeyroos’ and Kookaburras’ squads. You can familiarise yourself with all of the athletes heading to the Olympic qualifier by visiting the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras player profiles on the Hockey Australia website.

Today we highlight two new faces who will wear the Australian kit for the first time at a major international tournament. Born and bred in New South Wales, Mariah Williams, 20, and Blake Govers, 18, are two of the teams’ youngest athletes to tour Belgium.

Get to know Australia’s two newest and youngest faces at the World League before seeing them live on Fox Sports.


Kookaburras
Blake Govers
Number: 13
D.O.B: 06/07/1996
Debut: 02/05/2015
Caps: 5
Goals: 4
Position: Forward
Hometown: Wollongong, NSW

Part of the 2015 national development squad, Blake Govers, 18, brother of Kookaburras forward Kieran Govers, made his debut at the Hobart International Challenge in May, topping his debut match off with a goal.

He spent the 2014/2015 season in England where his five goals in the grand final helped crown Wimbledon 2015 English Champions over East Grinstead, and confirmed Wimbledon’s place in the 2015/2016 Euro Hockey League.

Growing up, Govers remembers having a hockey stick permanently glued to his hands, watching his three older brothers – Hayden, Kieran and Scott – from the sidelines. Away from the pitch, Govers is a qualified bricklayer with a passion for Holden classic cars, which he indulges on the weekend.

Part of New South Wales’ Waratahs team at the 2014 Australian Hockey League, Govers is one of three players from Wollongong currently playing for Australia.


Hockeyroos
Mariah Williams
Number: 24
D.O.B: 31/05/1995
Debut: 24/04/2013
Caps: 14
Goals: 2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Parkes, NSW

First picking up a hockey stick at the age of four, Mariah Williams’ hard work and dedication was rewarded when she was named in the 2015 national senior squad in early February.

Wearing the green and gold bodysuit for the first time in April 2013, Williams received her first international cap at the age of just 17 during a test series against Korea in Perth.

Holding off on her international dreams while she completed high school, Williams has been the only member of her family to graduate from year 12.

An outdoors girl, Williams grew up following soccer and touch football. Admiring Hockeyroos’ midfielder Casey Sablowski, Williams appreciates her talent and believes she’s a great mentor.

Making the big move from New South Wales to Perth to join the women’s high performance program, Williams says the hardest part is leaving her family, making the most of this time where possible.

Hockey Australia media release

We need to improve our conversion rate: Sardar Singh

ANTWERP (Belgium): India captain Sardar Singh says his team must improve on its conversion rate ahead of their Hockey World League Semifinal opener on Saturday.

"Till now, everything is going fine and we have achieved satisfactory results in our training sessions and practice matches. It is unfortunate that we lost to Belgium in our practice match but we have learnt many things about our strategies from that match, which will help us. We are now focussing on our finishing and converting our attacks in goals," said Sardar.

"With the addition of new and young players, the team combination becomes more flexible, which is helping us to create more options in drawing new strategies. The weather is very cool here and best suited to playing hockey. We are looking forward to the first match against France," he added.

The women take on Belgium in their opening match.

Speaking post a practice session, captain Ritu Rani said: "The tournament is very important for our team. After the Incheon Asian Games, we have been preparing for this tournament and we have tried out various new strategies as well as team combinations in the Hawke's Bay Cup and our preparatory camps and practice matches. In the match against Japan, we have learnt new aspects of our team combinations and we are working on our mistakes.

"There are higher-ranked teams in the tournament but we will focus on each match separately by keeping aside the rankings," she said.

The side had to lost to Japan in the practice match.

The Times of India

World League will chart our future course: Akashdeep Singh

ANTWERP (Belgium): Striker Akashdeep Singh says the Indian team realizes the importance of the upcoming Hockey World League Semifinals even though it doesn't have to worry about Olympic qualification in the competition beginning on Saturday.

"We realize the importance of this tournament as the outcome from here will chalk out the future course of action in terms of team combinations, how good will the present strategy work for us in the long run and which are the concerned areas that need immediate attention," said Akashdeep.

"Each player is aware of this and is ensuring that he has to do his job as there is very less scope for mistakes. We as a team have reached a point where we have to grow and become strong," he added.

India qualified for the Rio Olympics by winning the Asian Games gold in Incheon, South Korea.

They play their first against France on Saturday while the women meet Belgium on the same day.

The Olympic qualification is at stake for the women's team.

"Everyone's responsibility is defined and we have to stand up to it now. We have to ensure we do not lose possession on the ball easily and if this happens we are aware of our positions while even ensuring we create opportunities for each other for the crucial quick passes. The idea is just not adding to the number of circle penetrations but to see that we hit the target and score the goals," said Vandana Kataria.

The Times of India

Shakeel unhappy over exclusion from hockey team

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Former hockey team captain Shakeel Abbasi Tuesday expressed utter disappointment over his exclusion from the national team without any reason.

Talking to The Nation, Abbasi, veteran of three Olympics, two world cups and a number of Champions Trophies and other major events, said: “I joined the national junior team in 1998 and was performing exceptionally right from the beginning, but the reasons best known to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), I was not considered for Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia in 2000. I was finally picked for senior team in 2003 and was skipper of Pakistan junior team in 2005 junior World Cup in Netherlands. Ever since, I was with national team till 2014 as a regular member.

“I was declared two-time best player of the champions’ trophy, but sadly whenever I managed to win international awards, all of a sudden, I used to be dropped from the national side, instead of being recognized for my services for my country,” he added.

“I was expecting to be part of national team and play major role in helping green shirts to get a berth in 2016 Rio Olympics, but I was not considered for Olympics qualifiers in Belgium. I feel being a senior most player and genuine goal scorer, I must be automatic choice for the event, but surprisingly, I was shown the door without any solid reason,” he lamented.

“Who will answer a simple question that why the selectors or federation deprive me of representing my country in important events and help my country in registering crucial victories. I deserve better treatment form the PHF. It is my right to seek reasons behind my exclusion. The time is high when a natural goal scorer like me should have been part of the touring team, as Arsalan Qadir is also not selected and was given reserves berth. The team badly needs a goal scorer, who may score goals confidently,” he said. He added he was still super fit and could deliver for the team exceptionally.

“Our pool is very tough. Head coach Shahnaz Sheikh has transformed the team very well, but I feel sorry for him, as he is the one who detected my talent and gave breakthrough to a number of other brilliant players, but I feel he is completely hapless and not given powers. Shahnaz had changed the fortunes of national team, as prior to his appointment, the team was on losing streak and hardly made any significant achievement, but soon after his arrival, the same bunch of players had managed to play finals of high-profile events. If the PHF keeps on treating the senior players in this way, then juniors can never get much-needed confidence and chance to learn playing alongside the seniors,” he added.

“My sincere prayers are with the team and I hope the boys will do their best to qualify for the Rio Olympics. If green caps fail to qualify for the Olympics, it will prove disastrous for the national game,” he said.

To a query, Shakeel replied: “I along with 6 or 7 other players were playing international league, prior to Champions Trophy. Like others, I also requested the PHF to exempt me from training camp because I was playing league in Malaysia. Others were given relaxation but my request fell on deaf ears.”

“It hurts, when even in India, I was named as captain of my team in the league, but the PHF and selectors are not ready to pick me a member of national team. If same treatment continues with players like me, it will set a bad example for the juniors and also dent hopes of regaining lost hockey glory. I hope the selectors will follow merit and provide the deserving players due chance to represent the country,” Shakeel concluded.

The Nation

Beng Hai needs more versatility in his hockey squad

By S. Ramaguru


Malaysia's Mohd Shahril Saabah (right) will be one of the penalty corner takers during the World Hockey League Semi-Final tournament in Belgium. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia need more versatile players in the team.

National coach Tai Beng Hai believes that will give him greater options as Malaysia prepare for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals, which starts in Antwertp, Belgium, on Saturday.

Beng Hai said that only a few players in his team – like Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Faiz Faizal, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and Mohd Shahrun Nabil – could play in defence, midfield and forward line.

“That certainly gives me greater choice in selecting my formation for each match. I’d like to see other players take on double duties as well. The modern game requires players to take on different roles,” he said.

At least Beng Hai now has more options when it comes to his penalty corner flickers.

Skipper Mohd Razie Rahim is the first choice flicker and Faizal Saari the number two. Now he can count on two more players – Mohd Shahril Saabah and Mohd Firhan Azhaari.

“We’ll see how Shahril and Firhan fare under pressure, although they’ve been effective in training,” said Beng Hai.

The World Hockey League is a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Malaysia are in Group B of the World Hockey League Semi-Finals with Belgium, Britain, China and Ireland. Group A comprises Australia, India, Pakistan, Poland and France.

A top-three finish will see Malaysia automatically qualifying for the Rio Olympics next year.

In Belgium, Malaysia play China on Sunday. Then, after a three-day rest, take on Ireland. If they win both these matches, they will be assured of a quarter-final berth.

Malaysia will travel to Belgium on Wednesday after playing Brazil in a friendly in Amsterdam.

The Star of Malaysia

High Level Opponent India Tests USMNT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - In their fifth game in ten days, the U.S. Men's National Team played against world renowned India. Team USA was excited for the opportunity to play against one of the world's best teams but this brought with it a lot of nervous energy. The score

Nerves translated into the first quarter as India converted on one of their only penalty corners throughout three quarters of play to make the score 1-0 in favor of India.

"Our tour has been going well in regards to what we have been focusing on - ourselves and the details we need to have in place around our performance," said Chris Clements, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. "Today was a big test for us and to have played like we did was very pleasing. I am very proud of our players. Our defense limited opportunities, our midfield stifled the counter attack style of play of India and managed to contain their strong players, and our strikers created some chances.

It was not until the final 7 minutes of play where India pulled away from Team USA. Both teams were pressing for the victory in the final quarter but during that period India earned three penalty corners and converted on two of them, one at the final whistle, to make the score 4-0 to India.

"We played well today and may have been a little overwhlemed by our opponent initially," said Alex Cunningham (Bad Kreuznach, Ger.). "However we were very competitive for the entire game. We had some chances today and we should have taken them like India did. We can play on this level, we just need more games like this."

"This level of opponent is critical for us to continue to grow," added Clements. "I felt our players physiology, technical and tactical play were of a level that allowed us to be very competitive with the Indian team as well as the collective effort of every person in the squad striving to meet our objectives."

The U.S. Men's National Team will play their final match of the European Tour tomorrow against China.

USFHA media release

Dar Hockey Academy ends Holland tour with a big win

By Ijaz Chaudhry


Dar Academy scores against Klein Zwitserland

Dar HA’s last match was against Klein Zwitserland’s under 18 side in The Hague.  Klein Zwitserland holds the record of winning the Dutch league for eight consecutive seasons besides winning the European Club championships a couple of times. The club in the Hague boasts eight synthetic turfs probably as many as Pakistan, a country of 180 million. Apart from a number of Dutch internationals, quite a few foreign stars have also plied their trade for the club including Dilip Tirkey and Gagan Ajit Singh of India, Grant Schubert of Australia, Seo of Korea.

Club’s legend Ties Kruise, who played in a record six World Cups was also in attendance.

Led by Douwe Steens, son of Tim Steens who won bronze at the 1988 Olympics, KZ applied the early pressure and in the very second minute penetrated the circle but the Dar HA deep defence stood firm.  After his scare, the Pakistani boys found their feet and moved ahead frequently.  In the eighth minute, a penalty corner resulted after a fast Dar HA move. Though, initially not properly stopped, Asif , a shining light of the Dar HA, controlled the ball beautifully and after side stepping an opponent slotted the ball into the right corner of the board.  Hardly two minutes had passed when Umair had a mazy run into the circle before releasing the ball to unmarked Asif who shot wide.  A forceful KZ move wrongly checked in the circle yielded a penalty corner in the 11th minute. The indirect drill failed.

Dar academy was enjoying  upper hand in a fast tempo game. In the 16th minute,  Umair failed to avail an excellent diagonal cross sent by Zulqarnian from right. It was followed by more though non-threatening attacks.  From the 20-25 minute period, the game largely remained confined in the midfield. In the 25the minute, an excellent reverse hit by Umair sent from the right side of the top of circle found striker Usman junior near the far corner of the goal all by himself, and he made no mistake to double the lead. Now, the Dar HA forays came in a cascade. KZ defended well for a while but a goal seemed to be  coming any time and it did arrive in the 29th minute. Usman senior sprinted into the circle and scored from the penalty stroke spot with a well-placed hit giving the custodian no chance to make it 3-0.

Not much aggression was seen by either side in the first five minutes of the second half. Soon, the Dar HA’s sweeping moves had the opponents’ in tangle. KZ circle was repeatedly entered and  attempts made. The relentless pressure earned them two back to back penalty corners in the 42nd minute. Tour’s leading scorer Usman senior’s drag slap bolted into the right corner of the goal. Down by four goals, the KZ now seemed desperate to make an entry into the score sheet. The last 15 minutes saw them making repeated inroads into the Dar HA’s defence. They had some very good opportunities. Twice, the forwards shot wide from excellent positions in the circle with goal at their mercy. Even a penalty stroke was squandered. Maurits Vogels flick was well anticipated by the Dar HA custodian of the day Waqar. The academy management rotated their goal keepers after every match.  With almost all their players in the opponents’ half, a missed pass by a KZ player picked up by Saqib meant it was two on one for the Dar HA. Saqib covered a considerable ground before passing the ball to Usman senior who put the ball into the goal in a flash; completing his hat trick in the bargain.

This was the last action of the last of the nine matches played in as many days by the Dar HA on their Holland tour. The touring academy based in Lahore confronted age group sides as well as the senior men’s teams from world’s most competitive national hockey league.  The boys thus gained invaluable experience.

Dar Hockey Academy: 5 (Usman Senior 3. Asif 1, Usman Junior 1) Klein Zwitserland (under 18): 0

Final Tour Record: Played 9, Won 5, Lost 2, Drew 2
 
Fieldhockey.com

Hockey event enters semis stage

KARACHI: Munawwar-uz-Zaman XI, Munir Dar XI, retired Brig M. H. Atif XI and Anwar Ahmed Khan XI completed the semi-final quartet in the camp trainees under-16 hockey tournament at Olympian Iftikhar Syed Sports Academy (OISSA) on Monday.

Munawwar-uz-Zaman XI topped the seven-team league with 10 points winning four and drawing two games. They were followed by Munir Dar XI who amassed eight points with four wins and two defeats. Brig Atif XI seized third place with seven points from two wins one defeat and three drawn games while Anwar Ahmed Khan XI finished with five points earned from two wins, three defeats and one drawn game.

In the three matches played on Monday, Habib Ali Kiddi XI carved out a 2-1 victory over Habib-ur-Rehman XI. Hasnain and Samad scored a goal each for the winners while Basit reduced the deficit for the losers.

Four goals including a hat-trick by full back Hamza Qureshi helped Tanveer Dar XI inflict a 5-4 defeat on Munir Dar XI. Shahruk Zaman completed the tally for winners.

Aman (2), Yousuf and Taha one each, shared the scoring honour for losers.

The match between Munawwar-uz-Zaman XI and Brig Atif XI ended in a three-all stalemate.

Mohammad Ahmed scored three goals to register a hat-trick for Brig Atif XI while Shahzeb and Mohsin netted two and one goals respectively for Munawwar-uz-Zaman XI.

Munir Dar XI takes on Anwar Ahmed Khan XI while Munawar-uz-Zaman XI faces Brig Atif XI in the two semi-finals.

Dawn