News for 18 June 2015
All the news for Thursday 18 June 2015
El Clasico! Things are hotting up in Valencia
Four epic encounters – it's business time in Valencia
Chinese wall of defence keeps Danson at bay
Judgement day on Thursday at the women’s Hockey World League Semi-Final in Valencia as eight sides face quarter-final matches which will ultimately see them contest for the three automatic Olympic berths on offer, as well as three Hockey World League Final places – or be left contesting the classification matches.
Tournament surprise package Ireland meet China in game one at 11.30am (CET), hoping they can record their first ever win over the Asian side at the 13th attempt. The last time the two sides met was back in February 2008, a 3-1 win for China, with only Shirley McCay still involved with the Irish set-up from that day.
Nonetheless, the Irish had never beaten USA before Tuesday and they will be in confident mood after topping Pool B with three wins from four games.
China had a tricky time of it in Pool A. They started with a strong 3-0 win over Canada but have not scored in the last three games against Spain, Argentina and Great Britain. Can the world number seven side end that run and use their greater experience on the world stage to undo the upstarts from the Emerald Isle?
It’s an Americas battle royale at 2:00pm when world number three side Argentina and and fifth ranked USA face off.
Argentina’s skipper Macarena Rodriguez Perez said that “it is a great rivalry, like the classico of Pan-America. “It will be a tough and physical match but we are going to play hard and enjoy the occasion.”
Despite being a couple of places down the world list, USA have the form guide of late, unbeaten against Argentina in five meetings in 2015 already.
Most recently, Craig Parnham’s side ran up a 3-0 win in Hawke’s Bay with Katie O’Donnell, Jill Witmer and Lauren Crandall on the mark. Two of those were from corners, a facet of play that the USA have struggled with so far in the tournament. If they can get those right, they could be in great shape for the victory but goalkeeper Belen Succi and her cohorts will not be easily beaten and there is scarcely more than a goal between them, happening just twice in the last 14 games.
Great Britain will be aiming to continue the only 100 per cent win record in the competition when they meet South Africa at 4:30pm. Sophie Bray has led the charge with five goals to be the tournament’s top scorer after the group phases with three coming from open play.
South Africa will need to find goals as they have just three to their name thus far and are the only team in the quarter-final line-up without a win to their name. Nonetheless, their 0-0 draw against Germany was a confidence booster and goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa reckons they can pull a few tricks out of the bag against GB.
“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," she said.
Last game on court is the all-European clash of Germany and Spain at 7:00pm in what could be an epic encounter. The former are unbeaten and the tournament top scorers after four group games with 13 goals to their name in spite of their blank against South Africa.
Their corner routine has looked the most polished with the double threat of teenager Nike Lorenz and Hannah Kruger at the top, allied to Charlotte Stapenhorst, Lydia Haase and Lisa Altenburg up front, give them plenty of scoring outlets.
Spain, though, have a great record against the Germans in 2015 with three consecutive victories in February in Valencia, scoring nine goals in the process. With confidence high after an impressive group stage, including a first win over China since 2006 and a draw against Argentina, Adrian Lock’s crew are hoping to upset the world number six side.
FIH site
SA hockey coach confident for quarters
JONATHAN COOK
“We like to play them and the history between us makes for an interesting game.”
These were the words of SA women’s hockey team head coach Sheldon Rostron from Valencia, Spain late Wednesday afternoon as his team continued final preparations for their World League Semi Final tournament quarter-final match against Pool A winners Great Britain, which starts at 4.30pm Thursday (live on SuperSport 7).
“GB [Great Britain] are the only team with a 100% win record, they have been consistent, but we know they aren’t unbeatable.”
SA kept their Rio 2016 Olympic dreams alive with a spirited 0-0 draw against world number six Germany Wednesday, which set up the GB quarter-final. Rostron said the SA game plan had worked.
“Our main focus was to play conservatively, going forward with care and reducing unnecessary turnovers,” said Rostron. “We wanted to ensure we could defensively hold and sustain the pressures of the game and feed off the few opportunities they would give us. Small improvisations were needed to manage rotations and overloads, but I felt it all went to plan.”
The output of physical, mental and emotional energy was enormous for the girls in green and gold Wednesday. Will they be able to pick themselves up and do it all over again less than 48 hours later?
“We have shown ourselves that with individual consistent effort our structures are able to regenerate against the top teams of the world,” said Rostron. “This has given great confidence and players are all aware that a once-off will not be enough ... We are currently busy with our prep for GB and believe that the last game was the start of good things to come. We have not fired on all cylinders yet and as players and staff we want to ensure that the next match against GB is this game!”
South Africa’s senior players, who blew hot and cold in the earlier Pool B matches, really stepped up to set the example against the in-form Germans.
“The core of the team functioned well and were the building blocks that ensured an efficient performance,” said Rostron. “They were focused and communicating, driving the structure, and this energy was certainly the key.”
The buzz in the SA team against Germany was palpable, in contrast to the at-times anxious displays in the earlier matches. Rostron said it was a case of growing confidence.
“We have been playing in our shells ... We have a great structure and system that allows the players freedom to express their ability. Against Germany was the first time the players fully appreciated the benefits which that freedom brings.”
SA Hockey Association media release
'Diligent' Great Britain women aiming to silence South Africa
Defeat for Danny Kerry's side would echo World Cup memories as well as ending Olympic qualification hopes in Valencia, Spain
By Rod Gilmour, Valencia
England leave the field after World Cup exit to South Africa (ADY KERRY)
South Africa women will be hoping to evoke memories of their 4-1 victory last summer which sent a dispirited England packing from the World Cup, when the two sides meet in their crucial Olympic qualifying quarter-final.
Although it is a Great Britain women’s side who take on South Africa, it is essentially the same squad – Scotland’s Emily Maguire is the only home nations’ player included – who will contest Thursday afternoon’s match in Valencia.
A year on from their haranguing in the Hague, it also a markedly improved side. Great Britain topped their pool this week and they enter the knock out stages as the only side to have won all four games thus far, playing an attacking and purposeful brand of hockey.
“Our focus is very much on what we currently do, and how South Africa have improved over the course of this tournament,” said coach Danny Kerry, who took over from Jason Lee after the World Cup.
“They have just drawn against the reigning European Champions, Germany, in their last pool game and I am sure their confidence will be lifted. We have executed on our diligent preparations so far in the tournament and we will continue to prepare in the same way.”
Kerry added that Great Britain, marshalled by Kate Richardson-Walsh, are “very tight, focused and determined”, and they will be overwhelming favourites to progress. They conceded just twice in the pool stages, against Canada on Tuesday, and their 10 goals – Sophie Bray has scored half of them – suggest that South Africa, who advanced despite two draws and two losses, will be on the back foot.
Last June, under then-coach Lee, Great Britain were at “rock bottom” as they failed to progress to the World Cup knock out stages and South Africa coach, Sheldon Rostron, admits that an early goal here could unsettle Kerry’s side.
“We’ve had our chances in the past [against GB] and we’ll hope to draw on those experiences and if we do get an early goal then they might start to worry,” he told Telegraph Sport.
“It will be a good fight and whoever does get that early goal will hope to create leverage from it.
“They are a world-class side and know their routines. It will be about finding ways to counter and playing to their strengths.”
Meanwhile, Ireland will play China for a place in Saturday’s World League semi-finals, the Valencia tournament also acting as qualifiers for next year’s Rio Olympics.
The Irish, who are all amateur players but have funded back-up support from the national team, have proved a revelation in Valencia as they too topped their pool.
The top three sides in Valencia will advance automatically to Rio.
The Telegraph
HWL2015 Antwerp: Hosts Belgium target top four in Men’s Pool B
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 is the turn of Men’s Pool B, where host nation Belgium, Great Britain, Malaysia, Ireland and China will all be aiming to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
Belgium - current world ranking: 4
Host nation and home favourites Belgium – known as the Red Lions – have made incredible strides forward over the past few years. The team is now coached by legendary Netherlands international defender Jeroen Delmee, who replaced fellow Dutchman Marc Lammers at the helm of one of the most feared attacking sides on the planet. Belgium produced some fine performances at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 but just missed out on a place in the tournament semi-finals when they fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of England. Still, their 5th place finish at the event was their best ever at a World Cup, setting another benchmark in the development of a gifted group of players that have yet to reach their full potential. The squad named for the Hockey World League Semi-Final contains ten players have surpassed the 100 international appearances mark – John-John Dohmen (280+), Jerome Truyens (270+), Thomas Briels (220+), Felix Denayer (190+), Tom Boon (170+), Simon Gougnard (160+), Eliot van Strydonck (130+), goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch, Florent van Aubel (both 110+) and Loick Luypaert (100+). It will be something of a homecoming for four members of the Red Lions squad, with Arthur van Doren, Emmanuel Stockbroekx, Florent van Aubel and Felix Denayer being current players of the host club KHC Dragons.
Great Britain - current world ranking: 5
Following their 4th place finish at the London 2012 Olympics, Great Britain come into this tournament knowing that any hopes of landing a medal at the Rio 2016 Games could be extinguished if they do not perform to their capabilities in Antwerp. However, the squad selected by Head Coach Bobby Crutchley is more than capable of claiming a top three finish and sealing their ticket to Brazil. The GB side contains 14 athletes who competed for England at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in December 2014, with four changes to the group who finished seventh in the competition in Bhubaneswar, India. The most experienced player in the group is talismanic attacker and team captain Barry Middleton, who is rapidly approaching 350 combined international appearances for England and GB. Brilliant midfielder and penalty corner expert Ashley Jackson is also included, as are charismatic goalkeeper George Pinner and skillful duo Adam Dixon and Nick Catlin. The players to come into the squad are former Ireland international David Ames, who recently made his debut against Argentina after serving the qualifying period to become eligible for Great Britain, Harry Martin, who missed the Champions Trophy through injury as well as goalkeeper James Bailey. The players to miss out who travelled to the Champions Trophy are Ollie Willars, Paddy Smith, Tim Whiteman and Tom Carson.
Malaysia - current world ranking: 12
Malaysia booked their place in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals with a breathtaking display of attacking hockey at the Round 2 event in Singapore. The side cruised into the tournament semi-finals with thumping victories over Ukraine (5-1), Oman (7-0), Singapore (16-1), and Mexico (10-1) before defeating Asian rivals Japan in a tense semi-final shoot-out. Their performance in the final was staggering, sailing to an 8-0 win over Poland and in the process took Malaysia’s scoring tally to a remarkable 42 goals in just six games. Live-wire forward Faizal Saari scored 12 of those goals, and he could well be the key to Malaysian success in Antwerp. The Malaysia side selected for the Hockey World League Semi-Final is enormously experienced, containing 11 players who have made more than 100 international appearances including four who have surpassed the 200 cap barrier – Mohd Shahrun Nabil Abdullah (220+), Mohd Sukri Mutalib (210+), goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam (240+) and Azlan Misron, who is rapidly approaching 350 caps. The team coached by Tai Beng Hai finished 6th at April’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on home soil, a result which was certainly not ideal preparation for this event. However, the team are expected to be back to their very best in Antwerp and will be aiming to qualify for their first Summer Olympic Games since Sydney 2000, where they finished in 11th place.
Ireland - current world ranking: 14
Ireland’s ‘Green Machine’ were in blistering form at the Hockey World League Round 2 event in San Diego, storming to a comprehensive tournament victory that sealed their place in the Semi-Final phase of the HWL. The Irishmen completely justified their pre-tournament favourites tag with six wins out of six, defeating Chile (8-0), Austria (3-1), Italy (2-0), Trinidad & Tobago (12-2), Canada (2-0) before beating Austria (2-1) for a second time in the tournament final. The squad selected for the Hockey World League Semi-Final contains the majority of players who were involved in the San Diego triumph, including agile goalkeeper David Harte, experienced defender Ronan Gormley as well as lively striker Shane O’Donoghue, who was named Player of the Tournament in San Diego. Coached by former South African international Craig Fulton – who represented his country at the 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games – Ireland will feel that they have every chance of getting the required results in Antwerp. Defender Paul Gleghorne will be looking forward to his side’s pool meeting against Great Britain, where elder brother Mark Gleghorne will feature in the opposition line-up.
China - current world ranking: 31
At 31 in the FIH World Rankings, it comes as little surprise that China are massive outsiders for this event. However, those who saw them in action at the Greenfields Hockey World League Round 2 event in Cape Town will know that this team is making huge strides forward. China performed way above all expectations at that event, claiming an astonishing 2nd place finish ahead of a trio of higher-ranked nations - hosts South Africa (WR: 13), Czech Republic (WR: 20) and Egypt (WR: 21). Their stunning 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament semi-final is arguably the biggest shock so far in the 2014-15 Edition of the HWL, with Liu Yixian and Sun Long scoring the goals to seal a place in both the tournament final and the HWL Olympic qualifying round. The team eventually had to settle for Silver after going down to a 5-2 defeat against France, although there was a happy ending for 20-year-old Li Zecheng, who was named Young Player of the Tournament in the end of event awards.
#HWL2015 #RoadToRio
FIH site
Stats Speak : Men’s Team in Antwerp
By B.G.Joshi
Know the teams: Hockey World League-Round 3(Olympic Qualifier-Men), Antwerp- Belgium, June 20-July 5, 2015
Pool: A
1-Australia
World Ranking: 01.Coach: Graham Reid, Captain: Eddie Ockenden,
Current Titles: World Cup (2014); C’wealth Games (2014); Oceania Cup (2013),
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
44 |
24 |
4 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 14, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Gold (2004)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-3.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-India
World Ranking: 09.Coach: Paul van Ass (Netherlands), Captain: Sardar Singh,
Current Titles: Asian Games (2014),
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
3 |
17 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
65 |
43 |
6 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 19, Best Finish in Olympics: 8Gold (1928, 32, 36, 48, 52, 56, 64, 80)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-12.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Pakistan
World Ranking: 10. Coach: Shahnaz Sheikh, Captain: Mohd. Imran,
Current Titles: Asian Champions Trophy (2013),
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
22 |
17 |
13 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 16, Best Finish in Olympics: 3Gold (1960, 68, 84)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-7.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Poland
World Ranking: 17. Coach: Karol Snezek, Captain: Pawel Bratkowski,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
26 |
23 |
27 |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
29 |
11 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 5, Best Finish in Olympics: 4 th (1980)
Last time played in Olympics: Sydney-2000, Rank-12.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-France
World Ranking: 18. Coach: Gael Foulard, Captain: Martin Genestet,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
11 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
30 |
42 |
16 |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
7 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 9, Best Finish in Olympics: 4 th (1920, 36)
Last time played in Olympics: Munich-1972, Rank-12.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pool: B
1-Belgium
World Ranking: 04.Coach: Jeroen Delmee(Netherlands), Captain: Tom Boon,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
3 |
17 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
71 |
26 |
5 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 13, Best Finish in Olympics: 1Bronze (1920)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Great Britain
World Ranking: 05.Coach: Bob Crutchley, Captain: Barry Middleton,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
30 |
16 |
3 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 17, Best Finish in Olympics: 3Gold (1908, 1920 as England, 1988)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-4.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Malaysia
World Ranking: 12. Coach: Tai Beng Hai, Captain: Azlan Misron,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
18 |
11 |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
47 |
4 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 9, Best Finish in Olympics: 8 th (1972, 76)
Last time played in Olympics: Sydney-2000, Rank-11.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Ireland
World Ranking: 14.Coach: Craig Fulton (South Africa), Captain: John Jackson,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
3 |
14 |
8 |
1 |
5 |
64 |
32 |
14 |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
29 |
4 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 1(as home countries played in 1908), Best Finish in Olympics: 1Silver (1908)
Last time played in Olympics: London-1908; as home countries, Rank-2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-China
World Ranking: 31.Coach: Ying Bi Ao, Captain: Tianjian Sun,
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
10 |
12 |
23 |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
20 |
16 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 1, Best Finish in Olympics: 11 th (2004)
Last time played in Olympics: Beijing-2004, Rank-11.
Fieldhockey.com
Stats Speak : Women’s Team in Antwerp
By B.G.Joshi
Know the teams: Hockey World League-Round 3(Olympic Qualifier-Women), Antwerp- Belgium, June 20-July 5, 2015
Pool: A
1-Netherlands
World Ranking: 1. Coach: Sjoerd Marijne, Captain: Maartje Paumen,
Current Titles: Hockey World League (2012-14), Olympics (2012); World Cup (2014),
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
47 |
11 |
1 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 8, Best Finish in Olympics: 3Gold (1984, 2008, 2012)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-South Korea
World Ranking: 9.Coach: Han Jin Soo, Captain: Eun Jong Kim
Current Titles: Asian Games (2014),
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
24 |
37 |
8 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 7, Best Finish in Olympics: 2Silver (1988, 1996)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-8.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Japan
World Ranking: 10.Coach: Yuji Nagai, Captain: Miyuki Nakagawa
Current Titles: Asian Champions Trophy (2013)
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
50 |
12 |
9 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 3, Best Finish in Olympics: 8 th (2004)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-9.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Italy
World Ranking: 16.Coach: Fernando Ferrara (Argentina), Captain: Chiara Tiddi
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
3 |
15 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
43 |
22 |
12 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
23 |
2 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: Not Played
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Azerbaijan
World Ranking: 19.Coach: Adil Pashayev, Captain: Khatira Aliyera
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
34 |
12 |
2 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: Not Played
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pool: B
1-Australia
World Ranking: 2.Coach: Adam Commens, Captain: Casey Eastham
Current Titles: C’wealth Games (2014); Oceania Cup (2013)
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
34 |
12 |
2 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 8, Best Finish in Olympics: 3Gold (1988, 1996, 2000)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-New Zealand
World Ranking: 4.Coach: Mark Hager, Captain: Anita Punt
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
12 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
27 |
25 |
5 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 6, Best Finish in Olympics: 4 th (2012)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Belgium
World Ranking: 12.Coach: Kina Pascal, Captain: Charlotte de Vos
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
3 |
15 |
9 |
1 |
5 |
46 |
23 |
11 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 1, Best Finish in Olympics: 11 th (2012)
Last time played in Olympics: London-2012, Rank-11.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-India
World Ranking: 13.Coach: Mathias Ahrens, Captain: Ritu Rani
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
2 |
11 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
29 |
30 |
14 |
|
2014-16 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
39 |
1 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 1, Best Finish in Olympics: 4 th (1980)
Last time played in Olympics: Moscow-1980, Rank-4.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Poland
World Ranking: 23.Coach: Krzyszluf Rachwalski, Captain: Marlena Rybacha
In Hockey World League
|
Season |
Round |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Rank |
|
2012-14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not played |
|
2014-16 |
2 |
9 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
16 |
15 |
? |
Olympic Appearances: 1, Best Finish in Olympics: 6 th (1980)
Last time played in Olympics: Moscow-1980, Rank-6.
Fieldhockey.com
Indian men win, women lose in practice games ahead of HWL Semifinal
ANTWERP (Belgium): Indian men's hockey team spanked lowly USA 4-0 in their third practice match even as the women narrowly lost 1-2 to Italy in their second warm-up game ahead of the FIH World League Semifinal to be held from June 20 to July 5.
The Sardar Singh-led India men's team took the lead in the 20th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Rupinder Pal Singh.
Lalit Upadhyay doubled India's lead in the 49th minute with a field effort before Rupinder struck again from a penalty corner three minutes later.
Yuvraj Walmiki then scored from a rebound in the final minute of the match after Jasjit Singh Khullar's try from a penalty corner was blocked by the American goalkeeper as India registered a comfortable 4-0 win.
The Indian men's team had earlier defeated France 1-0 before losing 1-2 to hosts Belgium in their first two practice games.
Paul van Ass' men will next play world ranked fifth Great Britain in their fourth practice game.
The Indian women, on the other hand, witnessed a contrasting result as their lost 1-2 to Italy.
The Italians surged ahead through a penalty corner conversion before extending their lead through a field goal.
For India, skipper Ritu Rani scored the lone goal from a penalty corner.
The Indian women were earlier defeated 0-2 by Japan in their first practice game.
The Times of India
Last chance saloon for seniors to make the Olympics
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysia hockey team goalkeeper S. Kumar at the World Cup in Holland last year. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: This is it.
For seven players in the Malaysian hockey team, this will be their last chance to make their Olympic dream come true.
The 2020 Games in Tokyo will be a bridge too far if they fail to make it to Rio de Janeiro next year.
So, the World Hockey League Semi-Finals, which begin in Antwerp, Belgium, on Saturday will be a do-or-die battle for these seven – S. Kumar, 36; Baljit Singh, 29; Azlan Misron, 32; Mohd Shahrun Nabil, 30; Nabil Fiqri Mohd Nor, 29; Mohd Shukri Mutalib, 29; and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, 29.
The World Hockey League is a qualifying tournament for the Rio Olympics.
Of the 18 players in Belgium, only one has been to the Olympics – 37-year-old goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin - in Sydney in 2000.
And goalkeeper Kumar believes that “this will be the only chance for us seniors to qualify for and play in the Olympic Games”.
“We know this is it and I’m sure that all the senior players will go all out to chase their dream. There is always a chance when you play in the qualifiers.
We qualified for the World Cup last year and what an experience that was. I want to experience that atmosphere again,” he said.
Defender Azlan concurred.
“We won’t let our guard down. The players are in good spirits and the seniors know what’s at stake. I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Olympics,” he said.
In Belgium, only the top-three teams will gain an automatic berth to Rio. The fourth-placed team could still sneak in, though.
Malaysia are in Group B with Belgium, Britain, Ireland and China. Group A has world champions Australia, India, Pakistan, France and Poland.
National coach Tai Beng Hai said that it’s now up to his players to make their dreams come true.
“Our preparations are complete, the players need to stay focused and not let the pressure get to them. There are no easy matches and we must treat every team like they are champions,” said Beng Hai.
The Malaysian team arrived in Amsterdam on Monday. They beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match, and will play another friendly, against the Dutch Under-21 team, before leaving for Brussels.
Malaysia will start their World Hockey League campaign on Sunday against China, before taking on Ireland four days later.
The Star of Malaysia
National hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar's son passes away
Kumar with his son Harshenn (right).
KUALA LUMPUR: Tragedy hit the Malaysian hockey team which is preparing to go into battle in the World Hockey League in Belgium on Sunday.
Malaysia's top goalkeeper S. Kumar's youngest son - three-year-old Harshenn - died at the KL General Hospital due to blood infection.
The goalkeeper who is already in Belgium is being flown home. The World Hockey League is an Olympic qualifier. Malaysia are attempting to make the Rio Olympics next year after a 15-year lapse.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) confirmed the news and also reported that Kumar is being brought back home immediately.
MHC chief executive Officer K. Logan Raj said that the MHC have extended their deepest condolences to Kumar's family and are awaiting for details of the funeral arrangements.
“It is with great sadness that we inform that S. Kumar and his wife Parimalar lost their son Harshenn, this morning.
“It is my sincere request that everyone provide some space to Kumar and his wife as they deal with this painfully difficult moment.
“The MHC extends their sincere condolence to Kumar and his family.”
Kumar,36, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Asia, has two sons.
The Star of Malaysia
Goalie S. Kumar withdraws from squad due to son’s death
By AJITPAL SINGH
National hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar withdraws from the squad following the death of his 3 year old son. File pic.
KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey goalkeeper S.Kumar has withdrawn from the 18-member squad, currently in Belgium for the World League Semi-Finals, following the passing of his son today.
It is believed that Vasham, 3, the second son of Kumar, died of an infection at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.
The Tampin-born keeper will arrive in KL tomorrow for the funeral.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said Kumar has withdrawn from the team and he will be replaced by third-choice Muhd Hafizuddin Othman.
"Kumar has informed us and we have accepted his withdrawal. At this stage, family is more important and we totally understand that he needs to be with his wife.
"He really wanted to help Malaysia qualify for the Olympics. Hafizuddin will leave for Belgium tomorrow," Subahan said today.
New Straits Times
USMNT Conclude European Tour
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Men's National Team concluded their European Tour in The Netherlands and Belgium against multiple opponents to ensure proper preparation for Team USA before their upcoming Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada in early July. The USMNT fell to China in their sixth and final game of the tour by a score of 4-6.
"We played a great opening period where we were able to score two quality goals," said Chris Clements, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. " The first on a deflection by Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.) on a quick turn and shot from the top of the circle by Amarpreet Sidhu (San Jose, Calif.). Minutes later on attack, Alex Grassi’s (Brookeville, Md.) backhand cross found Christian Linney (San Diego, Calif.) open on the far post to tap in a goal to take an early 2-0 lead. This position is something that we believed we could be in but now need to maintain the composure and discipline with the game plan to maintain, protect, and increase that lead."
China managed to score three unanswered goals by the end of the second quarter which left Team USA frustrated considering lack of discipline leading to the goals.
As the third quarter began, the USMNT went immediately on attack but were unable to convert some early chances. China earned a penalty corner and extended their lead to 4-2. In response, Team USA found the back of the net minutes later on a goal by Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.) who scored from close range after some great work along the baseline by Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Calif.) to make the score USA 3, China 4.
Another penalty corner capitalized on by China made the score to 5-3. Team USA immediately struck back by going the full length of the field to finish with a goal produced from some textbook play by Linney who passed to Sundeen who deflected the ball over the Chinese keeper. Both teams were obviously pushing until the final whistle and China prevailed once more, scoring on a penalty corner to make the final score 6-4 in favor of China.
"Today, we decided that we would create scenarios that we wanted to uphold for the entire game," said Clements. "Playing with the lead was not unexpected but we behaved in that manner after we were in that position. This allowed China back into the match where both teams were extending each other at both ends of the field. China’s attack penalty corner success rate was 50% and we were 0%. At this level this is unacceptable and shows on the scoreboard as three of their goals came from these."
"This tour provided a huge learning curve for our players," continued Clements. "They realize now that the gap is not as great as the rankings say, however we still must perform on a higher level to be sure we continue to climb and be successful and win against the higher ranked opponents. Our opportunities are few but we are sure making the most of every single one to continue on our pragmatic approach to increasing the profile and performance of the U.S. Men's National Team."
USA Field Hockey and the U.S. Men's National Team would like to give a special thanks to the athletes, Peter Gorka, Jason Reynolds and Rutger Wiese for making the European Tour possible.
The U.S. Men's National Team will return to Chula Vista, Calif. to train before heading to Boston, Mass. to play against Argentina prior to the Pan American Games.
USFHA media release
‘I can take hockey back to its glory days’
By Nabil Tahir
Olympian Naveed Alam invited to replace deceased selection committee member. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Olympian Naveed Alam, who has been invited to be part of the national selection committee by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), claims he can drastically improve the state of hockey in Pakistan in just six months.
Alam will replace deceased national selection committee member Arshad Ali Chaudhry, who passed away on June 11. He has served with the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) as the director of coaching for 14 months and also guided them to their first-ever appearance in the Asian Games and the Youth Olympics.
The Olympian believes that even though Pakistan’s hockey team is better than their Bangladeshi counterparts, the latter’s board is leagues ahead in terms of organisation and arranging sponsors.
“Pakistan hockey is much better and there is absolutely no comparison between the Greenshirts and the Bangladeshi hockey team, but as far as organisation, sponsorship, government and media support is concerned, they are way ahead,” Alam told The Express Tribune.
Alam further insisted that his experience would certainly aid the Greenshirts and should the PHF cooperate with him, he can guarantee that the level of the team would improve within six months.
“I was given the full authority to work by the BHF, and with their support I was able to establish five teams of different age groups,” he added. “If I get what I ask for on time, then I can guarantee to not only improve the national side but also the junior teams within six months.”
The Express Tribune
Atif XI win U-16 tourney
KARACHI: Retired Brig M. H. Atif XI won the camp trainees under-16 hockey tournament registering 4-0 victory over Anwar Ahmed Khan XI in the final played at Olympian Iftikhar Syed Sports Academy (OISSA) on Tuesday.
Centre-half and captain Hammad, inside-right Asad, spearhead Ali Raza and fullback Mohammad Farooq scored one goal each.
Shahbaz Arbab was declared Best Player of the Tournament while Mohammad Ahmed earned the Highest Scorer award with a tall of 10 goals.
The academy provided playing kits and hockey sticks to the competing teams.
Dawn
RIP Lorcán Miller 
Hockey Ireland wish to offer our most sincere condolences to all the families of the 6 students who passed away in Berkeley. Lorcán Miller, a player with UCD Mens Hockey Club, was an integral part of our volunteer team at World League 2 in Dublin in March. He volunteered every day as a public announcer, and his passion and knowledge of hockey was invaluable to the spectators and his colleagues alike.
Irish Hockey Association media release