News for 27 June 2015
All the news for Saturday 27 June 2015
Honours even in thrilling Pakistan-India encounter
Day 6: It was a day of purely men’s action at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Finals, which featured wins for Ireland and Belgium in Pool B while Australia maintained their hold on Pool A with victory over Poland. However, the big match of the day was unquestionably a thrilling Pool A clash between Pakistan and India, who gave the fans plenty of entertainment with a hugely enjoyable draw.
More details on today matches can be found below.
Pool B
Ireland 6-0 China
Alan Sothern scored a hat-trick as Ireland’s Green Machine secured their place in the quarter-final phase with a high quality Pool B victory over China in the first match of Day 6 in Antwerp. Sothern hit two goals in the 19th minute before completing his hat-trick three minutes after half time, with Peter Caruth, Ronan Gormley and Stephen Dowds also on target for the Europeans.
With a place in the cross-over quarter-finals now guaranteed, Ireland will now switch their attentions to their final Pool B match against host nation Belgium, which takes place on Sunday. The result of that contest could prove to be crucial as to where Ireland finish in the pool standings, which in turn will make a difference as to who they will face in the quarter-finals.
“The guys settled down and dominated some phases nicely”, said a satisfied Ireland Head Coach Craig Fulton after the game. “We know they like to play a high sweeper and going man for man at the back. It means they try and intercept high up the pitch so we had to be a bit more and patient and then try and move them about and it worked.”
Ireland goalkeeper David Harte, who was injured in an on-field collision and received treatment before being taken to hospital for assessment as a precautionary measure, has been released and is making a recovery.
Malaysia 0-2 Belgium
Belgium’s Red Lions moved to the summit of Pool B after winning their top of the table clash with Malaysia in front of a big crowd in Antwerp.
Belgium remain unbeaten in the pool with two wins and a draw from the three matches that they have played so far and very much have destiny in their own hands. Three points from this Sunday’s meeting with Ireland would guarantee a first place finish in Pool B, meaning that they would face the fourth ranked team in Pool A in the cross-over quarter-finals.
Following a cagey opening, Two exhilarating minutes in the third quarter sparked the game into life. Dorian Thiery netted the first by following up a well saved strike from Amaury Keusters before Simon Gougnard volleyed home a second a minute later to complete the scoring.
“It was very difficult as Malaysia are in good shape in this tournament and they made life difficult in the first half, but we came back in the game and dominated after half time”, said Red Lions captain John-John Dohmen. “Now we want to finish the pool in first place.”
Pool A
Pakistan 2-2 India
India’s Ramandeep Singh and Greenshirts’ captain Muhammad Imran both bagged doubles in a classic Pakistan-India derby match that finished 2-2, giving both sides a share of the spoils in Antwerp. The result moved India onto seven points in Pool A with Pakistan up to four points, enough to guarantee a place in the cross-over quarter-finals.
"They are always exciting games for everyone”, said India captain Sardar Singh after the match. “Both teams played a good match, but it was lucky for us to get a draw. A lot of Indian fans were looking forward to this game and I hope they enjoyed what they saw."
Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran said: "I'm very happy. Although it was a draw we played a very good game and we could have won it. It's a pool match and we are looking forward. We'll look at the mistakes we made in this match but in the end I am happy with the performance of my team."
Australia 4-0 Poland
Australia maintained their 100 per cent win record at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Finals with a solid win over Poland, putting them top of Pool A at the end of Day 6.
The mighty Kookaburras are now certain of a top two finish in the pool, and need just a draw in Sunday’s match against India to seal first place and set up a quarter-final meeting with the team that finishes fourth in Pool B.
The opening goal arrived in the 10th minute when Kieran Govers smashed home a blistering strike following a blocked penalty corner flick from younger brother Blake. Whetton doubled the advantage after half time before Blake Govers and Simon Orchard completed the scoring. Poland were not without their chances though, and in goalkeeper Maciej Pacanowski they had arguably the star of the match thanks to an incredible 23 saves.
“They put the fight to us today and we knew that was what we were going to get because they had a really good game against Pakistan,” said Kookaburras star Jacob Whetton. “It was a tough fight but we ground it out in the end.”
Looking ahead to their Pool A decider against India, Whetton said: “It’s been a really good battle with them over the last twelve to eighteen months, and they have improved their hockey out of sight. We are really looking forward to what will be a big game ahead of the quarter-finals.”
More details about the event including video clips, imagery and official competition info can be found on the event website.
#HWL2015 #RoadToRio
FIH site
Kookas maintain momentum
4-0 win over Poland keeps Kookaburras top of Pool A
Strikes from Kieran and Blake Govers, Jake Whetton and Simon Orchard cemented the Kookaburras’ place at the summit of Pool A at the Hockey World League with a 4-0 win over a determined Poland side.
The margin of victory might have been considerably greater for the World and Commonwealth champions had they not found Polish goalkeeper Maciej Pacanowski in inspired form. The 22 year-old stopper denied Jake Whetton, Chris Ciriello, Blake Govers and Eddie Ockenden with a string of saves throughout the contest.
Afterwards, Kookaburras coach Graham Reid said, “Our opportunities at goal were huge tonight and we just didn’t get the return that we needed. If we were sitting here with a few more goals I might have been a bit happier.
“I think the goalkeeper was a bit of an issue. We talked about that at half time. When a goalkeeper like that is playing well the worst thing you can do is to hit it at him, so you need to pass it round him.
“Our second goal was that. We did that much better but we needed to do it a bit more often. I thought we lost control of the tempo of the game and we started to play a little bit ‘run and gun’. Again, that was the three-quarter message – calm, controlled, to have the ball and hold the ball.”
Older brother Kieran Govers opened the scoring in the tenth minute when he lashed home on the rebound following Pacanowski’s save of Blake Govers' penalty corner but it took until two minutes into the third quarter for Jake Whetton to double Australia’s advantage. Jamie Dwyer and Simon Orchard combined inside the Polish circle before Dwyer squared a pass to Whetton who tapped in from close range.
Just under ten minutes from time, Blake Govers’ penalty corner flick beat Pacanowski for pace, nestling in the corner of the net for 3-0 and the 18 year-old’s fifth goal in three matches in Antwerp.
And with the Kookaburras continuing their relentless pressing game right to the final hooter, Simon Orchard flashed an upright reverse stick shot under the advancing goalkeeper three minutes from full time.
Speaking about Australia’s next opponent, India, who have won four of the two sides’ previous five encounters, Reid added, “That’ll be major motivating factor – that we need to put our authority back on the game. We’ll play our game and not worry too much about all the things that India do. They’ve got some very good players like Sardar and a very good goalkeeper but we do as well and that’s what we need to do, control the tempo of the game.”
The Kookaburras face India in their final Pool A match at midnight AEST on Sunday (4:00pm local time on Saturday). India has enjoyed the best of the results between the two in recent times having defeated the Kookaburras on four of their five previous meetings stretching back to November 2014.
Tim Deavin missed the match through injury having suffered a side strain in training.
Hockey World League
Antwerp, Belgium
Pool A, Match 3
KOOKABURRAS: 4 (1)
Kieran Govers 10 (PC)
Jake Whetton 32 (FG)
Blake Govers 52 (PC)
Simon Orchard 57 (FG)
POLAND: 0 (0)
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Kookaburras squad v Poland
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 94/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 166/106
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 337/220
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 9/9
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 202/14
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 261/22
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 174/53
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 118/6
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 93/40
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 59/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 62/5
Used Substitutes
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 60/11
Kiel Brown (Toowoomba, QLD) 164/6
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 127/38
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 104/55
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 46/0
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 248/62
Unused Substitutes
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 110/5
Match Schedule - Kookaburras (dates and times all AEST)
29 June - Kookaburras v India - 00:00hrs AEST
1 July - TBC - Quarter Final
3 July - TBC - Semi Final / Classification
5 July - TBC - Medal Matches / Classification
Hockey Australia media release
India, Pakistan Match ends in a draw
s2h Team
After a high-intense battle between India and Pakistan, the Match of the Tournament finished at a 2-2 draw in the Pool A league match of the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 on 26th June. Both the teams arrived on the green astro-turf with a passion and zeal to win the match as well as collect the points to solidify their positions in the Pool. After this draw, India will be gearing up to their clash against Australia on Sunday and will be looking at ending the Pool phase without a loss in their name.
In the first quarter of the match, both the teams clashed with a great pace and were attacking each other’s business side of the field with a clear intent to get the initial goal. The Indians stuck to their strategy of short passes and maintained to keep the ball possession without giving much options for Pakistan players to counter attack. Pakistan player with their man-to-man marking strategy, tried to take the ball from India’s miss-passes. However, India attacked most of the time and kept their opponent’s under pressure. India got their first success in the 13th minute when defender Gurmail Singh attacked from the left flank and smashed the ball hard into the circle. Young Devindar Sunil Walmiki dived on his front but failed to collect the ball. However, it was forward Ramandeep Singh again, who was standing behind Devindar inside the D and he successfully deflected the fast-paced shot sending the ball into the goal-box without giving Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt time to react. With this brilliant team-work, India scored their first goal and took the early lead of 1-0 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Pakistan stepped on the ground with more aggression and played with more physical contacts. Indian players on the other hand, continued with their attacking game and kept on trying to create more opportunities to score goals. The Indians successfully were holding the midfield zone with their skillful hockey and didn’t give enough space to Pakistan. Indians rotated their positions occasionally and made their opponents busy. In the 23rd minute, Pakistan charged in the Indian D and managed to earn two back-to-back penalty corners. The Indian defence foiled both their attempts but made a foul of clearing the ball with back stick in the second penalty corner, which gave Pakistan a penalty shoot. Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran took the shot and scored a goal against Indian custodian PR Sreejesh. After the equaliser, both the teams played a more aggressive game and attacked each other’s half. The score remained 1-1 at the end of the second quarter.
After a highly-intense clash from both the rivals, Pakistan again managed to earn a penalty corner in the 37th minute. Shafqat Rasool inserted the ball and Pakistan skipper Imran shot the ball in the goal-box in a fraction of a second. With this 2-1 lead, Pakistan’s confidence got a big boost and they continued their over-aggressive game. However, their joy was short-lived as after two minutes (39th), Indians charged under the leadership of captain Sardar Singh from the midfield zone. Sardar passed the ball to Devindar while running and Devindar quickly hit the ball toward the right of the goal-box. Ramandeep, who waiting for the pass dived on his front and chipped the ball over the Pakistan goalie Imran Butt for their second goal as well as his second individual goal of the game. The Indian camp erupted with joy with this moral boosting equaliser and they fought with more zeal to win the match. After a high-octane neck-to-neck fight, the score-line stood 2-2 by the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter being the deciding quarter as both the teams were locked at 2-2. It was India who maintained a complete attack in the entire session, looking for the all important goal. Immediately into the quarter, Pakistan got a penalty corner to their name but the team missed on the opportunity. India went on the attack immediately and a clean chance for Akashdeep was saved by the Pakistan goalie. Halfway into the quarter, Dharamvir passed the ball to Yuvraj who was right in front of the goalpost but unfortunately for India, the latter missed on the vital touch and Pakistan survived the jitters. Just two minutes left for the match, Ramandeep entered the D and hit the ball towards the goal post but the ball missed the target. With no goals getting added to the last quarter the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
India will face Australia in their fourth league match of the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 at 19:30 IST on the 28th June 2015.
Stick2Hockey.com
India and Pakistan do Dutch
Ramandeep and Muhammad Imran score a brace each
India's Ramandeep Singh celebrates after scoring a goal against Pakistan at Hockey World League at the KHC Dragons Stadium in Antwrep, Belgium on Friday.
Ramandeep Singh scored two fine goals as the showpiece sub-continental hockey encounter between India and Pakistan ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the World League Semifinals at the KHC Dragons Stadium here on Friday.
Asian Games champion India threatened to score a late match-winner when its strikers thrice took shots at the rival citadel in the last three minutes during a surcharged encounter played at a brisk pace.
After opening the scoring in the 13th minute, Ramandeep came back to score the eventual equaliser with an opportunistic flick into the net in the 39th minute after Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran scored twice.
Imran’s two goals came off a penalty stroke in the 28th minute and through a rasping penalty corner drag-flick in the in the 37th.
The Indian defence gave a fine exhibition, but there were a lot of wayward marksmanship by its strikers as Pakistan also fell back to defend stoutly in the first encounter since the Champions Trophy semifinals.
The draw gives India seven points from three outings in Pool A ahead of the fixture against World champions Australia.
Pakistan now have four points from three matches, having lost the match against Australia.
India enjoyed some early domination in an exhibition of clean hockey by both the teams. Both India and Pakistan built their attacks on counters and the period of clean tackling was disturbed when Pakistan striker Muhammad Rizwan Junior’s swinging stick hit Yuvraj Walmiki on his right knee.
Yuvraj had to undergo a long period of ice-pack treatment on the bench before he was seen in action again late in the first half.
India took the lead in the 13th minute with a diving deflection by Ramandeep, who capitalised on Gurmail Singh’s diagonal cross from left into the circle.
At the other end of the pitch, Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh had to pad away a long cross to ward off any danger.
India posed a threat to the Pakistan circle again in the 15th minute when Gurbaj’s cross from right found Satbir Singh inside the circle, but Satbir could not control the ball.
Pakistan forced two successive penalty corners in the 22nd minute in a period of domination, during which it equalised.
The ball struck Indian defender Jasjit Singh’s foot on the goalline, causing a penalty stroke that was duly converted by captain Muhammad Imran.
In the process, India also lost its referral.
India forced its first penalty corner in the 28th minute when Satbir’s cross from right was carried by a defender.
As penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh was not fielded, the shot was taken by Manpreet Singh and was palmed back by the goalkeeper.
The ball struck onrushing striker Yuvraj on the thigh, but they did not have the right of referral and the umpire waved away the protests.
India was awarded its second penalty corner when Satbir was obstructed from taking a shot inside the circle, but it was cancelled as he tried the shot after the umpire had blown the whistle.
Satbir was also shown the yellow card, and had to sit out for 10 minutes in the second session, during which India played with 10 players throughout the third quarter.
Just before Satbir was called back to the field, Devindar Walmiki got a yellow card for a foul deep inside the Indian territory.
Pakistan went 2-1 ahead on its third penalty corner as Imran scored his second goal with a rasping drag-flick in the 37th minute. The lead lasted just two minutes as Ramandeep equalised by shooting on target with an opportunistic strike on a through ball from the right flank.
India forced another penalty corner in the 41st minute, but the ball could not be stopped.
The Indian goalkeeper did well to block an opportunistic hit by Pakistan forward Muhammad Waqas, warding off the danger in the 55th minute.
The last five minutes saw India get three scoring opportunities and Ramandeep had a chance to compete his hat-trick in the penultimate minute when he sent the ball soaring high to Pakistan’s relief.
The result: India 2 (Ramandeep Singh 13, 39) drew with Pakistan 2 (Mohammad Imran 23, 37).
The Hindu
Pakistan, India play exciting 2-2 drawn game in Hockey World League
By Muhammad Ali
ANTWERP: Pakistan and India played their crucial Pool A game of the FINTRO Hockey World League to an exiting 2-2 draw at KHC Dragons Stadium here on Friday. All eyes were on this marquee match and both teams played a thrilling game living up to the expectations of their countrymen. Both teams earned one point each from the contest.
The result moved India onto seven points in Pool A with Pakistan up to four points, enough to guarantee their place in the cross-over quarter-finals. The tournament is a qualification round for the Rio Olympics 2016. It was a cracker of a game with momentum shifting with each passing minute. Pakistan were the aggressor in second and third quarters while India ran Pakistan defence close in quarters one and four. India's both goals came via field goals from Ramandeep Singh while Pakistan rode on skipper Mohammad Imran's penalty stroke strike and then a penalty corner conversion. Pakistan now take on France while India will be up against Australia on Sunday (tomorrow). "I am very happy. We played a good game, but we should have won the match. We will see our mistakes in the match but happy with performance of the team. The two goals were a team effort but it gives me confidence for the upcoming matches," said Pakistan captain Imran. "Always exciting to play against Pakistan. Both teams played a good game, we were lucky that it ended in a draw.
We are taking it match by match, we played well today and hopefully we will do better against Australia," said Indian captain Sardar Singh. He added a lot of Indian fans were looking forward to this game and he hoped they enjoyed what they saw.
India took an early lead when Ramandeep dived in at the back post to deflect home in the 13th minute before Pakistan's veteran defender Imran buried a second quarter penalty stroke to restore parity. Imran hit the target again shortly after half time with a penalty corner drag-flick rocket to put Pakistan ahead. But a smart turn and shot on the backhand from Indian ace Ramandeep made it 2-2 in front of a large, passionate contingent of fans that cheered on both nations throughout.
Pakistan won their first game against Poland 2-1 but lost the second against Australia 6-1. India registered two consecutive victories: against Poland 3-0 and France 3-2. The pressure was completely on Pakistan as Indians had already qualified for the Rio Olympics. However, Imran and his charges played exceptionally well in the high-octane tie against their archrivals. The number of contests between the two sides has decreased over the past few years due to the strained political relations between the two countries, and the stadium was full of fans of both teams to see their heroes in action. The Friday's match was also the first encounter between the sub-continental rivals since their clash in the tense, incident-marred Champions Trophy semifinals in Bhubaneswar last year, where some gestures during on-field celebrations by the victorious Pakistan team led to a few suspensions.
Ireland qualify for quarterfinals: Earlier in the Pool B match, Alan Sothern scored a hat-trick as Ireland crush China 6-0 to secure their place in the quarterfinals phase of the Hockey World League. Sothern hit a quick-fire double in the 19th minute before completing his hat-trick three minutes after half time, with Peter Caruth, Ronan Gormley and Stephen Dowds also in target for the Europeans.
The result moved the Irishmen onto four points, with China's defeat meaning that they are now certain to feature in the 9-10 Classification match. Although Ireland's place in the cross-over quarter-finals is now secure, they will now switch their attentions to their final Pool B match against host nation Belgium, which takes place on Sunday.
The result of that contest could prove to be crucial as to where Ireland finish in the Pool standings, which in turn will make a difference as to who they will face in the quarter-finals. Ireland goalkeeper David Harte was injured in an on-field collision and received treatment on the field by trained medical staff before being taken to hospital for assessment as a precautionary measure.
The Daily Times
Pakistan, India play entertaining draw to reach last eight
ANTWERP - India’s Ramandeep Singh and Greenshirts’ captain Muhammad Imran both bagged doubles in a classic Pakistan-India derby match that finished 2-2, giving both sides a share of the spoils on Day 6 at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals. The result moved India onto seven points in Pool A with Pakistan up to four points, enough to guarantee their place in the cross-over quarter-finals.
In a match described as the “best of the tournament” by Pakistan Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh in the post-game press conference, India took an early lead when Ramandeep dived in at the back post to deflect home in the 13th minute before Pakistan’s veteran defender Imran buried a second quarter penalty stroke to restore parity.
Imran hit the target again shortly after half time with a penalty corner drag-flick rocket to put Pakistan ahead before a smart turn and shot on the backhand from Indian ace Ramandeep completed the match scoring in front of a large, passionate contingent of fans that cheered on both nations throughout.
"They are always exciting games for everyone”, said India captain Sardar Singh after the game. “Both teams played a good match, but it was lucky for us to get a draw. A lot of Indian fans were looking forward to this game and I hope they enjoyed what they saw." On being unbeaten so far he added: "We're just taking it one match at a time. Our next game is against Australia and I hope we will do better."
Pakistan captain M Imran said: "I'm very happy. Although it was a draw we played a very good game and we could have won it. It's a pool match and we are looking forward. We'll look at the mistakes we made in this match but in the end I am happy with the performance of my team." He continued: "It's exciting - I got two goals which gives me confidence going into the next matches."
Belgium’s Red Lions have moved to the summit of Pool B after winning their top of the table clash with Malaysia in front of a big home crowd. Belgium remained unbeaten in the pool with two wins and a draw from the three matches that they have played so far and very much have destiny in their own hands. Three points from this Sunday’s meeting with Ireland would guarantee a first place finish in Pool B, meaning that they would face the fourth ranked team in Pool A in the cross-over quarter-finals.
The first two quarters of the match between two hugely gifted, skilful teams were cagey, although the home favourites certainly had the better of the goal-scoring chances. Two exhilarating minutes in the third quarter sparked the game into life, with Dorian Thiery netting the first by following up a well saved strike from AmauryKeusters before Simon Gougnard volleyed home a second a minute later to complete the scoring.
“It was very difficult as Malaysia are in good shape in this tournament and they made life difficult in the first half, but we came back in the game and dominated after half time”, said Red Lions captain John-John Dohmen after the match. “Now we want to finish the pool in first place.”
Alan Sothern scored a hat-trick as Ireland’s Green Machine secured their place in the quarter-final phase with a high quality Pool B victory over China. Sothern hit a quick-fire double in the 19th minute before completing his hat-trick three minutes after half time, with Peter Caruth, Ronan Gormley and Stephen Dowds also in target for the Europeans. The result moved the Irishmen onto four points, with China’s defeat meaning that they are now certain to feature in the 9-10 Classification match. Although Ireland’s place in the cross-over quarter-finals is now secure, they will now switch their attentions to their final Pool B match against host nation Belgium, which takes place on Sunday. The result of that contest could prove to be crucial as to where Ireland finish in the Pool standings, which in turn will make a difference as to who they will face in the quarter-finals.
“The guys settled down and dominated some phases nicely”, said a satisfied Ireland Head Coach Craig Fulton after the game. “We know they like to play a high sweeper and going man for man at the back. It means they try and intercept high up the pitch so we had to be a bit more and patient and then try and move them about and it worked.”
Ireland goalkeeper David Harte, who was injured in an on-field collision and received treatment before being taken to hospital for assessment as a precautionary measure, has been released and is making a recovery.
Results
Pakistan 2-2 India
Belgium 2-0 Malaysia
Ireland 6-0 China
The Nation
Pakistan, India put on a show in exciting draw
In the most exciting match of the Hockey World League semi-finals, Pakistan and India shared the spoils with a 2-2 finish in Antwerp on Friday.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran scored twice and India's Ramandeep Singh hit back with a brace in a match described as the “best of the tournament” by Pakistan Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh in the post-game press conference.
The result moved India onto seven points in Pool A with Pakistan up to four points, enough to guarantee their place in the cross-over quarter-finals.
As expected, the high-voltage clash saw the two teams fighting end to end but it was India which drew first blood as Ramandeep dove in at the back post to deflect home in the 13th minute. Pakistan equalised courtesy a penalty stroke in the second quarter, veteran defender Imran making no mistake with his effort.
Imran, who played in the shadows of drag-flick king Sohail Abbas for the longest time, found the target again with a penalty corner which hit the back of the net like a missile.
India responded through Ramandeep again and the two teams went into half-time on 2-2. The scoreline stood until the final buzzer but the packed stadium was well and truly entertained.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran said: “I'm very happy. Although it was a draw we played a very good game and we could have won it. It's a pool match and we are looking forward. We'll look at the mistakes we made in this match but in the end I am happy with the performance of my team.”
“It's exciting - I got two goals which gives me confidence going into the next matches,” he added.
India captain Sardar Singh was agreement that the two teams had put on quite a show.
“They are always exciting games for everyone,” Singh said.
“Both teams played a good match, but it was lucky for us to get a draw. A lot of Indian fans were looking forward to this game and I hope they enjoyed what they saw.”
Pakistan will take on France next on June 28 and Imran's side would hope they collect all three points from that match.
Dawn
Pakistan can still finish second from group: Tahir Zaman
LAHORE: Ex-Pakistan coach Olympian Tahir Zaman has said even Pakistan’s 2-2 drawn game against India in the World Hockey League semi-final in Antwerp, Belgium on Friday is beneficial for the green-shirts as it will keep their hopes of ending the group at second place alive.
“Pakistan could have won the match had it played an attacking game, which in fact India played. We also missed opportunities to score,” Tahir told Dawn.
“But after the drawn game, Pakistan still has the chance to finish as second team of its pool.
“We now have to beat France with a significant margin and also we have to see Australia crush India with a bigger margin as the Kookaburras had done with Pakistan with the 6-1 thrashing.
“In that case, Pakistan will have a chance to finish as runners-up of the pool to see rather an easy rival in the all-important quarter-finals,” he added.
Tahir, an FIH qualified coach, said he was not expected a drawn game against India as Pakistan was a better team and in the last outing it had defeated the arch-rivals on their home in the Champions Trophy.
He said India had been reduced to nine men as two yellow cards were shown them but Pakistan could not take advantage of that.
He said Pakistan should have scored on penalty corners.
“Pakistan are the world’s best team in penalty-corner conversion with a ratio of 47 per cent but our players did not try hard to grab more penalty-corner opportunities,” he said.
He admitted that India played a better game as their forwards were more agile to launch attacks from both sides but they were unlucky to convert them.
It may be mentioned here that due to paucity of funds, Pakistan team could not prepare for the much-important assignment.
It had to reach Belgium at least one month before the start of the tournament to play some practice matches against different European teams. But due to lack of funds, the team reached Belgium on June 16, just four days before the start of the event.
Pakistan then defeated Poland 2-1 and now played a drawn game against India. Its only loss was against the Australians (6-1).
The Pakistan team is also not getting daily allowances and other perks due to financial crisis, which could only be overcome when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, patron of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), releases sufficient funds for it.
The prime minister did not release any grant for the PHF during the last two years, which has sent a summary seeking Rs500 million per year as annual grant.
The Pakistan hockey team could reach Belgium after the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) made necessary arrangements for the tour by arranging Rs11 million.
The PSB however could not arrange for the daily allowance of the players.
Dawn
Draw in electrifying contest has Indian coach satisfied
ANTWERP (Belgium): Indian hockey coach Paul van Ass was satisfied at the way his team played in the 2-2 draw with arch-rivals Pakistan in the preliminary league of the World League Semifinals.
"It was an electrifying contest and produced a good result," said van Ass, for whom this was the first time he was involved with an India-Pakistan encounter that had the biggest audience in international hockey.
Ramandeep Singh scored two outstanding field goals in the 13th and 39th minutes for India, while both goals for Pakistan came from captain Muhammad Imran, who first converted a penalty stroke in the 28th and then sent a rising drag-flick into the net in 37th.
India were threatening to score a late match-winner in the dying stages when they had three cracks at the Pakistan goal, but were erratic in their marksmanship.
Ramandeep came close to capping his fine day with a hat-trick but sent a misdirected shot wide in the penultimate minute.
"I'm very happy to see Ramandeep produce the goals today. I think the draw was fair result as India had an edge in the first and fourth quarters, while Pakistan enjoyed an edge in the second and third quarters," said van Ass.
Van Ass, the former Dutch coach who recently took over as the Indian team, said his wards are shaping well. It was his confidence in the young players that allowed him to again keep penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh on the sidelines.
Rupinder, who was injured in the practice matches here ahead of the tournament, has not played in all the three matches. This has reduced the potency of India's penalty corner execution.
"I think the boys are doing well, and that was out target for this tournament," said van Ass, who has the luxury of India having already earned a passage to the 2016 Olympics after winning the Asian Games in Incheon last year.
"We have to focus on the Olympics, but the team wants to perform well along the way," he said.
India now have seven point from three matches, ahead of Sunday's encounter against World champions Australia, who have easily won all their matches, including a big victory over Pakistan.
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh said he wanted three points from this match, but was happy the way his team had played.
"This was the best match of the tournament and an exhibition of classic hockey," said Shahnaz.
The Times of India
No hard feelings between India and Pakistan on Bhubaneswar incident
ANTWERP (Belgium): Indian captain Sardar Singh on Friday said there are no hard feelings between the subcontinental rivals as Pakistan's team management regretted the behaviour of its players during the on-field Champions Trophy victory celebrations that almost snapped the reciprocal hockey relations between the two countries.
"There are no hard feelings after Pakistan's team realised their mistake and apologised for it," said Sardar Singh, who was also leading the Indian team in the Champions Trophy at Bhubaneswar in December, where Pakistan's players made some obscene gestures during the victory celebrations, leading to suspensions of two players.
The preliminary league match at the KHC Dragons Stadium here on Friday, which was the first encounter between the two traditional rivals since that incident, ended in a 2-2 draw after a fine exhibition of flowing hockey.
"Both teams played this match in the true spirit of sport. This camaraderie should continue," said Sardar.
Shahbaz praised the Indian captain for his role in promoting unity among the sub-continental hockey fraternity.
"I know Sardar is a very positive person. He has also publicly supported the return of Pakistan players to the Hockey India League," said the Pakistan coach.
Pakistan players briefly appeared in the first edition of the cash-rich Hockey India League, but safety concerns forced them to leave for home midway after some public protests.
The Pakistan players have not featured in the Hockey India League since then.
The Times of India
India Pak draw: Adorable Transformational phase is evident
K Arumugam
The mighty Netherlands lost poorly in the The Hague World Cup final exactly a year ago. There was an unmistakable take away.
It was a dramatic anti-climax in a city which called itself Hockey City, where buses and market centres were replete with home country hockey billboard, including one showing present Indian coach, then leading the host’s challenge, with his son who was part of the Dutch team.
Normally speaking such a hype, but the 1-6 reversal in the final, that too a day after their girls won their World Cup, should have seen mayhem on the ground whenever Aussie struck a goal. The ground must have been strewn with whatever the crowd could have laid hands on.
It was not. Not even an empty water bottle was thrown at. No anti sloganeering either. Not even fans showing fingers at their own losing but national team members.
Instead there was an appreciation for the winners.
True, the story would have been different had it been some other pro games such as football, but what would have happened had Pakistan or any other country defeated India at home or Pak at home.
The peculiar South Asian hockey phenomenon underscores the society’s unqualified thirst for success on sporting fields come what may.
If one looks at this kind of societal behaviour, then the Friday’s Antwerp result, an exciting draw between the two hockey giants may not have enthused mass at large across India and Pakistan.
But the great take away from the Match of the Tournament at Antwerp is transformational change that is laden in the Indian team.
India did not go for the first minute goal, nor does it concede one in the last seconds.
India did not try to match every move, nor did it indulge in fruitless individual ‘gallery’ shows.
India worked on ball possession, believed in the dictum that the only way to frontline is backpasses. These need perfection in distribution of ball and trapping perfectly in every situation.
Goals occur, unlike the Asians, the new coaches believe not after dodging half a dozen defenders inside D – the ones Mohd Shahids and Dhanraj Pillays – but through long passes from either flanks and midfields. India did score two goals this way.
The starting phase and the entire fourth quarter proved Indians gave up vexed all the balls are meant for attack mindset. Instead, the Indians played perfect long pass game, even more perfect back-pass set pieces.
But India did not succeed in outscoring Pakistan. Correct. Ramandeep struck two goals, but he did miss a millions too. Nikkin too did the same. Once Lalit too failed to connect. So also a few other frontliners.
What should we understand at this juncture is that we are sending the ball inside D, not by individual skills but through collective midfield effort. Long balls reach circle with regularity and were genuine efforts from forwards to utilize the way Australians, Germany or the Netherlands would do.
They were not much successful, but the transformation in approach is crystal clear.
There is energy conservation, there is aggression but not at the cost of team’s cause and personal perspiration.
Indian hockey is on a healthy transformational phase, which a series of Euro brand advocates such as Jose Brasa and Terry Walsh laid foundation for.
With time India will reach next level, that is to outscore the rivals.
An Indian team that had missed out two starlwarts at the backline, and has almost ten players with less than 50 international caps compared to bulk of rival team with double experience in terms of caps, had drawn Pakistan is a good augury.
A win at any cost is unkind expectation.
The draw may not set either country on celebration, but India can derive enormous satisfaction that they are tactically and technically on right path.
Result will follow.
India will appreciate hockey team’s growth only if would develop a healthy crowd behaviour one witnessed at The Hague.
This transformation will triumph, of course at Rio.
Stick2Hockey.com
Ireland book QF spot with 6-0 victory over China
The first quarter saw few chances for either side as both looked to settle into the game. The best chance fell to Shane O’Donoghue but his reverse stick shot was well saved by the Chinese keeper.
The early exchanges of the second quarter saw China try to test the Irish defence but it was the Green Machine who struck first. Alan Sothern scored twice in quick succession; a quick strike and a reverse strike saw Ireland take a 2-0 lead. Sothern was again in the midst of the action and won a penalty stroke when he was deliberately fouled during a penalty corner. The Chinese keeper saved the stroke which was hit straight down the centre. Caruth scored the 3rd goal of the contest after a terrific link up between Watt and Jackson that set up a tap-in.
David Harte was forced to make a stunning save in the first 2 minutes of the second half and an Irish counter attack lead by Sothern earned the Green Machine a penalty corner. Gormley duly scored from an intricate well worked PC routine to make it 4-0. Sothern was given too much space by the Chinese defence and earned his hat trick a minute later. Stephen Dowds was next on the scoresheet and scored the fastest goal of the World League Semi Finals so far with a 130km/hr shot from the top of the circle,6-0.
The positives of the quarter were marred by a neck injury to David Harte following a collision with a Chinese striker. Harte was stretchered off the pitch and FitzGerald took over for the remainder of the match.
The 4th quarter saw both teams discipline tested and it was 9 vs 9 at one point thanks to several yellow cards but no more goals were to follow and the match finished 6-0.
Today’s victory secured Ireland’s spot in the Quarter Finals with 1 pool game still left to play. Ireland next play Belgium at 5pm on Sunday 28th June and the match will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.
Ireland 6 (Sothern 3, Caruth, Gormley, Dowds) vs China 0
Team:
Harte, Jackson, Gormley, Watt, Cargo, Sothern, O’Donoghue, Darling, Good, Gleghorne, Harte.
Bench:
Bell, Dowds, Maggee, Caruth, Shimmins, Fitzgerald.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Ireland check in World Hockey League quarters
by S. Ramaguru
ANTWERP: Ireland have secured themselves a spot in the last eight – with Malaysia, Britain and Belgium – after hammering China 6-0 at the KHC Dragons Stadium.
China, the lowest ranked team in the tournament at No. 31, went into Friday’s match with a chance of making the cut – provided they beat Ireland.
But the Irish were clearly not in a charitable mood as Alan Sothern led the way with a hat-trick in the 19th, 20th and 33rd minutes. Peter Caruth (22nd), Ronan Gormley (32nd) and Stephen Dowds (38) chipped in with one apiece.
Ireland will now be looking at upsetting hosts Belgium in their last match on Sunday to avoid finishing fourth in the group.
The fourth-placed team in Group B will play the winner from Group A in the crossover quarter-finals on Wednesday.
China have lost all four of their group matches. They still have one match left – the 9th-placing playoff against Group A basement side Poland.
China had earlier lost to Malaysia (3-2), Belgium (6-0) and Britain (8-1).
The Star of Malaysia
Malaysia 0 Belgium 2
by Jugjet Singh
WORLD No 12 Malaysia gave world No 4 Belgium a tough time before being edged out 2-0 in the World League Semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday.
However, it was a match which Malaysia were not expected to collect any points, and are already in the quarter-finals after beating china 3-2 and Ireland 4-2.
Malaysia took the game to Belgium in the first quarter, when they did not give away a single penalty corner or even shot at goal, and protected goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin with determined defending.
The national players played without fear, and had numerous semi-circle penetrations, but Belgium stood their ground as well.
The second quarter saw Malaysia defending in numbers and Belgium won their first penalty corner in the 27th and Tanguy Cosyns' high and powerful flick was easily palmed away by Roslan.
However, Belgium finally got their act together in the 37th minute when a lapse in defense saw Dorian Thiery score from close range.
And goal number number two followed suit the very next minute, when Gauthier Gougnard tapped in an airborne ball.
Malaysia won their first penalty corner of the match in the 50th minute, but Razie fails to convert, and the score stood until the final whistle.
RESULTS: Group A: Pakistan 2 India 2; Group B: Ireland 6 China 0, Malaysia 0 Belgium 2.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Rab Rakha, Baljit
by Jugjet Singh
PIC: Baljit Singh in action against Ireland in the World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium. Malaysia won 4-2.
BALJIT Singh son of Charun Singh is the last Sikh left standing in the Malaysian Speedy Tigers, and it could take another decade to groom a replacement.
Sikhs used to dominate hockey in Malaysia, but are now as rare as a white rhino, and Baljit is the lone Lion carrying on this proud tradition in the ongoing World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Belgium.
Malaysia played two matches in Belgium and beat China 3-2 and Ireland 4-2 to qualify for the quarter-finals and are just a match away from qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
And if the ticket to Rio is clinched, Baljit’s achievement would be another feather in the turban of a long line of Malaysian Sikhs who have experienced hockey at the highest level.
But it was not easy for Baljit to reach the level he is in today. In fact, after helping Malaysia qualify for the World Cup, Baljit was dropped from the World Cup squad which played at the Hague, Netherlands, last year.
It was the most bitter part of his hockey career as his new coach K. Dharmaraj felt that Baljit was not good enough for the World Cup and replaced him with a German-Malaysian — Kevin Lim. Kevin Lim pulled a muscle two days before the World Cup started in a warm-up match at the Hague, and did not get a chance to represent Malaysia in the World Cup either.
This was just months after the previous coach Paul Revington only had praises for Baljit, who played the best hockey of his career to help Malaysia qualify for the World Cup.
But Baljit never gave up. He fought back into the team.
“It was really the most disappointing moment of my career,” he says, when reflecting on the how he had help Malaysia qualify for the World Cup and then not being selected to play in the in the tournament itself.
“But I kept improving my game by training hard, and claimed back my defenders position. Now, I will give everything I have to help Malaysia qualify for the Olympics.”
Baljit was brought back into the squad when the coaching musical chair stopped at its third song and Tai Beng Hai replaced K. Dharmaraj as coach.
Beng Hai’s believe in Baljit was justified when the lone Sikh played his best game yet, to defend Malaysia’s goalmouth against China and Ireland. Belgium and Britain are Malaysia’s next opponents, but Malaysia have already qualified for the quarter-finals with two matches in hand.
When asked where he got the strength to carry on after he was dropped from the World Cup squad, he gave a short rely: “Rab rakha.” [‘God the Protector’ or ‘God protects’].
Rab rakha on your Olympic dream, Baljit.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysia fall to first defeat in Belgium
by S. Ramaguru
ANTWERP: Malaysia’s winning run in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals came to end after a 2-0 loss to Belgium in a Group B match at the KHC Dragons Stadium.
Dorian Thiery scored the opening goal for Belgium in the 38th minute from a quick counter-attack.
A minute later Simon Gougnard put the Belgian side 2-0 up from a deflection.
Tai Beng Hai's boys put up a gallant fight but were left lagging behind when the Belgians used their speed to attack along the flanks.
Malaysia, ranked 12th in the world, went into the match with two wins achieved against China (3-2) and Ireland (4-2) while the Belgians, No. 4, had drawn 2-2 with Britain and beat China 6-0.
The first two quarters of the game were evenly matched in the midfield by both sides.
Belgium had their first chance to score through a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Tanguy Cosyns's direct flick was well saved by Malaysian No. 1 Roslan Jamaluddin.
Malaysia had a chance to score from a penalty corner in the 50th minute, but they failed to convert the chance.
In a Group A match earlier Asian Games champions India drew 2-2 with Pakistan.
Ramandeep Singh was on target for India in the 13th and 39th minutes while Mohamed Imran scored a brace for Pakistan to drew level in the 23rd and 37th minutes.
India has already earned a ticket for the 2016 Olympic in Rio de Janeiro after winning the Asian Games gold medal in South Korea last year.
The Star of Malaysia
From zero chance to quarter-finalists, Malaysia can almost smell the Olympic ticket
by S. Ramaguru
ANTWERP: Malaysia made a quick turnaround from no-hopers to quarter-finalists in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in Belgium.
And skipper Mohd Razie Rahim is proud of his men for defying the odds with two wins in as many matches in Group B.
“Let’s be honest, not many gave us a chance to win our first two Group B games,” he said.
“Guess what? If we win our next two matches (against Belgium and Britain), we could end up topping the group.
“Of course, we could end up losing the next two games. But, at least, we have achieved our target of reaching the quarter-finals.”
Malaysia started off with a 3-2 win over China and then beat Ireland 4-2.
Razie, who admitted that there’s still room for improvement, has also called on his team-mates to cut down on mistakes.
“We all make mistakes but let’s try to be more careful and not give away unnecessary penalty corners. If we can control the game, then the results will go our way,” he said.
“Yes, the teams we’ve beaten are ranked lower than us. But then Ireland held world No. 5 Britain to a draw.
“You can’t predict how a match will end up these days. Teams are all well prepared ... we must never underestimate any team.”
The 27-year-old Razie, who has 175 international caps, has never played in the Olympics, although he did feature in his first World Cup in The Hague last year.
And he’s hoping that Malaysia will be able to earn an automatic spot for next year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics with a top-three finish here.
“Our performances in the first two matches have given us greater confidence. The pressure is also a little less now. We are determined to win and make the cut for the Olympics,” he said.
Malaysia will wrap up their Group B fixture against Britain on Sunday. The quarter-finals will be on Wednesday.
The Star of Malaysia
Punt, Michelsen give NZ winning edge
Pair’s pace and ball control make them constant threat down team’s right flank.
By David Leggat
Black Sticks' Sophie Cocks competes for the ball with Hockeyroos' Karri McMahon on the way to the New Zealander's 2-0 victory. Photo / FIH
Not so long ago, New Zealand's hockey bosses were scratching their heads at how they'd cope without their talismanic skipper Kayla Whitelock.
The question now is where would they be without current leader Anita Punt and senior player Stacey Michelsen?
There's hope midfield rock Whitelock will be back for the Rio Olympics, but right now it's Punt and Michelsen who are the star turns.
The pair were outstanding in the Black Sticks' 2-0 win over Australia at the world league semifinal in Antwerp yesterday.
The world No 4 Black Sticks began strongly and maintained their intensity to the finish. Australia were unable to break the defence.
Pint-sized dynamo Punt scored the opening goal with a rasping shot from a penalty corner, and laid on the pass for the crucial second goal by midfielder Ella Gunson.
Punt's goal enabled her to overtake Katie Glynn and Krystal Forgesson as the country's alltime leading goalscorer with 78.
Along with Michelsen in harness down the right-hand attacking channel, the pair were a constant threat with their pace and ball control.
"Anita and I have played on the right side for a long time now so we do work really well together," Michelsen said.
"It's good when I can recognise her pace and get the ball to her, and going forward it's really important we do get those combinations going."
Michelsen pointed to Punt's importance at the set piece penalty corners.
New Zealand had a dismal record at the tournament before Punt struck just after halftime yesterday, having converted none from 12 opportunities to that point.
"It's a really important part of our game to try and get Anita into attack and scoring goals and also with her penalty corner flicking."
Next up they face hosts Belgium to finalise the quarter-final placings.
New Zealand will be aware their men's counterparts slipped up in their equivalent tournament in Buenos Aires this month at a late stage and against much lower-ranked opposition.
The result of their losses to Canada and Spain meant they failed to secure an automatic spot in the field for the Rio Olympics. They can still get there, but they've made it harder for themselves.
The women's team are determined not to get foot-tripped from this point.
"We're definitely aware that we can qualify for Rio. Every team wants to qualify because you don't want to leave it till a later date.
"But we just take each day as it comes and concentrate on the team on the day, not look beyond that and get ahead of ourselves," Michelsen added.
The Belgians are ranked No 12 but Michelsen said they impressed against Australia and there won't be any risk of taking the challenge lightly.
New Zealand have a considerable weapon in their pace across the field.
They have defenders who tackle well and have the speed to recover if they get in trouble and, as Australia discovered, can put the wind up opposing defensive units with their ability to break fast.
"It's the first time we have managed to open up Australia that much in a long time - we stuck to the game plan and moved the ball well," coach Mark Hager said.
What happens next
New Zealand play hosts Belgium in their final pool B game early tomorrow (NZT). They then have a quarter-final against, most likely, Korea or Japan, next Tuesday.
Their 2-0 win over Australia yesterday was just their 17th in 112 internationals against the world No 2 Aussies.
The top three teams at the world league semifinal qualify automatically for next year's Rio Olympics. Make the top four and they advance to the World League final at the end of the year.
The New Zealand Herald
Indian eves gear up to face Australia in HWL Semi-Final
ANTWERP: Having already secured a quarterfinal berth from pool B, India are gearing up for a tough contest against world No.2 Australia in the women's Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final at the Brasschaat Municipal Park here on Saturday.
Mathias Ahrens-coached world No.13 India lost the first two matches against Belgium (0-1) and New Zealand (0-5). However they registered a 3-1 win over world No.23 Poland on Wednesday to boost their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
The Polish girls, being beaten in all the four matches, have already crashed out of the competition, paving the way for India's entry into the quarter-finals in the 10-nation tournament.
Now, India are up against a side that has performed admirably. World Cup 2014 runners-up Australia hammered Poland 9-0 before registering convincing wins over hosts Belgium and world No.4 New Zealand with 2-0 margins.
"We are happy that we won our last match against Poland. Our performance was up to the mark. And now we know that we have to focus on taking crucial passes as this enables keeping possession on the ball and moving further towards the opponents defence wall," India skipper Ritu Rani said in a release on Friday.
"We are geared up as a team and hope to give a tough fight to Australia in tomorrow's match."
The two teams met earlier during the Hawke's Bay Cup 2015 in New Zealand where India proved their mettle and held Australia to a goalless draw.
Striker Rani Rampal, who scored a brace in 3-1 triumph over Poland, will be the key player for the 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist.
"The girls performed really well in the match against Poland. We aim for a better penalty corner conversion rate and make our attack even stronger in the next match against Australia," ohief coach Ahrens said.
We have been working on our passes and tackles and we are confident of a good match tomorrow."
The Times of India
Aiming to finish in top three: Ahrens
Ritu Sejwal
NEW DELHI: Having joined the Indian women's hockey team as coach recently, ahead of the Hockey World League Semi-Final now underway in Antwerp, Mathias Ahrens had high expectations from the girls. But the 51 year-old German has had a reality check when the team lost its first two games before beating Poland. With India taking on mighty Australia on Saturday, Ahrens shared his views about the team with TOI in an email interview. Excerpts:
What was your expectation before the tournament?
We were expecting to start with a win to set the pace for the team. It would have been perfect motivation. But we are not disheartened and are still aiming to finish among the top three.
Were the opening matches against Belgium (world No. 12) and New Zealand (No. 4) a reality check?
Yes. We all prepared very hard for these matches and worked on every aspect of our game. We knew that both Belgium and New Zealand were ahead of us in rankings, but we had our strategies in place but the team failed to implement the gameplan on the field.
What are the grey areas?
The players are not lacking in skills or training. They have the thinking ability and are capable of taking decisions during the match. They need to im prove their mental strength, which is very important while playing against higher-ranked teams and under tremendous pressure. In the first match against Belgium, the players started well but once they conceded an unfortunate goal, they lost their morale, which made them go defensive. A team must have the spirit to fight back. I am working to build these traits in each of the team members.
How do you compare our performances against Belgium (0-1) and New Zealand (0-5)?
The team created many opportunities against Belgium.Against New Zealand, India failed to play as per their ability. They lacked in finishing, passing and even failed to earn a single penalty corner. In a match against a better team, we cannot afford mistakes.
How are you looking ahead?
We need to work on various areas, including mental strength. We need to work on some fresh ideas and improve ours skills step by step. After this, the junior team will participate in the Volvo International U-21 tournament in the Netherlands and the 7th Junior Asia Cup in China. We will hunt for some young talent.
How do you keep the girls motivated?
We have various mental and physical sessions where we are allowing the players to speak about their experience and their game-plan for the upcoming matches. We want them to express their feelings.
The Times of India
Indian women's team feeling absence of drag-flicker in HWL
ANTWERP (Belgium): Preparing to take on World Cup silver medallists Australia in a preliminary league match, the Indian women's hockey team is feeling the absence of a good drag-flicker for penalty corners at the World League Semi-Final.
India's penalty corners lack the potential that drag flickers provide. The team is dependent on set-piece variations beside a powerful smash that seeks to find a leeway into the rival citadel.
A powerful drive got India one of their three goals against Poland, while a set-piece came close to India equalising in their 0-1 loss to hosts Belgium in the opening fixture. The set-piece attempt by captain Ritu Rani was scooped away from the goal-line by a diving defender.
"We don't have a drag-flicker for penalty corners, but we have other skills to pose danger to the rival goal," says coach Mathias Ahrens.
"Drag-flicks is a skills that takes time to improve, and I did notice a good drag-flicker in the training camp ahead of the tournament," says Ahrens, who only took up the assignment with the team in May.
"There is one decent drag-flicker among the under-21 players, but it was too early for her skills to be pushed into top grade international hockey," said Ahrens.
Ahrens says the present team can be more threatening to the rival goal on penalty corners than it is doing right now.
He wants the team to focus on set-piece variations and execute them better.
Ahrens is imploring his wards to use the opportunity of playing against higher-ranked opponents to raise the level of their own game.
"We're here with seven under-21 players, for whom it is a good opportunity," says the coach.
"We have to work on a lot more tactics." Australia go into the contest with India after suffering a 0-2 loss to New Zealand on Thursday.
The World No. 2 ranked Australia will be eager to improve its goal-scoring ability ahead of the quarterfinals. This will make it tougher for the Indian defence.
The Times of India
Blue Sticks cruise to win over Czech Republic
Hamish Imrie rounded off the scoring for Scotland in a 9-1 win. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Scotland Senior Men stormed to a convincing 9-1 win against the Czech Republic in the first of three international matches at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre this afternoon.
Defender Dan Coultas, on the occasion of his 50th cap, along with strikers Kenny Bain and Alan Forsyth claimed two goals each, while Lee Morton, Michael Bremner and Hamish Imrie were also on the scoresheet for the Scots.
Defender Dan Coultas notched two goals on his 50th international match. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Scotland dominated from the off, taking an early lead inside five minutes; a strong run from Kenny Bain found Alan Forsyth in front of goal, the Surbiton marksman presented with the easiest of opportunities to tap home the opening goal.
Scotland's Alan Forsyth opens the scoring with the first of his two goals. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Two minutes later, Michael Ross found Lee Morton with a splendid long-range pass and the Kelburne youngster took full advantage of the space he was afforded by the Czechs to slot the ball past goalkeeper Tomas Hanus.
In the 19th minute, Bain’s fizzing reverse stick was tipped over the bar by Hanus, but the Czech shot-stopper could do nothing to prevent Dan Coultas from putting the home side 3-0 up from a penalty corner only a minute later.
Dan Coultas executes a drag-flick to give Scotland a 3-0 lead. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Another penalty corner award for the Scots in the 23rd minute led to the fourth goal, Coultas’ deflected strike finding the back of the net to put his side firmly in control of the contest.
There was no let-up in pressure from the Blue Sticks and in the 26th minute, Bain’s stinging shot was too hot to handle for Hanus and the ball bobbled over the line to make it 5-0.
Bain was unlucky not to make it 6-0 shortly after half-time, his reverse stick effort just missing the right hand corner of the goal.
Scotland were not left waiting for the sixth goal for much longer though, Hamish Imrie and Lee Morton combining to give Michael Bremner the final touch past Czech replacement goalkeeper Jiri Zelenka.
The visitors did make it onto the scoresheet in the 45th minute however, captain Daniel Piterak providing a neat finish to beat Scotland goalkeeper David Forrester and pull one goal back for the Czechs.
The Scots responded with two goals inside sixty seconds; Alan Forsyth putting away a penalty stroke after being on the receiving end of an illegal stick tackle, before Bain sealed his second goal of the game, sliding in at the back post to finish off a Scotland penalty corner set-play.
Imrie rounded off the scoring five minutes from full-time after his shot found the top corner of the net at another penalty corner.
The two sides meet tomorrow in the second match of the series at 15.00
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scotland Senior Women put eight past Czech Republic
Scotland's Nikki Lloyd scored a hat-trick for the home side in a 8-0 win over Czech Republic. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Scotland Senior Women delivered a clinical display against Czech Republic in the first of three international matches at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre today, running out comprehensive 8-0 winners.
Striker Nikki Lloyd notched a great hat-trick, Fiona Bruce grabbed two goals, while Vikki Bunce, Nikki Kidd and Ali Howie were also on the scoresheet.
The Scots were on the scoresheet early in the second minute as Aileen Davies' cross was finished off by Nikki Kidd to give her side the lead.
Two minutes later, Scotland doubled their advantage to 2-0 when Vikki Bunce rattles the ball past Czech goalkeeper Barbara Cechakova from the right hand side of the circle.
With the home side piling on the pressure, they were awarded a penalty corner in the seventh minute from which Cechakova did brilliantly to turn Kidd’s drag-flick around the post.
Nevertheless, Nikki Lloyd put the Scots 3-0 up shortly afterwards, the Canterbury striker finishing off Kidd’s cross from the right.
Both Susan McGilveray and Kaz Marshall were denied by the Czech defence during a penalty corner set-piece in the 11th minute, before Kidd sent a drag-flick attempt just wide of the left hand upright in the 20th minute.
With half-time approaching, the Scots seized total control of the contest at 4-0 when Lloyd scored her second goal of the game, a thunderous effort into the bottom right hand corner in the 26th minute.
Six minutes after the break, the result was well and truly put beyond doubt with Lloyd sealing her hat-trick by latching onto the end of Leigh Fawcett’s cross.
Scotland captain Leigh Fawcett in action against Czech Republic today. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Sixty seconds later, Fiona Bruce put Scotland six to the good from close range to make it 6-0.
Right on the stroke of the third quarter hooter, an excellent penalty corner set-play saw the ball played back to the injector Sarah Robertson and her cross was diverted into the net by Ali Howie for a seventh Scottish goal.
The scoring was rounded off four minutes from full-time, Bruce sliding in to meet Ali Howie's cross and coolly slot the ball past Cechakova.
The two sides meet again tomorrow afternoon with a 13.00 start time.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Canada shuts out U.S. in third game of U21 series
Final match of series to be played Saturday at 10am in Surrey
Shaheed Devji
It was a change of pace as the Canadian and American Under-21 men's teams played a morning match Friday in Surrey, British Columbia, but the result was the same with Canada winning their third straight against the U.S. 3-0 in the penultimate match of the U21 series.
Tom Fannin opened the scoring and goals from Brandon Pereira and Jamie Wallace combined with a shutout from Cameron Bonney and Lydon Lemos, who split the goalkeeping duties, led the Canadians to victory.
Of the three mathces played so far, this one began the closest with the Americans playing strong defensively.
The first quarter was scoreless with Canada's best chance coming on a penalty corner in the fourth minute, when a Brandon Pereira flick couldn't connect.
The U.S. had an opportunity to take their first lead of the series when Canada was issued a card and went a man down, but the visitors - despite possession - couldn't mount a quality scoring chance.
In the twenty third minute, the Canadians opened the scoring when Kabir Aujla intercepted a zone clearance from the States and showed patience with the ball before finding Fannin at the side of the goal for the tap-in.
Before the half was out, the U.S. began to gain spurts of possession but once again couldn't break through the Canadian defence before time ran out.
Nine minutes into the second half, the U.S. had their best chance of the game on a penalty corner but the flick attempt went wide of the goal.
The game remained close until the final ten minutes, when Canada was able to score two quick goals.
First, Pereira scored his third drag flick goal in two games on a penalty corner in the fifty-second minute. Then, Jamie Wallace finished off a nice passing play for the third goal.
The final game of the series goes Saturday morning at 10:00am at Surrey's Tamanawis Field.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Sikh Union seek to move up standings
By BRIAN YONGA
Old horse of Kenyan hockey Inderjit Matharu (right) of Sikh Union Nairobi, shows he has still got it, as he glides past Lawrence Nartcy of Ghana Revenue Authority during their Vaisakhi men’s semi-final match on April 25, 2015 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
Ten Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league matches are on the cards this weekend in Nairobi and Kisumu.
Former league champions Sikh Union Nairobi will be out to bounce back from a stuttering start to the season when they face Greensharks on Sunday at the City Park Stadium in the pick of the weekend matches.
The 2012 champions have endured a disastrous start to the season, managing only three wins in six matches which have seen them drop to eighth on the standings.
A huge win over Greensharks could however see them move into third place on the table above rivals Kenya Police. Sikh Union will fancy their chances against a Greensharks side lacking in confidence and with only one win out of five games played.
Club player-coach Inderjit Matharu has urged his team to shrug off their poor outings and put on a decent run in their next league matches. Sikh Union were thumped 3-0 by USIU-A in their last league match and Matharu warned against a repeat performance.
“We did not play well against USIU and we deservedly lost, we have a chance to put that behind us this weekend by winning this match. We are making too many mistakes and getting punished for that, we need to rectify this,” Matharu told Nation Sport.
BOUNCE BACK
For his part, Sharks coach Nixon Nyangaga believes his team has put their troubled start to the season behind them and are playing ‘good hockey’. The tactician expects a closely contested match.
“Both teams are desperate for the points and this makes it a very difficult match to predict. We have trained well and I am confident my boys will take their chances and win the match,” Nyangaga said.
Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) will be looking to inflict more misery on basement side Parklands in another men’s premier league match Saturday afternoon. Newcomers Parklands have lost all their six matches this season.
Kenyatta University, who were also promoted to the premier league this season, take on Nakuru hockey club in another league encounter with both teams looking for the points to move up the table.
On Sunday, Parklands will take on Nakuru Hockey Club as they aim for their first win of the season while JKUAT will take on KU Titans in the only national women’s league match this weekend.
FIXTURES (All Matches at City Park Stadium unless stated)
National ladies: JKUAT v KU – 12pm
National men: Kabarak v Impala – 2pm, Bay v Multimedia – 3pm (Kisumu)
Premier men: KU v Nakuru – 4pm, Parklands v KCAU – 6pm
SUNDAY
National men: Ksm Youngstars v Multimedia- 9m (Kisumu), Kabarak v Wazalendo Youth (9am), Thika rovers v Chase Sailors (11am)
Premier men: Parklands v Nakuru – 1pm, Sikh v Greensharks, 3pm
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