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All the news for Tuesday 9 August 2016

Women's field hockey pool play: Day 3 recap

By Hayley Tafuro



Stay up to date with every matchup of women's field hockey preliminaries during day three in Rio.

Argentina vs. Japan (Pool B)

Argentina came back triumphant with a 4-0 rout of Japan in the final game of day three women’s pool play.

Maria Barrionuevo, penalty corner and drag flick specialist, was responsible for all goals for Las Leonas.

Japan’s defense held tough for most of the first quarter, but Barrionuevo began her takeover on the team’s third penalty corner. She continued to do so into the second, scoring the exact same way to give Argentina a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Japan found it difficult to create any type of offense while Argentina had success in all areas. Carla Rebecchi got a rebound and slammed a shot into the back of the net to put Argentina up by three.

Maria Granatto added Argentina’s fourth goal with plenty of game left in the fourth quarter, but Japan finished out the game scoreless.

This was a key win for Argentina who looked to come out stronger after being upset by the U.S. in game one. Las Leonas leaped to third place after adding three points to their column.

Spain vs. China (Pool A)

China shut out Spain in day three’s last game of Pool A play 2-0.

China took the two-goal lead before halftime. The first score came off of a powerful flick from Yudiao Zhao. Yang Peng continued her Olympic success, tacking on another goal to her Olympic total.

Spain almost got on the board, but the shot came from outside of the circle, therefore not counting toward the score. It was China’s defense that won it, preventing all of Spain’s penalty corner attempts and not letting them get back into the game down the stretch.

Spain hangs back at last place while China picks up a key three points in Pool A.

Great Britain vs. India (Pool B)

Great Britain earned its second win in pool play after defeating India 3-0.

Three different players scored for Team GB. Giselle Ansley got the first goal of play with about six minutes to go in the second quarter. They did not waste any time scoring again when Nicole White pursued a blocked shot and shoved it into the goal.

The lead increased to three goals in the third quarter when Alex Danson came darting through the center of the circle, tipping her teammate’s pass right past India's goalkeeper.

Despite coming out of halftime much more aggressive, India could not get anything past Great Britain goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

Great Britain will move into first place in Pool B, an impressive feat this early for the No. 5 world-ranked team.

Netherlands vs. South Korea (Pool A)

The Netherlands picked up another win on the quest for gold medal number three, topping South Korea 4-0 behind a hat trick from Kelly Jonker.

The team played poised from start to finish. Players took their time to reset the offense and were in no rush to force any shots.

Once they made it into the circle, Jonker was all over the ball. All three goals came from deflections.

Her first goal came in the first quarter off of a teammate’s deflection off of a South Korea defender’s stick.

With time winding down before halftime, Jonker again capitalized on a deflection from Kitty van Male’s insert into the circle. The Dutch grasped a 2-0 lead.

Jonker’s third goal came during a penalty corner. She caught the deflection on the shot, which ricocheted right into the corner of the cage.

Carlien Dirkse van der Heuvel piled another goal onto the lead minutes into the fourth quarter after a brilliant give-and-go play.

South Korea never found a way to challenge the dominant Dutch team, who won its second-straight game in shutout fashion.

New Zealand vs. Germany (Pool A)

In a close game, Germany pulled out a 2-1 upset victory over New Zealand.

It was New Zealand who took an early lead after Petrea Webster found success in the circle. Germany entered the second quarter looking to tie it up, and got that chance from Pia-Sophie Oldhafer.

Both teams had plenty of shot opportunities in the second half of play, but Germany was able to turn those into success. Anne Schroder scored off of a penalty corner putting the Germans ahead by one goal.

Germany has now passed New Zealand to move to second place in Pool A standings.

NBC Olympics

Keeping up with men's field hockey pool play

By Hayley Tafuro



Highlighting everything happening on day three of men's field hockey pool play in Rio.

Canada vs. Argentina (Pool B)

Argentina topped Canada in its second game of Pool B play by a score of 3-1, led by two goals from Gonzalo Peillat.

Scoring got started in the first quarter with a cross-field pass that landed right in the path of Argentina’s Matias Paredes. He had the perfect position to knock it right into the cage.

Argentina had many chances to increase the lead in the third quarter off of penalty corner attempts, but they were 0/8 on penalty corner shots at that point. They finally executed on one early in the fourth quarter when Peillat scored off of the insert pass.

They found more penalty corner success when Peillat fired off his second shot a few minutes later to earn his second score of the game. Argentina padded its lead to three goals.

Canada attempted a run with about five minutes left in play when it finally got on board with a corner goal from Scott Tupper. However, the three-goal deficit would prove to be too much to come back from as Argentina walked away with the victory.

Germany vs. India (Pool B)

Germany topped India 2-1 in a thriller behind a game-winner from Christopher Ruhr in the last seconds of play.

The defending gold medalist struggled all game to find a rhythm on offense, despite coming fresh off of a six-goal game one performance.

The team’s first goal came in the second quarter after a shot from Niklas Wellen, his third goal of the tournament.

India answered minutes later on a penalty corner attempt. Rupinder Pal Singh converted for his team, also earning his third goal in two games of play.

The teams had no further score in the third quarter, and spent most of the fourth battling for shot opportunities. As the seconds ticked down, Germany had one last attempt at a shot. Ruhr came out as the hero, putting his team up with three seconds remaining and sealing the 2-1 victory.

Germany now moves up to the top spot in the Pool B standings in front of the Netherlands.

NBC Olympics

USA, GB and Netherlands go two from two


USA celebrate a goal. Pic: Sean Haffey/Getty

Great Britain, USA and the Netherlands all maintained their strong start to the women’s Olympic competition with their second straight wins.

The US recorded their second hugely impressive win of the campaign, adding a 2-1 win over Australia to their opening victory over Argentina to put them in control of their own destiny in Pool B.

Goals from Michelle Vittesse and Caitlin van Sickle gave them a commanding 2-0 lead and while Kathryn Slattery got a goal back, the hockeyroos fell to a second successive defeat.

And Vittesse said that they have developed an inner-strength of will that is pivotal to their success.

“We have this grit, this resilience because we have previously failed; because we’ve been in unfavourable positions. Regardless of our past or current ranking, regardless of our previous results we play hard and I think the results of that show.”

Argentina bounced back from their opening defeat to run up a 4-0 win over Japan, Noel Barrionuevo scoring twice in the victory.

GB beat India comfortably 3-0 with goals from Nicola White, Giselle Ansley and Alex Danson.

For Ansley, she said of the performance: “It wasn’t our most polished performance but three points are three points and six from the first two games, well you can’t ask for more than that really. It was my first Olympic goal tonight so I’m over the moon.”

“It’s been surreal walking into the village even just getting on the plane to come to an Olympics to be honest. Now we’re here we’re fully focused on the hockey and that’s the only thing for us right now.”

In Pool A, Germany beat New Zealand 2-1, coming from a goal down to win thanks to Pia Oldhafer and Anne Schroder, adding the three points to their opening day draw against China.

Kelly Jonker’s hat trick under-pinned a second successive commanding win for the Netherlands as they proved far too good for Korea who are without a point to date. She scored the first three goals before Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel completed a 4-0 win.

Spain fell to their second blank, this time a 2-0 defeat to China to leave them needing a big couple of results to reach the semi-finals.

EuroHockey media release

Ruhr nicks last ditch win for Germany


Germany celebrate a key goal in their 2-1 win over India. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/EHF

Christopher Rühr scored with four seconds to go to earn Germany a second successive win in the men’s Olympic Games, beating India 2-1.

Niklas Wellen’s third goal of the tournament gave them the advantage but a Rupinder Pal Singh penalty corner goal had the game evenly balanced until Rot Weiss Köln’s Rühr won it at the end.

Speaking afterwards, coach Valentin Altenburg said: “We have made it harder than it would have been necessary [to get the win].Through many turnovers and too little passing game, we did not have security.

“In the first half I almost had the feeling that the Indians were dictating the game. The second half was better and the goal came with perfect timing.”

It was one of two men’s matches on day three of the Olympics. Two goals from Mannheimer-bound Gonzalo Peillat along with one from Matias Paredes saw Argentina sweep aside Pan-Am rivals Cananda.

On Tuesday, Germany face Ireland in their next group game while Argentina meet India. The Netherlands face Canada.

Pool A returns with a full schedule, too. High-flying Spain, with two wins from two, take on New Zealand. Great Britain will look to earn their first win against struggling Brazil while Belgium meet Australia in the game of the day.

EuroHockey media release

USA holds off Australia in a 2-1 thriller for second win

By Jawwad Qamar

USA continued its run in Rio with another thrilling victory over the higher ranked teams – this time the number 3 ranked Australia, beating them 2-1 on goals by Michelle Vittese and Catlin van Sickle.

Vittese scored on USA’s first penalty corner, that was manufactured by the hard work of Katie Bam at the 25 minute mark of first half, sending the ball into the left corner on a variation pass from captain Lauren Crandle. Catlin van Sickle added to the USA lead in the 41st minute when Georgie Parker of the Hockeyroos was sent out on a yellow card for a rough take down of Michelle Kasold giving USA its 3rd penalty corner. Vittese’s initial shot was deflected to Bam in the left corner of the circle from where she sent a cross to Kelsey Kolojejchick who deflected it to van Sickle for the 2-0 lead. The next minute saw another yellow card to the Aussies as their captain Madonna Blyth was send out for a questionable stick tackle inside the circle resulting in another PC for USA and Australia two players down. Another PC followed but the ball was well padded away by the Australian keeper Rachael Lynch resulting in a fast counter attack and finally a goal for the Hockeyroos from the stick of a diving Kathryn Slattery.

The Australians kept the pressure on looking for the equalizer despite being shorthanded and had a number of great opportunities on penalty corners and on field play but American keeper Jackie Briggs stood her ground and once again had a solid game in the net while the defense kept its composure for another major victory.

The Americans started their Olympic competition with a 2-1 defeat of their Pan American rivals the number 2 ranked Argentina on Saturday and looked poised to finish at least second in pool B. The team is well coached and is in excellent physical condition. They’ll take on Japan on Wednesday evening while the Aussies, surprisingly still looking for their first points, face India earlier in the day.

Fieldhockey.com Exclusive

USWNT’s Ground-Shaking Olympic Performances Knock Down Two Top-Ranked Competitors in Pool B


Image by Paul Winstanley

The U.S. Olympic Women’s Field Hockey Team isn't content resting alone on the achievement of participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. That was proven again today. Upon Deodoro Hockey Stadium's florescent lime green and vivid blue turf, Team USA is using the Olympic pitch to challenge the order of global hockey powerhouses and after upsetting 2nd FIH World Ranked Argentina on Saturday, Team USA faced Australia who holds a FIH World Ranking of 3rd. The international squads wrote a 60 minute script jam-packed with jaw-dropping moments of brilliant hockey, but it was the USA who out muscled Australia with a score of 2-1. Now with a total of six event points secured from two pool-play victories, the USA is making its presence known in Rio.

"We check off all of our boxes to ensure we're well prepared before each match," said Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) USWNT forward. "We have this grit, this resilience because we have previously failed, because we've been in unfavorable positions. Regardless of our past or current ranking, regardless of our previous results we play hard and I think the results of that show."

With the starting whistle, Australia came out with high pressure testing USA’s defense early to create a scoring opportunity in the 3rd minute of play but the strike hit the outside post of the cage. Staying composed, USA regained possession and quickly transitioned down the field. Led by Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) the ball traveled fast into the attacking circle but Team USA was unable to get a shot off. Attacking intent continued for USA as they worked to challenge Australia’s goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and pull her off the goal line for a scramble that went unanswered.

As both teams fought to maintain possession, Australia’s Grace Stewart worked the ball into their attacking circle and ripped a backhand shot on goal but the ball was saved by USA’s goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.). Play transitioned to the other end of the pitch where Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) found space and got a backhand shot off that was shutdown by an Australian defender’s stick. Australia quickly countered to the other end in the final minute where a flurry of shots were saved by Lauren Crandall (Doylestown, Pa.) and Briggs to end the quarter USA 0, Australia 0.

To start the second quarter, Australia wasted no time to barrel into USA’s defensive circle where they secured their first penalty corner in the 16th minute of play. From the top, Australia’s Georgina Morgan’s initial shot was saved by Briggs but lead to another attempt that went high and wide. Team USA’s backfield continued to be tested by Australia with multiple circle entries but withstood the efforts.

"Similar to the Argentina game, today we defended what we needed to defend well," said Craig Parnham, USWNT Head Coach. "I'm really pleased with how we defended all around the pitch today not just in the backfield. The midfielders and forwards did a great job in setting this tone as well. Because of this, we were able to create chances and cause Australia trouble."

In the 24th minute of play, Australia’s Madonna Blyth earned a green card giving USA a player up advantage. Making the most of the situation, Katie Bam (Blue Bell, Pa.) worked the ball into the attacking circle and earned Team USA’s first penalty corner in the 25th minute. From the sly slip at the top of the circle, Vittese's straight sweep was buried into the left corner of the cage to give USA a 1-0 lead.

Quick to regroup, Australia sped down the field to earn their second penalty corner. The drag flick from the top was saved by Briggs’ glove and landed directly on an Australian players foot giving the ball back to Team USA. As time ticked down in the second quarter, Team USA worked fearlessly trying to extend their goal margin. Halftime score stood at USA 1, Australia 0.

Play started static in the first few minutes of the third quarter but in the 36th minute, Australia earned a penalty corner. Team USA requested a video referral on the call but the penalty corner stood. Off the drag flick attempt, Briggs made a diving glove save to block the shot and keep the lead. Just a minute later, Australia’s Jane Claxton earned a green card giving USA a player up on the field. This advantage lead to a great opportunity as Vittese sent a backhand cross from the lower left side of the field that Kolojejchick got a touch on but went just wide. USA continued to be resilient, pressing forward looking to extend the lead.

The aggressive attacking play paid off in the 41st minute when Australia’s Georgie Parker fouled Kasold hard outside the circle resulting in a 10-minute yellow card and upgrading the foul to a penalty corner. The initial sweep by Vittese was blocked by an Australian defender but Bam was on the rebound and sent the ball back across the cage that Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) finished to make it USA 2, Australia 0.

USA didn’t let up and earned a penalty corner after Australia’s Blyth earned a yellow card. The first attempt by Kasold was denied but not before another penalty corner was awarded, that finished with no result. Being two players down, Australia quickly took possession and worked to the other end of the field. USA’s Briggs was pulled off the right baseline and created an open-net opportunity for Australia’s Kathryn Slattery who finished the chance to cut the goal margin to USA 2, Australia 1. The pressure continued in the final minutes as Briggs came up big and made an extended leg save to close out the quarter.

With much anticipation and excitement from the crowd, the final quarter started with Australia remaining two players down. The Hockeyroos didn’t lag as they quickly countered and plotted a shot low into the circle that went just wide. Staying composed, USA worked forward and earned a penalty corner in the 49th minute but Crandall’s straight shot was redirected off frame by Australia’s post player. Shortly after, Bam made an interception in the middle of the field that led to a 3v1 attack opportunity for Team USA but no result was found.

Australia kept the high intensity pressure up looking to find the equalizer. In the 54th minute a chance came for Australia as Edwina Bone had room to take a low angle shot in the circle but the attempt went wide. Another attempt came shortly after as a backhand shot was launched that again ended with no result. At the other end, Vittese found room and threaded a ball to Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) on the left post that was met by Australia’s goalkeeper Lynch. End line to end line, Australia earned a penalty corner in the 57th minute. The threatening drag flick was sent over the crossbar by Briggs’ glove reaction. Another flurry of shots came from Australia but time wound down to keep the score USA 2, Australia 1.

Team USA celebrated the talent and leadership of two national team athletes who reached milestone achievements. Kolojejchick earned her 100th cap while Julia Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) recorded her 150th cap during today's match. 

"We're in a good place now but it's crucial, very important, to keep focused on the next match ahead," said Parnham.

Next, the USWNT will compete against Japan on Wednesday, August 10 at 4 p.m. EST.

USFHA media release

Australia taken out by USA

Women beaten 2 - 1

Holly MacNeil



It was a nail-biting, fast paced and energetic game tonight between Australia and America at the Deodoro Olympic Park, with the USA ultimately defeating the Aussie’s 2 – 1. The Australian public were highly anticipating the clash with Twitter exploding with positive messages for the Australian women.


The first quarter began with both good attacking work from Australia, and equally as good pressing defence from USA. Grace Stewart went in for a backhand shot at goal with six minutes to go in the quarter, but goalkeeper Jaclyn Briggs was all over the Australian net, defending the ball.

Mariah Williams broke away from the pack, with a clever hit through the legs and a reverse attempt on goal which just went high. Emily Smith and then Grace Stewart both had an attempt with minutes to go but Briggs was on fire.

The first minute into the second quarter and the Aussies were up for a shot on penalty corner. The shot missed the mark, and deflected just wide of the net with a follow up hit.

With Madonna Blyth off pitch with a green card, the USA made the most of the opportunity managing a goal via a penalty corner with Michelle Vittese scoring the shot past goalkeeper Rachael Lynch.

Michelle Vittese was dangerous in the third, taking a number of opportunities at goal, making the Australian defence work.

Georgie Parker was sent off with a yellow card, allowing the USA another chance of penalty corner. The USA again made the most of the Australian’s being a player down, with Caitlin Van Sickle converting a penalty corner to a goal for the States.

Madonna Blyth followed with a yellow card shortly after leaving the Aussies down two players. With only nine players on pitch, Brooke Peris made a cracker of a pass down field to Kathryn Slattery, and after a pass back from Jane Claxton, Slattery scored getting Australia on the board and back in the game.

Two minutes to go in the game, and the Aussies had a chance on penalty corner, but it hit the goalkeeper’s glove and the crossbar and flew high, leaving the USA with the win.

The Australian Women next play India on Wednesday at 10pm AWST / 11.30pm ACST / 12am AEST (Thursday).

AUSTRALIA 1 (0)
Kathryn Slattery (FG) 43

USA 2 (1)
Michelle Vittese (PC) 24
Caitlin Van Sickle (PC) 41

Australia squad v USA
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 338/70
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 104/9
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 182/98
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 152/0
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 106/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 48/9
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA), 104/32
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 97/13
Casey Sablowski (Albion Park, NSW) 254/44
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 58/18
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 159/63
  
Used Substitute
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 117/2
Kirsten Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 110/2
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, SA) 38/2
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 24/10
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 52/6

Hockey Australia media release

With a Trick Play, U.S. Women’s Field Hockey Pulls Off a Second Upset

By JAY SCHREIBER


Players on the fifth-ranked U.S. women’s field hockey team after scoring in a 2-1 victory over Australia on Monday. Credit Dario Lopez-Mills/Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO — Corners in field hockey are similar to corner kicks in soccer but certainly more elaborate and perhaps more interesting.

After all, what is not to like about a play in which the goalie and four teammates squeeze into the goal to defend while players on the other team line up like a firing squad not far away and wait for the referee to signal for the play to begin and the ball to be passed out of the corner.

And when that pass is made, and the four defenders charge from the net trying to block the oncoming shot, and the rest of the defending team races back from midfield, where it has been forced to stand, and the goalie tries to stay poised — well, it is all a little nuts and pretty cool to watch.

Sometimes, as was the case in Monday’s game between the women’s Olympic teams of the United States and Australia, a corner results in a goal. In this instance, it was a deftly conceived trick play, with one American player letting the ball slip past her and her teammate then smacking it past the suddenly off-balance Australians and into the goal.

If you are keeping score at home, it was Katie Bam (original pass) to Katelyn Falgowski (who made pass No. 2) to Jill Witmer (the decoy) to Michelle Vittese (who shot and scored). And if you’re wondering whether the play helped propel the Americans to victory, it did.

Vittese’s goal broke a scoreless tie in the first half, Caitlin van Sickle made it 2-0 for the United States after halftime and even though Australia eventually cut the lead in half, the Americans stayed composed and ran out the clock.
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The United States is at the top of its first-round group with a 2-0 record and stands an excellent chance of advancing to the quarterfinals and, from there, launching a legitimate bid for a medal. Over the past three days, the Americans have defeated the Argentines, who were ranked No. 2 in the world, and now the Australians, who were No. 3.

The Americans were ranked No. 5 entering the tournament, demonstrating how far they had come since the 2012 London Games, in which they finished last among the 12 teams.

The No. 5 ranking, which is higher than any previous American team, may now be a little outdated. This American group, under the direction of Craig Parnham, who took over as coach in 2013, has speed, skill and growing confidence.

For the moment, the United States women can bask in Monday’s game, which was an intense and pretty boisterous contest played on blue artificial turf.

While the United States seemed to take control of the game at times, the Australians found ways to come up with dangerous scoring chances, all but one of which was denied by Jackie Briggs, the standout American goalie.

Briggs made saves with her toes, her legs and her blocking pad. She dived to the left and the right. In the last two minutes, down a goal, the Australians were awarded the final corner of the game. Four American defenders joined Briggs in the net. The Australian players faced them, waiting for the play to start. Their fans chanted “Australia! Australia!”

Then an Australian player passed the ball out of the corner, and a shot was fired toward Briggs and turned away. Perhaps, in retrospect, the Australians should have tried a trick shot of their own at that point. Then again, Briggs would have probably blocked that one, too.

The New York Times

US knocks off No. 3 Australia in women's field hockey


(Photo: The Associated Press)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Once again, the United States got off to a slow start.

And again, the Americans regained their composure and knocked off a world power at the Olympics, claiming their second straight win against a top-three team in women's field hockey by beating No. 3 Australia 2-1 on Monday.

Michelle Vittese and Caitlin van Sickle scored for the Americans, who defeated No. 2 Argentina 2-1 in their Olympic opener on Saturday.

The Americans said their ability to bounce back has been consistent.

"I think that's just kind of our DNA," van Sickle said. "We don't have the greatest start. We're always going to keep coming and keep coming after you."

United States goalie Jackie Briggs had six saves and allowed just one goal on 15 shots. Australia couldn't convert any of its four penalty corners against her. The crowd chanted, "Jackie! Jackie!" after the match.

The fifth-ranked Americans, who lead Pool B with six points, moved closer to qualifying for the quarterfinals. The top four teams in each six-team pool advance. The United States has the maximum point total two games into pool play and already has played the two highest-ranked teams. The Americans say that won't affect their focus as they prepare to play Japan on Wednesday.

"We literally focus on just one game at a time," van Sickle said. "We don't necessarily look at the draw. You've got to play every team in your pool, so it doesn't really matter."

The Americans haven't medaled since 1984, and Argentina and Australia have been good for years while the United States is an emerging program. But the United States beat Australia for third place at the Champions Trophy event in June, fueling the team's confidence heading into the Rio de Janeiro Games.

"It's not the underdog, it's not whatever, it's just us, united as strong and resilient and gritty," Vittese said.

The Americans dealt a major blow to Australia. The Hockeyroos dropped their opener to Britain 2-1 on Saturday and now have zero points with three pool play matches remaining. They play India next.

"It's managing the distractions in the (Olympic) Village, managing the distractions of the other results going on in the competition," Australia's Georgie Parker said. "We're going to be scouting really hard against India preparing as well as we can, making sure we do that right recovery, and everything will go smoothly from there, we hope."

This one was especially rough for Australia because it was hit with two yellow cards and a green card in the third period alone, forcing the Hockeyroos to play short-handed.

"We are a really physical side and we're very aggressive in going for the ball, so sometimes you do have some casualties along the way," Parker said. "I guess it's about managing to get the right balance of being aggressive at the ball with playing within the rules."

The United States spent the early part of the match defending its goal as the aggressive Australian attack put the Americans on their heels. Briggs stopped four shots in the first period, and the match remained scoreless.

Vittese scored on a penalty corner to put the United States up 1-0 in the second period. The Americans went up 2-0 in the third period when van Sickle scored on a penalty corner. There was a video referral because the pass near the goal was high, but it was not considered and the goal was upheld.

Australia came back less than two minutes later with a goal by Kathryn Slattery.

The Hockeyroos got another penalty corner with two minutes remaining in the fourth period, but Briggs deflected a shot high.

"We just took it moment by moment," Briggs said, "tried to stay in the moment and not think about, 'Oh, there's only so much time left and the score.'"

USA Today

Germany outmuscle New Zealand Women


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The New Zealand Women have been defeated 2-1 by Germany in their second pool match at the Rio Olympic Games.

It was a solid first quarter from the Kiwis which saw them open the scoring through Petrea Webster, but Germany took hold of the game from there with two unanswered goals.

The result sees Germany go top of the table in Pool A with two fixtures still to play later in the day – Netherlands vs Korea and Spain vs China.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was a disappointing performance which they will look to learn from ahead of upcoming games.

“We fought hard but in the end our set pieces were poor, they ran us down and we just need to execute better,” he said.

“They outplayed us in three of four quarters. We needed to get at least a point out of this game and we’re now stuck back in the pack which is disappointing.”

The Kiwis dominated the opening 10 minutes and were able to turn pressure into a substance when Charlotte Harrison sent a ball across the face of goal for a diving Petrea Webster to deflect past the keeper in the ninth minute.

Germany swung the momentum in the second quarter and created plenty of trouble for the scrambling New Zealand defence.

The Germans equalised in the 22nd minute after Pia-Sophie Oldhafer smashed a shot from the top of the circle which rocketed past goalkeeper Sally Rutherford’s pads.

With the score locked up 1-1 at halftime, it was Germany who took control in the second half with Anne Schroeder delivering the winning goal from a 45th minute penalty corner.

New Zealand created several chances as they hunted for an equaliser but couldn’t match the desperation and intensity of their opponents.

The New Zealand Women have a day off tomorrow before their match against Spain at 1:00am on Thursday (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport Rio Pop-Up 2.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi Men are looking to secure their first win in Rio when they also do battle with Spain at 1:00am tomorrow morning, live on SKY Sport 4.

New Zealand 1: (Petrea Webster)
Germany 2: (Pia-Sophie Oldhafer, Anne Schroeder)
Halftime: 1-1

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Germany upset NZ women's hockey side

By David Leggat


New Zealand's Pipa Hayward, left, challenges with Germany's Franzisca Hauze. Photo / AP

The women's Blacks Sticks had a setback when they were beaten 2-1 by Germany in their second pool A game at the Olympics today.

They had been hoping to build on an encouraging 4-1 first up win over South Korea but instead, after starting well, they struggled to press on in the second half.

New Zealand coach Mark Hager was disappointed with the Black Sticks' performance.

"We fought hard but in the end our set pieces were poor, they ran us down and we just need to execute better," he said.

"They outplayed us in three of four quarters. We needed to get at least a point out of this game and we're now stuck back in the pack which is disappointing."

The result moved Germany, albeit briefly, to the top of the standings, but with world No 1 the Netherlands to play Korea and Spain facing China later today.

Petrea Webster gave world No 4 New Zealand the lead in the ninth minute, diving forward to convert Charlotte Harrison's cross.

Smart reactions from German goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds shortly after saved the Germans from a 2-0 deficit, her right foot tipping wide a powerful Gemma Flynn strike.

Germany equalised through Pia-Sophie Oldhafer in the second quarter, before Anne Schroder got the winner two minutes before the end of the third quarter.

On rankings, this was a game New Zealand would have expected to win, Germany being ranked five places lower.

But their failure to capitalise on penalty corner opportunities - they failed to score from all six attempts - cost dearly.

It won't have gone unnoticed that Schroder's winner was slammed in from one of Germany's three penalty corner attempts.

Goalkeeper Sally Rutherford had to be on top of her game as the Germans, gaining in confidence as the game progressed, exposed New Zealand's defensive frailties.

The Blacks Sticks now have a day off to ponder their situation before facing world No 14 Spain early on Thursday (NZT).

The New Zealand Herald

Two wins from two as Great Britain beat India


Ansley celebrates scoring

Great Britain made it two wins from two in the Olympic Games, sweeping aside world No13 India 3-0 with a dominant display. Goals from Giselle Ansley, Nicola White and a second goal of the tournament from Alex Danson secured another three points for Danny Kerry’s team.

India set their stall out to make life difficult for Great Britain and the massed ranks of blue shirts in defensive positions ensured that the first quarter only saw one clear chance for Danny Kerry’s team. A lovely piece of skill by Danson set it up but her backhand shot was not quite diverted in by Sophie Bray from above her head and it remained all square at the break.

The pattern of play resumed in the second quarter with Great Britain probing and looking for an opening. In the 25th minute Danny Kerry’s side won a penalty corner. Ansley stepped up and fired a precise drag flick past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. It was 2-0 two minutes later. Good link up play from Danson and Bray set up White to stab home from close range.

Early in the third quarter Laura Unsworth broke out of defence and set Susannah Townsend free. The No9 got to the baseline and crossed, finding Unsworth who had continued her run but the defender couldn’t quite convert the chance and it fizzed wide. It wasn’t long before the third goal came, however. Lily Owsley carved open the defence with some nice skills and crossed for Danson to apply the finish for international goal number 95.

GB forced another penalty corner half way through the quarter but this time Ansley’s shot was charged down. They were soon awarded another set piece and worked a double dummy move but Bray couldn’t quite get the decisive touch and India cleared the danger. Bray then flashed a shot past the far post after some good individual skills in the build up as Great Britain hunted more goals.

In the final quarter India mustered their first chance on goal with a penalty corner. Rani took the shot but it was well defended and the lead remained intact. Bray continued to terrorise the defence and her cross was almost converted by Danson. With seconds remaining on the clock India had one last chance. Vandana Kataryia was all alone with just Maddie Hinch to beat but the goalkeeper preserved her clean sheet with a splendid save right at the death. Great Britain moved level with USA at the top of the pool with maximum points.    

Great Britain’s next match is Wednesday at 17:30 vs. Argentina, live on BBC Sport

Giselle Ansley, Great Britain defender:

“It wasn’t our most polished performance but three points are three points and six from the first two games, well you can’t ask for more than that really. It was my first Olympic goal tonight so I’m over the moon.”

“It’s been surreal walking into the village even just getting on the plane to come to an Olympics to be honest. Now we’re here we’re fully focused on the hockey and that’s the only thing for us right now.”

Sam Quek, Great Britain defender:

“We knew India would be tough, they like being in contact and short, close skills so we tried to keep out of range, play our game and not get pulled into their tempo.”

“We’re taking it game by game. The fact we have six points is the perfect start. Every game is tough but we have to grind results out and then once we get to the quarters we need to reassess. I had a different kind of nerves ahead of the first game as it was my first Olympic match but today was like any other game.”

“We’ve come off social media to keep in our own bubble and concentrate on ourselves. We’ve had feedback from family and friends that the support back home has been fantastic. Not just in our sport but for people like Adam Peaty winning gold last night and other guys smashing it, so the support for Team GB as a whole is awesome.”  

Great Britain 3 (2)
Giselle Ansley 25 (PC)
Nicola White 27 (FG)
Alex Danson 33 (FG)

India 0 (0)

Great Britain Hockey media release

India lose to Great Britain in women's hockey

Before the Neil Hawgwood-coached team could settle down, it was Nicola White whose deft strike made it 2-0.


India's Vandana Katariya and Britain's Crista Cullen stretch for the ball during a womens's hockey match of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

Indian women’s hockey team could not produce the performance of their opening match against Japan as Great Britain convincingly overpowered them 3-0 in the second match of the Olympic Games, here today.

After a cautious first quarter, the English women who are the London 2012 bronze medalists, unleashed their fury by scoring within two minutes in the second quarter.

Giselle Ansley pierced through captain Sushila Chanu and goalkeeper Savita Punia to sound the board with a powerful dragflick breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute.

Before the Neil Hawgwood-coached team could settle down, it was Nicola White whose deft strike made it 2-0.

The third half too went against India with Alex Danson making it 3-0 in the 33rd minute with some effortless dribbling as Indian women had no answer to them.

The strategy was to hold the possession and start attacking from the second quarter.

“Indians are naturally skilful individually. So we went on the attacking to make sure we are on the right side of the scoresheet,” Crista Cullen said.

A couple of times Vandana Katariya looked to get going, but just lacked that ability to pull away from the physically stronger British players.

The first quarter however looked different with India putting up a solid defence as they went on to impress in the last 15 minutes against the two—time bronze medalists.

Indians were reduced to 10 playes with five minutes to go as Deepika Thakur was yellow carded but they ensured that there’s no further damage by putting up a solid defence.

“To play in Olympics after 36 years was big and there was a lot of pressure on us. We will have to learn from the mistakes and come back stronger. We still have hopes to make the quarters,” captain Sushila said.

India, who drew against Japan 2—2 in their last match, next face Australia (August 10), the USA (August 11) and Argentina (August 13) in their remainder league matches.

The Hindu

Great Britain beat India 3-0 in women's hockey

NEW DELHI: India women hockey team fell short against Great Britain as they lost their second Pool B match 0-3 at the Olympic Hockey Centre on Monday. India women now have a draw and a loss to show for after two matches in their historic Olympic appearance in 36 years.

India conceded two quick goals in the second quarter, after holding the higher-ranked Great Britain 0-0 in the first quarter, which took the game away from them. Giselle Ansley converted Britain's first penalty corner of the match in the 25th minute to give her team a 1-0 lead over a defensive Indian side. Three minutes later, Nicola White scored a field goal to give Great Britain a two-goal cushion going into the half-time break.

India failed to produce the kind of comeback they had shown against Japan in their first match, in which they came from two goals down to draw the match 2-2 on Sunday. And they conceded a third goal early in the third quarter, when Alexandra Danson scored a brilliant field goal in the 33rd minute.

India got two back-to-back penalty corners in the fourth quarter but failed to convert them. The two teams failed to score any goal in the final quarter as the match ended in favour of Great Britain. After the win, Great Britain moved to the top spot in Pool B with six points, while India dropped down to fourth with one point.

India face Australia in their next match on Wednesday.

The Times of India

Always been about men, women hockey team now deserves a little attention, says coach


"I think today was probably the most attractive we've played in a long, long time," coach Hawgood said after the 2-2 draw. (Getty Images)

"I think today was probably the most attractive we've played in a long, long time," coach Hawgood said after the 2-2 draw.

Happy with the come-from-behind draw against Japan in the Olympic opener, the Indian women's hockey team coach Neil Hawgood said his side produced its most attractive performance in a "long, long time" despite the nerves.

"If we can get everything right, we're not going to play the most attractive style of hockey that you've ever actually seen. We've got to play to our limits and I think today was probably the most attractive we've played in a long, long time," Hawgood said after the 2-2 draw.

Hawgood said the Indians, who are competing in the Olympics after a gap of 36 years, were slightly nervous. "After the first half I'll take it. I think the first half is probably what we were hoping didn't happen. We were really nervous and the big stage and everything. We didn't handle the ball well and I think they (Japan) deserved to be 2-0 up," he said.

"Two minutes isn't enough to settle them down at quarter time. Quarter time was about dealing with the damage and then half time was about the belief part. I think in the second half we started to play what I know we can actually play. It's the first points they've ever got in 36 years at an Olympic Games so you should be happy," he added.

Hawgood said the team is satisfied to get a point under its belt. "It's more about them, just to see their faces when they actually realise what they had done at the end. People talk about journeys, watching theirs is the best one I've got. I've got the best seat to watch people get involved and engaged in an Olympic Games that really have no idea what an Olympic games is. Just to see their faces and at the end of it when they realised what they'd done when I said (to them) was just like, it's like a game changer to them."

The Australian said the team felt good to be greeted by Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel after the match. "I think it gives them a little bit of respect about what they are doing. They're here, they haven't been here for so long, it's always been about the men and today they can actually stand up and have a little bit of attention across a billion people," he said.

"There will be a billion people sitting down and going 'Wow, look at that. They can compete'. They've got to ride the emotion and hopefully they can continue that tomorrow (against Great Britain)," he added.

DNA

Canada comes up short in contest with Pan American rival Argentina

Shaheed Devji


Canada’s Mark Pearson battles with Argentine Lucas Rossi during Rio 2016 Olympics Games hockey competition at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on August, 8 2016 (Photo credit Yan Huckendubler)

Canada’s men’s field hockey team dropped a hard fought match by a score of 3-1 to Pan American rival Argentina in Olympic hockey action Monday morning in Brazil.

The 7th ranked Argentines converted on two penalty corners, despite Canadian keeper David Carter and his corner defence turning away 9 of the 11 short corners given to Argentina.

Scott Tupper scored the lone goal for the Canadians on a penalty corer in the 55th minute, and despite their best attempts in the final minutes, Canada fell to 0-2 in the competition.

Canada faces 2nd ranked Holland in their third match of the tournament Tuesday in Brazil (9:30am PT/12:30pm ET; Sportsnet; olympics.cbc.ca).

Currently sitting in 5th in Pool B after two games, the Canadians still have a chance to finish in the top four and advance to the quarterfinal round.

They will need at least three points in the final three preliminary matches to do so, and likely will need a fourth for their best chance.

“I think if we can play our gutsy, Canadian-kind of hockey and limit the chances that we give the opponents, I think we’ve got a good fighting chance,” says veteran forward Iain Smythe, who is playing in his first Olympic Games.

Monday’s game began positively for the Canadians, which controlled the majority of possession in the first five minutes.

It was Argentina, however, which mades the first waves on the circle. A ball was played behind Carter and along the goal line, but defender Ben Martin showed great composure to control it and clear.

The game was fairly evenly played throughout the first ten minutes, and Canada looked dangerous through the midfield with Burnaby’s Gabriel Ho-Garcia running well and controlling the play.

But somewhat against the run of play, Argentina scored the game’s first goal in the 13th minute when a ball was played from well outside the circle and took multiple deflections before finding Matias Paredes at the side of the Canadian goal, where he tapped it past Carter for the 1-0 Argentina lead.

The first two corners of the game came at the end of the first half, but Canada did well to thwart the Argentine chances on the shoulders of strong goaltending from Carter and blocks from lead runner Matthew Sarmento.

That became a theme of the game through the third quarter and into the fourth frame. Canada turned away the first nine short corner attempts, to keep the game at 1-0.

But having to constantly defend, the Canadians couldn’t mount any offence of their own until late in the game after Gonzalo Peillat had converted on Argentina’s 11th corner chance to make it 2-0.

Canada pushed back hard in the final ten minutes, controlling the play and picking up its first corner in the 47th minute.

Tupper played the ball to the side of the net to Mark Pearson, who redirected it towards goal but was stopped by keeper Juan Vivaldi.

Another Canadian corner attempt was blocked in the 50th minute before Argentina added to the lead in the 51st on another converted corner by Peillat.

Canada got on the board in the 55th when Tupper converted with a low, hard drag flick. But the goal was all Canada could manage before before time ran out.

Canada and the Netherlands play on Tuesday (9:30am PT/12:30pm ET, Sportsnet, olympics.cbc.ca) in Day 4 of hockey competition in Brazil.



Comments from Canadian coach Anthony Farry, veteran forward Iain Smythe, and captain Scott Tupper following Canada’s 3-1 loss to Argentina Monday at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Coach Anthony Farry sums things up:

“They put us under a lot of pressure, they’re a world-class team and I think one of the concerns for us was that we didn’t have our full contingent on the pitch with two yellow cards and we are playing two guys down and you can’t expect to do too much when you are two guys down at this level of hockey so it made it really hard and it sucked up a lot of energy and it is hard to generate that needed energy that late in the game.”

Farry on the compete level of the Canadians:

“Every game for us is hard so and we don’t expect it any different, we love the battle and you could see here today how hard the guys fight. They were under a lot of pressure and they were able to repel a lot of attacks and gave ourselves a chance in the end and we expect it will be no different against Holland tomorrow. We get limited chances and we have to take our chances and we do.”

Veteran forward Iain Smythe on defending 11 Argentina corners and his role as lead runner:

“I’ve definitely been stung a few times with his rather aggressive, accelerated drag flick that he has. But I think you just have to show no fear and that’s kind of the job of the No.1 runner. You want to get hit, you want that ball to hit you. Preferably on the stick, so that it’s not a re-award (another penalty corner).”

Captain Scott Tupper on facing top teams early in the tournament:

“We know it is an uphill battle against some of these teams that are ranked at the top of the world, and it’s going to take our best performance to take something from it. But we do recognize that if you look at the rankings and the way the pool lines up, the teams that we truly need to get points from are at the back half of the pool so we know we have big games coming up and the next three we have to take something from them in order to move on.”

Tupper on staying positive moving forward:

“We are really proud of our ability to qualify for tournaments like this and we are out here to show that we can compete. Regardless of whether you’re a small country or large nation, if you put it together on a day you have a chance of getting a result. We are hoping we can show that in the next few days here.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

Canada men’s field hockey, captain Scott Tupper, get a huge boost from Olympic exposure

Ted Wyman


Scott Tupper of Canada looks out from the goal against Argentina during a men's Pool B match on Day 3 of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

RIO DE JANEIRO — It was shortly after a hard-fought loss at the Olympic Games and Canadian men’s field hockey captain Scott Tupper was reflecting on his long career in a sport that is largely ignored in his home country.

He played his 242nd game for Canada on Monday, a 3-1 loss to Argentina that dropped his team to 0-2 in the round robin.

There have been a lot of losses over the years, as Canada isn’t exactly a field hockey powerhouse, but the veteran midfielder from Vancouver rarely gets discouraged.

He loves having the opportunity to represent his country while trying to grow a sport he cherishes.

“I love the game,” Tupper says, when asked what has kept him around since getting his first cap in 2005.

“There is something special about playing a team sport, representing your country and, especially for us, always having that Olympic dream in the back of your mind. There are a few of us who have played on every continent twice or so, 20 some-odd countries. We are really fortunate. It is so much fun and there is not a whole lot of money in amateur sport, and especially in our game, but that’s okay. It beats having a real job.”

Tupper, who grew up playing hockey on skates but fell in love with field hockey while in high school, is now 29 and competing in his second Olympics.

Canada finished 10th in field hockey in Beijing in 2008, which matched its best placing in an Olympics. The country has competed in the Olympics seven times and it’s clearly not a medal threat. But the draw of the Games, their spirit and their competitive excitement, is enough motivation.

“I was fortunate to get to go to an Olympic Games at 21, and obviously we missed out on London (2012), so having been there once made me want to get back there so much more,” says Tupper, who scored Canada’s lone goal off a corner penalty on Monday. “Once you have tasted it and then missed out, to get back there was a huge dream, so it’s an honour for us to be representing the country here. Hopefully I can keep doing it for a few more years as long as I am performing at a level that the coaches think is good enough to play. I would like to keep going.”

His coach certainly seems to appreciate the captain, his experience and his ability to impact a game.

“One of the amazing things about Scott is that you rarely get a bad game out of him,” head coach Anthony Farry says. “He’s one of the most consistent players in the world and everyday he turns up and his work-rate is second to none. He is a fantastic leader for this group.”

You might say Tupper is the face of field hockey in Canada, where the sport maintains a low profile and practically needs to cry out for attention.

“I mean he has all the traits that you want in a player, in a person and in a leader as well,” Farry says. “That is why he has so much respect, not only amongst our group but in hockey world-wide.”


Germany's Moritz Trompertz fights for the ball with Canada's Scott Tupper during the men's field hockey on Aug. 6 2016. Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

It speaks volumes that Tupper has maintained such a positive attitude all these years. He knows Canada doesn’t have the depth of players to compete with the favourites at the Olympics, but he would never use it as an excuse.

“We are really proud of our ability to qualify for tournaments like this and we are out here to show that we can compete regardless of whether you’re a small country or large nation,” Tupper says. “If you put it together on the right day, you have a chance of getting a result. We are hoping we can show that in the next few days here.”

Canada next faces the Netherlands on Tuesday, takes on Ireland on Thursday and faces India on Friday.

The National Post

India's performance exhilarating despite hockey heartbreak against Germany

Tariq Engineer


India and Germany in action during a Men's Pool B match on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Getty

For 59 minutes of their second game at the 2016 Olympic Games, the Indian men's hockey team had wrestled defending champions Germany to a standstill. But with fewer than four seconds to go and the score deadlocked at 1-1, Germany slapped a hopeful ball into the Indian 'D' in a last desperate attempt to find the game winner. The Indian defence fatally switched off and up popped Cristopher Ruhr in front of goal with enough space to deflect he ball past India captain P Sreejesh and in off the far post.

Ruhr took off down the field roaring in delight. His teammates ran after him and mobbed him. The India players were in shock and stared blankly into space. When the final hooter sounded three seconds later, Sreejesh slumped at the back of the goal with his head down.

A few minutes later, team coach Roelant Oltmans gathered his players around him for a pep talk. They still looked shattered. They did not deserve to lose this game.

But while the final result was a punch to the gut, the match itself was a joy to watch. After more than a decade of despondency, here was an Indian hockey team that was not shrinking on the biggest stage in the sport. Here was an India team that played with purpose and control and that was going toe-to-toe against the two-time defending Olympic champions.

There was no drooping of heads when Germany took the lead in the 18th minute. In fact, it was the opposite. The goal seemed to rouse India and they ended up dominating the second quarter. Nikkin Thimmaiah and Sunil Sowmarpet put their heads down and ran at the German defenders, pushing them on their heels. There was twinkling stick-work from Akashdeep Singh and Raghunath and rugged defending at the back from Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh.

When Sunil won the first penalty corner of the match in the 23rd minute with another blistering run into the German circle, the anticipation was palpable. Rupinder would not disappoint. His blistering shot gave Germany goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi no chance as it flew past him.

India were level and Germany were rattled. It was surprising and thrilling. One wanted India to keep playing at this level, but at the same time you wondered if they could. The answer is yes, they could. They restricted Germany to just one penalty corner, while winning four themselves. They harassed Germany down the flacks. They dribbled and weaved and blocked and tackled. They calmly broke up German attacks and counter-attacked with speed and discipline.

There were plenty of chances too. Nikkin failed to get his stick on the ball as Jacobi kicked it away. Akashdeep then slapped a shot just wide. In the third quarter, Jacobi had to stick out an arm to stop Rupinder scoring yet another penalty corner goal. In the fourth, Sardar Singh flashed a deflection just wide. It was heady stuff.

With each attempt, the realisation grew that India might even win this match. If they did, it wouldn't have been a fluke or a lucky result either. They would have deserved it. They were not only living up to the pre-tournament hype, they were exceeding it. All that was missing was the final touch that would seal the upset.

It was not to be, of course. Germany made India pay for their profligacy in front of goal, but as much as the defeat hurt, it could not undo what came before. This was an exhilarating team performance from India.

Admittedly, they are not the finished article. Conceding late goals is an old failing that continues to punish them. In a post-match interview, Oltmans said the team needs to learn to stick to their gameplan under pressure and that individual players have to stop doing their own thing "when the tension gets high".

"The fact that we played so well is encouraging, but in small areas we still have to understand what is needed to bring a result," Oltmans said. "We have three more matches to win and make our birth in the quarter-finals."

The way this India team is going though, you'd bet on them to do just that.

Firstpost

Ruhr sends Germany into ecstasy

Christopher Rühr scored with four seconds to go to earn Germany a second successive win in the men’s Olympic Games, beating India 2-1.

Niklas Wellen’s third goal of the tournament gave them the advantage but a Rupinder Pal Singh penalty corner goal had the game evenly balanced until Rot Weiss Köln’s Rühr won it at the end.

Speaking afterwards, Harvestehuder THC’s Tobias Hauke said of the win: “To grab a victory in the last seconds, of course, is again something very special but ultimately  it only counts for three points.

“We want to grow further into our rhythm and increase are tempo into the quarter-finals. We have seen today why India is again fifth in the world rankings. The mix of possession and risk is very difficult to balance and we almost did not succeed.”

Speaking after the match, Germany hero Rühr added: "It's an amazing feeling, and in the end it doesn't matter who scored the goal. I think it was a sign of strong will. We never gave up and that's just German."

It was one of two men’s matches on day three of the Olympics. Two goals from Mannheimer-bound Gonzalo Peillat along with one from Matias Paredes saw Argentina sweep aside Pan-Am rivals Cananda.

On Tuesday, Germany face Ireland in their next group game while Argentina meet India. The Netherlands face Canada.

Pool A returns with a full schedule, too. High-flying Spain, with two wins from two, take on New Zealand. Great Britain will look to earn their first win against struggling Brazil while Belgium meet Australia in the game of the day.

Euro Hockey League media release

Habits die hard, India concedes late goal


Ruhr scores the match-winner with just 3.1 seconds remaining

The Indian men’s hockey team’s habit of conceding late goals continued to haunt it as reigning double Olympic champion Germany scored seconds from the final hooter to steal a 2-1 win in a thrilling Pool B match here on Monday.

It was heartbreak for the Indian fans as their side, despite playing near-perfect hockey for a major part of the contest, conceded a goal with just 3.1 seconds left.

After weathering India’s onslaught for the majority of the game, the Germans exerted tremendous pressure on the Indian defence in the final few minutes.

The Indian defence, which had a good match and stood firm right through, fumbled in the final seconds as Christopher Ruhr scored the winner for Germany with a deflection from close range to dash the hopes of the Sreejesh-led side.

Earlier, Germany had taken the lead against the run of play through a field goal from Niklas Wellen (18th minute) before Rupinder Pal Singh (23rd) drew parity for India, converting his third penalty corner of the Games. The win helped Germany keep its successful run against India. The last time the latter defeated Germany in the Olympics was way back in the Atlanta Games when it secured a 3-0 victory.

However, despite the loss, the Indians can take heart from the fact that they dished out a much better display against Germany than what they have managed in the recent past, including a 3-3 draw against a depleted German side in the Champions Trophy in London and a 0-4 thrashing in Valencia prior to the Olympics.

It was a close encounter between the two sides in the first two quarters, with both teams showcasing good attacking and defending skills.

The Indians had the better share of exchanges in the first quarter and even put the opposition under pressure midway through the first quarter, but the German defence averted any crisis.

It was India which had the first scoring chance, in the 11th minute, but Nikkin Thimmaiah’s backhander off a pass from Akashdeep Singh was padded away by an alert Nicolas Jacobi in front of the German goal.

The Hindu

German post last second goal to deny India a draw.

s2h Team



India was just less than four seconds from posting a famous 1-1 draw against defending champions Germany, but ever alert Ruhr Christopher had different ideas when Martin Haner served him a powerful push into D, he applied his stick in right angle and right force on its flight to see the ball inside D, getting deflected from the stick of goalie PR Sreejesh.

Germans did the same trick in Monchengladbach ten years ago. In the opener of the home World Cup, they put past Adrian D'Souza a stunner with hardly five seconds left in the clock to defeat India 2-3. Same drama was enacted Deodora amphitheatre, with still less seconds left in the clock.

Otherwise the game was on even keel, India even getting two penalty corners more than the usually alert Germans.

Niklas Wellen stunned Indian goalie with a immaculate forehand off a distant freehit to Given Germany the lead (1-0) in the 17th minute after an exciting and equally played first quarter.

Despite being prodigal in the circle for the better part in the second quarter, SV Sunil sprinted past entire German defence to the his patented right flank, and then rushed into baseline and when blocked his moves able to put the ball on the foot of defender to earn the match's first penalty corner.

The lanky Rupinder Pal Singh did not let the nation down. His power packed drag beat globally acclaimed goalie Nicolas Jacobi (1-1). The ball got crashed on the left middle of the cage. It was the talented executioner's third goal in two outings.

India and Germany had fair amount equal exchanges, with India getting upper hand.

Indians missed some sitters in the first half of the match. When once Akash send a stinching short pass in a melee, usually alert Nikkin did not judge his move, and let the ball go out of baseline.

Same Nikkin in the first half did a wonderful chase and entered D on solo before whacking a forehand, but it went wide by hairbreadth, it has almost beaten goalie Nicolas Jacobi.

However, Indian story of losing the match in the last seconds continued. And it is what going to remain on record books.

INDIA: PR Sreejesh(gk), V Raghunath, Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, Devinder Walmiki, Danish Mujtaba, SK Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah, SV Sunil, Chinglensana Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh. SB: Pardeep Mor, Vikas Dahiya. CHIEF COACH: Roelant Oltmans, MANAGER: Tushar Khandker, Physio: Shrikant Iyenkar, Masseur: Arup Naskar, Video: Aadhithya Chakravarthy, Scientific advisor: Mathew Fyles, Analytical Coach: Roger van Gent.

GERMANY: Jacobi Nicolas, Mathias Muller, Linus Butt, Haner Martin, Mortitz Trompertz, Mats Grambusch, Christopher Wesley, Timm Herzbruch, Tobias Hauke, Tom Grambusch, Christopher Ruhr, Martin Zwicher, Moritz Furste, Florian Fuchs, Timur Oruz, Niklas Wellen, SB: Oskar Deecke, Oliver Korn. CHIEF COACH: Valentine Altenburg COACH: Frederik Merz, MANAGER: Eric Langer.

Stick2Hockey.com

India field hockey back on the rise, slowly but surely

RIO DE JANEIRO: Just three seconds. That's all India needed on Monday to draw with Germany and punch in its best result in Olympic men's field hockey in 20 years.

But in those three seconds, Germany captain Martin Haner lashed in a hit-and-hope shot from long range which deflected off Christopher Ruhr, hit the post high, and went in.

Ruhr was chased along the sideline by his overjoyed teammates in certain anticipation of a 2-1 win. Moments later, it was official.

The Indians stood around in disbelief at a cruel finish to a pool match in which they held their own against the defending Olympic champions.

Had they drawn, it would have been their best result since a 1-1 draw against the same opposition in the same round in the 1996 Atlanta Games. Germany was the defending champ back then, too.

The Indians got limited sympathy from their coach Roelant Oltmans.

"Those three seconds are still part of the game,'' Oltmans said. "Not just the three seconds, but the last couple of minutes, we didn't stick to the structures we normally do. All of a sudden, people are changing the plan according to their own ideas. That's what went wrong. They played very well for about 58 minutes, and in the last minutes you have to keep playing the same way and do things right. They didn't, and that's disappointing.

"We showed performance-wise there's nothing wrong, but in the details we still need to improve.''

It's the little things Oltmans is trying to pass on to his team since he became the coach a year ago, hoping they find root to continue the team's upward trajectory since it won the 2014 Asian Games to qualify for Rio.

Also India's high performance director, he's found a receptive audience in a hockey scene burdened and emboldened by one of the greatest periods of sporting dominance in history.

India used to own Olympic field hockey. It won six straight Olympics from 1928 to 1956, and medaled in the next four to 1972.

But despite being the most powerful voice in world field hockey, India didn't oppose the change of Olympic surface from grass to artificial turf starting with the 1976 Montreal Games and, there, India came seventh, failing to medal for the first time. The surface change impacted severely. As late as 1996, India could afford only 12 artificial pitches in the country.

Its record eighth and last gold medal in the depleted 1980 Moscow Games failed to mask strife and rapid decline in the game at home, where administrators lusting for power were fighting with each other and the Indian Olympic body.

Planning and funding was crippled, and talent identification and nurturing withered. India hasn't won an Olympic medal since Moscow. It hasn't won the World Cup since the first in 1975, and won its first Champions Trophy medal since 1982 this year in London.

That result is part of a path being slowly filled with medals, including silvers at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and this year's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

All of the present 16-man team was born after the Moscow Games, so have never enjoyed Olympic glory. Oltmans, who led his native Dutch teams to men's and women's world championships and the 1996 Olympic men's gold, has had to pass on his own experiences to bolster the confidence of his side, especially the seven players who were in the 2012 London Games squad which didn't win a game and finished 12th from 12 teams.

That wasn't as embarrassing as failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Games.

Still, India is at these Olympics as a medal contender for the first time since Moscow, and showed its mettle, after a shaky opening 3-2 win over Ireland, against the Germans.

After Niklas Wellen's deflection in for Germany in the second period, India replied within five minutes through a penalty corner by specialist Rupinder Pal Singh, his third goal of the competition.

It stayed even, growing tenser, into the last quarter. Argentine fans waiting for the next match backed the Indians and booed the Germans, who were imposing themselves with sustained pressure. Their reward came with three seconds to go.

After sitting in his goal and taking time to compose himself, India captain and goalkeeper Parattu Sreejesh said the result was a harsh lesson on playing hard to the end but one they will take.

"That shows the difference between champions and losers,'' he said.

"I saw the (goal) ball, expecting a fast deflection, but it was slow, and I never thought it would take that particular angle because it hit the bar and went in. Sometimes deflections don't give you a chance, but we have three more (pool) matches, and we're going to go for it, be positive.''

The Times of India

Stats Speak: fascinating sets of  facts and figures in 108 years of Olympic Hockey(part-7)

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

There are seven incidents when India lost the match in seconds remaining in elite tournaments. Germany did it thrice in Rio (2016), Bhubaneswar (2014) and Monchengladbach (2006). Belgium, Australia, Netherlands and South Korea also have done the same once. My compilations of these stats have published in Times of India (Aug 9, 2016).

In tier 2 FIH tournament India also lost to Belgium in final match of Champions Challenge Cup (Johannesburg-2011). Details are:
A: Elite Tournaments (7)

B: Other FIH tourneys (1)

Fieldhockey.com

Where they stand: Men’s field hockey tournament

By Hayley Tafuro



Taking a look at the standings after day three of pool play in Rio.

Day three is over and done with, but already there have been some unexpected twists and turns in this men’s field hockey tournament in Rio.

The biggest shock came on day two when gold medal favorite Australia dropped a big game to Spain. They sit at number three in the Pool A standings while Belgium rules from the number one slot with a substantially higher goal tally than everyone else. This is due to the 12-0 stampede over host-country Brazil.

Tuesday night features a showdown between these two teams. Australia will be hungry for the win, but Belgium’s prolific offense may prevent The Kookaburras from coming out on top.

As for Pool B, two-time defending gold medalist Germany sits atop the standings with two wins under its belt. The first came in blowout fashion over Canada, but the next needed the heroics of Christopher Ruhr to come out victorious in the final seconds. The Germans will look to continue their winning streak against a winless Ireland on Tuesday.

The team to keep a close eye on this tournament is Spain. They came to Rio ranked No. 11 in the world, yet are undefeated in pool play and are hovering right below Belgium in second place. The upset over Australia has been its claim to fame, but they also collected seven goals against Brazil, which could help later on if the standings are tied. They will play a struggling New Zealand, who has recorded a loss and a tie so far in the tournament, in the first game of the day.

Each team’s game three will be crucial toward determining whether they will still have a shot at advancing in the tournament or if their medal hopes are fading away.

NBC Olympics

Zalewski cops one-game ban

Lawrence West


Aran Zalewski #17 and Daniel Beale #23 exchange heated words with Salvador Piera of Spain as Sergi Enrique of Spain is restrained by Quico Cortes of Spain during the men's pool A match between Spain and Australia on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre on August 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. © 2016 Getty Images

HOCKEY: The Australian men’s hockey team will be without the services of midfielder Aran Zalewski for Tuesday night’s crunch match with Belgium (9:30am AEST, Wednesday, 10 August) after the West Australian was handed a one-game suspension.

Australia will go into its biggest match of the tournament, so far, against the world number six side, with 15 players.

Zalewski fronted a Code of Conduct hearing on Monday afternoon following an altercation with Spain’s Sergi Enrique that saw his stick make accidental contact with the Spaniard’s head.

Early in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s match, Zalewski’s stick got tangled with other sticks inside the Spanish circle and as he moved to release it the contact occurred.

At the hearing, Zalewski accepted that his stick made contact but made it clear that it was accidental. He apologised on the field of play after the incident.

The panel accepted that the contact was accidental and noted Zalewski’s previous good record but deemed that it constituted a level one offence (the lowest level) of inappropriate physical contact between players and that due to the seriousness and danger of a stick to the head a one-match suspension was appropriate.

“We accept the decision but we’re very disappointed with the outcome given the accidental nature of the incident and Aran’s previous good behaviour,” said Graham Reid, head coach of the Australian men’s hockey team.

Belgium lead Pool A with six points after wins in their opening two matches – a 4-1 win over Great Britain and a 12-0 win over hosts Brazil.

Australia sit third on three points, having beaten New Zealand 2-1 and losing to Spain 1-0.

Australian Olympic Committee media release

Zalewski suspended for key game with Belgium


Picture: Koen Suyk

Australia's Aran Zalewski has been ruled out of Tuesday's game with Belgium due to a one-game suspension, meaning the Kookaburras will only be able to use 15 players for the tie.

Zalewski was called in front of a Code of Conduct hearing on Monday afternoon following an altercation with Spain’s Sergi Enrique that saw his stick make contact with the Spaniard’s head.

At the hearing, Zalewski accepted that his stick made contact but put forward his case that it was accidental. He also apologised on the field of play after the incident.

The panel accepted that the contact was accidental and noted Zalewski’s previous good record but deemed that it constituted a level one offence (the lowest level) of inappropriate physical contact between players and that due to the seriousness and danger of a stick to the head a one-match suspension was appropriate.

“We accept the decision but we’re very disappointed with the outcome given the accidental nature of the incident and Aran’s previous good behaviour,” said Graham Reid, head coach of the Australian men’s hockey team.

Belgium lead the way in the group thanks to their thumping 4-1 win over Great Britain and a 12-0 success against Brazil. Australia beat New Zealand 2-1 but lost 1-0 to the Spanish in their two games to date.

Euro Hockey League media release

Lily Owsley: Not your average 21-year-old


Lily Owsley takes on the Australians

Great Britain’s opening pool game at the Summer Olympics in Rio was as big as they come. Old sporting rivals Australia lay in wait and with the importance of getting off to a good start at the forefront of everyone’s minds it was always going to be a night to remember.

For one of the Great Britain players, Lily Owsley, the match marked her debut in the Olympic Games and a dream come true for the Bristolian:

“To say we have been waiting for this game for a long time is an understatement. We have been waiting for it for four years so it is great to get the ball rolling with a win.” said an excited Owsley in the immediate aftermath of GB’s thrilling 2-1 win over the Hockeyroos.

Owsley is the baby of the group at just 21 years of age. A spectator at London 2012, she made her debut in international hockey during the summer of 2013 and since then has added to her CV with an impressive list of accomplishments:

52 England caps; 32 GB caps, 18 international goals, FIH rising Star of the Year 2015 and European gold medallist.

It is not a bad start to what promises to be a long and storied career for the University of Birmingham student.


Lily Owsley takes the congratulations after her goal. Credit FRANK UIJLENBROEK

Surrounded by some of heroes, Owsley has flourished into a top class international player, as evidenced by her scooping the FIH Rising Star Award. Her 18 goals so far on the international circuit have featured a winner against Germany which sealed Rio qualification for GB, the winner against Spain in the European Championship semi-final, THAT equaliser in the European Final against the Netherlands and now a sublime goal on her Olympic debut against Australia. The youngster is cultivating a handy habit of scoring important goals.

“As far as Saturday nights go, making my Olympic debut and scoring probably tops other Saturday nights as a 21 year old, so I am over the moon.” laughed a buoyant Owsley in the mixed zone after the opening victory.

“To get three points in the group stage and to be topping the group is where we want to be. In long tournaments like this, where there are lots games, accumulating points is really important.” she said, switching to her professional head, before once again the enthusiastic bubbly young player comes to the fore: “The whole experience is unbelievable. The village is great, the training is great and Team GB has been amazing at looking after us. I’m so proud just to be out here competing for Team GB.”

Owsley is living out many people’s childhood dream. At such a young age, that is no mean feat. It is safe to say, she is not your average 21 year old.

Great Britain Hockey media release

HEC thrash Sindh Whites in Women Hockey

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - HEC thrashed Sindh Whites 12-0 in the 29th Pakistan National Women Hockey Championship match played here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Member AJK Legislative Assembly Sehrish Qamar was the chief guest on the occasion.

She promised that soon Kashmir women team would also participate in the next edition of the National Women Hockey Championship.

It was another day of highly poor arrangements and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) must consider themselves highly fortunate not to face the worst situation, which could have occurred due to sheer negligence on part of tournament media director Col (R) Ijaz.

He committed a huge blunder, as he booked a Suzuki van, which was packed with around 40 players and officials.

Despite Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) security head Capt Ashraf requesting Col Ijaz not to risk players’ life, but he ignored his advice and also threatened him of dire consequences.

The eye-witnesses present at the spot confirmed the Suzuki was out of control for at least three to four times and it hardly avoided turnover.

When this scribe contacted PHF secretary Olympian Shahbaz Senior and brought the entire incident into his notice, he promised to launch detailed inquiry and would take stern action if the incident occurred.

In the first match of the day, HEC scored a dozen goals against Sindh Whites.

Shafqul Ain and Ibra Sheikh score four goals apiece, while Sehrish, Quratualain, Rukhsana and Bushra hit one goal each.

In the second match, Sindh Colours outclassed Punjab Whites 4-0.

Tehmina Ghulam Mustafa scored a brace, while Kashmala and Momal hit one goal apiece.

In the third match, defending champions Wapda thrashed Balochistan 11-0 with Afshan Noureen hammering four goals and Ishrat and Tabinda smashing two goals each.

In the fourth and last match of the day, Army taught hockey lesson to Islamabad, crushing them 11-0.

Goal-scoring machines San Allahdita and Fouzia Naz played superb hockey for Army.

The Nation

9-a-Side Tournament: PIA pip WAPDA 3-2 on opening day

KARACHI: PIA and Pakistan Customs registered victories on the opening day of the Pakistan Cup 9-a-Side Hockey Tournament at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium on Sunday night.

In the opening match, Muhammad Zubair’s two goals helped PIA defeat Wapda 3-2. Wapda’s Tassawar Abaas opened the scoring in the second minute, while PIA’s Zubair netted the equaliser. However, Wapda captain Muhammad Irfan found the net in the 15th minute to end the first-half 2-1.

In the second-half, Zubair struck the equaliser in the 29th minute, while the leading goal for PIA was scored by Shafqat Rasool in the last minute of the game to win the match 3-2.

In the second match, Pakistan Customs defeated Pakistan Hockey Federation Development Squad (PDS) 2-1. Tayyab Rehman of PDS scored the opening goal in the fifth minute, while ten minutes later Customs’ Muhammad Abid scored the team’s first field goal to level the score 1-1. Amir doubled the score in the 32nd minute to win the match 2-1.

Nineteen-year-old Fareed Mansoor of PDS told The Express Tribune that the match with veteran Customs’ team has given them a lot of experience. “We don’t usually get to play with senior players,” said Mansoor. “I’m sure we will produce good players by the end of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad was the chief guest along with Sindh Sports Secretary Muhammad Rashid, Faisal Edhi, PHF President, Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and PHF Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Senior.

Rashid announced Rs3.5 million as the total prize money, with Rs2 million for the winner, Rs1 million for the runners-up and Rs0.5 million for the third-placed team. An additional Rs5,000 prize money will also be awarded by the Sindh Sports Board to each goal scorer.

The Express Tribune

MHL takes a break after just two matches

by S. Ramaguru



KUALA LUMPUR: The teams have played just two matches and already the Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) is taking a two-week break.

This is to allow the players to take part in the National Schools Sports Council (MSSM) hockey competition in Ipoh from Aug 13-18.

A total of eight sports in MSSM, including hockey, will be contested during the second term. The other sports are rugby, chess, cricket, softball, tennis, football and bowling.

The Division One matches will resume on Aug 20.

The Premier Division will start on Aug 19, with the Charity Shield match between Terengganu and KLHC in Kuala Terengganu.

But the Division One MHL teams are not perturbed over the break despite having just completed two matches each.

Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) coach Wan Roslan Wan Abdullah believes that the break will allow his players to regroup and work on their weaknesses.

“So, it isn’t a bad thing. Anyway, not all the players are affected by the MSSM meet. It will give us ample time to get ready for the next phase,” he said.

SSTMI are second in the standings on goal difference. They have four points – the same as defending champions TNB-Thunderbolt.

Ipoh City Council lead with the maximum six points.

Title contenders Nur Insafi, who have three points, also welcomed the break as “one of our players have yet to arrive”.

“After one win and a loss, we welcome the break to put our house in order. There are some areas we need to work on and the break will allow us to wait for the third foreign player,” said team manager S. Tatchana Murthi.

Nur Insafi have hired three foreigners for their title challenge. Mohamed Imran and Mohamed Asim Khan are already here while penalty corner specialist Khasif Ali is due to arrive on Aug 15.

The Star of Malaysia

Players fired up for the new Premier Hockey League


Sanani and Clinton at the PHL player draft

Two of the Premier Hockey League’s marquee players are expecting fireworks during September’s inaugural event.

National team players, Sanani Mangisa (of the Orange River Rafters) and Clinton Panther (of the Maropeng Cavemen), were in attendance at Saturday’s player draft and expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming competition.

“I am extremely excited for the Premier Hockey League. Getting us to play more competitive hockey can only be good for South Africa. I am also really stoked for the Maropeng Cavemen side as we managed to get a good mix of experienced players including Ricky West and Lance Louw but (also) some great young talented players too! I can’t wait to get on the field with the likes of Hendy Seerane, Callan Hansen, Michael Abrahams and Xola Maqula amongst others. I really believe that Mark and Nhlanhla have put together a squad that can compete and we aim to do this. We will definitely be looking to get one over Tim Drummond and his boys the Dragons,” said Clinton Panther.

“I am very excited for this opportunity and am extremely grateful that the Department of Sport and Recreation have chosen hockey as their focus sport for the year. I think it is incredibly important that we have a great first tournament and we can see it grow from there. In terms of the Orange River Rafters, I think we have a great side. Pietie and Tsoanelo are two legends of the game and they will inspire the younger players in our side immensely. Bronwyn Kretzman and Kirsty Adams are two of our players (that) I think you should keep an eye on,” added Sanani Mangisa.

The Premier Hockey League runs over four weekends – from the 3rd September to the 25th September. The competition sees six men’s teams and six women’s teams, consisting of some of the nation’s elite players, battling it out (in their respective gender based events) to be crowned the first ever South African Premier Hockey League Champions.

SAHA Premier Hockey League

Stick out at indoor hockey league

By David Rush


Young players can go as far as playing for South Africa if they are good enough.

PRO Series Indoor Hockey is one of the fastest growing school level hockey events in the country and is fully recognised by the South African Hockey Association (SAHA).

Locally, a league will be held at Port Shepstone High, and will be played on August 14, 21, 28 and September 4.

Cost to enter the league is R450, which includes a PSI branded playing vest, as well as registration with SAHA.

After the completion of the league, teams – boys and girls – in age groups U13, U14, U16 and U18 will be chosen to represent the South Coast Marlins franchise at the national tournament in Cape Town in December.

So, there’s a lot to play for.

Nationals will see more than 200 teams take part, including teams from the rest of South Africa, as well as from Namibia, Zimbabwe and even Germany.

At this tournament, South African indoor hockey teams will be selected and players can earn their national colours.

Dale Esselaar, a teacher at Creston College, is the franchise owner of South Coast Marlins PSI.

There’s still time to enter a team. For more information, contact Dale at 083 2506805.

South Coast Herald