News for 11 July 2017
All the news for Tuesday 11 July 2017
Germany & USA sit top of women's pools on Day 3 in Johannesburg
Action from the Pool B clash between Argentina versus Chile on Day 3 at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg, South Africa. Copyright: FIH / Getty Images
Johannesburg, South Africa: Germany and USA ended Day 3 of the Hockey World League Semi-Finals at the top of the women’s pools, while Argentina and England got their campaigns underway with victories.
The day’s play was bookended by matches taking place in Pool B, with Argentina (FIH Hero World Ranking: 3) claiming a narrow but deserved 2-0 win against Pan-American rivals Chile (WR: 20), a team coached by legendary Leonas tactician Sergio Vigil, in the first match of the day. Las Diablas found themselves a goal down after just six minutes when Argentina defender Noel Barrionuevo scored from the penalty spot, an advantage that was doubled just before half time thanks to Agustina Habif’s penalty corner. Argentina dominated possession but found life tough going against an extremely well organised Chilean side before emerging with all three points in their opening match of the competition. Despite defeat, the it was a landmark day for Chile’s Denise Krimerman, who played her 100th international match.
USA (WR: 6) and India (WR: 12) took to the field under the floodlights in the day’s final match, with the Americans proving too strong for the Eves to maintain their winning start to the competition and finish the day at the top of the Pool B standings. Jill Witmer gave USA the lead with a blistering backhand strike in the 24th minute, with India levelling matters eight minutes after half time thanks to Lilima Minz. However, the Americans scored three times without reply with Taylor West, Witmer and Michelle Vitesse completing a 4-1 victory, virtually guaranteeing their place in the competition quarter-finals of this World Cup and World League Final qualification competition.
In Pool A, Germany (WR: 7) and Ireland (WR: 15) played out an entertaining and dramatic fixture, with the Green Army pushing the Olympic bronze medallists all the way before eventually having to settle for their second draw of the competition as the match finished 2-2. Ireland were the better team in the opening stages and took the lead in the 14th minute when Zoe Wilson’s penalty corner strike took a wicked deflection from the stick of Germany’s Nike Lorenz, deceiving the goalkeeper with the ball flying into the net. Germany attacked for long periods but found themselves frustrated by a resilient Irish defence, with goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran making numerous fine saves before eventually being beaten by a slick penalty corner routine finished off by Amelie Wortmann. The leveller set up a dramatic finish that saw both sides score in the final 60 seconds, with Ireland’s Deirdre Duke passing into an open net before Germany claimed a share of the spoils thanks to a penalty corner from Nike Lorenz.
“We are disappointed not to have held on but we played really well today, especially in defence”, said Ireland goal-scorer Deirdre Duke. “We’ll start planning for our match against Poland as we need to win that if we are to reach the competition quarter-finals.”
A point for Germany was enough to keep them at the top of Pool A, although a convincing 3-0 victory for England (WR: 2) against Poland (WR: 18) in their opening game of the competition resulted in Danny Kerry’s team moving within a point of Die Danas. Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Sophie Bray smashed home England’s first goal following a trademark jinxing run in the third minute, and it was Bray again who doubled the advantage with a smart touch in front of Poland keeper Anna Gabala ahead of the quarter-time break. Team captain Alex Danson scored wonderful third with a diving backhand chip, while Giselle Ansley squandered the chance to make it 4-0 with a missed penalty stroke.
It was a solid start for England and a special day for England striker Nicola White, who made her 100th appearance for England in the contest. It was also a day to remember for umpire Kelly Hudson, who was presented with her Golden Whistle after reaching the milestone of umpiring 100 international matches recently in New Zealand.
The attention switches back to the men’s competition on Tuesday (11th July), with Olympic bronze medallists Germany making their competition debut when they take on Pool B opponents Egypt at 1200 South African Standard Time (UTC +2). Reigning world champions Australia get begin their Hockey World League title defence at 1400 when they meet France in Pool A, which is followed by another Pool A fixture when New Zealand face Japan at 1600. The final match of the day is a face-off between two teams that recorded victories in their opening fixtures, with Belgium’s Red Lions playing Ireland’s Green Machine at 1800.
We will be providing full coverage of the event via www.fih.ch including reports, news stories, event imagery and much more. There will also be comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the #HWL2017 hashtag. For information about the broadcasters covering this event, click here.
Hockey World League Semi-Finals - Johannesburg, South Africa
Results - Women
Pool B: Argentina 2, Chile 0.
Pool A: Germany 2, Ireland 2.
Pool A: England 3, Poland 0.
Pool B: USA 4, India 1.
FIH site
Green Army Hold Olympic Bronze Medallists To 2-2 Draw
A dramatic finish and a goal in the final second of the game saw the Green Army denied another famous victory over the Olympic bronze medallists.
It was Ireland who started the brighter of the sides with an early chance just escaping the outstretched reach of a diving Deirdre Duke following pin-point passing between Roisin Upton and Gillian Pinder. Moments later Hannah Matthews sent another pass through the German midfield to find Emily Beatty free at the top of the circle but her shot fizzed wide. Lisa Altenburg began to make her presence felt and spun around her marker only to send her strike past the post. Germany didn’t take long to grow into the game as the second quarter began and racked up 4 penalty corners but Ayeisha McFerran kept her goal intact expertly.
The sides exchanged yellow cards early in the second half, a feisty encounter with 5 yellows being dished out in total, and Germany added 2 more PC’s to their tally. McFerran was in inspired form and despite the Irish defence being under somewhat constant pressure their structures looked organised and were frustrating the German forward line. The Olympic bronze medallists elected to remove their GK and enlist a kicking back as Upton received a yellow card. The player advantage worked as Wortmann levelled the game with a tap in from a PC routine in the 56th minute. The monumental defensive effort continued for the Green Army but in the 60th minute it looked like they had snatched a famous victory. Nicci Daly darted off on a signature run, drawing defenders as she went, before firing a pass into the circle where Anna O’Flanagan calmly tipped the ball into the path of Duke who fired goalward. But the German’s won their 10th PC in the final second of the game and Nike Lorenz sent her drag just out of reach of McFerran, a somewhat controversial goal perhaps as it appeared the PC clock hadn’t reached zero and the Irish were still setting themselves.
However, a draw against the Olympic bronze medallists leaves the Irish with plenty of positives in their second game of World League. Head Coach Graham Shaw said “I thought the girls executed the game plan brilliantly and worked incredibly hard. They put a monumental effort in and made it very difficult for the Germans”.
The Green Army are next in action on Wednesday (July 12th) against Poland at 1pm (Irish time), with the fixture to be shown live on BT Sport.
Ireland men’s hockey team continue their World League campaign tomorrow (5pm Irish time) against Belgium, shown live on BT Sport.
Ireland 2(Wilson, Duke)
Germany 2 (Wortmann, Lorenz)
Ireland: A McFerran, N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), S McCay, E Tice, G Pinder, R Upton, N Daly, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson
Subs: G O’Flanagan, Y O’Byrne, E Beatty, S Loughran, C Watkins, L Colvin, D Duke
Germany: N Lorenz, C Stapenhorst, J Muller-Wieland (Captain), N Heyn, J Teschke, L Altenburg, J Ciupka, F Hauke, C Pieper, M Mavers, H Granitzki
Subs: L Schneider, E Grave, T Martin Pelegrina, C Nobis, N Notman, A Wortmann, V Huse
Irish Hockey Association media release
Green Army cruelly denied famous win over Germany
Shirley McCay is felled by Viktoria Huse. Pic: Getty/FIH
Ireland were cruelly denied a famous victory over Germany, one that could have all but assured their passage through to the quarter-finals of the World League in Johannesburg by Nike Lorenz’s controversial corner on the final hooter.
It provided a messy end to a stubborn defensive effort, underpinned by Ayeisha McFerran’s brilliance between the posts as Ireland led twice against the Olympic bronze medalists, Germany.
Deidre Duke’s goal 44 seconds from full-time made it 2-1 and should have handed Graham Shaw’s side victory after a “monumental defensive effort”. But Germany summoned a penalty corner with just a couple of seconds to go which, after initially being reset, Lorenz planted into the bottom corner.
Shaw, however, said in the aftermath of the tie that 40-second countdown protocol for penalty corners was not properly followed with the umpires allowing to take their final set-piece, saying the countdown timer on the stadium indicated there was still time to go before the corner be played.
“On the big screen, the short corner counter was still counting down with 12 seconds to go when they took the corner,” Shaw said. You have to wait until it hits zero and so the goal should not have been given.
“It would have given us 10 seconds to get set and also means our keeper would be more ready. That’s where the frustration is and it’s not a difficult decision to get right.”
He initially suggested there may be an appeal of some sort but, later in the day, the side decided not to make a further issue of it. Nonetheless, it was a second strong showing in the tournament from the Irish side against higher ranked opposition.
They carved open the Germans on numerous occasions in the first quarter. A lovely interchange between Roisin Upton and Gillian Pinder led to a vicious cross that was only plucked from Anna O’Flanagan’s waiting stick by Janne Muller-Wieland’s crucial touch.
Hannah Matthews long ball drew a lovely first touch from Emily Beatty that put her clean through but her shot did not match that quality and was scuffed wide. Upton brilliantly lifted a pass over the last defender to put Katie Mullan through in the 13th minute.
Roisin Upton in the midfield exchanges. Pic: Getty/FIH
She was caught by the back-tracking defenders but the captain cleverly held the ball up and found a foot. From the corner, the move was a little staccato but scattered the defence enough that when Zoe Wilson shot, it took a heavy deflection, and looped into the goal.
Germany soon shut down the free-running counters in the second quarter and began to turn the screw, pinning Ireland deep in defence for the guts of the tie. Ireland did give up a number of corners but their running lines were smart, guiding the shots to McFerran’s glove side where she saved strongly three times to keep the lead in place at half-time.
A physical under-current was there throughout the tie and O’Flanagan’s yellow – probably more for back-stick than anything else – was a portent of things to come. Viktoria Huse knocked over Shirley McCay in nose-bleed territory before Ireland’s most capped player followed her to the sideline for a push.
The corners did keep coming for Germany; the McFerran saves repelled them as Ireland hung on grittily to their narrow lead. When Camille Nobis did nick the ball from under the goalkeeper’s pads, Matthews got in behind to deny her chance from point blank range.
Franziska Hauke and Katie Mullan battle for the ball. Pic: Getty/FIH
The resistence was broken, though, with four minutes going while Upton became the fourth player to serve a yellow card ban. Germany went with an extra outfielder for that time and used the extra numbers to work an opening for Amelie Wortmann to touch in at the right post.
Ireland replied, though, buoyed by the sin-binning of Muller-Wieland and got back in front in the final minute. Nicci Daly glided in between tackles and pumped into the circle where Anna O’Flanagan and Duke were buzzing around. The latter poked home from the former’s pass.
But the Germans created an almost instant overlap in the closing seconds to put Ireland on the rack one last time and they took their chance in the closing 12 seconds.
“I thought we executed the game plan brilliantly,” Shaw added. “The girls worked incredibly hard. Germany had a lot of the play and hard us on the back foot a lot which you expect against the Olympic bronze medalists. We put in a great effort and are very frustrated not to come away with the win.”
Ireland are back in action on Wednesday against Poland where a win will assure their passage through to the quarter-finals. The Poles lost 3-0 to England in the other group game.
The Irish men continue their campaign on Tuesday at 5pm (Irish time) against Belgium.
Hockey World League Semi-Final
Ireland 2 (Z Wilson, D Duke) Germany 2 (A Wortmann, N Lorenz)
Ireland: A McFerran, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, L Tice, G Pinder, R Upton, N Daly, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson
Subs: Y O’Byrne, E Beatty, S Loughran, L Colvin, D Duke
Germany: J Ciupka, N Lorenz, C Stapenhorst, J Muller-Wieland, N Heyn, J Teschke, L Altenburg, F Hauke, C Pieper, M Mavers, H Granitzki
Subs: E Grave, T Martin Pelegrina, C Nobis, N Notman, A Wortmann, V Huse, L Schneider
The Hook
Ireland, Germany in ill-tempered draw
by Karien Jonckheere 
Viktoria Huse and Shirley McCay © Backpagepix
There was much confusion and controversy on the third day of the Hockey World League Semifinals at the Wits Astro in Johannesburg on Monday.
Ireland and Germany’s women’s teams played to a 2-2 draw. But while the Germans were celebrating, the Irish were far from happy with the result.
Germany had enjoyed most of the possession and if the statistics were to be believed, were dominating the game, but Ireland had a 1-0 lead from the 14th minute.
That’s thanks to a goal from Zoe Wilson off a penalty corner.
Desperate for a goal as the clock wound down, the Olympic bronze medallists brought on a kicking back instead of a keeper to supplement their attack.
With just four and a half minutes left, Germany earned their seventh penalty corner of the match and finally managed to convert it to level the scores.
The shot was taken by the kicking back with the deflection from Amelie Wortmann finding the back of the net.
But with 43 seconds left to play, the determined Irish showed they weren’t happy with a draw as they went on the attack. The ball rebounded off the German keeper’s pads and straight to Deidre Duke who could slot it in for a 2-1 lead.
Germany were not done yet though and with just 11 seconds left earned yet another penalty corner. What happened next will be debated for many an hour.
Germany scored and while the Irish coach complained that the Germans had not waited the stipulated time to take the corner, the players on the field were trying to appeal that the Germans had broken their line early. That was not the case and the goal stood.
Germany captain Janne Muller-Wieland admitted afterwards: “We were really lucky in the end that we got to take one point. But we also have ourselves to blame that we were in this situation as we could have probably won it. In the end one point is one point so we’re fine with that.”
Irish coach Graham Shaw said afterwards: “To be honest, I was looking at the big screen and the short corner clock was still counting down and there were 12 seconds to go. They are supposed to wait to zero to take the corner but they took it and they scored.
“The goal should not be given. If anything it should be a retake…. It’s just not right. It’s a simple error and it should have been corrected so that’s the frustration. But I don’t want to take away from my girls’ brilliant effort. They worked incredibly hard, put in a great effort and we’re very frustrated not to come away with a win.”
In other matches played on Monday, two first-half goals from Argentina (one from a stroke and the other a penalty corner) saw them overcoming Chile 2-0.
A brace from Sophie Bray and another goal from Alex Danson helped England to a 3-0 victory over Poland.
In the final match of the day, the United States scored an easy 4-1 win over India.
Hockey action continues at the Wits Astro on Tuesday with four international men’s matches taking place. All matches are being shown live on SuperSport.
Supersport
Irish fury as Germany grab Hockey World League draw
JOHANNESBURG: Ireland coach Graham Shaw slammed the umpires after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Germany Monday on matchday 2 of the Women's Hockey World League Semi-Finals tournament in Johannesburg.
His fury with the Russian and South Korean officials stemmed from Germany equalising off a last-gasp penalty corner that he said was taken too quickly.
"We were entitled to 12 seconds to get set for the corner and build concentration, but that precious time was denied and I do not know why," he told reporters.
"The girls were caught off guard and Germany equalised. It is very frustrating after coming so close to winning.
"I am very emotional so I do not want to say too much about a decision that I consider was wrong. The goal should not have been allowed."
Angry Irish players surrounded the umpires after Nike Lorenz levelled, but were waved away after a fiery Pool A clash at the University of the Witwatersrand hockey stadium.
When the goal was referred to the television match official, she backed the decision to award it.
Shaw said he was immensely proud of his team, who are ranked seven places below Germany in the world.
"The girls were brilliant. They worked so hard throughout the match and made life very difficult for Germany," he said.
Zoe Wilson gave the Irish an early lead they defended until four minutes from time when Amelie Wortmann levelled off a penalty corner.
Ireland believed they had snatched maximum points when Deirdre Duke put her team ahead again with 44 seconds left only for Lorenz to equalise controversially.
World number two team England had a comfortable 3-0 victory over Poland in the same pool with Sophie Bray scoring twice and Alex Danson once.
Poland chose Amelia Katerla as goalkeeper instead of Marta Kucharksa, whose brilliance restricted Germany to a solitary-goal victory in the opening round.
Germany top the table with four points, England have three, Ireland two, Japan one and Poland are pointless.
Argentina and the United States, ranked third and sixth in the world respectively, had comfortable Pool B victories to occupy the top two places.
Lucina von der Heyse starred as a ball carrier for the Argentines, whose goals came from Noel Barrionuevo and Agustina Habif during the first half.
A brace from Jill Witmer took her tournament tally to three as the United States moved up a gear after India equalised to triumph 4-1 in the final match of the day.
The Americans have six points in first place, Argentina three, South Africa and India one and Chile none.
South Africa and Japan had byes and return to action Wednesday.
The Times of India
Bray's double helps England to victory over Poland
Hannah Martin in action
A brace from Sophie Bray guided England to victory over Poland in their opening Hockey World League Semi-Final clash in Johannesburg.
Bray’s double and a second half strike from Alex Danson saw England notch up a comfortable victory and get their campaign in South Africa off to the perfect start.
England’s dominant performance will give them confidence ahead of their upcoming pool A fixtures with Japan, Ireland and Germany as they battle to progress to the World League Finals.
Reflecting on the match head coach Danny Kerry said: "It was an awkward first game which we won comfortably against a side that looked to sit deep and defend. The girls took control of game early and worked tactics well and perhaps we should have won by more but we are up and running."
It didn’t take long for England to make their mark on the match when Sophie Bray struck after just three minutes. After stealing the ball from a polish defender inside the opposition area and darting past another, with only the keeper to beat the forward kept her composure and fired between the goalkeeper’s legs.
England continued to dominate and went close through Giselle Ansley’s drag flick and Lily Owsley’s strike before Bray found the net once again. Alex Danson found space at the top of the circle launching a strike at goal and Bray was on hand to get a clever touch in front of the goalkeeper to double the lead before the first break.
The second quarter saw England in total control of proceedings, owning the ball and playing with a lot of confidence causing Poland countless problems while remaining solid in defence and were unfortunate not to lead by more at half-time.
Poland responded in the third quarter calling Maddie Hinch into action and she was equal to the task to keep England’s two goal lead intact. Shortly into the final quarter England put further distance between themselves and Poland, a fine team move released Danson in the circle and she lifted her effort over the goalkeeper on the reverse.
A mazy run from Danson saw her beat three players but she was then bundled to the ground and awarded a penalty stroke. However Ansley pushed her effort wide of the right post but this was to be the only blip of the game for England as they kept up their intensity to the end and secured victory.
Next up for England are Japan on Wednesday starting at 3pm UK time. You can see every game from the Women’s World Hockey League Semi-Finals live on BT Sport.
England 3 (2)
Sophie Bray 3 (FG) 14 (FG)
Alex Danson 45 (FG)
Poland: 0 (0)
England XI: Maddie Hinch (GK), Laura Unsworth, Giselle Ansley, Hollie Webb, Susannah Townsend, Anna Toman, Sarah Haycroft, Emily Defroand, Sophie Bray, Nicola White, Alex Danson (C)
Subs: Amy Tennant (GK), Hannah Martin, Grace Balsdon, Lily Owsley, Shona McCallin, Jo Hunter
England Hockey Board Media release
Strong Second Half Scoring Performance Lifts USWNT Over India in Second Match of FIH Hockey World League Semifinals
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – July 10, 2017 – The U.S. Women’s National Team faced FIH Hero World Ranked No. 12 India in their second pool play match of the FIH Hockey World League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa. USA opened the scoring in the second quarter and although India found the equalizer in the third, a strong collective second half scoring performance lifted Team USA over India, 4-1.
“India is a great opponent,” said Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, NY.), USWNT Captain. “We know every time we play them it will be a full 60-minute battle. Tonight, we were really focused on completing our team tasks and bringing our strengths. I think collectively we have grown from game to game and are hoping to continue to do so as the tournament progresses”
Eager to make their mark early on the game, USA gained control and effectively worked the ball into pockets to build possession forward. Attacking circle penetrations followed and in the 2nd minute of play USA earned their first penalty corner of the game. Although the chance did not translate, USA produced a few more looks on goal. India responded with a close opportunity of their own when a good build up led to a backhand cross that went untouched into the circle.
Scoreless heading into the second quarter, both teams looked to continue momentum off the first. Patience held key for USA, as they held possession and limited forced turnovers by swinging the ball from sideline to sideline looking for the opportune moment to threaten forward. A collective effort on defense by applying the same patient mentality paid off in the 24th minute when Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) pressed India’s defense high and stole the ball. Witmer tracked into the circle with speed and ripped a low backhand shot off that hit India goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu’s pads and went in to give USA a 1-0 lead.
A minute before half time, India hit a hard ball into their attacking circle to an open striker on the post. Looking to find the tying goal, her one-time touch was saved by USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs’ (Robesonia, Pa.) quick reactions. Halftime score stood at USA 1, India 0.
Carrying over the energy from the first half, USA was quick off the start and grabbed their third penalty corner. The low drag option was saved by India goalkeeper Eimarpu’s pad and deflected off the right post. Working the ball to the other end of the pitch, India used their quick stick skills to enter their attacking 25. A fast restart and sharp ball movement worked the ball into the circle where India’s Lilima Minz was positioned perfectly to find the equalizer and tie the match at 1-1.
Quick to respond, just two minutes later a buildup on the right-hand side found Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) who drove the right baseline, dumped the ball across and it was inadvertently tipped in by India’s defense to make it USA 2, India 1. Three minutes after that, USA extended the lead when Witmer added her second goal of the game off a well executed penalty corner deflection.
USA added another tally to the scoreboard, when a sharp give and go pass between Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) and Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) found Vittese at the top of the circle where she finished with a hard shot into the back of the boards to make it USA 4, India 1. The final minutes of the match saw a few more chances for Team USA but they couldn’t add another and the score remained in favor of the red, white and blue.
“It was a good team effort today, said Katelyn Ginolfi (Lewes, Del.), USWNT midfielder. “Even though they were challenging, we focused on ourselves and I am glad we came away with the win.”
With six points from two games, Team USA sits on top of Pool B, and moves closer to securing a quarterfinal position. The U.S. Women’s National Team has the next competition day off and will return to the pitch on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 10 a.m. EST when they will face Pan American rivals Argentina in their third pool play match.
USFHA media release
India go down 1-4 to USA
JOHANNESBURG: A dominant USA thrashed India 4-1 in their second Pool B match here at the Women's Hockey World League Semi-Final here.
There was plenty of action in the first quarter with USA keeping India's goalkeeper Savita busy at the post. They won a penalty corner in only the second minute of the match but Savita came up with an effortless save.
A smart referral call by Rani, appealing that there was a back stick by the defender in her attempt to stop Rani from driving into the circle, saw India win their first PC. But an innovative variation didn't pay off as Deep Grace Ekka's strike lacked the power to carry it past the keeper.
Almost immediately, India came close to scoring again when Vandana, brilliantly assisted by Rani, made a diving effort to deflect the ball into the post. Though she got a slight touch on the ball, it wasn't enough.
With less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter, USA won their second PC but in vain as Savita came up with yet another great save.
India came up with an improvised attack in the second quarter. Rani managed to win India their second PC in the 22nd minute. She showcased exceptional dribbling skill to beat two USA defenders on the counter to find the foot of US defender in the D. But the chance to score went begging with stopper Monika miss-trapping the ball.
USA however didn't fumble when given a chance. Jill Witmer dispossessed Deep Grace to drive into the circle and beat Savita to score USA's first goal in the 24th minute.
Although India made a brilliant effort to equalise when Rani from the midfield sent a powerful pass to Vandana inside the circle in the dying minutes of the second quarter, but US keeper ensured they kept the lead with a great save.
While both teams traded PCs at the start of the third quarter, it was a quick-thinking Monika, dribbling into the circle, who found Lilima Minz positioned perfectly to deflect. Minz made no mistake as she scored the equaliser in the 38th minute.
Though India played on par with the higher-ranked USA in the first two quarters, the equaliser saw USA change gears to put India under the burner.
Only two minutes later, a miscalculated attempt to defend on India's part saw Taylor West (40') score USA's second goal.
Jill Witmer scored her second goal of the match when she perfectly deflected a dragflick to extend USA's lead to 3-1 in the 43rd minute.
The final quarter saw USA apply pressure, limiting India's chances in the striking circle with strong defence.
USA continued to dominate with a fourth goal scored in the 49th minute. It was Michelle Vittese who scored the goal from the top of the circle.
Though USA won another PC in the dying minutes of the match, nothing came off it.
The Times of India
Kermas has full strength German squad for Egypt tie
©: Frank Uijlenbroek
German coach Stefan Kermas will see his Honamas side look to get off to a winning start at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg against Egypt on Tuesday morning.
He saw the Egyptians fall 10-0 to Belgium on the opening day – with two goals each from Tom Boon and Thomas Briels – while Ireland accounted for South Africa 2-0.
"For me, there were no surprises in the tournament," says Kermas of the games so far. "Ireland won very factually and controlledly against South Africa but the hosts played at their level and did not exploit their chances. The 10-0 of the Belgians against Egypt was highly deserved.
“For us, however, this does not mean that tomorrow we will have to score even more. Egypt will certainly not show as little as in the first game. But we want to look exclusively at ourselves, to implement the plans we have set ourselves. In this format, it is impossible to control who is in the quarter-finals anyway.
"Naturally, a big score would be good for the mood and self-confidence," adds Kermas, "but that is not the primary goal."
The coach also confirmed Tobias Walter and Mark Appel will alternate in goal at the start of the tournament while Moritz Trompertz, Mats Grambusch and Jan-Philipp Rabente are all back and available after fevers.
Euro Hockey League media release
Hockey lessons from the English at Kingsmead College
High school hockey players had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills from the English women's hockey team . Photo: Laura Pisanello
ROSEBANK – Young hockey players attended a mini-academy with the English women’s hockey team who are currently in South Africa for the Hockey World League.
On 6 July Investec arranged for aspiring hockey players to have an afternoon practice with the English women’s hockey team at Kingsmead College in Rosebank.
The England women’s hockey team are currently in South Africa to participate in the Hockey World League. Investec, who have long been supporters of hockey in South Africa, decided to arrange an afternoon where young hockey players would have the opportunity to play with professional hockey players.
Janet Larsen, who is the head of group marketing for the company in South Africa said, “We’ve kind of created a mini-academy with the English hockey team and we’ve opened it up to the children of our staff who are involved with hockey and they’re getting trained and learning skills from some of the best hockey players in the world.
“What an amazing opportunity to see your heroes and play with some of the best in the world and to be trained by them, it just doesn’t get better than that.”
Thirty girls had the opportunity to practise with the English hockey team. Larsen said they had kept the group small to allow the girls to have one-on-one time with the English team.
“We snuck in an opportunity to see and meet with some of the team members that we haven’t met at a local level before and it’s wonderful to have them in our space,” said Larsen.
Alex Danson, who is the captain of the English women’s hockey team, is also an ambassador for the company. She said although it was a free day for the team they welcomed the opportunity to get involved with young hockey players. “Its very important for us as a team, one of our visions is ‘Inspire the Future’. We are so fortunate with everything we do and it’s very important for us to give back,” she added.
The English women’s hockey team are currently in South Africa for the Hockey World League. They used the afternoon to coach young South African hockey players. Photo: Laura Pisanello
“We’ve seen so very very talented hockey players here today and they all play at their clubs and schools which is great to hear.”
The Rosebank and Killarny Gazette
Singapore being realistic
By Jugjet Singh
Pic: K. Rajan
SINGAPORE hockey coach K. Rajan is being realistic by preparing his team to defend their 2015 Sea Games silver medal, as Malaysia are too strong for this region's teams.
The men's and women's field hockey will see Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand competing against the hosts.
And in the indoor event, the Malaysian men will be up against Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines. The women will play against Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines.
Malaysia have set their sights on a clean sweep, and while three golds are almost assured, the women's indoor team are expected to receive a stiff challenge from Thailand.
"Since Malaysia will be fielding their World League (Semifinals) team in the Sea Games, they are not our competitors in the Sea Games. We will focus on beating Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia to play in the final.
"Realistically, these three teams are our competitors in the Games, and we are preparing to beat them," said Singapore coach K. Rajan.
Rajan, a former Malaysia national juniors coach, is plying his trade overseas and after a stint in Thailand, he is the national coach for Singapore now.
A report online had said that based on the 2015 Singapore Sea Games results, Rajan and his men have a chance of winning gold in Kuala Lumpur.
But in 2015, Malaysia fielded their Under-21 side but still held SIngapore 2-2 and won the gold in a 4-3 shoot-out win.
"Back then, we played an Under-21 team and the final was at home in front of a capacity home crowd.
"Buy this time around we will be playing against a team which has qualified for the 2018 World Cup (by finishing fourth in the WL Semifinals in London).
"Malaysia have the capability to score double digit wins against any Sea Games side which takes them lightly," said Rajan.
Rajan and his men are down in Kuala Lumpur playing friendlies against club sides. They lost the first friendly 5-3 to a Malaysian team made up of former national players.
"We will be back two more times to play friendlies against club sides in Malaysia are I believe it would be enough for us to reach our target of playing in the final," said Rajan.
Malaysia are 14th in the World while Singapore are not even rated in the top 38 International Hockey Federation (FIH) rating.
In the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) rating, Malaysia are fourth while Singapore 10th.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysian Men’s hockey team gear up for SEA and Asian Games
by S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: The national men’s hockey team regrouped for centralised training yesterday, shifting their focus to next month’s Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
As Malaysia should retain the gold, the team’s training programme will be tailored towards next year’s Indonesian Asian Games from Aug 18-Sept 2.
The Malaysian Hockey Con-federation’s (MHC) team management committee will meet today to discuss the new programme.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said there “is a need to review the training programme following Malaysia’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in India”.
Malaysia defied the odds to finish fourth in the World Hockey League Semi-Final in London recently to qualify for the World Cup.
“Since the World Cup is in December next year there is time for the team to get ready.
“So, we need to refocus our attention and the next step is to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Our target is to win the gold in the Asiad as the winners will automatically qualify for the 2020 Olympics,” said Subahan.
After the SEA Games, the squad’s next assignment is the Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in October.
“The Asia Cup is an important tournament for us. We will try and win it to keep our ranking high and also expose our players to top level matches,” said Subahan.
Malaysia are now ranked world No. 14.
On the Aug 19-30 SEA Games, Subahan is confident of Malaysia winning all the four golds at stake.
“Our men and women’s field hockey teams are ranked No. 1 in South-East Asia, so we should be able to win both golds. It’s the indoor hockey that we are concerned about. It’s new for us. But both our men and women’s teams are preparing well and we feel that they are up to the task,” said Subahan.
The Star of Malaysia
Paul Wharton retires from international play to pursue career in finance
Shaheed Devji
Paul Wharton carries the ball against Mexico at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Ontario (By Yan Huckendubler)
Paul Wharton always knew there was more to his life than field hockey.
After 60 senior games played for the Canadian men’s field hockey team, the midfielder from Vancouver, British Columbia recently retired from international play to pursue a career in finance.
“I have always been really passionate about field hockey,” Wharton says. “But also I have had other passions. I’ve always been interested in economics, and finance, and world news.”
Before making the decision, Wharton took a year off from the National Program to make sure it was the right move for him.
And once he completed his university degree and was offered an internship with a boutique investment bank in New York – where his dad lives and his girlfriend also was offered an internship at the Museum of Modern Art – Wharton’s path was clear.
“New York was a place where both of us could work because we had citizenship and a place where both of us wanted to work,” he explains. “The only thing holding me back was whether I was going to be play hockey or not. And in the end, it just made sense to stop.”
Wharton cites his first senior game in 2012 and the 2015 World League Semi-Final, both played in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as career highlights.
He also represented Canada at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
At that 2015 competition Buenos Aires, in a match against perennial rival and host Argentina, Wharton exemplified the intangibles that he brought to the team, according to Men’s National Team interim head coach Paul Bundy.
“Paul Wharton was probably one of the hardest working players we had,” Bundy says. “He was also one of the bravest players we’ve ever had. He kind of re-defined how we run the penalty corner in terms of the number one runner.
“There were many games and many drag flickers that he ran down. That game against Argentina where we lost 2-1, he ran down (Gonzalo) Peillat [who is considered the world’s best drag flicker] I think it was nine times.”
Bundy adds that Wharton was a quintessential team-first guy, which has already proven beneficial in his new endeavour.
“I’ve learned so much about the business world through being on a team,” Wharton says. “It’s all really the same thing. It doesn’t matter if you’re in an office or you’re on the field.
“The teamwork is a really valuable component of who I am. So, I am very thankful for the five years I played on the National Team because it taught me a lot about myself and it taught me a lot of about being in a team environment.”
His attitude and work ethic will undoubtedly serve him well in the financial sector, which will likely at times feel just as competitive as an international field hockey match.
But Wharton would not have it any other way.
“I never would have thought I would be here in New York working at a finance company. But here I am and I haven’t really looked back.”
Except for in the moments when his former teammates, some of which he has played with since childhood, experience the highs that come with having success on the field, which recently came in the form of achieving 2018 World Cup qualification by beating India and finishing 4th at the World League Semi-Final in London.
“I’m not going to lie, it is a little bittersweet because I know that feeling of what it’s like to qualify for the Olympics or a big sporting event like that and I can only imagine how awesome it is for them,” he says.
“But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve grown up playing with all these guys for the last 10 or 15 years for some of them. So I almost feel like I’m sharing it with them, even though I’m not really. I definitely am living vicariously through them.”
That’s when he’s not living his new life in the Big Apple.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Scotland U21 Women’s squad for Junior European Championship II
Laura Swanson Scotland U21
The squad for Scotland U21 Women’s European Championship II campaign has been announced.
Scotland will travel to Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, to compete at EuroHockey Junior Championship II on 16-22 July against Turkey, Russia and Czech Republic in Pool A of the tournament. Pool B has Ukraine, Poland, Belarus and Austria.
The Scots first take to the pitch on Sunday 16 July 2017 at14:45 when they face Russia, before playing hosts Czech Republic on 18 July 2017 at 17:00. Their final group match will be on 19 July 2017 at 14:45 against Turkey.
The Scots go into the tournament on the back of a three-match test series against Wales U23 Development, where they scored eight goals and won the series 2-1.
Scotland U21 Women’s squad:
Mairi Fletcheri, Clydesdale Western
Megan Inchi, Holy Cross College
Kerry-Anne Hastingsi, Northumbria
Emily Newlandsi, Watsonians
Frances Lonergani, Clydesdale Western
Shona McNabi, Oxford University
Morven Cawthorni, CALA Edinburgh
Katie Stotti, Grove Menzieshill
Laura Swansoni, Edinburgh University
Emma McDiarmidi, Western Wildcats
Rachel Baini, Kelburne
Zoe Sinclairi, Western Wildcats
McKenzie Belli, Western Wildcats
Emily Darki, Dundee Wanderers
Ellie Hutchesoni, Edinburgh University
Lorna Cruickshanki, Durham University
Millie Steigeri, Clydesdale Western
Lexi Sabatelli, Clydesdale Western
Scotland U21 Women’s fixtures at EuroHockey Junior Championship II, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic:
16 July 2017 – 14:45 – Scotland v Russia
18 July 2017 – 17:00 – Czech Republic v Scotland
19 July 2017 – 14:45 - Scotland v Turkey
21 July 2017 – TBC – TBC
22 July 2017 – TBC - TBC
Scottish Hockey Union media release
From Judge to Tournament Director, Paula Park’s twenty year journey
Sarah Juggins
Paula Parks
It is going to be a busy few months for Paula Parks, the approachable and contemplative tournament director who will be taking charge of the fifth edition of the Pan American Cups. Not only will Paula be overseeing the smooth operation of this event, which truly showcases PAHF hockey, but later in the year, work will start on the preparations for the women’s hockey event at the Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia, where Paula will once again be running the show.
“I am so thrilled to be appointed as tournament director for the Commonwealth Games,” says Paula, who had learnt of the appointment just a few days before our conversation. She was doubly pleased because fellow PAHF official, Willard Harris, has been appointed as the men’s tournament director.
Paula has grown into her role with these events. Her first Commonwealth Games was in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, where she was a judge, now 20 years later, she has reached the official’s pinnacle, as the leader of the army of men and women who strive so hard to make hockey events run smoothly.
When it comes to Pan American Cups, Paula really has developed with the tournament. She has been to four of the five editions, missing just the 2009 Bermuda edition because of family commitments. In 2001 she was a judge, 16 years later she is taking on her second stint as tournament director.
“I would say that the Pan Am Cup has grown very nicely into our Federation’s premier event,” she says, adding that this year will be a real groundbreaker because it is the first dual gender event, with the men’s and women’s championships taking place at the same time at the same venue.
The event, which is taking place at Lancaster in Pennsylvania, is also an opportunity for people involved in hockey across the entire Pan American region to meet, discuss, share knowledge and learn from each other. There will be several PAHF-led meetings, which run in conjunction with the event, and for people from the developing hockey nations to have the opportunity to watch top level hockey and to discuss the game’s development with other people from other regions is, says Paula, one of the great added benefits of the Pan Am Cup. Some of the key side events taking place will be the Level Three Umpiring Course that will be jointly run by the FIH Hockey Academy, PAHF, USA Field Hockey and NCAA; and the Basic Level PAHF Technical Officials Training Workshop, which will look at the roles and responsibilities of being an official as well as the appointments process.
While the USA as a whole is still struggling to adopt field hockey as a national sport, Spooky Nook in Lancaster sits within a hot-bed of hockey. The north-eastern corner of the USA is home to some of the great hockey-playing colleges and the venue itself is home to the USA field hockey team.
Paula is hopeful that the event will draw in large crowds, not just from the hockey community but from the larger population whose interest may be piqued at the thought of a home victory – a hope that is based on the USA women’s national team currently sitting high in the rankings [sixth in the world] and performing well on the world stage.
“Having the women play at home and doing so well currently will help with their promotion of the sport. I hope it will help with the men’s team as well,” says Paula.
For someone with more than 20 years’ experience of officiating at hockey events across the continent, it comes as some surprise that this is Paula’s first event on US soil. She is very conscious that the local organising committee and USA Field Hockey are determined to put on a spectacular show. “This is a premier event and the venue is such a showpiece, the team on the ground really want to showcase it in the best light. They are determined that all the ‘i’s’ will be dotted and the ’t’s’ crossed. I think it is going to be a great event.”
The organisation of a top tier event such as the Pan Am Cup is the last word in cooperation. PAHF offers support and guidance; for the past few months Paula herself has been in regular conversation with USA Field Hockey’s Steve Horgan and Lisa McCoy to reassure them that everything is being run within the technical regulations.
Paul talks about the running of a successful tournament with the calm assuredness of someone who has been there and done it before. She has a way of making the multi-layered, complex demands of an event seem like the simplest and purest of tasks. “So long as two teams take to the field and there are two umpires, you know there is a ‘sameness’ to every tournament,” she says.
In no way is this a belittlement of the efforts of the tournament organisers. Paula points out that every event has its differences – weather, older structures, infrastructure, communications and a heap of other challenges – her point is that everyone is striving for the same outcome, a well-run and enjoyable tournament. “I always jokingly say, you want everyone going away and no-one remembering anything from the technical or umpiring side because everything went smoothly.”
The challenges in Lancaster are most likely to come from the weather. It is an area renowned for its heat and humidity, which might cause athletes a problem. Storms are common, which could cause delays in match schedules, not to mention the daunting prospect of keeping everyone safe in the event of lightening.
On the plus side, the venue has onsite hotels, which is a bonus as it means that teams and officials will not be subject to the vagaries of transport issues and traffic. Arranging transport and the complicated schedules that accompany that task is a major headache that just won’t exist at Spooky Nook.
Paula is just too polite to agree when I said that she might come to regret being onsite 24/7: for the moment, the prospect of being able to walk to the pitch within minutes is a significant benefit of the venue.
In another first, Paula will be backed by an assistant tournament director. The experienced Argentine Luis Aleman will be Paula’s right-hand man and will be largely responsible for the men’s tournament. It is a development Paula is thrilled about: “As an innovation this will mean nothing to most people, but for me it is a great thing. As tournament director, you can feel a bit isolated but I will have Luis to bounce ideas off and to talk things through. That makes a huge difference.”
When she talks about the legacy of the event, Paula’s enthusiasm reaches new heights. She radiates with excitement about the prospect of seeing some of the lower ranked teams taking on the might of Argentina or the USA.
“At this event you see the whole gamut, from top 10 in the world, top five in the world, top of the world. This is a chance for some of the lower-ranked teams to see what it takes to get to the pinnacle of the sport. The opportunity it provides to those nations – never mind large scores – this is the opportunity to step on a field with a top ranked team and get a feel of what the hockey is like at that stage. I hope they take away “wow, we just played Argentina, and yeah, the score isn't great but that is what it is like to play at that level.”
The same is true of the technical officials and umpires. There will be umpires who have blown the whistle on the biggest hockey stages. There will be umpires for who this is a first international appointment. The same is true of the officials. Paula reports that the umpire managers – Ged Curran, Edmundo Saladino, Louise Knipe and Cynthia Melli – are really doing a “terrific job” of incorporating all the umpires together as a team. By the time the tournament is underway, the team of umpires will be as tight-knit as any of the participating nations.
And despite her years of TD-ing all over the world, Paula remains as excited as a kid in a candy store at the prospect ahead. “I have never done an event in the USA, this is the first tournament I have done here. I have worked with US officials before and it will be nice to see them on their home turf, they are so passionate about putting on an event that really showcases their venue and I want to be there to make sure that happens.”
No matter what storms break over Spooky Nook, after a conversation with the tournament director, there is very little doubt that it will all be handled and dealt with with the calmest and most respectful of ways by this quietly spoken Canadian.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release