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All the news for Friday 8 November 2017

Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 - Day 8

Results Day 7

QF ENG v ARG 2 - 3
QF GER v NED 3 - 3 (4 - 3 SO)

Fixtures Day 8

17:15 Losing Q/Finalists Match ENG v NED
19:30     Semi Final     IND v ARG

FIH Match Centre

Argentina and Germany complete semi-final fixtures at Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017


Argentina defeated England to reach the semi-finals of the Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Copyright: FIH / World Sport Pics

Bhubaneswar, India: The final four of the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final 2017 will see Olympic champions Argentina facing host nation India while Germany and Australia will also go head-to-head following the completion of the event quarter-finals in Bhubaneswar.

Olympic champions Argentina (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) set up a mouth-watering semi-final meeting with host nation India on Friday (8th December 2017) by battling past England (WR: 7) in a cracking opening match of the day. Argentina attacker Lucas Vila was a hugely influential figure in the contest, marking his 200th senior international appearance with a goal and an assist to help his team into the final four.

Vila produced a poacher's finish in the 21st minute of the match to give the South American giants an early advantage, with Matias Paredes doubling the lead a minute before half time. A stunning volley from David Condon reduced the deficit to a single goal before the end of the half, ensuring that the European bronze medallists were very much in the game ahead of the two quarters that remained.

However, another moment of magic from Vila proved crucial for Argentina’s third goal, weaving has way past England goalkeeper Harry Gibson before being tripped by the shot-stopper, earning his side a penalty stroke. Juan Gilardi - who was later named Man of the Match, presented by Odisha New Opportunities - made no mistake from the spot, restoring Argentina’s two goal lead. A deflected effort from Adam Dixon in the final minute gave England a glimmer of hope at 3-2, but it was not enough time for a comeback.

“It is an honour to be a part of this team and to play 200 games in this shirt, representing Argentina, is like a dream”, said influential attacker Vila after the match, before looking ahead to the semi-final clash against home favourites India. “It is going to be tough. We watched India’s match (against Belgium) yesterday and they go really direct to goal, they want to score every time. We need to be smart to their counters, and we have to use our penalty corner more, which could be the key.”

Pool B winners Germany (WR: 4) defeated European champions the Netherlands (WR: 4) in the last of the quarter-final matches, but needed a shoot-out to do so as the team that finished fourth in Pool A produced their best performance of the competition.

Julius Meyer gave Germany the lead with a thumping strike in the 12th minute, but it was the Netherlands who went into half time thanks to two second quarter goals from Mirco Pruijser and Bjorn Kellerman, the latter being created thanks to a wonderful run and spin from Seve van Ass.

Die Honamas reclaimed the lead thanks to a backhand effort from Constantin Staib, who netted seconds after Netherlands player Tristan Alegra was shown a yellow card. It was a lead Germany held until 25 seconds from the end of the match, with Pruijser scoring a dramatic equaliser from close range to force a shoot-out. Billy Bakker and Robbert Kemperman both failed to convert their chances, and despite an early miss from Florian Fuchs, Germany won the shoot-out 4-3 with Christopher Rühr scoring the decisive goal.

It was really tough, and the Dutch played at the top level”, said Florian Fuchs after the match. “We defended really well in the first half but it slipped away in the second half. It was a great match for the spectators.”

The action continues on Friday 8th December with England and Netherlands taking to the field in the 7-8 classification match at 17:15 Indian Standard Time (UST+5.30). That match will be followed by the first of the semi-finals with Olympic champions Argentina taking on host nation India at 1930.

RESULTS – DAY 7: Quarter-Finals 

England 2, Argentina 3.

Man of the Match, presented by Odisha New Opportunities: Juan Gilardi (ARG)
Junior Player of the Match, presented by ONGC: Liam Sanford (ENG)

Germany 3, Netherlands 3. (Germany win 4-3 after Shoot-Out) 

Man of the Match, presented by Odisha New Opportunities: Florian Fuchs (GER)
Junior Player of the Match, presented by ONGC: Joep de Mol (NED)

Upcoming fixtures (All times Indian Standard Time - UTC +5.30)

Friday 8th December 2017

17:15: 7-8 - England v Netherlands

19:30: Semi-Final - India v Argentina


Saturday 9th December 2017

17:15: 5-6 - Belgium v Spain
19:30: Semi-Final - Australia v Germany

Sunday 10th December 2017

17:15: Bronze medal match

19:30: Final

#HWL2017

FIH site

England's World League progress halted by stubborn Argentina


England men huddle v Argentina

England’s quest for an Odisha Hockey World League Final medal was ended by a dogged Argentina at the quarter-final stages in India.

Adam Dixon’s final minute effort gave England a chance of setting up a grandstand finish but it was ultimately not enough to stop the Olympic champions from claiming their first win of the tournament.

David Condon’s fearsome strike just before half-time gave his side a chance after earlier goals from Lucas Vila and Martin Paredes.

Vila controlled the game on his 200th appearance and won a penalty stroke in the 34th minute which Juan Gilardi smartly converted to restore his side’s two goal advantage that would prove too much for England to overcome, despite Dixon’s late goal.

The first quarter was a rather cagey affair as both sides tried to settle into the game, with neither creating any clear cut chances.

But in the 21st minute the game rather unexpectedly sprang into life as a hopeful ball into the circle deflected off Vila’s stick and over George Pinner’s leg to open the scoring for Argentina.

Eight minutes later that lead was doubled as a deflected aerial fell kindly for captain Paredes, who skipped his way into the circle before squeezing a reverse stick shot between Pinner’s legs.

England hit back immediately though as Condon smashed the ball past Juan Vivaldi after Barry Middleton’s pass fell kindly for the East Grinstead man after a partial block to give his team hope going into the break.

But their defence was breached once again four minutes after half-time as a scintillating move by Argentina saw Harry Gibson bring down Vila in the area, with Gilardi easily converting the resulting penalty stroke.

The Argentinians then once again set about keeping their opponents out while Vila forced Gibson into a save with a fierce shot in the 41st minute.

England pushed hard in the final quarter to find a way back into the game, winning four penalty corners and eventually finding a way past Vivaldi after Lucas Rossi diverted Dixon’s cross past his own goalkeeper.

But there was to be no dramatic equaliser for England as their 30 year winless streak against their South American opponents continued, having not beaten them since a 2-1 victory at the 1986 World Cup.

England (1) 2
Condon (29, FG), Dixon (60, FG)

Argentina (2) 3
Vila (21, FG), Paredes (29, FG), Gilardi (34, PS)

Starting XI: Gibson, Ames, Martin, Ward, Gleghorne, Dixon, Middleton, Creed, Condon, C Griffiths, Sanford

Subs (Used): Pinner, Taylor, Roper (C), Goodfield, Ansell, Gall

England Hockey Board Media release

Germany shoot-out Netherlands while Vila inspires Argentina in 200th cap


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Germany defeated European champions the Netherlands in the last of the Hockey World League quarter-final matches but needed a shoot-out to do so as the team that finished fourth in Pool A produced their best performance of the competition.

Julius Meyer gave Germany the lead with a thumping strike in the 12th minute, but it was the Netherlands who went into half time thanks to two second quarter goals from Mirco Pruijser and Bjorn Kellerman, the latter being created thanks to a wonderful run and spin from Rotterdam’s Seve van Ass.

Die Honamas reclaimed the lead thanks to a backhand effort from Constantin Staib, who netted seconds after Netherlands player Tristan Alegra was shown a yellow card.

It was a lead Germany held until 25 seconds from the end of the match, with Pruijser scoring a dramatic equaliser from close range to force a shoot-out. Billy Bakker and Robbert Kemperman both failed to convert their chances, and despite an early miss from Florian Fuchs, Germany won the shoot-out 4-3 with Christopher Rühr scoring the decisive goal.

“It was really tough, and the Dutch played at the top level”, said HC Bloemendaal’s Florian Fuchs after the match. “We defended really well in the first half but it slipped away in the second half. It was a great match for the spectators.”

The Germans were the only side who finished in the top two of their group to advance to the semi-finals as England bowed out to Argentina.

Mannheimer HC’s Lucas Vila and Matias Paredes made it 2-0 before David Condon got one back but Los Leones were comfortable from the moment Juan Gilardi put them 3-1 ahead. Adam Dixon got one back in the final minute but they must now play in the seventh to eighth place classification match on Friday.

“It is an honour to be a part of this team and to play 200 games in this shirt, representing Argentina, is like a dream”, said influential attacker Vila after the match, before looking ahead to the semi-final clash against home favourites India.

“It is going to be tough. We watched India’s match (against Belgium) yesterday and they go really direct to goal, they want to score every time. We need to be smart to their counters, and we have to use our penalty corner more, which could be the key.”

Argentina are back out, also, within a day against a rested Indian side for their semi-final on Friday evening.

Euro Hockey League media release

Argentina edge out England, Germany pip Netherlands to complete semi-final line-up


Argentine players celebrate during their HWL Final 2017 match against Engalnd. Twitter/@ArgFieldHockey

Bhubaneswar: Olympic champions Argentina edged past England 3-2 while Germany defeated Netherlands in the shoot-out to become the last two teams to qualify for the semi-finals of the Hockey World League (HWL) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

In the first quarter-final of the day, Argentina, who finished third in Pool A with just one point, scored through field strikes from Lucas Villa (21st minute), skipper Mattias Paredes (29th) and a penalty stroke conversion by Juan Gillardi (34th) to eke out their first win of the tournament.

For England, David Condon (29th) and Adam Dixon (60th) found the net but that was not enough to take them through at a packed Kalinga Stadium.

Later in the day, World No 5 Germany got the better of European champions Netherlands 4-3 in the shoot-out after the two teams were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time in the thrilling last quarter-final duel.

The first quarter belonged to the Germans who took the lead in the 12th minute through a field goal by Julius Meyer before the Dutchmen made a valiant fightback in the next 15 minutes to score two goals in a span of seven minutes to change the scoreline.

Mirco Pruijser (21st) and Bjorn Kellerman scored two fine field goals to reverse the scoreline at half time.

It was a hard-fought, end-to-end contest between the two teams as the script changed in the third quarter again when Florian Fuchs (34th) and Constatin Staib (41st) struck from field tries to hand Germany a 3-2 lead.

Trailing by a goal, the Netherlands went all out attacking in the fourth quarter and mounted a series of raids on the opposition citadel and in the process earned as many as three penalty corners in the last seven minutes but the German defence stood like a rock to hold on to their slim lead.

But there was still some drama in store as Pruijser sounded the board just 25 seconds from the hooter to draw parity for the Netherlands and take the match into the shoot-out.

In the shoot-out, the Germans showed their prowess and kept a calm head to come out on top.

While India and Argentina will lock horns in the first semi-final on Friday, Germany will play world champions Australia in the second last-four game on Saturday.

Firstpost

Argentina and Germany complete semifinal line-up


I’ve done it! Argentina’s Lucas Vila, second from right, celebrates after scoring against England. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

Olympic champion Argentina stepped up its game to prove there was more to it than just the ability to score off penalty corners, edging past England 3-2 in the third quarterfinal of the tournament here on Thursday.

Argentina did not earn a single penalty corner, had less possession and far fewer entries, but made the ones they had count.

Lucas Vila and Matias Paredes struck from acute angles, taking advantage of defensive lapses while Juan Gilardi converted a penalty stroke after Vila was brought down inside the striking circle even though it looked like the Argentine striker had stumbled after stepping on England goalkeeper Harry Gibson's arm.

England tried to fight back but with every passing minute, it became more desperate and rough, trying to find a way past the Argentine defence that didn't yield.

Adam Dixon managed one in the last seconds of the game but it wasn't enough.

First time entry

In the day's other game, Germany beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a shoot-out, after the teams were tied 3-3 in regulation time, to advance to the semifinals of the tournament for the first time.

Mirco Pruijser struck the equaliser and his second goal of the match 25 seconds from time for the Dutch just as the Germans looked set to advance easily.

While Argentina's reward for its win would be a match-up against a buoyant India, Germany will take on defending champion Australia — which finally hit its straps in the previous game — in the other semifinal.

The results (quarterfinals):

Argentina 3 (Lucas Vila, Matias Paredes, Juan Gilardi) bt England 2 (David Condon, Adam Dixon); Germany 3 (Julius Meyer, Florian Fuchs, Constantin Staib) bt the Netherlands 3 (Mirco Pruijser 2, Bjorn Kellerman) in shootout.

The Hindu

Argentina beat England 3-2; set up semi-final date with India

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: Argentina held off late England charge to record a 3-2 win in the Hockey World League Final on Thursday and booked a semi-final date with host India on Friday. Lucas Vila (21'), Matias Pardes (29') and Juan Gilardi (34') scored for the Olympic champions while David Condon (29') and Adam Dixon (60') scored for England in the quarter-finals.

England were the more aggressive of the two teams after the match began and made more circle entries but Argentina had their defence sorted and did not allow any opening. There was hardly any space. When England ventured inside with promising moves, the defenders were ready. Even England were decent at the back end. The first quarter ended goalless.

But Argentina made it count when Lucas Vila got deflection of a free hit in England's circle to get the ball in and put his team ahead. Juan Lopez took the free-hit and Adam Dixon lifted his left leg to allow that ball to pass through and Vila, playing in his 200th match, pounced on the chance.

England immediately responded with Sam Ward's cross from the left flank but the attackers found it hard to get through the defenders. Then captain Matias Pardes received a high ball near the England circle after it was deflected off Barry Middleton. He beat Liam Sanford and then from an acute angle, reverse hit the ball through the legs of George Pinner to double the lead.

Middleton then shot one inside the Argentine D and the ball this time fell to David Condon after being deflected off Pardes. Condon controlled the ball, turned around and thumped the ball past Juan Vivaldi to cut down the lead to just one goal. Argentina did refer the goal but it was unsuccessful.

Four minutes into the second half, England conceded a penalty stroke which Argentina happily converted to make it 3-1. Vilas was brought down by Harry Gibson who replaced Pinner at the goalmouth for England and the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. Juan Gilardi flicked the ball to the right of the goalie as the Englishman moved the wrong way. Credit to Agustin Mazzillli whose stunning move set Vilas free as he went past the goalkeeper before getting the penalty stroke.

England pressed hard towards the end. They were not playing with a goalkeeper in the final few minutes. Got five penalty corners - two of them back to back, unfortunately converted none. But with 16 seconds to go, Lucas Rossi deflected a cross from Dixon into his own goal to make it 3-2. And with the hooter going off, England unsuccessfully referred for a penalty corner to exit medal contention.

The Times of India

Germany beat Netherlands in shootout to enter semi-final

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: For the second night in a row, the capacity crowd at the Kalinga Stadium witnessed yet another heart-stopping finish with the quarter-final clash between Germany and Netherlands going into the shootout. This time, it was Germany who held their nerves to edge past Netherlands 4-3 in the shootout after the game ended on an even keel (3-3) in the regulation time.

Mats Gramsbusch, Marco Miltkau, Dieter Linnekogel and Christopher Ruhr scored in the shootout for the four-time Olympic champions while for the Dutch Mirco Pruijser, Seve Van Ass and Bjorn Kellerman were on target.

Germany will meet Australia in the second semi-final on Saturday while India face Argentina in the first semi-final on Friday.

The match lived up to its reputation - a clash between two powerhouses. Forwards from both the teams took advantage of defensive slip up to score. However, it was Grambusch quick feet that resulted in Germany going up in the first quarter. He ran in from the sideline and raced almost ahead of a Dutch player to take the ball and had the time to slip it under his opponent's stick for Julius Meyer (12') on his right. The German no. 8 picked it up, pushed it inside the D and from there thrashed the ball past the Netherlands keeper to give his team 1-0 lead.

Netherlands equalised through Pruijser (21') who did all the hard work to enter German circle and from the backline directed the ball bang in front of the goalpost but the resulting shot from his teammate was blocked. Luckily, it fell in front of him and he tapped it in.

That Netherlands were able to equalise was thanks to Meyer who failed to block Pruijser's initial pass from the backline and received a dressing down from his captain Martin Haner.

Kellerman (27') then put his team ahead two minutes later. A beautiful move, engineered by Thijs Van Dam as he made a 360 spin to pass the ball between two German defenders to Kellerman who then did the rest.

But Germany came back with a equaliser of their own through Florian Fuchs (34'). And he almost put them ahead, again, with a powerful reverse hit from the left but Primin Blaak blocked it. However, Constantin Staib (41') got hold of the ball on rebound and this time, Blaak's effort was weak and the ball went inside the cage.

Germany went into the final quarter, aiming to hold on to their slim lead and hopefully score one more to seal the issue but with 24 seconds left on the clock, Pruijser (60') tipped the ball inside an open goal to make it 3-3.

The Times of India

India will have its task cut out

Fluctuating form will be of some concern

Uthra Ganesan

Roller-coasters are not for the faint-hearted. But the Indian team at the Hockey World League Finals here seems intent on dragging fans on such rides every time it steps on the field.

It surprised everyone with a structured attacking game to hold defending and World champion Australia in the opening game, then went blank to drop to alarming levels in the next two games, raising questions on whether the players even knew what they were supposed to do.

Then it flipped again, this time stunning a seemingly unbeatable Belgium in the quarterfinal in a shoot-out.

Coach Sjoerd Marijne's player-driven process seems to finally be up and running. “After the match, (captain) Manpreet Singh sat with the team and said you can feel happy with the win but there is a match coming up.

“I am happy that I don’t have to say that, that a player sets an example on how to approach the next match,” he declared on the eve of the semifinals against Argentina, which edged past England 3-2 in its quarterfinal match on Thursday.

The Indian team did have a different plan against Belgium but Argentina would be a different test. The Pan-American and Olympic champion World No. 1 side is far removed from the middling outfit it used to be..

Gonzalo Peillat's drag-flicks haven't fired as much as he would have wished and that makes him doubly dangerous.

Ask the Germans, who bore the brunt of his coming to form at just the right moment in the Rio Olympics semifinals.

What has been added is a penchant to attack more and take risks upfront, and it has paid off. Agustin Mazzilli, Matias Paredes, Lucas Vila, Ignacio Ortiz and Matias Rey bring the full force of their experience to crash through opposition defences.

India would do well to be careful not to concede penalty corners — England managed that on Thursday even though it lost.

An extra rest day compared to their opponents might also help the Indians regroup.

The statistics are not too helpful. India has the upper hand overall, struggled in the past 10 face-offs but won the last time the teams met, in the league stage of the Rio Olympics.

Manpreet needs to pick himself up. Undoubtedly one of the most skilful players in the world today, the India captain has been just average.

The forwards, good as they have been, need to get that last touch in and release the ball early.

“They know what success is. The consistency is getting better. They put up a standard, that's a good thing. But most important is they know how they did it. So we can do it tomorrow also,” Marijne added.

On Friday, the hoarse crowds would be hoping for a more sedate affair when the host takes on Argentina in the semifinal of the competition hoping to go one step ahead of its third-place finish two years back.

Friday's schedule: 5-8 place: England vs the Netherlands (5.15 p.m.); Semifinals: India vs Argentina (7.30 p.m.).

The Hindu

India seek Olympian peak

In semis against Oly champs Argentina today, team must play 7/10, says coach Marijne

Indervir Grewal


India, a team in transition with a new coach and new style of play, have had fluctuating fortunes in the tournament so far. (Above) Goalkeeper Chikte Akash was the standout performer for India against Belgium in the quarterfinals. File photo

India are on familiar ground. For the third time in four years, they find themselves in the semifinals of a major tournament at home.

Common to all the three tournaments — 2014 Champions Trophy, HWL Final in Chhattisgarh in 2015, and the ongoing Hockey World League Final here — is a format that has been criticised by many since it was first tried five years ago.

With all eight competing teams assured berths in the quarterfinals, the pool matches become largely irrelevant, except for deciding the last-8 lineup. The fact that in a knockout match anything can happen, there have been many surprises over the years. India’s great record in these tournaments — not in terms of number of matches won but number of semifinals reached — is a proof of this unpredictability.

Knockout

On Wednesday, India again proved that it is not about being consistent over the first three matches, but about waking up on the right side of the bed on the day of the quarterfinal clash. India, who had one point from three matches in Pool B, ousted Pool A toppers Belgium.

However, to say that the win was a fluke would be unfair to the Indian team. To beat a team of Belgium’s level means India have the capacity to do so. Over the last six years, India have improved by a big margin — they have started to play structured hockey.

What the Indian team has struggled with is finding consistency. In Bhubaneswar, India started with a good performance against Australia, pushing the defending champions before settling for a 1-1 draw. But their level dropped considerably against England and Germany, before they played their best game of the tournament against Belgium.

No alarm

But coach Sjoerd Marijne didn’t sound alarmed by the fluctuation in India’s levels over the four matches. “The difference in the Belgium match was that we made our chances,” said Marijne. “Against Australia, England and Germany, we had the same number of chances as our opponents.”

The Dutchman added that “if you don’t score, things look much worse” than what they are. He felt that in the first three matches, India didn’t stay focused throughout the match, while against Belgium, they were disciplined throughout.

“We were structured, better in one-on-one defending and calm when we had the ball. Even though Belgium had more possession, we held the ball well,” Marijne said a day before India’s semifinal clash against Argentina.

Asked about his views about playing the Olympics champions tomorrow, Marijne said he “wanted to focus on ourselves. We did a few things well and have to improve at others”.

Despite the suspense over which Indian team will turn up against Argentina, Marijne sounded confident. “They put up (set) a standard (with performance against Belgium). Importantly, the players know how they did it. I am confident we can do it again,” said Marijne.

Role of seniors

After the win against Belgium, captain Manpreet Singh said the team was focused on the semifinals. “Last time, we won the quarterfinal but lost the semifinal. This time, we are determined to win the semifinal,” Manpreet said last night after the post-match press conference.

Marijne today said that after the match, Manpreet held a meeting with the team. “He told them, ‘Guys it was a good match but we have to look forward to the next match’. It’s good I don’t have to say that to team. Right from the start, we said that it was player-driven,” Marijne said.

Zonal change

India are going through a transition phase. They changed from a man-to-man system to zonal defence. That takes more understanding between the players. With the change in coach, India’s style has also changed. The team at the HWL Final has six players who have played fewer than 40 matches, including four players with less than 20 appearances. These factors have also contributed to India’s fluctuating level. Talking about the youngsters, Marijne said: “The older they get, the more consistent they will become. But already the consistency is improving.”

The role of the senior players, thus, is even more important in this tournament. “The senior players decide the level of the game the team plays at,” Marijne said when asked if he saw a change in the senior players’ performance in the Belgium match. “If they play well, it becomes easier for the junior players.”

But Marijne added that it was not enough that the seniors played their best. He wanted the whole team to play at a high level. “I don’t want a 10 (out of 10) performance (from a few players). If everybody plays 7 (out of 10), we will do well. We did good yesterday. We played as a team,” Marijne said.

Results

    ARGENTINA 3-2 ENGLAND
    GERMANY 4-3 HOLLAND (PENALTY SCHOOTOUT)
    Regulation time: 3-3

The Tribune

Real Giant-killer against emerging giant killer today

s2h team



Argentina is hockey world’s real giant killer. Rio marked the epitome of it. With a Belgium thriller in Bhubaneswar, India is emerging one. Its interesting today therefore the both emerging world powers will try to settle out, albeit temporarily, who will carry forward the tag of Giant Killer.

The perennial Pan American Champions can upset any team any day. One thing they hate is knowing rival team’s reputation. They don’t care about it. They don’t want to know about it. They just go out and tear a rival, and then let people rave and rant how a team’s reputation had gone for a six.

Indians cannot forget Argentina of what stuff they are made of. They have been a thorn in their flesh even when ruled the roost on the global stage. But the Argentinean bug used to bite them often.

The same is true of Pakistan which sought to emerge powerful in the 90s and 2000s. One team that would often prickle their pride will always be the same Argentinean.

India won the World Cup 42 summers ago. But lost to Argentina 1-2 on its way. Only team that had beaten title winning Ajit Pal Singh’s India was none other than Argentina.

India took revenge in Rio. Only bend in the Argentina’s Cinderella kind of rise to fame Rio is their loss to India.

The Argentinean victory in 1975 and India’s in 2014 now merit nothing more than a sub-text of an epic. These are in nobody’s mind. Nobody cares about it.

Its Argentina – who sets standard on many aspects of the game of field hockey including fitness, and inventing drag flick -- has been a fighting outfit. They just go out and seek outright success. Rio is fresh in everybody’s mind.

After stopping Australia in London Champions Trophy, India too felt what it looks like a giant killer.

It carried the trait in Bhubaneswar.

Now the news is if India beats a strong team. The news also is if Argentina loses a match. That is the reputation that Argentina has got now due to Rio. They are now World No.1 team. Argentina did not seem to go by contour in Bhubaneswar till yesterday. When it mattered, they regained their form. They beat England comprehensively though the 3-2 scoreboard seems flattering to the failing side.

Both India and Argentina, who started slowly came into their killing act in the quarters.

That the both teams will fight it out seeking a slot for the final is interesting. It’s a mouth watering feat that await the world hockey today.

In 2015 HWL Finals in Raipur, India, India won bronze, a medal in top FIH tournament after 1982. However, the start was not that good. What else, Argentina stumbled them in the very first match (0-3). India therefore has a team that can challenge them today even as full stands will stand by them.

India-Argentina in recent times
7.12.2014: Bhubneswar: India lost 2-4
27.11.2015: Raipur. India lost 0-3.
2.7.2016: Valencia: Drew 3-3
9.8.2016: Rio: India won 2-1

Stick2Hockey.com

Which India will turn up against Argentina in semis?

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: Rejuvenated after a thrilling win, India will be eyeing to enter a maiden final when they face Argentina in the Hockey World League Final at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.

It has been a strange tournament for India. They have played four matches and still you cannot figure out whether they are good enough to win the tournament. And this is after a night when they edged ahead of tournament favourites Belgium in a thrilling shootout. Three matches after the league stage, they would've been the last team one would pick to make the semis based on current form. Yet they have managed to put themselves in medal contention. In the previous edition of the tournament, they entered the semi-final after an identical result in the pool stage - a draw and two defeats. They then ended up beating Netherlands in a shootout to claim bronze. However, when they play Argentina, the aim will be to go one better this time around. More so, as this happens to be the third and final edition of the tournament before it will be replaced by a Pro League.

The have dazzled and disappointed in a week's time. Against Australia and Belgium, they played their best hockey - passes finding the intended targets, forwards making darting runs inside the D, defenders showing extra commitment, successful penalty corners (PC) conversions. Against England and Germany, they progressed from bad to poor. They missed their chances to score, failed at penalty corners, defenders made silly errors and even captain Manpreet Singh was off colour.

Sjoerd Marijne has been just three months in charge of the men's hockey team and must have already experienced a gamut of emotions. His job from Day 1 has been to make this team consistent. It's a word that the Dutch often uses.

Wednesday's game against Olympic silver medallist Belgium brought a lot of positives for the hosts. Rupinder Pal Singh's confidence would certainly have been boosted after he finally broke his penalty corner duck when he put India in the lead against Belgium on Wednesday. Forwards SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh combined well to create chances which they sorely missed in the previous game against Germany, a team against which their strategy to overly rely on counters failed. Their focus on defending better and relying on creativity paid in full when Belgium, the only team to win all their three pool matches, went down by two goals in the first half. Still, they have committed glaring errors and polishing them would do them a world of good.

Goalkeepers Suraj Karkera started ahead of Akash Chitke and made several blocks before the latter took the centre-stage in the shootout. India conceded the lead in the next half and briefly, went ahead again before Amaury Keusters drew parity. The team put up a vastly improved show. On their road to a maiden Olympic gold, the only team that Argentina lost to at Rio was India. When it comes to head-to-head records, India have won 26 and Argentina 16 with four ending in a draw. The Olympic champions have had an average tournament so far. They have been found wanting is several areas and failed to record a win in the league stage before scraping past England in the quarters.

Friday gives India a chance to improve on the bronze they won in Raipur. It all depends on which Indian team turns up against Argentina.

The Times of India

Team that defends better will win tomorrow: Lucas Vila on India game

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: Lucas Vila had a memorable match against England on Thursday. It was his 200th game for Argentina and he scored their opening goal, setting them towards a 3-2 win in the quarter-finals and they will now face host India for a place in the final on Friday.

He expressed happiness with his and team's performance revealing the team played differently to how they fared in the league stage where they ended winless - losing twice and drawing once. "I am really happy. It was a good day for the team too. We will enjoy this moment for a few hours and then we have to play India [on Friday]," he said.

Vila said Argentina changed their strategy for the knockouts and predicted that the team that has its defence sorted will win the first semi-final. "I see it as two different tournaments. The group phase is different to the quarter-finals. We played quite differently today. We were quite smart and sharp physically. Tomorrow is going to be tough. Both teams are really strong. It will be a good game. The team which defends well will enter the final," he said.

Recalling the moment when Argentina beat Belgium to win gold at the Rio Olympics last year, Vila said, "It was amazing. I can recall the feelings when we won it. It was everything we wanted as a kid, we wanted to shout and scream a lot. It was a dream come true."

He said the current phase of Argentine hockey is the best in their history and the team is proud of that. "If you look at the results, they speak for themselves. In Beijing (Olympics), we lost the qualification to make the cut for Olympics but in 2016, we became the champions. It has been a tough road. We have moved a step forward everyday. This is the best moment for us in our history. We are proud of that," he said.

The Times of India

Semi-final Preview: 'Unpredictable' India face Olympic champs Argentina


Indian players train ahead of their Hockey World League Final semi-final clash against Argentina in Bhubaneswar , PTI

'Unpredictability' has been haunting Indian men's hockey team for quite some time now but that very factor might just act in their favour when the hosts take on Olympic champions and world no.1 Argentina in the semi-finals of the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

For any team in world hockey, predicting India's performance is next to impossible. 'Inconsistent' is the perfect word to sum up India. If one day the Indians are brilliant, the very next day they might give a lacklustre performance.

The same topsy-turvy curve is continuing at the ongoing HWL Final also. After a not-so-impressive pool campaign, India not only stunned world no.3 Belgium but all and sundry at the stadium with their spirited show in the quarterfinals. And this unpredictably about India is something that is troubling the Argentines ahead of Friday's last-four duel.

"India are a tough team to beat. You can't predict how they will come out in a game and that was visible against Belgium yesterday. They beat the most impressive team of the tournament," Argentina's drag-flick specialist Gonzalo Peillat said after the Los Leones beat England 3-2 in their quarterfinal match at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday. "India are good in counter-attack. So, we have to be very careful," he added.

Argentina, who finished third in Pool A with just one point, scored through field strikes from Lucas Villa (21st minute) and skipper Mattias Paredes (29th), and a penalty stroke conversion by Juan Gillardi (34th) to eke out their first win of the tournament. For England, David Condon (29th) and Adam Dixon (60th) found the net but that was not enough to make it to the semis.

Argentina might be the reigning Olympic champions and world's numero uno team at present, but the Indians have better head-to-head record against them. India and Argentina have so far played 46 games against each other, out of which India have won 26, lost 16 and four ended in a tie.

In fact, India were the only team that defeated Argentina to their way to gold medal triumph in 2016 Olympics. In Rio, the Indians defeated the Los Leones 2-1 in the pool stages. The Indians witnessed a woeful pool campaign here. After an impressive 1-1 draw against Australia in their tournament opener, the hosts went from bad to worse, losing 2-3 and 0-2 against England and Germany, respectively.

But the much-talked about all-play-quarterfinal format came to India's rescue and the hosts dished out their best hockey when it mattered the most and ended Olympic silver medallists Belgium's winning run. The Indians played attacking, fast-paced hockey and ticked all boxes against Belgium, stunning them 3-2 in the shoot-out after both were locked at 3-3 at the end of the regulation time.

If their pool campaign was lucklustre, the Indians displayed much-improved show in all departments of the game last night. But it is not as if India didn't create chances in the pool matches, but they lacked in finishing. Even though they fared better against Belgium, the Indian strikers, especially SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh, still need to do plenty of work in their finishing skills.

Sunil, in particular, missed two golden opportunities against Belgium and he would be cursing himself for letting the chances slip. The Indian midfield led by talismanic Manpreet Singh had a good tournament so far, as it held the team together. The defence too fared well if not better. But the backline at times fumbled under pressure and conceded some soft goals and gave away easy penalty corners.

They cannot afford to commit the same mistakes against an attacking Argentine side, who would be eagerly waiting to pounce on the errors. Statistically, the Indians had more ball possession and better chances in all their matches so far but stats hardly have significance if the results don't turn up in favour.

India's chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said his wards will have to dish out a similar performance as against Belgium if not better, if they hope to tame Argentina on Friday. "(Against Belgium) our defending was better. We created chances and scored off our penalty corners. Against Germany (in pool match) we had same shots at goal and more penalty corners, also against England and Australia.

"But if you don't score, things look bad. We knew we have to score. We got four penalty corners against Belgium and scored. When we had the ball we were calmer," Marijne said on the eve of their semi-final. "We have improved in structured defending. We left small spaces in defence and made it difficult for teams to enter our circle."

However, it remains to be seen how the Indians handle the big match pressure against Argentina, which too had a relatively poor pool campaign before they registered their first win here in the quarterfinal on Thursday, just like India did. Having finished third in the last edition of the tournament in 2015 in Raipur, the Indians also have a chance to go one step up with a win on Friday.

Daily News & Analysis

Stats Speak: India versus  Argentina  at a glance

By B.G.Joshi (in Kalinga Hockey Stadium Bhubaneswar)

 Fieldhockey.com

Kookaburras To Face Germany In HWL Semi-Finals

Ben Somerford



The Kookaburras will face world number five Germany in the semi-finals of the FIH Men’s World League Final in Bhubaneswar at 1am AEDT on Sunday live on Fox Sports.

World number two Australia defeated Spain 4-1 in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night to seal their spot in the final four after three draws in the pool phase.

Germany clinched their spot in the semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 shootout win over the Netherlands after a 3-3 draw on Thursday night.

Australia, who are the reigning World League champions, and Germany met earlier in the tournament in Pool B drawing 2-2 on Saturday night.

The winner of the Australia-Germany semi-final will meet either Rio Olympics gold medalists Argentina or hosts India in the final from 1am AEDT on Monday.

The loser will play in the third place match from 10.45pm AEDT on Sunday.

Semi-Finals:

Argentina v India, 1am AEDT Saturday 9 December
Australia v Germany, 1am AEDT Sunday 10 December

*All matches will be televised on Fox Sports

Hockey Australia media release

Batch: It’s About Performing Under Pressure

Ben Somerford



Kookaburras coach Colin Batch says Saturday night’s (local time) FIH Men’s Hockey World League semi-final against Germany is all about performing under pressure.

Batch was delighted with the Kookaburras’ come-from-behind 4-1 win over Spain in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night, stating Australia in the past hadn’t handled such occasions well.

“We’re really pleased that we could come back from 1-0 down,” he said.

“Second half we got on top but it took a lot of time.

“We had been speaking about that during the tournament. Australia in the past haven’t handled those situations all that well.”

Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles spoke about winning the big games after the Spain victory and Batch reiterated that sentiment looking ahead to the semi-final.

“It’s about performing under pressure,” Batch said.

“We came here to learn a lot. We wanted to play against the European teams because we don’t always get that opportunity, particularly in Australia.

“That was first and foremost to assess our players under those conditions. World League Four tournament is very difficult and we wanted to see how we’d cope under those conditions.”

The two sides met in the pool phase drawing 2-2. Australia had won the two previous encounters between the sides, 4-3 at last year’s Champions Trophy and 4-1 in the 2015 World League Final quarters.

Germany’s last win over the Kookaburras coincidentally occurred in Bhubaneswar 3-2 at the 2014 Champions Trophy.

Australia will play Germany at 1am (AEDT) on Sunday live on Fox Sports. The match will be Jeremy Hayward’s 100th game for the Kookaburras.

Follow @Kookaburras and #HWL2017 on Twitter for live commentary of the semi-final.

Hockey Australia media release

We need to improve our game for Australia semi-final: Martin Haner

Feroz Khan

BHUBANESWAR: Germany might have won the shootout against Netherlands to enter the semi-final of the Hockey World League Final but both their captain and coach have admitted they did not play their best game tonight.

"Our aim is to win the tournament but there are too many good teams here. We have to play better than today. I think in the second half we gave too many chances and [penalty] corners. They missed but we did too. We need to improve for the semi-finals," Germany captain Martin Haner said after the match.

Talking about the game, Haner said, "It was quite an intense game. They were up and then we were up and with 24 seconds left, we conceded the goal. We were good in the shootout. So, at the end, we are happy to be through to the semis."

Germany have a day to recover from this energy-sapping contest and prepare themselves for Australia, a team that will make them pay dearly if they repeat the mistakes they committed against Netherlands.

"We didn't play our best hockey [tonight] - not as good as against the Indians," Germany coach Stefan Kermas said. "The mixture between strategical building up and the running up to the opponent's D wasn't good. We have to improve for the semis. Australia are more physical than the Dutch and if we are losing too many balls like today in the offensive area then we will get counterattacked."

Shedding more light on his team's weak areas, Kermas observed Germany were a bit fortunate to escape with a win. "We had problems with pressing in the first half, there was a little problem with setup and we couldn't put pressure on them. We are lucky that we are through," he said.

He further added, "The physical movement, body language and the will to win was quite good but there are a lot of tiny things that can improve."

After tonight's contest, the semi-finals lineups are complete. In the first semi-final, host India lock horns with Olympic champion Argentina after Netherlands face England in losing quarterfinalists match on Friday. Then on Saturday, Germany take on Australia in the second semi-final after losing quarterfinalists contest between Belgium and Spain.

The Times of India

Guatemala winner of the 11th Central American Hockey 5 Games in Managua

Candela Diaz Bustos


Photo: PAHF

Guatemala’s women and men team were the main protagonists of the last day in Managua after defeating their respective rivals, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, hanging the  precious gold medals of the XI Central American Games (Hockey 5).

Men: El Salvador defeated Honduras 4-2, Panama won 5-2 against Nicaragua, taking the bronze medal.
Women: Costa Rica was beaten by Panama (shoot outs) and  Nicaragua lost the game vs Guatemala with only one goal difference.

El Salvador vs Honduras (4-2)

The first game of the day  started early in the morning. People quickly woke up with Kevin Alvarado goal from Honduras just  a few minutes after starting the game. A few seconds later, his teammate Jose Barahona scored and took the difference 2-0 against the Salvadorans to leave the first half with a clear advantage. Salvador narrowed the gap with Heber Álvarez, who was looking for more goals, which gave effect. During the third quarter, he scored again and tied the game 2-2.  Jonathan Presa was the one in charge to  tipped the scales in favor of those led by Pablo Mejía at minute 24. At the end of the game Luis Mejía after clear opportunity, scored and sealed the  victory  4-2. El Salvador- 5th place

Costa Rica vs Panama 0-0 (3-4 SO)

At 10 am, the match for the bronze medal was played between the teams of Costa Rica and Panama, who during the 30 minutes of the game were not able to score, taking the game to Shoot Outs, The first to face the situation, but without success was the Costa Rican Nohelia Mata. It was Rubi Diaz who scored Panama's dream of hanging the bronze with her first goal. Daniela Solano, Nohelia Mata (again) and Monserrat Banquero scored for Costa Rica but this wasn't  enough since Panama scored more goals . Panama won the third place 4-3 (SO)

Panama vs Nicaragua 5-2

Hockey 5 speed made Martir Núñez scored the first goal with only 1 minute of the game played.. The locals were not left behind and scored the minute 3. Panama surprised with a field goal, and extended the difference  2-1. Manuel Correa was in charge of the third goal for Panama.  Yomar Martinez and Angelo Boodie were not left behind and scored their goals to seal Panama’s victory. Miguel Florian scored for the locals and shrinked the difference. Panama won the bronze medal.

Women's Final: Nicaragua vs Guatemala 0-1

The Central American Games women’s final faced the locals, who recently entered the international circuit, against Guatemala, an experienced team in this modality that has been growing year after year. The match was tight and no advantage was taken during the first two quarters. It was not until the 23rd minute, that Sandra Sis, scored and Guatemala began to feel the gold in their hands. A well-balanced game and guarding the defense allowed the only goal of the game. Those led by Hans Higueros kept  the golden medal.

Men's Final: Guatemala vs Costa Rica 2-0

The spirits of the afternoon were painted blue and white in Managua, after Guatemala women’s first place . Guatemala came out with full energy to attack the Costa Rica’s field, breaking the defense and scoring the first goal after 4 minutes. The second goal was scored by Oscar Leiva, who after 10 minutes sentenced the game. Although in the second half those led by Andrés Messina found a good defensive position and with some possibilities, but their effort was  not enough to break the Guatemala’s  goal, which was defended with efficiency. The final result, 2-0 for Guatemala, who obtained the goal medal.

Highlights

The surprise of the tournament was Nicaragua, the newest team in the region to enter the circuit and silver medal winners (women) and 4th place (men).

Out of the results, it was really good news to have El Salvador again in the circuit, who had been absent from the last two competitions and obtained 5th place in CAC 2017.

XI Central American Game are over.Thanks for the officials and so many volunteers who made this tournament possible. Congratulations to all the teams and athletes.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Q&A on The Netherlands Series with USWNT Head Coach Janneke Schopman



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. With the U.S. Women’s National Team's series against FIH Hero World Ranked No. 1 The Netherlands on the horizon, the team has been hard at work since arriving back stateside from the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand.

The four-game series at Stanford University is the first segment of a competitive schedule prior to the USWNT’s trip to the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London, England in July. USWNT Head Coach Janneke Schopman is primed to welcome the new year on a high note on the West Coast in Palo Alto, Calif. We sat down with Schopman for a little Q&A to ask how she feels about the upcoming series and for the chance to play against her home country.

USA Field Hockey: This series against The Netherlands. How big of an opportunity is this for the team in preparation for the FIH Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup?

Janneke Schopman: We are excited to play the world’s best team in our preparation for the World Cup. The Netherlands provides us with multiple challenges: our individual attack, individual defense and as a team learning how we play well against a team like this in transition and tactically staying close to our DNA.

USA Field Hockey: Talk briefly about the team’s play at the International Festival of Hockey and Hockey World League Final, particularly against The Netherlands. What stood out to you more than anything that you hope to exploit next month?

JS: We played The Netherlands twice and if you give them space they are deadly. Their individual skill level and comfort on the ball means we have to put pressure on them as a team and attack as a team. In the Hockey World League Final, we showed that the first two quarters and my aim is to build on that and work more on our ball possession and creating more opportunities against them.

USA Field Hockey: In your mind, how much will this series factor in to finalizing the 2018 USWNT roster?

JS: Not sure, it’s the start of the year. It will be great to see some athletes play there that missed Hockey World League Final because of injuries or college.

USA Field Hockey: Did anyone’s play during the International Festival of Hockey or Hockey World League Final make you raise your eyebrow, or stand out in your mind?

JS: The Dutch are a very skillful team and you can’t really focus on an individual, for me their forward line is very dangerous and creative and will be a great test for our defense.

USA Field Hockey: Playing on the West Coast means a different fan base than that at Spooky Nook Sports. Does that bring some extra eagerness or emotions to the surface playing in front of an unfamiliar, but home crowd?

JS: On a personal note, I think it’s great we try to broaden our base and being able to give young players and fans the opportunity to see the U.S. Women’s National Team live. I hope that many people find their way to Stanford to see us play and support us, so we can possibly make it a returning event!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Discounted group tickets will also be available for each game when 10 or more tickets are purchased for the same match. This is a great option for clubs, middle and high school teams, collegiate programs or any group of friends wanting to experience international field hockey competition together. Contact Glen Hollingsworth at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or to purchase tickets for your group!

Stay tuned to usafieldhockey.com for more information regarding the USWNT versus The Netherlands series. #UN1TED

USFHA media release

South African Indoor Hockey BlitzStoks for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup



Having previously announced a 15 man squad for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup next year, today SA Hockey is pleased to announce the final 12 players for the SA Indoor Hockey BlitzStoks, powered by Tops at SPAR, which will head to Germany in February to take on the World.

Matthew Fairweather, who has captained the team since the last Indoor Hockey World Cup, will once again be the man asked to lead the team. This will be Fairweather’s second World Cup after featuring at Leipzig in 2015.

In 2015 the BlitzStoks finished in 11th place at the World Cup, after defeating Canada in the playoffs, but featured a largely inexperienced squad with most players only having a handful of caps from the African Indoor Hockey Cup of Nations. For 2018 the BlitzStoks will have significantly more experience at their disposal with Chris McCathie, Richard Curtis, Justin Domleo, Jarryd Jones and Mo Mea all joining Fairweather at a second World Cup. The experience of having played at the previous World Cup will be a massive benefit for the squad and something that coach Pierre le Roux has put immense confidence in.

Experience will also be provided in the form of Wade Paton, a man who counts the Olympic Games on his hockey resume and further complimented by Jethro Eustice, who featured for South Africa at the Commonwealth Games and the FIH Hockey World Cup. The consistent Robin Jones, a man who has won the African Cup of Nations in both Indoor and Outdoor Hockey alongside another teammate Reza Rosenberg, also add to a team with an incredible bond with one another.

Ryan Julius and Rusten Abrahams were also part of the South African Men’s side that just won the African Hockey Indoor Cup of Nations in Namibia and the two youngest members of the squad offer an exciting offensive prospect for the BlitzStoks to utilise in Germany.

The South African Indoor Hockey BlitzStoks are currently 12th in the World Indoor Hockey rankings, but with a good showing at the World Cup could set a realistic goal to move into the Top 10 of the Indoor rankings

The group of players assembled have the right makeup to achieve South Africa’s best ever finish at an Indoor Hockey World Cup. They have all been part of the SA Indoor Hockey structure over the past three years and have been exposed to many opportunities with each other at the various PSi Nationals. They will also have a further opportunity together when they play in the PSi Showdowns on 9, 10, 12 and 13 December in Cape Town.

The SA Indoor Hockey BlitzStoks – Final World Cup Squad

NAME, PROVINCE

Chris McCathie (GK), KZN Raiders
Richard Curtis (GK), KZN Raiders
Matthew Fairweather, KZN Raiders
Justin Domleo, KZN Raiders
Robin Jones, KZN Raiders
Wade Paton, KZN Raiders
Jethro Eustice, KZN Raiders
Mohamed Mea, KZN Raiders
Rusten Abrahams, Southern Gauteng
Reza Rosenberg, Southern Gauteng
Ryan Julius, Western Province
Jarryd Jones, KZN Raiders

SA Hockey Association media release

Pro Series Indoor (PSi) to revolutionise indoor hockey in Ireland


Celebrations at the 2016 PSi event in Cape Town

Pro Series Indoor (PSi) is set to revolutionise indoor hockey in Ireland in the new year with the introduction of their groundbreaking format to the country following 11 years of epic events in South Africa.

The competition will see eight regionally-based “franchise” clubs formed around the country. Each region will run local indoor leagues at four different age groups – fifth class, sixth class, first year and Under-15 – between late March and mid-May.

From these leagues, clubs select one or two teams per age group to represent them at the PSi Nationals, the jewel in the crown of the season, creating a special hockey-party atmosphere.

Nationals is a three day spectacular of competitive indoor hockey, fun and entertainment at Gormanston Park Indoor Centre in north Dublin with over 200 matches, evening parties and a star-studded All-Star game.

Global superstars Jamie Dwyer, Benni Wess, Timo Wess, Teun Rohof and Moritz Fürste will line out in a top quality All-Star team to take on a combination of Irish and European players in two high octane battles.

2015 Indoor World Cup winning captain Robert Tigges has played in the All-Star game for the past three years. He is looking forward to this new chapter in the PSI history as it spreads its wings beyond South Africa for the first time.

“PSi is the most amazing experience to have with indoor hockey as a kid. Nowhere in the world will you find something like this,” Tigges said of PSi. “With a combination of competitive hockey, fun and entertainment, this experience will blow your mind and it certainly blew my mind three years ago.”

Miles Warren has been instrumental in bringing PSi to Ireland and he says it can raise the bar for the sport in the country.

“Indoor hockey is such an exciting, fast-paced sport that improves and develops players skill levels beyond measure. When you add the vibrant, fun and party atmosphere that PSi brings to the game, it’s a winning formula for children and parents alike. We can’t wait to introduce PSi to the Irish sporting community.”

PSi founder Simon Martin adds: “Since 2006, Pro Series Indoor commonly known as PSi has created an indoor hockey revolution in Southern Africa, bringing together over 10,000 hockey players. Most importantly it has captivated the hearts and souls of thousands of young aspiring hockey players and grown their love for the game.

“At our Nationals event, we bring colours, music, vibe and excitement to elevate the profile of hockey and make it a memorable experience. We not only focus on the importance of developing your hockey but we create an environment where friendships are formed and camaraderie is built amongst the PSi clubs.
Join us, let’s create something special for us all!

Already signed up are Wicklow Wasps, Kildare Swans, South Dublin Vikings, Limerick Lions, Kilkenny Cats and Belfast Bears while Cork Ravens and North Dublin Knights also in position to start a club.

** To find out more about PSI Hockey, dates and how to sign up as a player to take part in the event, go to: http://www.psihockey.ie



Also keep an eye on The Hook in the coming days for further information about PSi and how you can get involved!

The Hook

McGuire relishing Irish return after five years away


Leah McGuire with Emma Russell in Alcala this week.

Leah McGuire, formerly Ewart, is in the frame for a place in Ireland’s World Cup squad after emerging from under the radar following five years in the international wilderness, writes John Flack.

The Ulster woman, who plays for UCD, received a late call-up to the squad that took part in last week’s Tri-Nations tournament in Spain and played in three of Ireland’s matches against Belgium and the host team.

The former Armagh defender got her big chance after UCD’s Ellen Curran was forced to pull out of the panel due to injury and she enjoyed the experience although a lot has changed in the international set-up since she last played in 2012 in three games against Wales.

Her return to the squad could, no doubt, act as an incentive and encouragement to some of her contemporaries like fellow-Ulster woman Gemma Frazer and Kerri McDonald.

Those two players understandably opted out of the panel last year as they were concentrating instead on completing their teaching qualifications and have yet to come back into the mix.

But McGuire’s return to the fold suggests that, while head coach Graham Shaw has introduced several younger players into his recent squads, there’s still room for the more experienced players to make their mark and return to the ranks.

The 24-year-old McGuire was recalled to the training squad after catching Shaw’s eye when playing for the Dublin students.

“I knew Graham had been watching our club games this season and was impressed with how I was playing and liked my style,” she said. “He had approached me about being involved with the squad again in the build-up to the World Cup and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifications.

“It just happened that when Ellen got injured, an opportunity came to go away and he wanted to see me play at that level so I was invited to the Tri-Nations which was great – I jumped at the chance.

“It had been a few years since I was in that environment so, despite knowing and playing with a lot of the girls previously at either club or under-age-level, a lot has changed regarding the game.

“For example, how they prepare for matches, the technology used around competing and analysing games and players.

“So there were aspects of it that felt new and also I hadn’t worked with a lot of the staff before so that was a new experience too.”


Leah McGuire in action against Wales in her previous international ties in 2012. Pic: Adrian Boehm

McGuire says she would dearly love to play for Ireland at the World Cup but she realises that there will be stiff competition for places in the final 18, especially in defence.

“From chatting with Graham, he seems very open-minded regarding the squad for the World Cup and there is a lot of training from now until then,” added the PhD student.

“It would obviously be very tough as there’s a lot of talent and depth currently in the squad and we all bring different things to the field.

“As a Christian, ultimately it is my relationship with God that is at that centre of all that I do.
I believe my ability to play hockey is a gift from God and I want to use it to the best of my ability to give thanks and to worship Him.

“That is my desire every time I train, run, step on the pitch, win or lose so my mindset doesn’t change regarding selection for the world cup.

“I will aim to give it my all for Him and if that leads to playing in London that would be incredibly special.”

The Hook

Irish hockey’s Ayeisha McFerran awarded highest honour in US college sport

In-form 21-year-old goalkeeper from Larne earns honour for the second year

Mary Hannigan


File photograph showing Ayeisha McFerran accepting the Best Goalkeeper award in 2015. She has been honoured in the US following her impressive season. Photograph: Gary Carr/Inpho

Irish hockey players have enjoyed considerable success on the college front in the United States in recent years, Emma Russell and Roisin Upton among those who made a name for themselves during their spells with Syracuse and the University of Connecticut, respectively, both picked by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association for their “All-American” teams of the year.

And this week goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran earned that honour for the second year running. The 21-year-old from Larne, who played with Randalstown and Pegasus before taking up a hockey scholarship at the University of Louisville in 2015, has been in exceptional form this season, earning her the highest honour in US college sport.

McFerran, who, despite her youth, already has 65 senior caps to her name, missed August’s European Championships with a foot injury and in her absence since then Grace O’Flanagan, Clodagh Cassin, Emma Buckley and Liz Murphy have all been given a chance to stake their claim to the number one jersey.
Build-up

She should be back, though, for what will be a busy build-up to next summer’s World Cup in London, with three games against Britain at Bisham Abbey in March just added to the schedule. The bulk of the British squad is likely to make up the England panel for the World Cup, giving Ireland an early taste of what they’ll face come June – they were drawn in a pool with England, as well as the United States and India.

Meanwhile on the club front, UCD will look to retain top spot in the Hockey League when they take on Ards at Belfield on Saturday, a fortnight after beating the same opposition 3-1 in the Irish Senior Cup. Second-placed Cork Harlequins are away to Loreto, while Pegasus, in third, host Belfast Harlequins at Queens.

Bottom two Pembroke Wanderers and Monkstown both have a chance to improve their standings over the weekend, the sides at home to Railway Union and Trinity, respectively, on Saturday, before meeting at Serpentine Avenue on Sunday.

Hockey League - Saturday: Loreto v Cork Harlequins, Beaufort, 1.15; UCD v Ards, Belfield, 2.50; Pegasus v Belfast Harlequins, Queens, 4.0; Pembroke Wanderers v Railway Union, Serpentine Avenue, 4.0; Monkstown v Trinity, Rathdown, 4.10. Sunday: Pembroke Wanderers v Monkstown, Serpentine Avenue, 2.45.

The Irish TImes

Big weekend of indoor hockey awaits


Men – National 1 2017 Indoor Grand Final, Grove Menzieshill v Inverleith – photo by Duncan Gray

The Tayside monopoly of the indoor hockey championships was re-established last season when Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers won the respective Scottish men`s and women`s crowns, but will this season see a meaningful challenge to the Midlands hegemony?

Inverleith was the first club to effectively challenge the 20 year Tayside monopoly of the men`s title, they won the title four times between 2011 and the present, but lost out to their great rivals Grove Menzieshill last season.

But Inverleith coach Stuart Neave insisted that the Edinburgh side are going through a transitional stage after several successful years.

Neave said: “This indoor season will be a rebuilding year for us, several of our older players have stepped down from National League hockey.

“Having said that, we still have some young and exciting players in our side and therefore expect to be competitive.”

The Inverleith coach declined to name names, so it is difficult to know if his side can mount a serious challenge to current champions Grove Menzieshill.

However, Neave can look forward to a gruelling opening programme at Perth this weekend, first up are Bromac Kelburne, local rivals Grange are next, and the final encounter is against Grove Menzieshill.

It was exactly the same programme this time last year and a mixed day at the office for Neave, an 8-5 win over Grange was followed by an 8-4 reversal against Kelburne, but the day finished on a high with a narrow 3-2 victory over their Tayside rivals. Given Inverleith`s transitional status, Neave might settle for a similar set of results in this season`s opening encounters.

The Taysiders claimed their 20th indoor crown with a comfortable 7-3 win over Inverleith in last year`s final. And it would appear that Grove Menzieshill are determined to hold on to their title.

Scotland midfielder Gavin Byers said: “We always go into any competition with the objective to win it. We regained the title last year after a few years of Gala Day losses.

“We aspire to compete and win trophies in Europe as that is the tradition that has been in the club for many years. Winning the league this season is the first step to achieving this goal.”

So where is the challenge to Grove Menzieshill`s aspirations going to come from?

Byers remarked: “Every league game will be tough. Inverleith and Kelburne were strong last year and I anticipate them to be challenging for the title again.

“Grange and Dundee Wanderers are two other teams that have a good indoor pedigree and they`ll be looking to finish at the top end of the table come the play-offs.”

Last season Grange and Kelburne put in some impressive individual match performances, but finally bowed out of title contention at the semi-final stage – Grange lost 7-4 to Inverleith while Kelburne went down 7-5 to Grove Menzieshill.

Their opening day tussles with Inverleith and Grove Menzieshill could give an early indication of their crown potential.

The return of Dundee Wanderers to the top flight after a season in the second tier could give an extra dimension to the competitive nature of the championship as, like their city rivals Grove Menzieshill, they are committed to the indoor game.

The impact of the remaining three sides – Clydesdale, Hillhead and newly promoted Edinburgh University – is not easy to determine at this stage, this weekend`s performances and results will give a clearer indication.


Scottish National Indoor League Division 1 game – Hillhead v Kelburne – photo by Duncan Gray

The women`s National League 1 table has a new look about it – it is headed by Hillhead after two wins and a draw last weekend. They lead Dundee Wanderers by a point, but have played a game more.

The Glasgow side beat CALA Edinburgh 4-2, then saw off Kelburne by a lot, and were only seconds away from another victory over Edinburgh University but succumbed to a late minute strike by the students` Kate Hibbert.

This weekend`s fixtures will determine Hillhead`s staying power, they open against Grove Menzieshill, last season`s runners-up, then face a Wildcats` side that have only a point from their three games so far. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Carla McNiven, Wendy Andrews, Zoe Irvine and Kathy Watson can continue to rattle in the goals.

Defending champions Wanderers did win both their games last weekend, but they were taken right to the wire by Milne Craig Western in their opening encounter. The champions have a testing couple of ventures on Sunday, they open against city rivals Grove Menzieshill, then face an unbeaten Edinburgh University.

The Edinburgh students look like they might be a force in the land again this indoor season, last weekend they played out 2-2 draws against Wildcats and Hillhead, but created the first shock of the campaign with a 5-4 win over Grove Menzieshill, doubles from Sophie Maunder and Becky Dru were the catalysts while Ella Watt notched the winner.

The students should pick up the three points from their second outing against a Kelburne outfit that have already conceded 50 goals in their games so far.

Grove Menzieshill have a full day at Perth on Sunday, after their initial date with Wanderers, a repeat of last year`s final which the latter triumphed 4-2, they take on Hillhead and CALA and will hope to move up to the top echelons of the table.

Milne Craig Western just came up short against Wanderers last week but certainly made an impact with the Justice sisters Kayleigh and Margery sharing the goals between them. A similar show of grit and determination should see the Titwood-based side take full points from their encounters with Wildcats and CALA.

CALA might build on their three points in the bag with a win over bottom side Kelburne in their opening fixture but later outings against Western and Grove Menzieshill may be more problematic.

Wildcats only took a point from their opening three games, and only a goal a game average in indoor hockey is not good shooting, that will need to improve against Western and Hillhead on Sunday.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Avtar scores hattrick to help Police hold Terengganu

PETALING JAYA: Skipper Avtar Singh Pander netted a hattrick to lead his 10-man Police team to a thrilling 3-3 draw against last year’s joint champions Terengganu in their opening Group A match in the National Veterans Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.

Police were not able to field a full team because some of their players were called up for official duty.

Even Avtar had to return to Kuala Lumpur after the match against Terengganu for an important meeting.

He is expected back today.

The 59-year-old Police Superintendent was on target in the 12th, 18th and 35th minutes to deny Terengganu full points.

Former international Chairil Anwar Aziz twice gave Terengganu the lead – in the second and 13th minutes – while Shahrudin Mohd Yusof netted their third in the 24th minute.

There was also disappointment for last year’s joint champions Pahang, who slumped to a 2-1 loss to Perak in Group B.

Perak led through a Avtar Singh goal in the fifth minute, but Pahang equalised through Sunil Prasad (31st).

Perak got the winner through N. Kasevan with a field goal.

Selangor, meanwhile, grabbed two wins in Group B – beating Negri Sembilan 2-1 in the morning and outplaying Armed Forces 3-1 in the evening.

Hosts Johor thrashed Perlis 4-1.

Khairuddin Mohd Ghani (seventh, 21st minutes), T. Manjit Singh (eighth) and Karim Makpol (38th) got the goals for Johor while Izzat Abdullah (19th) replied for Perlis.

The Star of Malaysia

Pahang boys and girls are favourites to retain Under-14 titles

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pahang Hockey Academy has produced the desired results since its formation in 2013.

The east coast team did well to win both the boys’ and girls’ 1MAS National Under-14 Hockey Cham­pionships in Kuala Lumpur last year.

They will be favourites to retain the double when the championships begin today.

A total of 15 teams will feature in the boys’ tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil while 13 teams will compete in the girls’ section at the Education Ministry Turf at Lembah Pantai.

The academy, formed by Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah four years ago at SMK Seberang Temerloh, has produced large pool of Under-14 and Under-18 boys’ and girls’ players.

“We have 80 boys and 70 girls in both the age categories. And we have capable and talented players to retain both the titles in the National Under-14 championships,” said Pahang Hockey Academy coach and the former international Mohd Sufian Mohd.

The Pahang boys’ team are gunning for their third title, having won it in 2014 and 2016.

The girls’ team are confident of capturing their second title.

The Pahang boys’ team have retained six players from last year’s side. They are defenders Muhammad Fazril Lokman and Muhammad Taufiq Hidayat Abdullah; midfielders Muhammad Al-Fahim Nail Norsham and Muhammad Alief Mukhles Mohd Afandi; and forwards Muhammad Fazrin Lokman and Muhammad Sirhan Rahim.

In the boys’ competition, Pahang are in Group A with Pahang, Melaka, Penang, Kelantan and Perlis. Group B comprises Johor, Perak, Selangor, Sarawak and Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu and Kedah are in Group C.

Pahang will open their campaign against Kelantan today and Sufian is hopeful of an encouraging start.

In the girls’ competition, Group A consists of Pahang, Singapore, Kedah, Terengganu and Perlis while Group B has Melaka, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak. Group C comprises Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan.

The top two teams from each category will qualify for the second round where they will be divided into two groups.

The group winners will meet in the final on Dec 16.

The Star of Malaysia

Rutledge moves on from Field Hockey Canada

Field Hockey Canada announced today the resignation of Ian Rutledge. Ian was the Canada Women’s National Program Director and Head Coach since March of 2013. During this time, Rutledge was instrumental in reshaping the Women’s National Team high performance environment. Additionally, he dedicated himself to a NextGEN program established to lay the foundation for those athletes who will represent Canada in the future.

“There is never a great or easy time to step away from a program, especially one you care so much about,” said Rutledge. “On a personal level, the time is right to step away from the program and look to start the next chapter. Moving forward, new program leadership will have enough time to make an impact ahead of the 2020 Olympic Qualification cycle. Looking back, I have been honoured to work with the WNT athletes on a daily basis and have been impressed and inspired by their hard work and commitment to the cause. I will be their biggest fan moving forward and hope they continue to push themselves to be the best they can be. They are a special group and I am confident of their collective futures together. To all the players and the WNT staff, I thank you for your tireless efforts. My family and I have fond memories of our time in Canada and I have been proud to represent the Country, this program and the players.”

“We wish Ian the best in his future endeavours,” added Jeff Sauvé, CEO of Field Hockey Canada. “We are thankful to Ian for the positive impacts and successful contributions he has made to field hockey in Canada during his leadership role with the Women’s National Program.”

While in his leadership role, the Field Hockey Canada’s Women’s National Team had several achievements, including the first Pan American Games medal in 16 years (a bronze at the 2015 Games in Toronto). Also in 2015 the team finished second at the FIH World League Round 2. This followed winning Round 1 at a world record setting goal pace in Mexico. In 2013 the women took home the Pan American Cup bronze for the first time in nine years. More recent successes included a 1-1 draw with the #4 ranked Americans, breaking a 12-year losing streak against the USA. Canada recently defeated #12 India (3-1 on March 26, 2017), #9 Korea in April of 2016, and drew 1-1 with current #2 ranked England in May 2014.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Batra set to be IOA boss after Khanna withdraws from race


International Hockey Federation president Narinder Batra. file

Narinder Batra is all set to become the next Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president after Anil Khanna decided not to contest the election.

Batra, Khanna and Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI) president BP Baishya had filed their nomination papers to contest for the IOA’s top post. Baishya had withdrawn his candidacy before December 3, which was the last day for the withdrawal of papers.

Khanna, who formerly headed the All-India Tennis Association (AITA), today announced his intention not to contest in a letter to IOA members. But the voting process will still be held on December 14, when the IOA Annual General body Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to be held.

“In order to keep the IOA family united and to ensure that common friends are not put in a difficult situation while deciding who to vote for, I have decided to withdraw my candidature as president of IOA from the current election in favour of Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra,” Khanna wrote.

“IOA has been one family so far, and the election this year is creating division,” he continued. “I have had an opportunity of discussing with many of you over the last eight days and also with some of our more experienced members who have led the IOA so far. Many do not want a division as they enjoy a warm relationship with both sides and find themselves in a difficult situation to finally decide whom to vote for.”

Contest on for VP, treasurer posts?

Jharkhand Olympic Association chief RK Anand and International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) president Janardhan Singh Gehlot are in a direct contest for the post of the senior vice president. Interestingly, a few from the Jharkhand body have approached the Ranchi High Court against the candidacy of Anand, pleading that his candidature be stopped because he was flouting domicile rules and was also over the stipulated age of 70 years, as per the Sports Code.

The situation is similar for the post of the treasurer. Judo Federation of India’s Mukesh Kumar, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association’s Anandeshwar Pandey and Rio Olympics Chef-de-Mission Rakesh Gupta have filed their papers. Kumar’s candidature has the backing of the major powerbrokers, including Lalit Bhanot. But he is facing opposition on the account that his tenure has finished and fresh elections weren’t held. If Kumar’s candidature is struck off by the returning officer, then Gupta will be the favourite to become the treasurer.

The Tribune

KHU branches to elect new officials this weekend

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya Hockey Union chairman Nashon Randiek. PHOTO | FILE |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Five out of six Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) affiliates will hold their elections this weekend in various venues across the country.

The branch elections will pave the way for national elections set for January 13 at Sikh Union in Nairobi.

The national elections were moved from December 16 to January 13 following advice from Centre for Sports Law which will oversee the exercise.

Only Coast region has held its elections, with Nairobi, Western, Nakuru, Central and Nyanza set to go to the polls this weekend.

The affiliates will elect officials who will hold office for the next four years as per the KHU constitution and 2013 Sports Act.

Observers have opined that the branch elections will give a clearer picture of candidates that will seek elective positions in the national polls. So far, incumbent Nashon Randiek is the only candidate for KHU chairmanship.

His assistant, Ellynah Shiveka, has also expressed interest in defending her seat. The two were elected unopposed in 2013.

However, according to Nairobi Hockey Association (NHA) Secretary General Tom Olal, the coming week will see a number of candidates enter the race for various positions.

“I’m sure branches will field candidates in the national polls because people want change in the sport,” Olal said on Thursday.

Olal said he will contest the Secretary General’s post. He lost to Davinder Bharij in 2013 by four votes.

The six affiliates alongside KHU umpires will have two votes at the national polls. Life members will also have two votes during the exercise, leaving the candidates to vie for a total of 16 votes.

National polls had been scheduled for October 28 but were postponed due to the Africa Cup of Nations which were held In Ismailia, Egypt from October 22-29.

Some 10 positions will be up for grabs, among them chairman’s position, two vice chairpersons, Secretary General, vice secretary, match and fixtures secretary, match and fixtures vice secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer and public relations Officer.

Daily Nation

Meet the man who has played 1000 games of hockey


Mark Tate Cheam HC

Hands up who has played 50 hockey games? 100? What about 500? Well Mark Tate from Cheshunt HC has recently played his incredible 1000th hockey game!
 
When we asked him how it felt to have played his 1000th game, he said it was a great ‘relief’ to have reached the milestone.

But rather than focus too much on his feat, the humble Mark insisted on paying tribute to those around him who have helped him enjoy the sport over the years.

“I want to say a big thank though you to all of those organisers who volunteer to run the East League that I play in and all the other leagues up and down the country. Without them Saturdays would be very different,” he said.

“I have so many fond memories from playing this sport over the years. The sheer number of friends I have made, some of them still very dear to me, through playing hockey. The camaraderie within the game as grass roots level still never ceases to amaze me."

Mark first got into hockey at school through a very enthusiastic teacher who encouraged him to take it up.

“Not much has changed in 40-odd years except that now I'm doing the lifts!” he said.

Well done Mark for this fantastic achievement!

England Hockey Board Media release