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News for 30 July 2018

All the news for Monday 30 July 2018


Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 - Day 8
London (ENG)

Results 29 July

KOR v CHN (Pool A)     1 - 1
NED v ITA (Pool A)     12 - 1
IND v USA (Pool B)     1 - 1
ENG v IRL (Pool B)     1 - 0

Upcoming 30 July

18:00     BEL v ESP (Cross-over)
20:15     ARG v NZL (Cross-over)

Final pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Netherlands 3 3 0 0 26 2 24 9
2 Italy 3 2 0 1 5 12 -7 6
3 Korea 3 0 1 2 1 9 -8 1
4 China 3 0 1 2 2 11 -9 1

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Ireland 3 2 0 1 4 2 2 6
2 England 3 1 2 0 3 2 1 5
3 India 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
4 United States 3 0 2 1 3 5 -2 2

Pool C

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Germany 3 3 0 0 9 4 5 9
2 Argentina 3 1 1 1 9 6 3 4
3 Spain 3 1 0 2 10 10 0 3
4 South Africa 3 0 1 2 3 11 -8 1

Pool D

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Australia 3 1 2 0 4 3 1 5
2 Belgium 3 1 1 1 8 7 1 4
3 New Zealand 3 1 1 1 6 5 1 4
4 Japan 3 1 0 2 7 10 -3 3

FIH Match Centre



Record breaking Netherlands top Pool A and Korea send Asian rivals China home


Carlien van den Heuvel celebrated 200 caps by scoring two goals. Getty Images/FIH

A record-breaking victory over Italy helped the Netherlands to join Ireland, Germany and Australia in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018, as the pool phase ended at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre. The Dutch produced a stunning performance to set a new record in terms of the biggest ever victory at an official FIH Women's World Cup, with the 12-1 triumph over the Italians eclipsing the nine goal winning margins achieved by West Germany(1976: 9-0 vs Nigeria / 1978: 10-1 vs Nigeria) and Korea (1990: 9-0 vs USA).

The first session of competition Day 8 featured the concluding matches of Pool A, with Korea and China first to take to the field in a match that would see at least one of the teams being eliminated from the event.

Whilst the two sides were level on points in the bottom half of the pool, Korea's marginally superior goal difference meant that China needed victory if they were going to keep their title hopes alive and were certainly the better team in the opening stages of the contest. Their chances of securing a place in the play-off places for the quarter-finals greatly improved when Xhang Xiaoxue's back-hand strike in the fourth minute gave China a deserved lead.

However, Korea raised their game and struck a remarkable equaliser in the final second of the quarter, with Kim Ok Ju showing great awareness to get ahead of her marker to slap a first time effort between the legs of China goalkeeper Kim Youngran.

China were arguably the better team for the contest but failed to make the most of some significant scoring opportunities, thwarted regularly by an outstanding performance from Korea central defender Tang Heesun, who was named Vitality Player of the Match.

The final 15 minutes were almost totally dominated by China, but their lack of a killer instinct in front of goal proved costly with five minutes remaining. While China did not concede, a yellow card to Guo Zixia saw China reduced in numbers for the final five minutes of the match, instantly stopping the momentum that the team had been gathering in the latter stages.

Korea held on for the draw that they needed to progress at the expense of Jamilon Mülders' young China team who, despite elimination, will have gained invaluable experience from this competition ahead of their attempt to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the upcoming 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.

Speaking after the match, China's Ou Zixia said: "We played well but we didn't get the outcomes we had hoped for. We have been doing a lot of preparation around penalty corners but we needed to get more structure to our attack to make that work.

"Our tactic was to do a lot of running to really stretch the pitch. Our coach asks us to work hard to the very last minute of the game. I think we did that today."

The final match of Pool A was the battle for a first place finish and that all-important guaranteed berth in the quarter-finals, with reigning world champions the Netherlands (WR:1) taking on surprise package Italy (WR:17).

With both teams having won their two previous matches, something had to give in the meeting between the highest and lowest ranked teams competing in this year's Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018.

While the Italians produced two wonderful performances in their wins over China and Korea, they faced an entirely different proposition in a Dutch side that had scored 14 times and conceded just once in their triumphs over the Asian nation in the pool.

While the Italians showed plenty of spirit, the Dutch were sensational in the opening two quarters and powered into 5-1 half time lead. Frederique Matla finished off a slick passing move to put the Netherlands ahead in the 10th minute, with Caia van Maasakker's unstoppable penalty corner drag-flick making it 2-0 just before quarter-time.

Italy captain Chiara Tiddi smashed home a penalty corner early in the second period to give her team hope, but the dazzling Dutch turned on the style with Kelly Jonker, Margot van Geffen and Kitty van Male all making their mark on the score-sheet.

Rather than easing off, the Dutch somehow found a way to improve in the third and fourth quarters, adding another seven goals to their tally to claim a staggering final score of 12-1, setting a new all-time winning margin record at an FIH Hockey Women's World Cup.

Carlien van den Heuvel marked her 200th international with a two goals either side of blistering finishes from Van Male and Matla who pushed the score to 9-1 ahead of the final quarter. Van Male took her match tally to four with two strikes in the final quarter, with Kelly Jonker also adding another goal to a quite remarkable score-line.

"The start was not good enough, which Alyson [Annan] made clear at the break but we gradually got better with our passes and the goals started to go in as a result," said Netherlands ace Kitty van Male, who sits at the top of the scoring charts with seven goals in just three games here in London.

"Korea and China are good teams and we sometimes only win 1-0 against them, for example in Rio, we only won by small margins. But our team spirit here is great and that is key to a good performance."

#HWC2018

FIH site



England delight home crowd as they find winning formula: USA ousted out by determined India


Captain Rani celebrates. Pic credit: Getty Images/FIH

The second and final session brought the curtain down on the pool phase, with two crucial matches in Pool D taking place in front of another vociferous crowd at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

India (WR:10) started the day ahead of USA (WR:7) on goal difference, meaning that the USA would need a victory to be absolutely certain of progressing through to the play-off phase at the expense of the Asian continental champions.

Much to the delight of USA coach Janneke Schopman, the Americans opened the scoring 11 minutes into a thrilling encounter through Margaux Paolino, who squeezed a shot through the legs of India goalkeeper Savita a split second after the shot-stopper had superbly denied teenage sensation Erin Matson.

It was a lead that USA held until half time, although with six shots and four penalty corners in the first two periods, India were doing everything in their power to swing the match back in their favour.

The Eves were thwarted by USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs, who pulled off some terrific blocks to keep her side ahead.

India dragged themselves level just a minute into the third quarter, with the goal coming from a reliable source. Team captain and prolific scorer Rani – who limped off the field with an injured ankle just three minutes into the contest but later returned to the action – restored parity with a low penalty strike, finally finding a way past Briggs.

Remarkably, it proved to be the final goal of the contest, with India doing just enough to ensure that they had secured a berth in the play-off matches.

"We have been playing well in all our games but we haven't been able to score,”, said Rani after the match. “Our coach (Sjoerd Marijne) just said, 'believe in yourselves, you are doing very well, we just need an outcome'. We went 1-0 down today but at half time he said, 'come on, you have just 30 minutes left. Let's put everything into the game’. USA created a lot of chances and Savita and the defence played very well. It was a case of who wanted the game more and I think, today, we just wanted it that little bit more."

While USA had failed to get the draw that they so desperately needed, mathematically they were still not out of it ahead of the final Pool B match between Pool winners Ireland (WR:16) and host nation England (WR:2).

A 3-1 defeat for the home favourites against the Green Army would trigger a shoot-out between England and USA for a place in the play-offs. A 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ireland also had ramifications, with England then facing a shoot-out with India to decide the second and third placements in the pool.

However, neither of those scenarios would come to fruition as England battled to a hard fought 1-0 victory to confirm themselves as the second-place finisher in Pool B.

With 62 per cent possession, 39 circle penetrations and 15 penalty corners, England were the dominant force and fully deserved their victory over an Ireland team that were incredibly hard to break down. Not for the first time at this event, Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran made a string of brilliant saves for her side, ensuring the scores remained locked at 0-0 until the breakthrough eventually arrived with seven minutes of the match remaining.

The goal came from a penalty corner, with Giselle Ansley’s powerful drag-flick taking a big deflection from the stick of Hannah Matthews which gave McFerran little chance of saving.

Goalscorer for England, Giselle Ansley said: "We are not going to shy away from the fact we didn't convert penalty corners. It is something we need to deal with."

Ireland's captain Kathryn Mullan, sporting an ice-pack on an injured shoulder, said: "We came out today to give a performance and to try certain things ahead of our quarter final. There is plenty for us to work on, so we will recover and then look at the next match. Everyone worked so incredibly hard out there, our defence was awesome."

Talking about the number of unconverted penalty corners in the match, Susannah Townsend said: "Our penalty corners are good. Ireland defended them well but we are doing the right thing. Maybe they will all come flooding in during the next games. We are not worried, they will start going in."

Cross-over fixtures (all times UTC +1)

Monday 30 July

18:00: Belgium (2nd Pool D) v Spain (3rd Pool C).
Winner to play Germany in quarter-finals
20:15: Argentina (2nd Pool C) v New Zealand (3rd Pool D)
Winner to play Australia in quarter-finals

Tuesday 31 July

18:00: Italy (2nd Pool A) v India (3rd Pool B)
Winner to play Ireland in quarter-finals
20:15: England (2nd Pool B) v Korea (3rd Pool A)
Winner to play Netherlands in quarter-finals

#HWC2018

FIH site



Day Eight: The Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup


Netherlands World Cup

Pool B

England recorded their first win at the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup as they beat Ireland 1-1 to secure second place in Pool B.

Giselle Ansley fired home a late penalty corner and the hosts will now face Korea in the crossovers on Tuesday night.

In the 5pm game in Pool B, India and the USA played out a tense, tightly contested draw. America, with their trademark high-energy, high-intensity approach, shaded the first half, going into the break 1-0 via a strike from Margaux Pollard.

India had the better of the match from thereon. One minute into the second half, India captain, 23-year-old Rani, scored with a fierce strike at a short corner. America threw everything at their opponents in their quest for a winning goal but India coped admirably in defence.

America’s cause was not helped by three second-half cards, and as the final whistle sounded, India players celebrated the 1-1 draw which confirmed their qualification for the crossovers. America, world ranked sixth, make their way home.

Pool A

China exited the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in the group stage after a 1-1 draw with Korea before the Netherlands put on an irresistible show to beat Italy 12-1 to secure top spot in Pool A.

The free-scoring Dutch strolled into the quarter-finals while runners-up Italy and third-placed Korea advance to the cross-over games on Tuesday.

After a period of early pressure from the Koreans that proved fruitless, Xiaoxue Zhang opened the scoring for China less than four minutes into the first quarter with a powerful backhand finish.

Korea team manager Kim Yoon passionately directed his team from the dugout and his efforts paid off when Kim Ok Ju netted their first goal of the World Cup just before the first-quarter horn sounded.

The match assumed an end-to-end nature in the second-half. First, Jiaqi Zhong wasted a good opportunity just inside the Korean D before Seunga Park whipped a backhanded effort past the far post at the other end.

In the second game of the early session, the Oranje recorded a resounding 12-1 defeat of Italy with Kitty van Male netting four goals.

The Italians had been resolute before meeting the Dutch – they were the only team yet to concede a goal in the tournament, whilst achieving a 100% record.

That run of defiance was broken 10 minutes into the game as Frederique Matla stretched to tap home and give the Dutch the lead before Caia van Maasakker doubled from a penalty corner.

Italy responded though and drew one goal back as Jasbeer Singh set for captain Chiara Tiddi who fired into the bottom corner.

From here on though it was one-way traffic. Matla and Jonker grabbed their second goals of the game in addition to strikes from Margot Van Geffen, two from Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel on her 200th appearance for the Dutch and four from Kitty Van Male.

The Netherlands will be the team to beat in the quarterfinals – they are top scorers with 26 goals and their three top scorers collectively have more goals than every other team.

England Hockey Board Media release



India draw with USA; will play against Italy in the cross over match on the 31st of July.

By B.G.Joshi (in Lee valley hockey stadium, Olympic Park, London)

India salvaged their pride by drawing in the match (1-1) against the energetic USA team. Captain Rani Rampal scored the equalizing goal in 31st minute on the 5th penalty corner. Earlier USA took the lead in the 11th minute through a counter attack. Ranked no. 7, the USA has won 4 bronze medals (OG-1984; WC-1994; CT-1995 and 2016) in the FIH’s elite tournaments. Americans were the semifinalist in the last World Cup (Hague-2014).

Now India will play Italy in a cross-over match to get a place in the quarter finals. This match will play on the 31st July at 6pm (BST).

Today, two cross-over matches will take place. Statistical highlights of these two matches are:

ARG-NZL in World Cup: head to head

Argentina

Particulars

New Zealand

3

World Ranking

4

4

Played

4

2

Won

0

2

Drawn

2

4

Goals For

2

Stats from 2018 WC matches

22

PC   Obtained

13

2

PC   converted

2

9%

Success rate  in

PC  conversion

15%

58

GS  Obtained

54

9

GS  Converted

6

16%

Strike rate

in goal  scoring

11%

 

BEL-ESP in World Cup: head to head

Belgium

Particulars

Spain

13

World Ranking

10

5

Played

4

4

Won

0

1

Drawn

1

6

Goals For

0

Stats from 2018 WC matches

4

PC   Obtained

12

2

PC   converted

5

50%

Success rate  in

PC  conversion

42%

26

GS  Obtained

31

8

GS  Converted

10

31%

Strike rate

in goal  scoring

32%

 
Fieldhockey.com



India Holds USWNT to Tie in Final Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup Pool Game


Image by Mark Palczewski

LONDON, England - It was now or never. The U.S. Women’s National Team walked on the pitch for their final pool game of the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and knew they had one job to do - win to advance in the tournament. After scoring first, USA was put under a lot of pressure until India found the equalizer one minute into the third quarter to bring the game to a 1-1 draw and end their World Cup campaign.

“They are a great team,” said Michelle Vittese, USWNT midfielder. “They are very feisty and collapse on you the second you are in the circle. They did that to us and we struggled.”

It was India who earned possession early in the game and kept it for the opening minutes. Once settled USA started to generate forward movement, working the ball into the midfield and finding open spaces down the outsides of the field. As control was shared between the teams, it was India who earned the first penalty corner of the game in the 7th minute. USA’s goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) made the block and earned USA a free hit. Moments later, USA worked it to the other end and Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) showed her speed as she ran the ball down to the baseline. This sparked some USA offense as moments later, Sharkey tried a backhand which was deflected off an India defender. Just after Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) with a forehand chance but it again was deflected away. The third attempt did it as Margaux Paolino (Villanova, Pa.) followed up on a close-range scramble to give USA a 1-0 lead. India continued to threaten in the closing minutes, with three penalty corners in a row, but Briggs and the USA defensive unit withstood the pressure.

At the start of the second quarter USA threatened forward quickly. Sharkey picked up a deep intercept, passed it off to Paolino who earned a penalty corner. Unsuccessful off the chance, India took control the other way and earned their own penalty corner. Play was shared for a period before USA used good ball movement to grab some circle penetrations, with no results. A close chance came when M. Vittese used quick skills to get in the circle as India’s goalkeeper Savita went down. The ball got stuck under Savita, earning USA another penalty corner. Pressure remained for USA in the final seconds as they earned yet another penalty corner, but the score stood at 1-0 for the red, white and blue.

India wasted no time coming out of halftime, earning themselves a penalty corner within the first 46 seconds. Captain Rani’s straight shot found the back of the goal for the equalizer to make it 1-1. USA didn’t sit back and a minute later Sharkey attempted a backhand that was defended well. Play went back-and-forth as the rising anticipation for the next goal continued. USA had one final look on goal off a backhand shot from Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) before the horn sounded.

With the game 1-1 heading into the final quarter, taking care of the ball was going to be key. India attacked quickly and earned themselves a penalty corner, but Briggs made the save. As time ticked down USA struggled to breakthrough India’s defense. With three minutes left on the clock, USA really stepped up their game as they searched for any positive outcome. A heart stopping chance came for USA with seconds on the clock but the final score stood at 1-1.

At the conclusion of the match, USA’s Sharkey earned the Vitality Player of the Match award.

“To be a great team, you need to be consistent,” added Melissa Gonzalez, USWNT Captain. “You can’t rely on one quarter, it has to be throughout. It starts with the goalkeeper and works through all lines.”

The U.S. Women's National Team would like to thank their families, friends and fans who have been part of the journey.

USFHA media release



India will stay, play one more, if not more match

s2h Team



India will stay in London and play a match more, if not more, as it drew the fighting States 1-1 and finished comfotable third behind Ireland and Great Britain in the pool table of the Women's World Cup underway in London.

As per the new format in force in the tournament, the third finished will be given a play off chance with second of the other pool, the winner getting into the quarterfinal. India let the States take the lead in a counter move and then in the first minute after the lemon time, captain Rani Rampal did her team proud with conversion of a penalty corner (1-1). And then the defence of India with Sunita Lakra and Nikki Pradhan and Gurjit saw off every move that the State girls keep the scoreboard static.

Indian girls, knowing the importance of the contest, started the proceedings briskly, and made a penalty corner situation, which was denied despite vociferous demands. Yet, India dominated the exchanges and made strong winds at the rival circle. When it got the first PC, Jasjit Kaur's grounder was not hard to block by the goalie. Jasjit tried a high ball in the next penalty corner but it lacked any guile, again making the task of blocking easy for the goalie. Between these two penalty corners when captain Rani was nursing an injury outside sidelines, the States took the lead (1-0) in the eleventh minute. For the team that was defending and seemed would rely on counters, the chance came out of blue, when alert Margaux Paolino pushed the ball between the legs of goalie Savita who just made a grand save off a freehit.

India got two Penalty corners till the half time, but Gurjit failed with the third and then Rani Rampal took a direct hit which only hit the diving goalie.

The goal seemed to have accelerated the pace of the States who created more opportunities, and was unlucky not to increase the lead. All the three penalty corners of them too were saved by the packed Indian defence.

In the 31st minute, Rani herself manufactured a penalty corner at the top of the circle, of which she struck the deciding goal. This time she bent fully and hit the ball to the other corner holding stick half way. The force was too much for the British defence to spot and deflect.

Later Sunita Lakra made a goaline save in a one to one situation.

Udita, playing upfront, created some good moves but was bit loath to stop a perfect cross rolled across the goal mouth. There have been misses and hits on the other side, even the States going for a referral just 1.6 seconds left inthe clock.

Fortunately for India, which lost its referral midway through second quarter, the States' referral was not successful, leaving the Indians to hug themselves bracing for another match in London

Stick2Hockey.com



India hold US, progress to knock-outs

As per the rules of the tournament the top teams from the four pools progress directly to the quarterfinals.


Indian women hockey members celebrate a goal during the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London. Photo Credit: AP

Under pressure Indian women’s hockey team produced a spirited performance to come back from a goal down and hold higher-ranked USA to a 1-1 draw in their last Pool B match and progress to the knock-out stages of the World Cup in London on Sunday.

The draw enabled India too keep their campaign afloat in the tournament and progress to the cross overs while the Americans crashed out of the event.

As per the rules of the tournament the top teams from the four pools progress directly to the quarterfinals while the second and third placed teams will feature in the cross overs to decide the remaining four spots of the last eight round.

Margaux Paolino (11th minute) broke the deadlock for world no.7 USA before skipper Rani Rampal equalised for 10th ranked India in the 31st minute.

The Indians started brightly with good forays into the US citadel but the forwards failed to breach the rival defence.

India secured their first penalty corner in the seventh minute but the Americans defended well.

As time passed by the Americans grew in confidence and started to attack the Indian goal quite frequently.

From one such occasion, Margaux Paolino scored from a rebound in the 11th minute after her initial try was kicked away by Indian goalkeeper Savita.

Stung by the goal, the Indians continued to press forward and secured two penalty corners in the final minutes of the first quarter but dragflicker Gurjit Kaur failed on both occasion as USA ended the first quarter with a slender lead.

USA secured their first penalty corner three minutes into the second quarter but the Indians stood tall to thwart any danger.

A minute later India got another penalty corner but this time skipper Rani Rampal’s slap shot was well saved by American custodian Jackie Briggs.

The Americans then pressed hard and secured two more penalty corners in the second quarter but Indian goalie Savita was upto the mark.

Trailing by a goal, the Indians came out all guns blazing after the change of ends and drew level a minute into the third quarter through a penalty corner conversion by skipper Rani Rampal.

The Indians showed great energy and attacked the American goal in numbers. In the process they earned their sixth penalty corner in the 47th minute but this time Gurjit’s powerful grounded flick was brilliantly saved by Briggs.

The Indians, thereafter, defended brilliantly to deny USA any breakthrough to secure the hard-earned win and prolong their stay in the tournament.

The Hindu



England 1-0 Ireland


England World Cup

England recorded their first win at the Vitality Hockey Women's to finish second in Pool B and qualify for the knockout stages.

England beat Ireland 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Giselle Ansley who fired home a drag-flick after 53 minutes.

Next up for England is a crossover game against Korea on 31 July, with the winners facing the Netherlands in the quarter finals.

Despite their loss, Ireland top the pool thanks to victory in their opening two matches, and progress directly to the quarter finals.

England forward Ellie Rayer was satisfied with the side’s progress. She said: “Obviously we wouldn’t have wanted two draws at the start but technically we are still unbeaten. To get the win today, that was tournament hockey.

“We go forward now to the knockouts and the tournament really begins.”

Though the Green Army began the first quarter brightly, the stats from the period tell the tale of England's dominance. England had eight shots on target, while Ireland failed to record a single circle entry.

After an uneventful second quarter, it took until the third for the game to come to life, when Ireland recaptured some of the form they had shown against the US and India. Firstly, Megan Frazer set off on a mazy run from outside the England 25, and found her way into the ‘D’ before miscuing her shot.

The Green Army then had three short corners in a row, the last bringing a reaction save out of Hinch. Not to be outdone, England ended the half with four short corners in succession, but the execution was disappointing and none posed a threat to the Irish goal.  

In an exciting last period, England won yet more penalty corners. Eventually, with their 14th of the game, Giselle Ansley’s drag flick struck the backboard to give England the lead.

Ireland’s Nicola Evans had an opportunity to equalise, but Hinch was quickly off the mark to deny the striker space and prevent the chance.

There was still time for Hannah Martin to extended England’s lead when with five minutes left her effort was well saved by the out rushing Grace O’Flanaghan.

Having never previously won two group stage matches at a World Cup, for Ireland to top the group is a great achievement.

Ireland’s forward Deidre Duke explained the reasons for their success. She said: “This has been something that’s been building for years and years.

“We’re incredibly focused, and we prepare meticulously for every game and we’re just going out there and putting our best foot forward.”

England Hockey Board Media release



Ireland Lose Narrowly To World Number 2



Ireland fall 1-0 to world number 2 England despite superb defensive effort throughout.

England certainly edged the possession stats in the opening exchanges and it was their captain Alex Danson that drew the first save of the game but Ayeisha McFerran continued her fine form and booted the ball clear. Ali Meeke and Nicci Daly combined well at the other end for the latter of the two to send a pass across the circle but there was nobody on the back post for the tap in. England won 3 penalty corners in the opening quarter but Yvonne O’Byrne put huge pressure on Laura Unsworth at the top of the circle to prevent her efforts. Likewise Shirley McCay made a phenomenal diving deflection to send Ellie Watton’s close range shot wide.  O’Byrne was also the creator of a chance for the Green Army but Deirdre Duke couldn’t slip her marker for the shot. Similarly McCay charged out of defence on more than occasion and forced Maddie Hinch into a save as Katie Mullan lingered at the post. The half ended with England notching up 13 circle entries but the discipline and structure of the Green Army defence limited the clear cut chances.

McFerran was called upon to make yet another great save as Sarah Haycroft poached the ball in the circle but she made the double save and cleared with her stick. Megan Frazer reminded everyone of her enviable skills as she left 2 defenders in her wake and fired the shot goalward only for it to be deflected wide. The Green Army won 3 penalty corner’s in quick succession with the final one being saved by Hinch. England continued to rack up their own penalty corners, amassing 15 in total, and they broke the deadlock in the 53rdminute courtesy of Giselle Ansley’s drag flick that was deflected into the net. The Green Army very nearly had an equaliser in the dying moments as Anna O’Flanagan sent the ball into the circle but Duke couldn’t get the vital touch.

Regardless of the result, Ireland still sit top of Pool B and progress to the quarter finals on Thursday where they will play either India or Italy.

Commenting on the result, head coach Graham Shaw said “I cannot fault our players, I’m very proud of their effort. We need to learn from moments and phases in the game, but it’s a different atmosphere and environment than we’ve ever played in before, and I thought our players reacted superbly. From the very first minute they worked incredibly hard and stayed compact”.

Vitality Hockey World Cup, London

Ireland 0
England 1(Ansley)

Starting: N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), S McCay, G Pinder, R Upton, A McFerran, C Watkins, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson

Subs: G O’Flanagan, Y O’Byrne, M Frazer,  E Tice,  N Daly, D Duke, A Meeke

Ireland’s Pool B Vitality Hockey World Cup Fixtures:

Ireland 3vs1 USA 21/7/18 6pm
Ireland 1vs0 India 26/7/18 2pm
Ireland 0vs1 England 29/7/18 7pm
Quarter Final Ireland vs India or Italy 2/8/18 8:15pm

Irish Hockey Association media release



England beat Ireland to seal crossover phase place

England kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Ireland at Lee Valley Park in London.

Ireland had already reached the quarter-finals as group winners with victories in their first two games.

India's 1-1 draw with USA earlier on Sunday left England needing a draw to qualify for the crossover phase.

A final-quarter goal from Giselle Ansley secured victory, sealed second place in Pool B and set up a match against South Korea on Tuesday.

It was England's only conversion from 15 penalty corners.

The winners will face world number one ranked the Netherlands - who have scored 26 goals in their three matches - in the quarter-finals.

Ireland had already secured top spot in the group following their opening wins over the USA and India

Ireland await the winners of the crossover match between India and Italy.

After two below-par performances in draws against India and USA, England dominated Ireland, who could not register a shot in the opening half.

Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran saved well from Sarah Haycroft and Susannah Townsend, but England's pressure paid off seven minutes from time when Ansley's shot deflected in off the stick of Hannah Matthews.

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch said reaching the play-off "means everything" to the team.

"This whole tournament has thrown up a huge amount of surprises - it could have gone either way today," she said.

Analysis

2016 Olympic gold medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

England were good value for their win. They only won this game 1-0 but they had a lot of corners and seemed to dominate possession.

They were much better than the first two games and showed great patience, but the worrying thing is that they are not scoring goals. It doesn't matter how well you play - that is a problem.

I don't think many people would have expected Ireland to top the pool. They played really well for those first two victories but they were pushed back tonight.

They're going to have to try and rediscover the energy they had in their first two games, but they're in a World Cup quarter-final so when they play either Italy or India they will give it everything.

BBC Sport



England must improve, says Helen Richardson-Walsh

England need to improve if they are to reach the latter stages of the World Cup, former international Helen Richardson-Walsh says.

Having drawn their opening two matches, England play Ireland in Sunday's final Pool C game knowing they cannot progress directly to the last eight.

Instead, they will face a play-off to reach the quarter-finals.

"In the first two games, we've not seen the best of this England team," Richardson-Walsh told BBC Radio 5 live.

"But the second game was an improvement on the first game and for them to go further, they really need to improve against Ireland," the 36-year old added on Sportsweek.

Richardson-Walsh, who won gold with Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics, attributed England's struggles so far in the tournament to a "lack of experience".

"With the first game the occasion might have got to a few of them," she said.

    Listen to live commentary of England v Ireland

"For some of these players, playing in front of 10,000 people is very new.

"I know they did prepare as well as possible for it but until you get out there you don't know how they're going to play."

Richardson-Walsh says England can build momentum for the knockout stages with a positive showing against Ireland, who have already won Pool C.

"The performance is really key tonight. If England play well and get a good performance under their belt, they will go into the crossover with a lot more confidence."

BBC Sport



Supergroup South Africa show class in holding Argentina to a draw



There was realistically more hope than expectation as Supergroup South Africa took on World number 3 Argentina in their final game of the FIH Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. The African champions had experienced a harrowing tournament so far falling short against Spain and Germany, to all but dispel pre-tournament optimism.

The match marked the 250th match for South Africa for stalwart Lisa-Marie Deetlefs. If for nothing else the team would have been committed to making this a memorable match for the defensive star. And it appeared to be exactly the case as the Supergroup South African side put out a defensive masterclass in holding off an Argentina side that looked short of the regular magic.

Phumelela Mbande will take most of the plaudits, rightfully so, as the player of the match was also undoubtedly South Africa’s most outstanding player of the World Cup. There may be questions about why she was subbed against Spain, but Mbande does her talking on the pitch and was on sensational form in not conceding from 13 penalty corners and at least ten further field goals. The biggest question going forward is how will Phumz manage here professional career and her sporting one, because she has become that important to the national team.

South Africa’s strikers had failed to get on the scoresheet throughout the tournament so far, but Jade Mayne had made a menace in the previous games through outstanding movement and positioning. That it was her that got the goal through an opportunistic move and finish was almost a sense of inevitability as South Africa took a surprising 1-0 lead into the Half-time break.

Simone Gouws, who made her debut only in the matches against Canada during the pre-World Cup camp, showed remarkable maturity and alongside the likes of Kara-Lee Botes, Erin Hunter and Deetlefs will continue to develop remarkably. Her performance during the World Cup left a feeling of optimism for the future of SA Women’s Hockey.

For all the defensive superlatives that were hurled South Africa’s way, the weight of pressure eventually did tell, and Argentina pulled level through Maria Granatto, they were not able to breach the defence again, in a display almost as effective as the mythological Trojans in defending their city.

So, the South African World Cup dream is over for another four years, the team will have a lot of questions to answer and plans to make, but the performance and result against Argentina could be the catalyst of belief that drives us to another level.

SA Hockey Association media release



Black Sticks: We can beat Argentina!


Olivia Merry and the Vantage Black Sticks celebrate the winning goal against Argentina, in last years Sentinel Homes Hockey World League quarter final match, in Auckland. Photo: Simon Watts, BWMedia Photography

The Vantage Black Sticks Women believe they can win when it matters against Argentina in tomorrow's do or die crossover match at the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup, in London.

Despite wearing the tag of underdogs against the number 3 team in the world leading Kiwis goalscorer in the tournament so far striker Olivia Merry believes there’s every chance of victory.

“I guess they are definitely going in as favourites but we have beaten them at majors before so I guess that gives us confidence.”

New Zealand ran out winners in the Quarter-Finals of the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Finals against the South Americans in Auckland last November.

Sean Dancer, Assistant Coach of the Vantage Black Sticks Women said: “Argentina are a very good team but we do play them a lot and we do feel comfortable being able to play them especially in a crunch game, in the World League last year we were certainly the underdogs going into the game but we were good enough to get up.”

“We know on our day we can beat Argentina.”

New Zealand will have to lift its game if it's to repeat its victory at the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League in 2017, despite some excellent passages of play the Kiwis have struggled to get into top gear so far at this World Cup. Defeat to Japan and a draw with Australia leaving the team third in Pool D. Olivia Merry however feels a big result isn’t far away.

“We haven't put out a full 60 minute performance yet, we’ve seen patches of it, we managed to go all the way at the Commonwealth Games so it’s about putting a full 60 minute performance together and I think this team is capable of doing it so we go into the game with full confidence.”

The game is likely to throw up some key head-to-head battles and with the teams having met each other no fewer than 7 times in the past 9 months these players know each other well.

“Their goalkeeper is very skillful and she’s been around for a number of years so it’s about being smart around her, they have a few key defenders like Barrionuevo and Gomes at the back and they have very skilful strikers up front like Granatto and Merino who were world junior player of the year and world player of the year.” Said Merry.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women will also need their star players to shine, assistant coach Sean Dancer says the big match-ups will be vital.

“In the midfield Stacey Michelsen and Anita McLaren will need to eliminate and get through their midfielders and their defense, they do have a number of very good strikers who can use their skills and score a goal though so defensively we need to pay attention to those guys so that’ll be an important part.”

You can watch New Zealand take on Argentina at 7:15am on Sky Sports on Tuesday 31st July.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks face Argentina in Cup eliminator

By David Leggat


Stacey Michelsen s weaving runs frequently troubled the Australians. Photo / Photosport

The women's Black Sticks will need to dig deep to make the World Cup quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw with Australia in London yesterday.

They now face world No 3 Argentina tomorrow morning in an elimination game, the winner, by a quirk of the draw, to face the Aussies for a semifinal spot.

The result was fair on the run of play but Australia progress directly to the last eight courtesy of finishing top of a tight four-team group.

New Zealand slipped up when losing 2-1 to Japan in their second pool D game earlier in the week.

The last time world No 4 New Zealand faced Argentina, they lost their series in Buenos Aires 4-1 in February. However, they did beat them in the quarter-finals of the World League Final in Auckland late last year.

"We're confident with every game and we'll prepare well and just come out and play our game and do things well," coach Mark Hager said.

"It was a typical Aussie-New Zealand battle. Both teams had chances to win, probably just our inability in front of goal has hurt us a bit, which is disappointing."

Olivia Merry put New Zealand ahead just before the end of quarter time with a shot from a tight angle - her third of the tournament - after good pressure from player of the match Kelsey Smith.

Australia equalised early in the second quarter through Emily Smith, after the Black Sticks slipped up in defence.

Both teams created chances and Sam Harrison had the ball in the Australian goal just before halftime only for it to be disallowed after an Australian referral, the ball having come from the back of her stick.

A neutral would have rated it a good watch - captain Stacey Michelsen's weaving runs constantly troubled the Australian defence - but New Zealand would have topped the group and given themselves another day off had they won or beaten the Japanese. However, they're not for looking back, said outstanding defender Brooke Neal, one of New Zealand's best yesterday.

"You can look in the past but we're a team who look forward, and to be honest, we have to win every game from now on anyway, so it means doing our homework and making sure we're clinical," Neal said.

The New Zealand Herald



Black Sticks bullish about chances in hockey World Cup clash with Argentina

OLIVIA CALDWELL


Ella Gunson and the Black Sticks will meet Argentina in the women's hockey World Cup on Tuesday morning. ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT

The Black Sticks will limp into Tuesday morning's match against Argentina with everything on the line after drawing with Australia on Sunday.

That result means the New Zealand women's side will now play in the cross-over round of the World Cup against Argentina – starting at 7.15am – for the right to play Australia again in the quarterfinal.

The Hockeyroos meanwhile get a rest after confirming their spot in the quarters.

Despite wearing the tag of underdogs against the No 3-ranked side in the world, New Zealand's top goalscorer Olivia Merry believes there's every chance of victory.

"I guess they are definitely going in as favourites but we have beaten them at majors before so I guess that gives us confidence.

"We haven't put out a full 60-minute performance yet, we've seen patches of it, we managed to go all the way at the Commonwealth Games so it's about putting a full 60-minute performance together and I think this team is capable of doing it so we go into the game with full confidence."

Seasoned midfielder Ella Gunson is at her second World Cup, after missing out on selection in 2014 due to studying in the United States. She says there is a lot of belief in the team after winning the Commonwealth Games gold in April.

Gunson said the loss to Japan didn't come as a shock, as World Cup hockey brings out the best in all teams, but it was the wake-up call they needed before embarking on finals.

"We are really disappointed in that performance, our whole team performance and of course we were aiming to win that game. So it was really disappointing not to get the result. Our performance wasn't up to scratch, that's not how we like to play hockey. It's a shame."


Midfielder Ella Gunson says this year's team has more belief than any side she has been in. ANDREW CORNAGA/ PHOTOSPORT

Gunson said the loss wasn't down to complacency against a lower-ranked side, but the connections weren't there.

"We need to do a lot more hard running off the ball to make sure we are there."

The draw to Australia means the Black Sticks had to settle for third in the pool.

The Black Sticks were ranked fourth in the world heading into the quadrennial event, where they will be looking to build on their gold-medal Gold Coast effort, as well as their second-place finish at the World League final in Auckland last November.

Gunson has been in the side since 2009, including at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics. She has seen her fair share of ups and downs, with considerably more downs for a side that has often reached the playoffs but missed out on the podium, especially at World Cups.

Gunson said the current team had one of the best bonds she had seen and she had never enjoyed playing for New Zealand more.

Stuff



Smith Happy With Hockeyroos’ Improvement

Ben Somerford



Hockeyroos captain Emily Smith says the side’s performance in Sunday morning’s (AEST) 1-1 draw with New Zealand was a step forward as they plan towards to the 2018 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.

Australia secured their spot straight into the last eight by finishing top of Pool D thanks to the draw, leaving Belgium and New Zealand in second and third respectively and sending them into the cross-over play-offs.

The Hockeyroos will on Thursday (5:15am AEST) play the winner of the New Zealand-Argentina play-off due to take place on Tuesday morning (5:15am AEST).

Australia’s pool campaign started with a 3-2 win over Japan, before a 0-0 draw with Belgium and the 1-1 draw with the Black Sticks.

“I think it was an improvement from last game,” Smith said about the New Zealand clash.

“We knew it was going to have to be a bit of a fight. We play this team more than any other team at this tournament.”

Australia and New Zealand had met seven times in the past 12 months heading into the clash, with the Hockeyroos winning five of those encounters.

However, the Black Sticks, who knocked Australia out of the 2016 Rio Olympics, flexed their muscle in the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal match in April, winning 4-1 and Smith was enthused by the Hockeyroos’ ability to keep New Zealand’s quiet in front of goal.

“We knew what they’d bring and they knew what we’d bring,” said Smith, who scored the equalising goal on her 26th birthday against the Black Sticks.

“It was a very end-to-end game with a lot of opportunities for both teams.

“I think defensively to be able to hold them to one goal is something I’m really proud of.”

Smith also offered praise to goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and veteran defender Jodie Kenny, who played their part at the back.

“We’ve got a world class goalkeeper in Rachael Lynch and she keeps us in a lot of games,” Smith said.

“To be able to play off her pads and attack back at them was a standout for us today.”

On Kenny, Smith added: “It’s great to have her back in the team. She’s here with her son and that’s giving her inspiration to go out there.

“She really wants to show women in general that they can do whatever they want. You wouldn’t even be able to tell she’s had a baby.

“She’s playing like she did in her prime. That’s a credit to all the work she’s put in since having Harry.”

Smith, as well as coach Paul Gaudoin, was happy with the side’s ability to quell the influence of New Zealand captain Stacey Michelsen too.

“We know she’s probably one of the best players at this tournament,” Smith said.

“Our press was set up around her and trying to deny her as much ball as possible. You did see the four or five times she did get it, she can go end-to-end.

“She made me look like a witch’s hat at times. The girls in the midfield did a wonderful job. It’s about denying her the ball and running with her as long as we could.”

Australia will find out their quarter-final opponents, either New Zealand again or Argentina, on Tuesday morning (AEST).

Hockey Australia media release



Taking images at the Hockey World Cup

By Umpire Cam



As much as the mobile phone manufacturers tell us about the wonders of the camera in their newest models, they will have their limitations.  

Phone cameras are definitely improving rapidly and are excellent for taking certain types of image: such as; selfies, group photos of friends, or wide ‘atmospheric’ views of the wonderful hockey venue.  But if you are hoping to get an action shot of a player, with water splash frozen in it’s movement as the ball is passed, I wish you the best of luck.

Take a look at the photo above, you can see that the player is close to being half way across the pitch.  If you try ‘zooming in’ to the same kind of distance with your mobile phone it will be likely that the results will be very pixelated.  This is where my ‘be realistic’ tip may be most obvious?

But what this image does show is another aspect to work on, with pictures of most types, and that is the 2/3rd formula.  In this case, the player’s eyes are in focus and approximately 1/3rd down from the top of the picture. Try this with your ‘selfies’ and group photos and see what you think of your results.

For those of you that are using more complex/dedicated cameras, such as a DSLR/SLR, you may be able to push the boundaries of what you can shoot effectively, but there are still likely to be limitations.  

There are reasons that the professional photographers use the equipment that they do. Many will be using something like a 400mm lens, attached to a high spec camera body and a steadying monopod, to give themselves the best chance of a sharp image of the hockey action.  If you are thinking about ‘settings’, it will be; an aperture of around f4, shutter speed above 1000th of a second.

If those kind of technical aspects are outside of your camera kit capabilities, have a go at taking images when players are more stationary or closer to you.  You never know…

The Hockey Paper



2018 CAC Games (M) - Final day
Barranquilla (COL)

Results 29 July

GUA v JAM (7th Place)     0 - 0 (0 - 3 SO
BAR v DOM (5th Place)     Forfeit 5 - 0
GUY v TTO (Bronze Medal)     0 - 5
CUB v MEX (Gold Medal)     2 - 0

Final Placings

1. Cuba
2. Mexico
3. Trinidad and Tobago
4. Guyana
5. Barbados
6. Dominican Republic
7. Jamaica
8. Guatemala

FIH Match Centre



Cuba Men Repeat as CAC Champions

Damian Gordon


Cuba Win Gold. Photo: Juan David Armesto

We were provided with a really mixed bag today. We had a shootout, a forfeit and a blowout to go with an intriguing final match. Cuba were hoping to follow in the footsteps of their ladies team, going on to win gold after losing their opening match. Mexico were hoping to repeat the feat of the gold medal winning team of 2010.

Match 1 7-8th – Guatemala (GUA) vs. Jamaica (JAM)

Our first match features two teams looking for their first win of the tournament. Between them they have managed one goal, scored by Guatemala in their loss to Dominican Republic.

Jamaica took control of the game early on and in the 3’ minute Giovanni GREEN got into the circle but his reverse stick shot was blocked by a Guatemalan defender. Jamaican continued to full press while Guatemala tried to absorb the early pressure and look for counterattacks. In the 4’ minute LEIVA broke free from a quick counterattack, but his shot from an acute angle was easily saved by GK Green. The action continued as another Guatemalan counterattack ended in a shot that was defended well. Jamaica then earned a PC in the 13’ minute but they missed the option without getting a shot. The Q1 horn sounded with the score still 0-0.

We needed only 2 minutes in Q2 for some action with JOHNSON making a timely tackle to deny a shot. Immediately after Guatemala earned a PC but the Jamaican defence kept it out. In the 24’ Jamaica had a great opportunity, but MITCHELL missed his reverse stick shot into what would have been an open goal off of a rebound. Then in the 27’ Gio GORDON had another shot that missed the target. Jamaica continued to pressure Guatemala, but the halftime horn sounded with the score still 0-0.

Guatemala started Q3 more aggressively and in the 32’ minute VILLATORO got into the circle but GREEN made an excellent save to deny him. Jamaica started to regain control of the match and in the 38’ minute earned a PC but the option pass was well defended by SANCHEZ. A minute later MITCHELL made a skilful run into the circle, but his shot and the following rebound by Gio GORDON were both saved by GK LÓPEZ. Immediately after Jamaica earn a PC but the option pass was deflected wide by first post defender PALMA. In the 44’ minute Onoque SALMON had a great chance with an uncontested shot that he drilled wide. Q3 ended 0-0.

Jamaica kept complete control of the game going into Q4. However, after a sustained period of pressure Guatemala started to attack again and in the 53’ minute LEIVA cut into the circle from the right but his reverse still shot missed the target. In the next minute another right sided Guatemalan attack saw a cross missed in front of goal by PINEDA. Guatemala were now dictating play, breaking up Jamaican attacks in midfield and launching their own. In the 57’ VILLATORO got the ball in an inside right position to shoot well, but substitute GK BURTON made a great save to keep the score 0-0. Jamaica recovered some control to force a PC as the final horn sounded. Gio GORDON had one more glorious chance to win the game, but he shot across the goal from the first post to send the game to a shootout.

MITCHELL, McGLASHEN and JOHNSON stepped out to score for Jamaica while none of the Guatemalan players were able to score. Jamaica won the shootout and 7th place with the 0-0 (0-3) result.

Match 2 5-6th – Barbados (BAR) vs. Dominican Republic (DOM)

Dominican Republic forfeited their classification match. Barbados finish in 5th place.

 Match 3 Bronze Medal – Guyana (GUY) vs. Trinidad & Tobago (TTO)

The bronze medal match featured Caribbean rivals both rebounded from disappointing semi-final losses. TTO got off to the faster start and in the 2’ minute a nice build up move ended up on the stick of Shaquille DANIEL whose shot was blocked on the line by the body of the defender. Tariq MARCANO stepped up to score the PS. In the next minute GUY looked dangerous on a circle entry, but O’CONNOR’s tackled broke up the play. A few minutes later De SANTOS got a one-on-one against GK ROCKE who managed to clear the ball out of the circle. In the 8’ minute TTO earned two PCs. REYNOS flicked shot was saved by GK SCOTLAND for BROWNE to slap into the goal. LEGERTON missed a cross a minute later as TTO piled on the pressure. TTO continued to dominate possession, but GUY defended well absorbing the pressure while looking for counterattacks. In the 14’ minute from a lightning quick counterattack ASSANAH rounded ROCKE, but his shot was saved by REYNOS. Q1 ended with the score 0-2.

TTO continued their dominance in Q2 earning a sequence of 3 PCs in the 17’ minute, but the GUY defence held firm to keep them out. GUY started seeing a bit more of the ball, but found very little room to create opportunities. Their defence also started to stifle the TTO attacks as the game eased into a midfield battle. In the 29’ minute Aroydy BRANFORD got into the circle and took a firm shot which was well saved by ROCKE. The halftime horn sounded with the score still 0-2.

Q3 got off to a fast start. Teague MARCANO missed a chance to increase the lead in the 32’ minute. GUY settled after that and the next action came in the 38’ minute when DE SANTOS had a shot deflect off of a defender’s stick and away from goal. In the 41’ minute Daniel BYER’s shot was blocked well by SCOTT as GUY continued to deny TTO. In the 43’ minute DANIEL had a one on one with SCOTLAND but the GK was too good for him. GUY earned two PCs just as the quarter ended, the second was pushed wide by Aroydy BRANFORD. Q3 score remained 0-2.

The final quarter saw GUY push harder to get back into the game, leaving more spaces for the TTO team to attack. In the 51’ minute TTO took advantage of the space to hit past SCOTLAND for his team’s third. In the next minute BROWNE’s PC flick went in to make it 4-0. In the 56’ minute ROCKE saved another shot and from the resultant TTO counterattack LEGERTON and Daniel BYER went on a 2 vs. 1 against SCOTLAND who did well to save the shot but could not prevent the PC. BROWNE’s drag flick was partially blocked and DANIEL slapped home the rebound. The final horn sounded to end the game at 0-5. TTO, like their ladies team, win the bronze medal.

Match 4 Gold Medal – Cuba (CUB) vs. Mexico (MEX)

 Our gold medal match saw defending champions Cuba take on 2014 bronze medallists Mexico. The match was also Francisco AGUILAR’s 100th for his country. The game got off to an expected fast start. Cuba were the first to settle, using long passes to try and get their skilful players in one on one situations against the Mexican defenders. Mexico’s defence was patient and strong, keeping the Cubans out. In the 11’ minute a Cuba PC was flicked over bars. One minute later CONSUEGRA also shot over bar from a few yards out. The Q1 horn sounded with the score 0-0.

Q2 started as quickly as the first. CALDERON had a dangerous circle entry in the 17’ but the Mexican defence again held firm. Two minutes later CONSUEGRA earned a PC but again the Mexican defenders did an excellent job. CALDERON got into the circle in the 24’ minute, but kept the ball too long and was tackled by CASTILLO with SARDUY free in front of goal. In the 28’ minute GONZALEZ’s firm left side cross was deflected into the goal beautifully by SARDUY. Mexico continued to fight and earned two PCs in the last seconds of halftime, but GK HERNANDEZ made an outstanding glove save to deny Francisco AGUILAR.

The second half started more quietly than the first, Mexico dominating the early possession in midfield. Cuba fought back, a 33’ minute circle penetration keeping Mexico’s MENDEZ busy. The game then went back and forth between the two 23-metre lines, neither team able to take control of the game. Then in the 42’ minute Cuba earned a PC after Mexico desperately defended shots from TRITZANT and GUTIERREZ. The shot from SARDUY was brilliantly saved by HERNANDEZ. Immediately after Mexico went down field and earned a PC, but the Cuban defence denied the shot. Then in the 44’ SARDUY’s cross was fumbled by Roberto GARCIA and SANCHEZ picked up the loose ball to drill it into the goal. The Q3 horn sounded with the score 2-0.

Mexico started Q4 pushing Cuba back, but the Cubans won the ball and immediately went on the attack. In the 48’ minute Mexico earned a PC but the option pass to PEDRAZA was missed. In the next minute Cuba attacked down the right with SARDUY who passed to AGUILERA whose bullet shot was brilliantly saved by HERNANDEZ. In the 54’ minute a quick Mexico attack saw PEDRAZA’s shot saved by GK HERNANDEZ. Right after Mexico earned a series of PCs the second of which the defence cleared Roberto GARCIA’s desperate shot. With 1:58 on the clock Mexico pulled their GK to play with the extra field player. It did not make a difference and Cuban players started celebrating as the final seconds counted down. The horn sounded with the final score Cuba 2-0 Mexico. Congratulations to Cuba on winning the gold medal.

The final tournament rank is as follows:

1. Cuba
2. Mexico
3. Trinidad and Tobago
4. Guyana
5. Barbados
6. Dominican Republic
7. Jamaica
8. Guatemala

Thank you for following us these past 2 weeks. We hope that you enjoyed our updates and we look forward to sharing future tournaments with you. Special thank you to the Colombian public who came out to watch the matches and the volunteers for their tremendous support during the Games.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Cuba Takes Gold on Final Day of Women’s Hockey

Damian Gordon


2018 Central American & Caribbean Games (Women) - Final. Photo: Juan David Armesto

The women treated us to an exciting final day of hockey. Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic and Guyana were all winners of their final matches, pushed hard by their opponents. Our Pan American Games bound teams treated us to an exciting final.

Match 1 7-8th – Guatemala (GUA) vs. Guyana (GUY)

Our first match featured teams that have shown defensive tenacity, but have struggled to score goals. Guatemala managed1 in their previous 4 matches while Guyana have yet to score, although they recorded a clean sheet in their shootout loss to Jamaica. The first quarter was error filled with both teams struggling to control the ball and their passing game. In the 6’ minute Gabriella XAVIER got some space in the circle and her shot beat GK Marcela PAZ to her right to give her team the lead. It was Guyana’s first goal for the tournament. Guyana took control of the quarter after that, but Guatemala created a couple opportunities on the counterattack that were well defended by Ulrica SUNDERLAND and Dominique DE GROOT. Q1 ended at 0-1.

Q2 was a repeat in that there were many errors by both teams, with Guyana dominating possession and position on the field. They earned a few PCs but tried to pass the ball around instead of taking shots, allowing the defence to recover and clear the ball. Guatemala again created a couple counterattacking opportunities, but were unable to get a shot on target. The halftime horn sounded with the score still 0-1.

The second half saw Guatemala push Guyana back and the game was played more in the midfield. Neither team created many opportunities, except for a string of PCs from Guyana that again did not result in a shot. Q3 ended with the score 0-1.

The teams both seemed to struggle with the heat in Q4, but Guyana remained the stronger of the two. The midfield battled continued with Guatemala putting together a few decent passing plays, but still could not get a shot off. Guyana continued to earn PCs, one of them was a shot that forced a spectacular glove save from PAZ. Another PC was saved on the line by a defender and a third was saved again by the left foot of PAZ. The final horn sounded with a 0-1 win to Guyana. Guyana finish the tournament in 7th place and Guatemala in 8th.

Match 2 5-6th – Dominican Republic (DOM) vs. Jamaica (JAM)

Dominican Republic took on Jamaica, both teams looking to finish their tournament with consecutive wins. The game got under way in intense heat, but it did not prevent a high tempo. DOM dominated play early on, pushing JAM back. BIROCHO, NAVAMUEL and OFLAHERTI made strong attacking runs forcing some desperate JAM tackles. They earned a PC that NAVAMUEL attempted to lob toward the back post, but GORDON did well to stop it in front of her GK McINTOSH. JAM slowly started to pass the ball around, looking for GRIFFITHS and ELLIOT to run at the DOM defence. With one minute to go in the quarter Seychelle DOYLEY got a shot, but GK DE LA ROSA made an excellent save.Q2 saw JAM push forward more and enjoy possession in the DOM half of the field. They earned a few circle entries, but were unable to get any shots. DOM continued to attack, earning more PCs, but JAM defended them well. The temperatures were not the only thing to ran high as some aggressive tackles started coming. Players from both sides started arguing with the umpires. The halftime horn sounded with the score still 0-0.

DOM started the second half pushing for a goal, NAVAMUEL dropping deeper to make longer passes upfield. JAM continued to battle hard, but they struggled with the heat and were visibly starting to get tired. Despite that, in the 42’ minute they had a good run from NICHOLSON down the right wing end with a cross that was missed by GRIFFITHS. DOM recovered the ball to counterattack and win a PC. NAVAMUEL’s shot was saved by McINTOSH straight to OFLAHERTI who tapped in the rebound for the 1-0 lead. In the next minute DOM earned another PC that ended with an identical outcome, an OFLAHERTI rebound goal. A few minutes later another DOM PC was this time saved by McINTOSH and cleared by her defenders. The Q3 horn sounded with the score 2-0.

Q4 saw JAM in particular struggled in the heat, with the game played almost exclusively in their half of the field. In the 53’ minute BIROCHO evaded a tired tackle to hit a reverse stick shot past McINTOSH. JAM never gave up and they continued to find a way to score. With two minutes remaining they earned a PS that Trudyann KNIGHT stepped up to score. NAVAMUEL then scored a PC in the 60’ minute to complete her team’s 4-1 win.

Match 3 Bronze Medal – Barbados (BAR) vs. Trinidad & Tobago (TTO)

 It seemed fitting that this Caribbean Classico was for a medal, although both teams would be recovering from the disappointment of semi-final losses. BAR started the more aggressive of the teams, getting the first attack that was easily defended by the TTO defenders. The game went from end to end without anyone creating any clear chances. Dana DE GANNES made a strong run but found the BAR defence well positioned to stop her. In the 13’ minute Brianna GOVIA made a strong run into the circle and was fouled for a PS. Shaniah DE FREITAS stepped up to score her 6th goal of the tournament, all from PS. The quarter ended shortly after at 0-1.

Q2 saw TTO make the first attacking moves, but again the well organised BAR defence kept them out. Nakira DOWNES made some dangerous attacks and earned a PC, but her team did not get off the shot. The teams continued to cancel each other out and the halftime horn sounded with the score still 0-1.

BAR came out in the second half pushing for an equaliser, but TTO were up for the challenge and kept most of the play in the middle of the field. The game also became more heated with BAR having to serve two yellow card suspensions and the TTO team one green card suspension. The teams both got PCs but found the defence too much to overcome. The quarter ended with the score 0-1.

The final quarter saw TTO content to play for counterattacks. They also mixed in moments of possession to keep the pace of the game slower. They did have to serve a yellow card suspension but BAR could not make the numerical advantage count. DOWNES continued to look dangerous forcing a couple PCs, but the TTO defence kept them out. BAR captain Ayanna WILSON made some crucial tackles in the midfield every time TTO looked to come forward. In the 59’ minute a TTO counterattack ended when Brittney HING was fouled in the circle for a PS. GK Sheena NICHOLLS was injured in the play and was replaced by Kristina HINDS-HARRISON, who was unable to stop DE FREITAS from scoring her 7th goal of the tournament. The final horn sounded a minute later to scenes of TTO celebration.

Match 4 Gold Medal – Mexico (MEX) vs. Cuba (CUB)

The final featured teams who faced each other in Pool A action, Mexico coming away 3-0 winners. Our Pan Am Games representatives started the final quickly. Cuba the more forceful team, while Mexico was content to defend deep and play for counterattacks. MILANES made a couple good runs, one of which led to a PC. VERA’s shot brought out a spectacular foot save from GK Jesus CASTILLO. Mexico started to get circle entries, earning a PC but found the Cuba defence too strong for them. The Q1 horn sounded with the score 0-0.

Cuba started Q2 dominating the game, keeping the play mainly in the Mexican half. Mexico were content to give up possession and look for counterattacking opportunities. VERA and PASO got PC shots but found CASTILLO in their way. NAVARRO then had a circle entry but ARGENTEL make a crucial tackle. The halftime horn sounded with the score 0-0.

Q3 had a more balanced approach with Mexico pressuring higher up the field. Cuba kept coming though, earning a PC in the ?? minute. NIKLE’s shot deflected off of CASTILLO’s pads and up into the net for a 0-1 lead for Cuba. Mexico immediately attacked in search of an equaliser, earning three PCs before the quarter ended, but failing to score. To make matters worse, CORREA got a yellow card suspension just before the quarter ended. At the end of Q3 the score remained 0-1.

Mexico had to score so despite the player disadvantage they were the more aggressive to start Q4 and earned a PC in the opening minute. OVIEDO missed the option pass to her and the opportunity went by without a shot. A second PC two minutes later was blown off for a dangerous shot. HINOJOSA then get a green card to leave her team two players short. Cuba used their advantage to earn a PC, but ACOSTA recovered the rebound to clear the danger. Mexico earned another PC, but OVIEDO’s flick was tipped overbar by GK BETANCOURT. The final two minutes were played at a frenetic pace, Mexico trying desperately to score and Cuba working well to deny them. The final horn sounded with the score 0-1, Cuba winning the gold medal. Congratulations to CUBA!

The spectators, Colombian and from the various competing teams alike were treated to an exciting final. Hockey was truly a winner today. The final tournament rank is as follows:

1. Cuba
2. Mexico
3. Trinidad and Tobago
4. Barbados
5. Dominican Republic
6. Jamaica
7. Guyana
8. Guatemala

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Hockeymen bag bronze

Rachael Thomspon-King

Led by veteran player Kwandwane Browne, the local men’s hockey team bagged bronze to increase T&T’s medal haul to 19 yesterday at the Central America and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Browne sank a pair of goals in the eighth and 52nd minutes, to help T&T top Guyana, 5-0, in the bronze medal match at the Complejo Pibe Valderrama.

Tariq Marcano opened the scoring as early as the second minute with Browne increasing the lead to 2-0 some six minutes later, an advantage T&T held on to at the end of the first quarter.

However, in the next two quarters, T&T struggled to find the back of the net and the score remained 2-0, heading into the final quarter.

It was Mickell Pierre getting T&T another goal in the 51st minute and a minute later, Browne netted his second item before Shaquille Daniel put in the final item in the 56th.

The Trinidad Guardian



real FOUR NATIONS CUP Men
Dusseldorf (GER)

Results 29 July

IRL v FRA (RR)     2 - 2
GER v ARG (RR)     3 - 3

Final Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Germany 3 2 1 0 13 4 9 7
2 Argentina 3 2 1 0 8 5 3 7
3 France 3 0 1 2 4 10 -6 1
4 Ireland 3 0 1 2 3 9 -6 1

FIH Match Centre



EXIN Masters World Cup

Click here for the Official Results for all age groups.

EXIN Masters World Cup official site



EXIN Masters World Cup Day 2: Eight USA Teams Compete


Image by Yisel Armas

TERASSA, Spain - July 29, 2018 - The second day of the EXIN Masters World Cup saw eight of the nine USA teams compete in Terassa, Spain.

O-40 Men's 0 vs. Australia 7

The U.S. O-40 Men's Masters Team gave it their all against two-time defending O-40 champions, Australia, but were unable to fend off their strong attack as they fell 0-7.
 
O-45 Men's 0 vs. Australia 4

It was a rough day for U.S. O-45 Men's National Team as they took on No. 1 ranked Australia. The early morning match saw Australia taking the initiative from the pushback as their strikers and midfielders pushed the USA defense to the limit. Notwithstanding, the defensive block led by Saran Mandair (San Jose, Calif.), Barry Payne (Auburndale, Mass.), Rino Bouwman (Ventura, Calif.), Chip Rogers (Oxford, Ohio) and Barry Merriman (Washington, D.C.) took on Australia, held back their attack one wave after the other and the first quarter ended goalless.

A strong spell by Australia in the second quarter caught US on their back foot and led the opposition to score three goals in succession. Half time helped Team USA regain their composure and saw no more action on the scoreboard despite efforts from both sides on goal.

Early in the final quarter an unfortunate rebound off the goalkeeper fell right on the stick of an Australia striker who pushed it off midair to score the final goal of the match. It was a strong display from USA against a squad strongly favored to win the competition. At the end of the game, USA’s Alvaro Salcedo (Baltimore, Md.) was recognized by Australia as the Man of the Match for his display in midfield.

The U.S. O-45 Men's Masters Team returned to the pitch today against Wales at 2:00 p.m. ET.

O-50 Men's 3 vs. Canada 2
 
O-55 Men's 0 vs. The Netherlands 1

The U.S. O-55 Men's Masters Team came of age in an evenly fought game against their division favorite, The Netherlands.

A 7th minute goal after a long through pass and 1v1 between USA goalkeeper Jon O’Haire (Columbus, Ohio) and The Netherlands X Jacobs when the striker's skillfully evaded O’Haire’s diving tackle.

USA pressed their opponents throughput the remainder of the game and would have deserved a tie. USA's second half goalkeeper Warren Prestwich (Towson, Md.) played the game of his life making at least a half dozen breathtaking saves.

The last quarter of the game was an all out end-to-end struggle with USA strikers Ian Tapsall (Fairfield, Conn), Tommy Khoo (Bethesda, Md.) and Jeremy Roberts (Beltsville, Md.) putting continual pressure on The Netherland's defense by winning four penalty corners and narrowly missing the elusive equalizer.

The U.S. O-55 Men's Masters Team has today off but will return to the pitch on Monday to face Scotland at 11:35 a.m. ET.

O-35 Women's 0 vs. England 4
 
O-40 Women's 1 vs. Zimbabwe 3

O-45 Women's 0 vs. Russia 2

O-55 Women's 3 vs. Wales 1
 
For more information regarding the EXIN Masters World Cup, including full schedule, results, roster, live stream information, and more, check out the official event program by clicking here.

USFHA media release



Malaysia 45+ lose to France

By Jugjet Singh

The Malaysian veterans 45+ team lost 3-0 to France at the Masters Hockey World Cup in Terrassa, Spain.

After a 2-1 win Over Scotland, the veterans found France to be a tough nut to crack, as they wasted too many sitters.

They will meet Germany next on Tuesday.

Team manager Manjit Majid Abdullah said: "Even though France was a strong side, but we also had many chances to score but the strikers fumbled inside the semi-circle.

"We play Germany next and I expect another difficult match."

Malaysia is also playing in the 55+ event, and after a 9-0 win over Ireland, the team will meet Argentina on Monday.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Back against the wall in cold Perth

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's back will be against the wall when they play provincial side Australia A in the fourth friendly in Perth Monday.

For, coach Stephen van Huizen's men had lost the first three 3-2, 4-2 and 3-0 and can't afford any slip-ups in the remaining two matches.

Malaysia are targeted to win gold in the Jakarta Asian Games, and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but their performance in Australia has been anything but good.

And since in Jakarta they will be playing Thailand at 12 noon and Bangladesh at 2pm, the training stint in cold Perth will have to be reversed with a hot schedule upon their return.

Malaysia are in Group B and the other teams are Pakistan, Oman and Indonesia.

"Yes, I am aware that we will be playing two mid-day matches in Jakarta and so have planned for morning and lunchtime training when we return from Perth," said van Huzien.

In Perth, it is now 14-17 degrees Celsius.

On the previous three defeats, van Huizen feels even though they are playing Australia A and not the World No 1 side, they have not been up against easy opponents.

"Australia A is made up of players who are trying to break into the main squad as well as players who are trying to make a comeback after retirement.

"So, they give their best to impress selectors and I expect the remaining three matches to be just as tough."

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Dharmaraj's women seal series 3-0

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysain women's hockey squad won the five-series friendlies 3-0 when they beat Queensland 3-2 Sunday.

Queensland are the Australian Women's League champions, but they played without five of their best who are representing Australia in the ongoing World Cup in London.

Malaysia started with 1-1 and 2-2 draws before winning 3-1, 2-1 and 3-2.

The team is preparing for the Jakarta Asian Games where they are in Group A with China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Japan and China are playing in the World Cup right now.

Yesterday, Malaysia took a 2-0 lead, but were tied at 2-2 by the fourth quarter. Nuraini Rashid scored two goals, while Raja Norsharina scored the other.

"Even though we lost a 2-0 lead, but still, I saw progress in their game since they arrived here. And with this series win, I believe we are ready to give our best in the Asian Games," said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.

"Two years ago when we wanted to compete in the Australian women's league we were advised to play in Division Two because there were fears that we would be thrashed.

"And today, even though they did not have their national players, we managed to win the series agaisnt the Australian champions," said Dharmaraj.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



2018 South African Senior Men's IPT A Section
Pietermaritzburg

Results 29 July

EP v KZNM (Pool B)     4 - 0
SG v NW (Pool A)         13 - 0
SGW v FS (Pool B)         6 - 1
KZNC v SGN (Pool A)     8 - 2
NG v WPP (Pool B)         2 - 1
WP v SAU21 (Pool A)     3 - 2

Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Southern Gauteng (RSA) 1 1 0 0 13 0 13 3
2 KZN Raiders (RSA) 1 1 0 0 8 2 6 3
3 TUFFY Western Province (RSA) 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
4 SA U21 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
5 Southern Gauteng Nuggets (RSA) 1 0 0 1 2 8 -6 0
6 North West (RSA) 1 0 0 1 0 13 -13 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Witsies (RSA) 1 1 0 0 6 1 5 3
2 Eastern Province (RSA) 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
3 Northern Blues (RSA) 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
4 WP Peninsula (RSA) 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
5 KZN Mynahs (RSA) 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0
6 Free State (RSA) 1 0 0 1 1 6 -5 0

SAHA Match Centre

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