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All the news for Thursday 6 December 2018

Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 - Day 8
Bhubaneswar (IND)

Results 5 December

GER v NED (Pool D)     4 - 1
MAS v PAK (Pool D)     1 - 1

Fixtures 6 December (GMT +5:30)

17:00     ESP v NZL (Pool A)
19:00     ARG v FRA (Pool A)

Remaining pool fixtures
   
7 Dec 2018 17:00     AUS v CHN (Pool B)
7 Dec 2018 19:00     IRL v ENG (Pool B)

8 Dec 2018 17:00     BEL v RSA (Pool C)
8 Dec 2018 19:00     CAN v IND (Pool C)

9 Dec 2018 17:00     MAS v GER (Pool D
9 Dec 2018 19:00     NED v PAK (Pool D)

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

Germany claim marquee 4-1 win over Netherlands in Bhubaneswar


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Germany claimed a stunning 4-1 victory against the Netherlands on day eight of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, a result which saw Die Honamas take control of Pool D.

They scored three final quarter goals to advance to the knock-out stages and put them in a super position to claim the quarter-final spot on offer.
Germany’s Christopher Rühr had the first shot in anger while Dutch captain Billy Bakker forced a good save from Tobias Walter before the opening goal arrived in the 13th minute.

Valentin Verga was credited with the goal, driving in from the left before seeing his cross-shot take a wicked deflection off a Germany stick to put the Netherlands – 7-0 winners against Malaysia in their opening match of this World Cup – into the lead on the occasion of Max Caldas’s 100th match in charge of the team.

Germany almost levelled a minute later when Mathias Müller hit the post with the goal at his mercy at the end of a slick penalty corner routine.

While the pace of Rühr and Florian Fuchs certainly asked questions of the Dutch defence, the Netherlands looked the team most likely to score in the second quarter with Bakker, Jonas de Geus and Bob de Voogd all having clear sights at goal.

However, Germany dragged themselves level just before half time, with Müller this time making no mistake to finish off a penalty corner identical to the one he had earlier missed.

The Netherlands were well on top in the third quarter but failed to take advantage of numerous penalty corner opportunities.

It was something that would cost them dear with Germany producing a stunning performance in the final quarter to claim a memorable 4-1 triumph over their great rivals.

Lukas Windfeder’s low penalty corner drag-flick put Die Honamas ahead before a typical poacher’s finish from Marco Miltkau made it 3-1. The Dutch tried to rally, but any hope of rescuing the match ended when Christopher Rühr launched a penalty stroke high into the Netherlands goal to complete the scoring at 4-1 and put Germany firmly in control of Pool D.

“It is crazy to play 4-1 against the Dutch, we didn’t expect that”, said Germany’s Mats Grambusch after the match.

“They were the better team in the third quarter, and we conceded a few penalty corners against us and they could have scored, but they didn’t because of our good defence. In the end we had the power to turn the match around in the final quarter.”

The Dutch sit second in the group with three points with Malaysia and Pakistan scrambling for a crossover spot after their 1-1 draw.

On Thursday, reigning Olympic champions Argentina face France while New Zealand take on Spain.

Euro Hockey League media release

Germany down Netherlands in clinical display

By The Hockey Paper, Bhubaneswar



Germany, the two-time champions, charged to a scintillating 4-1 win in their Pool D World Cup clash on Wednesday to underline their credentials as one of the favourites for the 2018 edition.

Germany clawed back a Valentin Verga first-half strike after dominant Dutch possession with an unstoppable barrage of counter-attacking hockey, mainly in the fourth quarter.

Goals from Mathias Muller (30), Lukas Windfeder (52), Marco Miltkau and Christopher Ruhr (58) did for the 1998 world champions in a ruthless, efficient display.

“I don’t know if it’s just a German thing, but if you are confident and you know you have good players and quick enough to give one chance for a penalty corner and for a goal, then you don’t have to play with risk,” said Tobias Hauke. “You can keep cool and wait for two or three chances. And that’s what happened today.”

Hauke said Germany’s hockey ethos had changed since Rio 2016, with more attack-minded players such as Mats Grambusch, mixed in with a stonewall German defence. It made for a good combination, added Hauke.

“We had a good game with good counter attacks,” added Hauke.

“It was great for the individual players to get their touches and the corners, especially for the younger players in the striker line. That’s more important than players as a group with 80 per cent ball position.”



The Netherlands saw four penalty corners go begging, while Germany made sure of their own when Windfeder’s low strike found the net. Minutes later, Wellen, impressive all night, found Miltkau who deflected in.

There was still time for more. With Dutch heads dropping, Ruhr converted from the penalty spot to add further gloss.

“We were in control at three quarter time but we weren’t playing great,” said Dutch coach Max Caldas. “We went too fast into trying to solve things on our own, instead of as a team at 2-1. When the sharpness is not there, against good teams, you will struggle.”

The Hockey Paper is the only British and Irish publication accredited for the 2018 World Cup – so don’t miss out!

The Hockey Paper

Mighty Germans demolish the Dutch

By Jugjet Singh

BHUBANESWAR: The team that thrashed Malaysia 7-0 earlier, got routed in the World Cup today.

The Netherlands, who were so dominant against Malaysia, were crushed 4-1 by Germany at the Kalinga Stadium.

Netherlands took the lead through Valentin Verga in the 13th minute and had looked comfortable.

But a late blitz from the Germans, who had beaten Pakistan 1-0 in their first match, saw Mathias Muller (30th), Lukas Windfeder (52nd), Marco Miltkau (54th) and Christopher Ruhr (58th) demolish the Dutch.

"Patience was the key in our success today as we kept defending well even after letting in an early goal. As the match wore on, the Dutch lost their energy while my players’ energy level went higher and we managed to make it into a wonderful win," said German coach Stefan Kermas.

Netherlands coach Max Caldas said the tournament is a marathon, and not a sprint.

"This is a long tournament with many tough matches lined up, and I believe it is a marathon and not a sprint so we will take things slowly.”

"Once in a while a goal shower (early defeat) is good for the team as it can wake us up."

Netherlands next play Pakistan, while Malaysia meet Germany on Dec 9 to complete the group fixtures.

New Straits Times

Germany steamroll Netherlands to top Pool D

s2h Team



Germany appeared tentative when it struggled to beat Pakistan in the tour opener. Today too it did not appear a juggernaut but the prodigal looking Netherlands' inability to put on goals on the scoreboard when dominated, gave room for them to wait for their turn. It came in the fourth quarter. Provided chances after chance by ever-green Florian Fuchs, German pumped in three more goals to it first half solitary goal to romp home 4-1 over traditional foes.

It was Netherlands, which was pressing hard in the entire first half that got the lead late in the first quarter through Micro Pruijser, who spooned a left wing solo and then ran around the cage to keep himself balanced.

This was in the 12th minute that put their neighbours on back foot.

Thereafter it was seen the Dutch were indulging in individual plays so uncharacteristic of them. Three solos in the second quarters, apiece by Weerden, Billy Bakker and alike did not move the scoreboard.

A minute before the lemon time, Germany earned its first of three penalty corners of which in an indirect manouvre Matias Mueller equalized.

Dutch continued their schemes in the third quarter, which gave them three continuous penalty corners but Joren Hertzberger, who struck a hattrick the other day, did not impress.

Six minutes in to the last quarter Mink van der Weerden tripped Floran Fuchs on the left side of the circle which prompted the umpire to give Germany its second penalty corner. Lucas Windfeder managed to send his flick between postman and goalie on the right.

Pumped up German converted another penalty corner and a stroke to add salt to the wounds to finish the day wonderfully with 4-1 scoreline. With two wins in as many as two matches, Germany now tops the pool. Germany remains to play Malaysia while Netherlands to lock horns against Pakistan.

Stick2Hockey.com

Germany bounces back

The Netherlands dominates early proceedings

Y.B. Sarangi


Pushing ahead: Marco Miltkau, who scored one of Germany’s goals, beats the Dutch goalkeeper during a raid. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

Germany’s workmanlike approach helped it withstand immense pressure and rally to beat Netherlands 4-1 in a high-profile Pool D contest here on Wednesday.

Germany’s second win enabled it top the table with six points and brighten its chance for a direct qualification to the last eight.

The spirited Dutch tested the Germans early with some dangerous moves and tough tackles. They took the lead when Valentin Verga’s attempt from close went in from a German stick.

Boosted by its midfield, the Dutch forward-line remained active. Captain Billy Bakker hit two powerful shots into the German circle but could not find support.

Germany defended well and tried to make the most of its counter-attacks, including one in which Niklas Wellen’s shot hit the side board.

Beautiful goal

The Germans earned two consecutive short corners at the stroke of half-time. Mathias Muller converted the second with a beautiful variation that was executed with clockwork precision.

The Netherlands maintained the tempo to fetch four penalty corners in the third quarter, but Germany defended with determination. In the final period, Germany built up attacks to put pressure on the Netherlands and scored thrice in the last eight minutes.

Lukas Windfeder’s low drag-flick from a penalty corner changed the narrative, Marco Miltkau’s push took a Dutch stick to consolidate the lead and Christopher Ruhr’s penalty stroke conversion completed the tally.

Later, Pakistan and Malaysia played out a 1-1 draw.

The results (Pool D): Germany 4 (Mathias Muller 30, Lukas Windfeder 52, Marco Miltkau 54, Christopher Ruhr 58) bt Netherlands 1 (Valentin Verga 13); Pakistan 1 (Muhammad Atiq 51) drew with Malaysia 1 (Faizal Saari 55).

The Hindu

Germans floor the Dutch

Register 4-1 win, top Pool D; Malaysia, Pak play draw

Indervir Grewal in Bhubaneswar


Germany’s Christopher Ruhr falls on the ground as he tries to dribble past Netherlands’ Jorrit Croon during their group stage match in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. AFP

TWO very different rivalries, set apart by thousands of miles, saw two distinct battles fought out on the same day in Bhubaneswar. First up on the blue turf were European big guns Germany and Netherlands. Against all expectations, the neighbours ending up adding another thrilling chapter to their age-old rivalry. It was not expected to be a German night, the two-time champions not being at their best in the last few years, thus slipping to sixth in the world rankings.

The Dutch, two places above Germany, were the fancied side on Wednesday. However, a draw was a more plausible prediction. Neither team likes to lose this encounter. And history has shown that despite the difference in rankings and form, the weaker team has found a way to play out a draw.
The match seemed heading that way again, until Germany suddenly found their scoring touch, eight minutes before the final hooter. The first half had the Netherlands running all over Germany. The all-black Germans were pressed into making uncharacteristic mistakes. They gave away too many balls in the midfield. The Netherlands counterattacked but it took them 13 minutes to take the lead. Valentin Verga’s cross from inside the circle went in off German defender Lukas Windfeder’s stick.

The determined Germans, though, fought back and almost got the equaliser in the last seconds of the first quarter. A penalty corner variation saw a strike by the pusher hit the near post.
The Dutch enjoyed even more dominance in the second quarter but looked a little slow in the circle, missing many chances. That, in the end, proved to be the difference. Germany won another penalty corner, again seconds before a break. They went for the same variation and it worked this time, Mathias Muller getting the crucial deflection despite being off-balance.

Every battle between the two European teams is fantastic to watch from the tactical point of view. Both play sound hockey, but it’s the small things that make the difference every time. At different times in a highly-competitive second half, each team had the upper hand. While the Dutch failed to score when they were mentally on top, the Germans made the domination count. Windfeder made up for his mistake with a 52nd-minute drag-flick goal. Marco Miltkau got an opportunistic deflection two minutes later, and Christopher Ruhr converted a penalty stroke two minutes from time. The win sealed the top spot in the pool for Germany as Pakistan and Malaysia played out a draw in the second match of the day.

Malaysia hold Pak

In the all-Asian battle of the day, Malaysia and Pakistan played out a chaotic draw to stay alive in the competition. The match started out at hectic pace with end-to-end action, but it fizzled out as both teams lost steam. The excitement returned when Pakistan thought they had sealed the match with a 51st-minute strike from Muhammad Atiq. But Faizal Saari equalised with a 55th-minute drag-flick. With one point each from two games, both teams have a chance to finish in the top-three.

Bovelander in the house

Hoping to inspire the current team, India’s World Cup winners from 1975 were felicitated before the start of the event in Bhubaneswar. They were honoured during the opening ceremonies, in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and were the state government’s guests for India’s opener against South Africa. On Wednesday, another World Cup winner was present in the stadium. But this former star, an Olympics winner as well, didn’t get the special treatment. Dutch legend Floris Jan Bovelander sat, inconspicuously, amidst the spectators and watched the Netherlands take on Germany. Bovelander has become a regular visitor to India over the last few years. The 52-year-old is part of the One Million Hockey Legs project, which aims to take hockey to 1 million children across India. Bovelander also has academies running in the country. If Bovelander was looking to inspire his compatriots with his presence, it didn’t work as the Dutch lost 4-1. But Bovelander “wasn’t too disappointed”. The Netherlands are still among the favourites to reach the quarterfinals. Bovelander will be back in Bhubaneswar at that stage.

The Tribune

Clinical Germany run riot against wasteful Netherlands side to inch closer to direct quarter-final place


Germany got the better of the Netherlands, winning 4-1. Twitter@sports_odisha

Bhubaneswar: Two-time champions Germany outclassed the last edition's silver medallist Netherlands 4-1 in their second Pool D match to inch closer towards booking a direct quarter-final berth at the ongoing men's hockey World Cup on Wednesday.

Germany came back from a goal down and scored through Mathias Muller (30th minute), Lukas Windfeder (52nd), Marco Miltkau (54th) and Christopher Ruhr (58th) to register their second consecutive win in the pool.

The Netherlands, however, took the early lead through Valentin Verga in the 13th minute.

By virtue of this win, Germany are top of Pool D with six points from two wins ahead of the Netherlands, who are on three points.

Germany had earlier defeated Pakistan 1-0 in their opening match, while the Netherlands had mauled Malaysia 7-0.

In the battle between World No. 4 Netherlands and No. 6 Germany, the Dutch were the early aggressors but the Germans came to the party as the match progressed.

Netherlands captain Billy Baker had the first real scoring opportunity in the eighth minute but his shot from a close range was brilliantly saved by German keeper Tobias Walter.

But the Netherlands, who were the better team at least in the first quarter, were not to be denied the lead as Verga broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, tapping in Mirco Pruijser's reverse hit cross from close range.

The Germans got their first penalty corner seconds before the end of first quarter but were unlucky as Mathias Muller's strike from a superb variation struck the post. Another Germany attempt, this time from Niklas Wellen's reverse hit was saved by Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak.

Germany continued to press hard and at the stroke of first quarter secured back-to-back penalty corners, the second of which resulted in a beautiful goal by Muller from a superb, well-executed variation.

The Germans continued to be aggressive after the change of ends but it was the Netherlands who got four penalty corners in a span of two minutes but wasted all the opportunities.

The missed opportunities cost Netherlands dear as Germany scored from their fourth penalty corner with Windfeder finding the back of Dutch goal with a low grounded flick.

Two minutes later, Germany made the scoreline 3-1 in their favour when Miltkau deflected in a Niklas Wellen pass from the right flank.

As if that was not enough for the Dutch, Germany struck again two minutes from the final hooter from a penalty stroke which was converted by Ruhr.

Firstpost

Malaysia's World Cup campaign in tatters

By Jugjet Singh


Pakistan's Ajaz Ahmad fights for the ball with Malaysia's Fitri Saari during the field hockey group stage match between Malaysia and Pakistan at the 2018 Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar on December 5, 2018. AFP photo

BHUBANESWAR, India: Malaysia drew 1-1 with Pakistan today, a score which barely keeps their hopes alive in Group D of hockey’s World Cup.

In what was expected to be a turning point in their campaign, Malaysia failed to capitalise on the seven penalty corners that came their way, and had to settle for a point instead.

Now, they must beat Germany in their final group match and hope Pakistan get thrashed by the Netherlands for any hope of advancing past the group stage.

Pakistan took the lead off Atiq Mohamed in the 51st minute while Malaysia’s face-saving goal was delivered by Faizal Saari in the 55th minute.

"We have made it difficult for ourselves after this draw. We could not get more goals even though we had more than enough penalty corners in this match.

“Now, we must fight the Germans with all we have to qualify for the crossover," said Malaysia’s 64-year-old Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans.

Faizal Saari, who was disappointed with the scoreline, said: “We should have won this match, and I am disappointed with the draw.

"But we still have one more match and it's not over yet."


Malaysia’s Faizal Saari (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the men's Field Hockey World Cup match between Malaysia and Pakistan at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India, 05 December 2018. EPA photo

Malaysia could have sealed the match in 35 minutes, but missed all four penalty corners that came their way.

And Pakistan were not impressive as well, as they won only two penalty corners and bungled both as well.

The statistics were damning, as Malaysia and Pakistan's only shots at goal were off penalty corners while the strikers from both sides failed to test the goalkeepers.

Malaysia goalkeeper S. Kumar had a relatively easier match compared to the 7-0 drubbing by the Netherlands.

The best chance was in the second quarter, when Azri Hassan found an unmarked Joel van Huizen who only had goalkeeper Imran Butt to beat, but Joel could not trap the ball properly and the moment went to waste.

The second half was also erratic, as Malaysia only came alive in the last 10 minutes, but it was not enough to snatch full points from Pakistan.

New Straits Times

Malaysia hold Pakistan to a draw but need a miracle to advance

By Aftar Singh


Great effort: Malaysia’s Faiz Jali (left) going for a sliding tackle against Pakistan’s Muhammad Atiq during the Hockey World Cup Group D match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar yesterday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

MALAYSIA’S hopes of advancing to the second round of the Hockey World Cup is virtually over after holding Pakistan to 1-1 draw in the Group D match.

Both teams have one point from two matches but Pakistan are in third spot in the group with better goal difference.

Malaysia need to beat Germany in their last group match with a big margin on Sunday if they hope to reach the second round.

Yesterday, it was a match both the teams needed to win as both the teams had lost their opening matches.

Malaysia were trounced 7-0 by Holland while Pakistan lost 1-0 to Germany.

Coach Roelant Oltmans’ men missed a number of chances in the first two quarters.

Malaysia started off aggressively by earning two penalty corners in the first four minutes.

But both Faizal Saari’s low drag flick was well saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt.

Malaysia had the best chance to take a lead in the 18th minute.

Mohd Azri Hassan made a through pass to the unmarked Joel van Huizen in the semi-circle, but Joel squandered the chance.

Malaysia kept pressing on the Pakistan defence and earned another two penalty corners in the second quarter but failed to convert.

Pakistan, who gave a good fight to the Germans, however, were not impressive in the first two quarters.

They earned three penalty corners in the first-half but failed to get it right.

Pakistan broke the hearts of the Malaysian team when they took the lead through Muhammad Atiq in the 49th minute.

Atiq collected a through pass before he slammed the ball past keeper S. Kumar.

Malaysia fought back to equalise in the 55th minute when Faizal scored off the seventh penalty corner.

In an earlier match, Germany came back from a goal down to outplay Holland 4-1.

Valentin Verga gave Holland the lead in the 13th minute before Germany turned on the heat to score four goals in 28 minutes.

Mathias Muller equalised in the 30th minute before Lukas Windfeder gave Germany the lead in the 52nd minute.

Marco Miltkau scored the third goal in the 54th minute and Christoper Ruhr completed the rout in the 58th minute.

The Star of Malaysia

Malaysia bounce back to level Pakistan

s2h Team



In sync with the emerging trend, the first three quarters of the game between the Asian giants did not provide any dynamics to the scoreboard. It was not due to cautious approach the teams but mostly due to the inability of Malaysia to make use of its hard earned penalty corners in the first half.

Both teams parted for the break with honours even.

After a barren third quarter, captain Irfan Sr set up Atiq for the game changer of a moment. His hard hit from deep midfield was stopped by Atiq in the centre of circle only to see it bounce to a covering defender. Atiq used all his experience and wisdom to turn half, trap the ball to bring it for his forehand, and then quite calmly pushed the ball hard into the cage between the left post and to the right of well-stationed goalie Kumar Subramaniam. The mere fact that Atiq did not waste split seconds to backlift the stick stunned the Asia's best goalie.

The goal that electrified the crowd also spurred the Malaysians. They got their last of six penalty corners of which Faizal Saari, who was later declared Man of the Match for a Rs.50,000 purse, flicked high in to the left top corner.

Malaysia has equalized within 3 minutes. Try hard as they, goals did not come for either team thereafter though there excitements were a galore. The height of which was aggrieved Umar Bhutta claiming through referral for a stick obstruction when it seemed almost the final whistle was blown. There were a few tense seconds that kept the result in suspense. However, his claim did not stand neutral umpire's scrutiny.

The draw favours Pakistan who have better goal aggregate and difference than Malaysia's, to finish second or third in the pool.

Malaysia will play Netherlands while Pakistan will take on Netherlands in their last pool match later this week. Germany is leading the pool, followed by Netherlands.

Stick2Hockey.com

Pakistan hold Malaysia as Germany thrash Netherlands



FIH Bhubaneswar - Malaysia (WR:12) and Pakistan (WR:13) took to the field in the day’s second Pool D match, with a 1-1 draw leaving Pakistan third in the pool, ahead of last placed Malaysia on goal-difference. However, with both sides having tough opponents in their final round of matches – Pakistan play Netherlands, Malaysia take on Germany – there is still the potential for the placings to change.

There was little to choose between the two sides in the first two quarters, with both teams having chances to take the lead but not making the most of their opportunities. Despite the lack of goals, it was certainly not short of entertainment as two attack-minded sides took each other on. Despite having conceded seven times against the Netherlands, Malaysia’s back-line showed great discipline to frustrate Pakistan’s attackers, while both goalkeepers – Malaysia veteran Kumar Subramiam and Pakistan’s Imran Butt – also impressed.

The third quarter was also scoreless, but the fourth quarter was full of excitement. Pakistan took the lead when Muhammad Atiq received a long pass from midfield before turning his marker and finding the bottom corner of the Malaysia goal. It was a strike that left Malaysia’s future in the competition very much hanging in the balance, but they hit back with five minutes left to play thanks to a superb penalty corner drag-flick from Player of the Match Faizal Saari, who sent an unstoppable effort into the top left corner to keep alive his team’s hopes of moving into the knockout stages.

Speaking after the match, Malaysia goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam said: “I think the guys played very well today. Being down one goal and then getting it back to 1-1 is not easy, so I think we did well. We know there is a big goal difference, but maybe that can change in the last round of matches.”

Earlier, Germany claimed a stunning 4-1 victory against the Netherlands, a result which saw Die Honamas take control of Pool D ahead of the final round of group matches which take place on December 9.

Germany’s scintillating performance moved them onto six points, three points clear of second placed Netherlands, and are now favourites to top the pool and claim a direct ticket to the quarter-finals. A draw or a win for Germany against Malaysia – who drew with Pakistan in the second match of the day – in their final pool match would seal that all-important first place finish ahead of the Oranje.

As it so often is, the Germany versus Netherlands match was high in both quality and pace, as two fiercely competitive teams butted heads in front of a crowd that was certainly entertained. Germany’s Christopher Rühr had the first shot in anger, while Dutch captain Billy Bakker forced a good save from Tobias Walter before the opening goal arrived in the 13thminute. Valentin Verga was credited with the goal, driving in from the left before seeing his cross-shot take a wicked deflection off a Germany stick to put the Netherlands – 7-0 winners against Malaysia in their opening match of this World Cup – into the lead on the occasion of Max Caldas’s 100th match in charge of the team.

Germany almost levelled a minute later when Mathias Müller hit the post with the goal at his mercy at the end of a slick penalty corner routine. While the pace of Rühr and Player of the Match Florian Fuchs certainly asked questions of the Dutch defence, the Netherlands looked the team most likely to score in the second quarter with Bakker, Jonas de Geus and Bob de Voogd all having clear sights at goal. However, Germany dragged themselves level just before half time, with Müller this time making no mistake to finish off a penalty corner identical to the one he had earlier missed.

The Netherlands were well on top in the third quarter but failed to take advantage of numerous penalty corner opportunities. It was something that would cost them dear, with Germany producing a stunning performance in the final quarter to claim a memorable 4-1 triumph over their great rivals. Lukas Windfeder’s low penalty corner drag-flick put Die Honamas ahead before a typical poacher’s finish from Marco Miltkau made it 3-1. The Dutch tried to rally, but any hope of rescuing the match ended when Christopher Rühr launched a penalty stroke high into the Netherlands goal to complete the scoring at 4-1 and put Germany firmly in control of Pool D.

The Nation

Pakistan play out hard-fought draw against Malaysia to keep knock-out hopes alive


Pakistan played out a hard-fought draw with Asian rivals Malaysia. Twitter@sports_odisha

Bhubaneswar: Four-time champions Pakistan played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Malaysia in a Pool D match as both the teams remained in the hunt for a knock-out round berth in the men's hockey World Cup on Wednesday.

After failing to break the deadlock for a long time, Pakistan drew the first blood in the 51st minute through Muhammad Atiq's field strike before Malaysia restored parity four minutes later when Faizal Saari converted a penalty corner to stay afloat in the competition.

The draw meant both Pakistan and Malaysia remained in the fray for the knock-out rounds, having garnered a point each from two outings.

Germany are leading the pool with six points ahead of Netherlands and Pakistan. Malaysia are placed last because of an inferior goal difference.

Pakistan had earlier lost by a solitary goal to Germany, while Malaysia were thrashed 0-7 by the Netherlands.

Pakistan will round off their pool engagements against the Netherlands on 9 December while Malaysia, with a goal difference of minus 7, have an uphill task against the Germans the same day.

In the encounter between world number 12 Malaysia and number 13 Pakistan, there was hardly anything to separate the two sides.

Malaysia started brightly earning two penalty corners in the third minute. While the first attempt was blocked by Pakistan, the next try was kept at bay by keeper Imran Butt.

Next, it was Pakistan's turn to earn a penalty corner but Aleem Bilal's drag-flick directed at the top right corner was blocked by Malaysia goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam.

Malaysia came close to scoring in the ninth minute but Butt came up with yet another great save to stop Razi Rahim's drag-flick directed at the bottom centre.

It was an end-to-end battle as experienced Subramiam made another smart save to keep away a reverse flick from a midfield pass of Tasawar Abbas.

Pakistan attacked mostly through the centre with a majority of their circle entries coming from that area, while Malaysia tried to find spaces on the right side. Faizal Saari earned Malaysia their fourth penalty corner in the 23rd minute but Butt once again made a good save to deny Saari.

Both the teams made forays with pace and trickery on either end but they lacked the final pass inside the box.

Two minutes from half-time, Umar Bhutta earned Pakistan their second short corner but Bilal's drag-flick hit the runner's foot resulting in another set piece, which they wasted while going for a variation. Both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the first two quarters.

Ten minutes into the third quarter, Malaysia won their fourth penalty corner but to no avail.

Pakistan finally tasted success in the 51st minute, courtesy skipper Muhammad Rizwan's inch perfect pass to Atiq inside the box. The striker first received the pass, created space on the right, took a 360 degree spin to shoot the ball past Subramaniam.

Malaysia desperately needed a goal to stay afloat in the tournament and five minutes from the final hooter their efforts succeeded when they earned their fifth penalty corner and Saari was up to the task, flicking the ball high to the top right corner of Pakistan goal to share the spoils.

Firstpost

Vantage Black Sticks Meet Spain In A Must Win Match



The Vantage Black Sticks come up against a Spanish side who are desperate for their first win of the Odisha Men’s World Cup. The Spanish side need to win today to ensure safe passage through to the second round. The Vantage Black Sticks have traditionally struggled against Spain and haven't beaten the Spanish side since 2013. This is going to be a great opportunity for the Vantage Black Sticks to stop this trend as they have been playing some attractive hockey and if they can put a complete performance together then they will gain a much needed 3 points. 

Entering the game, The Vantage Black Sticks sit second in Pool A pool on 3 points, 2 points ahead of Spain and France. The top 3 sides from each pool qualify for the knockout stage of the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup.

On Monday morning the Vantage Black Sticks had a tough match against Argentina, despite some promising attacking moments the guys went down 3-0 to the Olympic champions. The team will be looking for improvements at both ends of the field against Spain on Friday morning. 

Spain have some fantastic young strikers and the player to watch is their outstanding young striker Enrique Gonzalez who is going to be playing in his 75th match having scored 11 goals including the 1st one against Spain in their opening match. Enrique has shown in both games in the tournament that his fast hand speed and determination is a problem for opposing teams. 

For the Vantage Black Sticks Men look out for in form striker Stephen Jenness who has been causing nightmares for the opposition defenders early in the tournament and if he can put some early goals in the back of the net the Vantage Black Sticks will be very difficult to beat. 

Vantage Black Sticks Captain Blair Tarrant commented ahead of the match “We expected our pool would be very tight, and that’s the way it is playing out. Argentina will top the pool, with Spain, France and ourselves still in with a chance of sealing a spot in the crossover matches. So the final pool games will be critical matches for everyone”.

The match will be screened live on Sky Sport 2 at 12:30am NZT. 

Last 5 Matches vs Spain

2017 - World League Semi Final - Lost 3-4
2016 - Olympic Games  - Lost 2-3
2016 - 6 Nations - Lost - 0-2
2015 - World League Semi Final - Lost 1-3
2014 - World Cup - Drew 1-1

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Focus On Momentum For Kookaburras In World Cup Dead Rubber

Ben Somerford



The world number one Kookaburras won’t let complacency enter their minds in Friday night’s 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup clash with 17th ranked China PR despite already securing top spot in Pool B.

Reigning World Cup champions Australia (six points) clinched their automatic quarter-finals spot following Tuesday’s 3-0 win over England, with China (two points), Ireland (one point) and the English (one point) left to fight it out for the other positions in the pool.

Australia’s quarter-final will take place at 10:30pm AEDT on Wednesday 12 December against the winner of the crossover match between Pool A’s runners-up and third in Pool B.

Tuesday’s Player of the Match Matthew Swann insisted the Kookaburras wouldn’t allow themselves to flirt with form against the Chinese who’ve surprised at the World Cup by drawing their two opening games.

“Two wins, we’re sitting pretty at the moment in our pool,” Swann said.

“We’re happy with that but we know it’s a long road to go. There’s a lot of good competition ahead of us.

“We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves. There’s a lot of work to do.

“We’re hopefully going to keep building from the England game.”

Swann, 29, is well placed to know what’s required to win a World Cup, being one of only two current Kookaburras players who was part of both the 2010 and 2014 triumphs, along with co-captain Eddie Ockenden.

The tireless defender from Mackay was only 21-years-old and 16 caps into his international career when he helped Australia win the 2010 World Cup but now he’s a key part of the leadership group with 179 Kookaburras appearances under his belt.

“We’ll take the games as they come,” Swann said.

“We’ll continue to build and grow as a team throughout this tournament.

“It’s going to be a long one but we’re prepared.”

A feature of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over England was Australia’s clinical finishing in front of goal, nailing three final quarter goals from Jake Whetton, Blake Govers and Corey Weyer.

Swann’s fellow Queenslander Whetton scored the opener with a pinpoint shot across England keeper George Pinner and in at the far post.

Whetton, who recently celebrated the birth of his first child Felix with his wife, said he was glad his hard work on the training pitch paid off.

“I’ve been playing a different position and the coach is always encouraging me to get into the top of the circle for a rebound,” 27-year-old Whetton said.

“I’m happy for it to fall to me. I’ve been working on a goal shot like that for a while, so I’m happy it paid off.”

Australia takes on China PR from 10:30pm LIVE on FOX SPORTS 503 and kayosports.com.au.

Australia v China PR
Friday 7 December, 10:30pm AEDT

LIVE on FOX SPORTS 503 & kayosports.com.au

Follow @Kookaburras on Twitter for updates

Kookaburras’ 18-member team for the World Cup
Athlete (City, State)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Timothy Brand (Chatswood, NSW)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Corey Weyer (Biggera Waters, QLD)
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)

Hockey Australia media release

Can Ireland secure their best ever Hockey World Cup position? 



Having qualified for the World Cup only twice before, it is fair to say that men’s hockey in Ireland has rarely made the world take notice. However, since finishing in third place at the 2015 EuroHockey Championship, and qualifying for their first Olympic Games in 2016, they’ve cemented their reputation as a team on the rise and secured a top ten ranking.

“With the heroics of the Women’s team in reaching the World Cup final, Irish hockey has already had an incredible 2018” said Kevin Utton, Director of Sports Sales & Marketing at Harrod Sport, the supplier of goalposts for both 2018 Hockey World Cups. “While the men are not expected to match that achievement, escaping the pool stage would be a new best finish and cap off a year of incredible achievements.”

The men’s team earned their place at this year’s World Cup in a tense 1-0 victory over New Zealand, where, after losing player after to player to injury, they managed to hold on and secure their first-ever win against the Blacksticks. But now they are in their first World Cup for 28 years, how far can they go?

Format changes

In their previous World Cups, Ireland finished bottom of the pile in 12th place. But the 2018 edition has been expanded to include 16 teams for the first time. In a worst-case scenario this could mean a new record low position, but actually could help to boost Ireland’s chances of escaping their group for the first time in their history.

To accommodate the additional teams, the pool qualification system has been changed to include a new round. While the winners of each pool will still go on to the next round automatically and the 4th-placed teams will be eliminated, the teams in 2nd and 3rd places will have to compete in crossover matches, playing off to secure a quarter final place.

As only four teams will be knocked out after the first round, this new format is sure to make many of the smaller teams feel like they have a better chance of getting to the knockout rounds.

The route to success

After an unremarkable start to the competition, the Irish team may face a difficult road ahead, but it is far from impossible.

 Beginning against the reigning world champions is a difficult challenge for any team, but Ireland showed that they were good enough to compete at this level.

A string of saves from David Harte almost kept the champions out during a second half in which Ireland needed all of their defensive guile. But it was not enough, as Australia’s Brand converted a rebound to secure a 2-1 win.

Australia went on to defeat England to confirm their place at the top of Pool B with a game to spare, but Ireland were frustrated by China – one of the new teams – and held to a 1-1 draw.



This means that both Ireland and England have one point after two games. Progression depends on success in Friday’s final Pool B match, where Ireland and England will go head-to-head to secure a place in the crossover.

While a draw would suit Ireland – superior goal difference means they would finish 2nd – a defeat could see Ireland eliminated at the first hurdle yet again.

Crossover competition

 Should Ireland get out of their group, they will have already secured a new best-ever placing – but what are their chances of going even further?

The crossover has been added as an additional knockout round. While it was used in the Women’s World Cup in the summer, this is its first appearance in the men’s event. The pools are paired (A with B, C with D), the runner up of one facing their respective third-placed team for a place in the quarter finals. With Argentina already cruising into the quarterfinals, Ireland could face one of the following Pool A teams:

Spain

Spain reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup more often than most, but as of yet have failed to translate this into a title. Though a match against Spain would be no walk in the park, France’s determined draw should make Ireland feel confident that a strong performance could see them progress.

New Zealand

The New Zealand’s Blacksticks have made it to the World Cup nine times before, so they’re not new to the competition. However, they have failed to make it past seventh place. Should Ireland cross paths with the blacksticks, their 1-0 qualifying victory earlier in the year should embolden the players and make the Irish feel confident of success.

France

Despite being a professional team, France are the lowest ranked nation in the competition at 20th. This has not discouraged them and they caught the attention of the world by not only securing a 1-1 draw with Spain, but doing so by dominating the match and coming close to upsetting one of the meanest defences in the competition.

France are very unlikely to overturn Argentina in their final match, but a shock result could see them scrape into the next round and give Ireland a stern challenge.

With all that said, Irish eyes will be turned to Kalinga Stadium on Friday to see if they can set a new high water mark, and perhaps begin an unlikely adventure into the uncharted territory of the later stages.

The Hockey Paper

Cargo hails amazing World Cup atmosphere as Bhubaneswar goes hockey crazy


Chris Cargo has hailed the Bhubaneswar roar. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics

Chris Cargo has hailed the “amazing” World Cup atmosphere as Bhubaneswar and the Indian crowds have gone wild for the event, turning the city into a mecca for hockey.

“The stadium has been really busy for both of our games with plenty of noise throughout the match,” he told The Hook.

“The crowds are bigger than at Rio and there is more noise around the stadium. Indians love their hockey so they are supporting the tournament really well. There are signs and murals all over the city.

“It’s great to have any Irish support here in the stadium. We always have support wherever we go in the world and we can’t thank them enough.

While the Irish press pack has not been in attendance at the event – save for The Hockey Paper’s prolific Rod Gilmour who has been servicing a number of Irish outlets – camera men and journalists have followed the team’s every move while locals regularly ask for photos.

“The support and coverage of the tournament has been great. We have been out of the hotel a few times for visits to local attractions and the local people are keen to have pictures etc, that’s definitely not normal for us but it’s been nice to experience. I think a few of the guys are a little more reserved but the Indians are all very nice!”

One of the images of the first week of the competition was the mass of bugs circulating around the floodlights. Since some early problems on the pitch, with David Harte saying there were a few too many getting inside his helmet, the hosts have been spraying the area and it has caused less of a problem according to Cargo.


Colourful India fans. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

“The bugs seem to come out at dusk. Every night is a little different. On the main pitch they haven’t affected us too much and you don’t really notice it when you are playing.”

On the pitch, while Ireland missed a chance to get their first win of the World Cup against China, they still go into their final group game with their fate in their own hands.

Player of the match Alan Sothern said the goal remains the same: “The number one goal before the start of the tournament was to reach the quarter-final and that hasn’t changed.

“We came out against China to win and if you look at the stats, we edged the game but didn’t make it count. The group is tight and it’s coming down to the last game. We will fire on Friday.

“We have a great, friendly rivalry with England and no one will be holding back. It’s a World Cup and both sides will be out to win to put themselves into the crossover games.

Shane O’Donoghue concurred: “There can be no motivation against England, it’s always there. We have to go into the game with plenty of belief which we always do.”

The Hook

India tap power from the Kalinga Stadium

By Jugjet Singh

BHUBANESWAR: India are enjoying their moment under the spotlight after topping Group C with an easy match against Canada to qualify for the quarter-finals.

They started with a 5-0 drubbing of South Africa and then held Belgium to a 2-2 draw, drawing energy from the crowd at the Kalinga Stadium.

More than 15,000 screaming fans cheered India when they held Belgium.

“My players tapped the energy from a cheering crowd to be in this position today.

“The fans are simply amazing and thanks to their undying support, the players gave back by playing good attacking hockey,” said Harendra.

The fitness of the India players was also at its best.

“We did double tackling (two players stopping an attack). Whether we are behind the ball or chasing it, we maintain pace.

“I feel proud about our fitness. Credit to Robin Arkell (fitness coach). I have never seen such a fit Indian team.

“Whether we have the ball or not, we can’t drop our energy. We need to make our opponents’ life miserable in every match,” said Harendra.

And on their last match against Canada: “Just a win, so that we do not get into the numbers game, comparing goals scored by Belgium. Both of us have six days to rest before deciding who goes into the quarter-finals automatically and who goes into the playoff.”

India have a five-goal advantage while Belgium only one goal. But the early indications are that India will again tap crowd energy and steamroll Canada for a direct entry into the quarter-finals.

New Straits Times

High audience turnout, state-of-the-art facilities and capable management makes tournament truly global affair

Jitendra Nath Misra


The Hockey World Cup 2018 has brought together fans from across the world, making it a truly global event. Twitter@sports_odisha

Is the hockey World Cup making an impact globally? Sitting in Bhubaneswar, we can’t be sure. Sundeep Misra, the Odisha government’s media advisor for the World Cup, says over 200 journalists have been accredited, of whom more than 40 are foreigners, and more are due to attend the knockout games. It is difficult to estimate how wide the foreign journalists’ reach is. The FIH has secured television coverage in 194 countries, a 150 per cent increase over 2014. Such statistics do impact a second- tier rising city, because this is the World Cup. Bhubaneswar may not be London, but it's all about the branding.

Certainly, the intent to make this a global World Cup is there. The government of Odisha thoughtfully invited Ministry of External Affairs officials, ambassadors of the 16 participating countries, and India’s ambassadors in the participating countries. In attendance over the opening five days were the ambassadors of Argentina and Belgium, the French consul general in Kolkata, and diplomats from China, Great Britain, Ireland and Argentina, many of them with their spouses. Hockey helps Indian diplomacy in the way all sport helps governments, by giving life a veneer of fun, free of the trials that xenophobic nationalism imposes on our minds.

Regardless of the extent of media impact, it is clear that the world has arrived in Bhubaneswar. Without special effort, I have randomly met fans from Australia, Kenya, Argentina, Britain and Ireland. The president of Deutscher Hockey-Bund, Wolfgang Hillmann, is in Bhubaneswar for the entire tournament. The hockey guru, Ric Charlesworth, is delivering his scholarly sermons from a third-floor pulpit. At a lunch for the Argentinian ambassador and their national team at the Crown Hotel, I met Fernando Bugallo and Miguel Casella — here to support their sons and Argentine team players Agustin and Maico. Kevin and Nadine Hughes from Brisbane, Australia, and Harjinder Singh Dhupar and Gurdev Singh Jandu from Kenya, are happy, chatty sports tourists. The US level 1 coach, Katharine P. DeLorenzo, has brought her American support team from coaching duties in Jharkhand. Look around the stadium; there are Chinese, Irish and Malaysian fans, with an armoury of flags and clothing in national colours.

Conversations provide convincing evidence that this World Cup is exceptional. Although it is not even halfway, there are pointers that it could possibly become the best ever World Cup. The FIH Master Coach, Dutchman Siegfried Aikman, who can count major international hockey tournaments at his fingertips, says: “It’s the best ever World Cup. Even when India is not playing, there are so many people. This doesn’t happen in any other stadium. They cheer for everyone. The stadium facilities are awesome. The people here are very helpful. They even beat nature (insects, by spraying insecticides around the stadium). The dressing room and facilities (are superb) — there is no such thing in any other hockey stadium. I quote also the Dutch national team players.” The tactician Aikman, who plotted Japan’s gold medal victory in the 2018 Asian Games, is quietly scouting the fault lines of the other teams in Bhubaneswar ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

A similar endorsement comes from South African player Jethro Ray Eustice, who earned his 100th cap in the game against India: “The people, the passion for hockey is unbelievable. India gave us a lot of passion and confidence to do well. It keeps us in high spirits. With 15,000 (people), the atmosphere is astonishing, perfect for a hockey match. The best moment of my career was playing in front of 15,000 Indian supporters.”

Argentinian team manager Juan Pablo says: “It’s a great World Cup, a great place to play hockey. The stadium is 10 points, it's excellent. The crowd is fantastic. To play hockey, this and Amstelveen are the best venues (in the world).” One might go on.

How has this happened? The Odisha government has built the infrastructure and created a supportive environment, and Hockey India has ticked the technical boxes. But ultimately, it is the fans that drive sport. Hockey’s fandom is various, with intricate global ties. It is an extended family, and, across continents, many international players have a family member who played the sport. Pablo says: “In Argentina, it’s (hockey is) a family game. My father played hockey, I play hockey, and my wife, son, brother and uncle play hockey.” Perhaps this under-appreciated social aspect is what lifts hockey in the sporting pantheon. This is what Marijke Fleuren, president of the European Hockey Federation, meant when she once told me that hockey in Europe is meant to affirm the importance of the family, and ethical behavior.

It is not surprising, therefore, that this World Cup has not had a single ugly situation. Games have been fiercely competitive, but within the bounds of good behaviour. There have been no incidents on the field, or fan problems. Putting the controversy of the 2014 Champions Trophy behind, Bhubaneswar has warmly welcomed the Pakistani team. The stadium at the Germany-Pakistan game was full, as if it were an India game. Each team has its own structures and tactics, employing them with guile and grace. China has won hearts with brave draws against more fancied England and Ireland. The Argentina- Spain and Belgium- India games have been exceptional, but every team has the capacity to surprise. Australia and the Netherlands are in ominous form, but the rest are close.

So, Bhubaneswar can hope to benefit from the quality and conviviality. The campaign “Odisha By Day, Hockey By Night” will be assessed when tourist arrivals are compared with the past, but impressions of casual visitors do create a legacy, which means the statistics may show up in the future. The World Cup could become the trial ground for a sports tourism policy. The citizens of Bhubaneswar are in a zone of uncommon, abundant choices. There is the Bhubaneswar Fest at the exhibition ground, with storytelling, food and entertainment, and the Fan Village at the stadium, with large viewing screens, activity for children, World Cup merchandise on sale, and eateries. By promoting fringe activities around the World Cup during the busy season, Odisha hopes to increase tourist arrivals. Bhubaneswar is branding itself as the spiritual home of Indian hockey, so it should be able to ride out the small quibbles of everyday life, for a larger collective purpose.

Firstpost

Junior World Cup-winning skipper Harjeet Singh thrilled with players’ progress

Seven from the 2016 juniors’ World Cup winning team are part of the ongoing senior World Cup.

Saurabh Duggal


File image of India hockey player Harjeet Singh.(Frank Uijlenbroek)

The photograph of junior India skipper Harjeet Singh in bed with the hockey World Cup trophy went viral in 2016. One of the stars of that campaign, Harjeet, it seemed, had a great future. That is not how things turned out though. Admitting that he is disappointed at not being part of the senior World Cup, Harjeet said he is proud of his junior India teammates who have made it to Bhubaneswar.

Seven from the 2016 juniors’ squad — goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, defenders Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar, midfielders Nilakanta Sharma and Sumit, and forwards Mandeep Singh and Simranjeet Singh --- are part of the senior World Cup.

“It’s the dream of every player to represent the country at the highest level and I am no different. At times I feel disappointed that I couldn’t make it to the next level but I am proud that players with whom I was associated closely are contributing to the senior World Cup squad,” said Harjeet.

“It’s not only me, everyone is talking about them and because of their performance in Bhubaneswar, references to the 2016 junior World Cup triumph are again being made.”

“We all are from the same batch. But then, some grabbed the opportunity well. The way Varun, Simranjeet and Mandeep are playing in Bhubaneswar is really amazing and nobody can say they were juniors two years ago. The best part is that they got just few opportunities to cement places in the senior squad and they executed it very well,” said Harjeet.

“In the last match against Belgium, Varun, Simranjeet and Mandeep’s performance was exceptional. Harendra Sir being part of both the teams has really helped them graduate to the next level.”

Talking about the difference between the two World Cups, he said: “You can’t compare them. At senior level, you don’t get time to think when you get the ball or you are part of a move. But at the junior level, it is comparatively slower and you have time to think and react,” said Harjeet.

“Before the start of the World Cup I had a word with all of them, but now that the event has started, it is best to let them stay away from all interactions and focus on the World Cup….I pray to God that they have one more World Cup title in their kitty.”

Hindustan Times

Varun Kumar comes of age

His ability to read the game well and stay calm are assets

Uthra Ganesan


Vital cog: Varun Kumar, left, has slipped into his role well. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

Talking to Varun Kumar isn’t easy, and for no fault of the youngster. Ever willing to oblige for a quick chat, the 23-year old is too shy to explain himself.

“I have learnt a lot and am still learning but I don’t know about growth. I am still the same, doing the same things,” he told The Hindu.

Man-of-the-match against Belgium for his impressive performance, at the back, incisive passing and earning the penalty stroke that turned the match around, Varun nevertheless has grown immensely in the last two years. But it hasn’t been an easy passage from the junior ranks to the senior. Or even through the junior ranks, for that matter.

Working his way up

He impressed on the domestic circuit in 2012, disappeared the next two years due to an ankle injury and then ground his way back.

An injury saw him miss the 2013 junior hockey World Cup but sheer determination saw him return to the junior National set-up before being part of the junior World Cup triumph in 2016.

“It was disappointing at that time. But the fact that my teammates were climbing the ranks and playing international games also motivated me to do better and prove myself. The injury took away almost two years of my career but it also helped me learn a lot about myself and the virtue of patience and hard work,” said Varun.

Immediately after the JWC high came the low of being out of the senior core group and uncertainty about future. And then, out of the blue, came the call-up to join the Indian team for its Europe tour in August 2017 where he made his international debut.

His ability to read the game and stay calm in crunch situations, with the added advantage of being a drag-flicker, has seen him grow as a crucial member of the current side. As one who grew up idolising Rupinderpal Singh, it is ironic that he has now replaced his idol in the side.

Varun’s biggest strength is his accuracy and power, both with aerial balls and grounded shots. Rock-solid on the left flank, Varun has perhaps conceded least turnovers and his tackling is clean enough to frustrate opposition strikers.

Unlike many from Punjab to whom being flashy comes naturally, There is little flamboyance in Varun, who prefers to let the stick to the talking. It’s worked well enough so far.

The Hindu

Sreejesh rejoins team

Ever a livewire on the field, P.R. Sreejesh had been strangely restrained on the field during India’s game against Belgium on Sunday. The next morning, he left the city for home to be with his hospitalised father, who underwent a heart surgery on Tuesday.

The five-day break before India’s final pool game helped the India goalkeeper make a quick visit without missing much in terms of training, Wednesday morning being the only session he was absent from.

“He is fine now. My family and relatives are there, including my in-laws, as are a lot of cousins. But but I know they sometimes avoid telling me all the details, specially during tournaments, to avoid any stress. So even if they say everything is fine, I remain tense. The best thing to do was to go and reassure myself that he was ok,” said Sreejesh. said while travelling back to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

“He has already been shifted out of the ICU to a separate room and is likely to be discharged in a day or two. So I can concentrate on the team now.”

Sreejesh watched the Malaysia-Pakistan game at the stadium on Wednesday.

The Hindu

South Korean trained in India taking China to new heights

By Aftar Singh

KIM Sang-ryul has never played hockey for his country but today he is one of most successful coaches in the World Cup.

The South Korean coach has done a great job by helping China, who are making their debut in the World Cup, to remain unbeaten in their first two matches in the tournament.

The Chinese team are represented by the Inner Mongolian squad, and they played fluid hockey to hold world No. 7 England to a 2-2 draw in the opening Group B match.

And on Tuesday, the world No. 17 grabbed another point by holding world No. 11 Ireland to a 1-1 draw.

China will wrap up the fixtures with defending champions Australia tomorrow.

Sang-ryul said he learnt to become a coach after being sent to Patiala, Punjab in 1985 to learn everything about hockey.

“I spent nine months at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala and I was taught about hockey by India’s former Olympian Balkishan Singh.

“I have very high regard for Balkishan as he was my master. My basics are from India and it is still in my system.

“I was given the coaching certificate by the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, which I cherished the most,” said Sang-ryul.

“During my stay in Patiala, I not only learnt about coaching but I also ate all types of Punjabi food like chapati, sag and dhal.

“It was a good experience learning and understanding Indian culture.

“I must thank the India hockey federation for all the help they have given me then.

“And I love to come back to India for the World Cup as this was the place where my career in hockey started,” said Sang-ryul.

After returning to South Korea, Sang-ryul trained the men’s team who made a tremendous impact in Asia as well as in the world.

South Korea emerged as the Asia Cup champions in Hiroshima in 1994 and also in 1999 in Kuala Lumpur.

And their best outing was winning the silver medal in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Now Sang-ryul wants to achieve the same with the China team.

He wants China to become a power house in hockey and he would do whatever he can to achieve it.

“We have very dedicated players and they want to prove that China can create upset against stronger teams in the World Cup.

“I am pleased with this team’s performance in the first two matches.

“We gave a good fight to England and had the opportunity to beat Ireland to book our place in the second round but failed to do so.

“We have another match against Australia and we hope to give them a run for their money,” said Sang-ryul.

The Star of Malaysia

Japan’s head coach Siegfried Aikman says he wants to win an Olympic medal in Tokyo

Shantanu Srivastava


Japan's team members reacts after winning the Asian Games gold medal, beating Malaysia in the final. AFP

Siegfried Aikman coached Japan to an unexpected Asian Games gold earlier this year. The Dutchman, whose ancestors hailed from Lucknow and Bihar, is currently in Bhubaneswar to pick strategies and tactics at the ongoing World Cup. In this freewheeling interaction with Firstpost, Aikman states his Olympic dreams, and spells out the roadmap for Indian hockey.

Edited excerpts follow:

What brings you to Bhubaneswar?

We have now 18 months before the Olympics, which means the strategy of the teams must be set now. You can make some operational challenges, but you can’t make strategic changes. You can't change your whole set-up, but build on what you have.

How would you sum up this World Cup so far?

If you love hockey, this is the place to be. The teams are very well prepared, and very determined to show their worth. Crowds have been excellent in each match, including the non-India matches.

I can say that all teams are good. I observe what teams are doing. I have my own ideas, and I check if they fit in certain situations. I look at 16 coaches trying to solve the same problem, and everybody does it slightly different. So, it gives me a lot of information, and that's why I am here for. I am here to learn and develop and to grow.

So do you exchange notes with all coaches?

I discuss with all the coaches and look at what they do. I watch some video clips, but the thing with videos is that they are two-dimensional. When you are in stadium, you can feel, smell and see and that adds a lot more.

What's the most crucial takeaway from World Cup that you would like to implement in Japanese hockey?

Firstly, it is the determination of the players. You see they are able to go beyond their abilities. They really do their best. They have a strong focus and they actually try to do more than they can. So, you actually see a lot of unforced errors. There are many such errors because you want to be too fast. And that's something I have to take time and see how we deal with this. It doesn’t make sense to play faster than you can, because it leaves you more prone to errors. It's always better to play at the pace you can handle.

I have more observations, but I am not willing to give away my secrets yet!

What was your realistic expectation going into the Asian Games?

To win the gold medal. We were always very clear with it. We wanted to qualify for the 2020 Olympics not by virtue of being the hosts, but on merit. If you qualify as the home country, no one respects you. Winning and qualifying also brings a lot of sponsors.

Many people didn't believe it when we said that we are here to win. Only Harendra took us seriously. He said we might play the final. Unfortunately, they didn't make the final, and we did. We thought we will play the final against India. In the group game, India completely demolished us (8-0), but we played to a strategy. We tried some things for ourselves, and we would have played with a different strategy had we met India in the final.

We did the same at the Asian Champions Trophy semi-final after they beat us easily in the group game. It was 3-2 (in the SF), so that was very close. In the ACT, we had six players younger than 19 because I chose to rest some players. My main goal is to deliver at the Olympics.

And what is your target for the Olympics?

I want to win an Olympic medal.

Will Japan have an advantage playing at home?

It's the same advantage that India have here, only India have to also deal with the pressure. When we play at home, there is no pressure and the crowd empowers us. In India, if you win, they say you should have won with a bigger margin; if you lose, they criticise you. People are very result-oriented here. They have a comment to make on everything instead of stimulating and empowering the players.

Indian people demand no less than a Championship. Now, if you are a player, you are afraid to make mistakes. If you play with fear, you cannot have a high-performance culture. If you see the India versus Belgium match, India were not taking enough risks, whereas in the second half, when they went for the ball, they took lead before Belgium equalised.

What are the similarities and differences in Japan and India's hockey structure?

Japan, like India, play the Asian way. That means a lot of individual skill, high pace, agility, but tactically too much risk. They only attack, they don't like defending. My defenders think they are attackers, and it's the same here. In defence, they will never try to play the ball on the foot of the opponent, but try to play in between three players and make a very beautiful action, and then lose the ball. They end up conceding a goal this way.

The culture here is that a good defender never gets recognition. People only talk about attackers, and so everyone wants to be one. Japan has the same psyche too; in fact all Asian teams do. For Japanese players, Indian and Pakistani players were role models. So they copied all they have seen over the years, and were actually afraid of India and Pakistan because they were always in awe. This year, in our eight matches, we lost once or twice from Pakistan, but there's some belief that we cannot lose to Pakistan now. India still beats us, but the day will come when they won't be afraid of India. It's all a process.

My players used to have posters of Manpreet, Mandeep, Harmanpreet over their beds, and that was very logical, considering those Indian players are superstars. Changing that mindset is a very tactical thing.

What is your take on Harendra Singh's thrust on youth?

I think it is a very right approach. People can only learn when they make mistakes. There's no point giving them a chance when they are demotivated. They will make mistakes, but every mistake is a golden opportunity to learn and to grow. If you don't play, you don't make a mistake, and if you don't make a mistake, you don't learn.

At the moment, these youngsters are playing very well. I think if they could be more empowered, they can do even better. Harendra always makes the team important; he is like a father figure to boys, and the players play for him. They make sacrifices that they won't otherwise. Harendra pays a lot of attention to the social aspect, and I think that is very important.

Any particular strategy from the 16 international coaches here that has impressed you the most?

There are many coaches' strategies that I like. The Australians have a very aggressive way of playing. They make many technical mistakes, but the way they play and the energy they bring in is very good.

The Chinese have a good structure and discipline. The Irish have excellent fighting spirit. From India, I like the way they came back in the second half against Belgium. That sudden burst of energy, speed, and agility made for beautiful hockey. Teams are doing very well, but not consistently enough, but that's all part of the process.

Who is your favourite to lift the trophy?

Personally, I would like Netherlands to win because I am Dutch! But seriously, I would want India or Pakistan to win. Pakistan is impossible because they don't have quality. If India win, it can help create funds to create grassroot hockey.

What is your take on the state of Indian hockey?

There is huge potential in players, but they lack coaching structure. Due to this, players understand tactical, high-performance hockey very late. The gap between the national team and domestics sides is too big, and also the knowledge of the coaches. Actually, Harendra is the only Indian coach who is FIH certified and went everywhere to gain knowledge. Rest all stayed here and missed the details. There are no coaching courses that matter, so you can’t blame the coaches for lack of knowledge. Belgium’s U-12, U-14, U-16 teams were European champions. So the gap at the international stage is very small and they can continue building up on what they were doing. In India, your hockey starts when you join the national team.

What is more important, development of players or coaches?

Coaches first, because they develop players, especially on cultural things. Speed, skill, and agility are already there. But what I noticed is that India cannot hit the ball; they only slap. Being able to hit and pass on the move was a key component of Indian hockey. Slapping takes a lot of time. They are trying too of European style.

So, should Asian teams retain their style?

Yes, I think so. Asian nations have struggled because of tactics, not technique. It’s a bit dangerous, but hockey players in India are less educated, while those in Europe are highly educated. They are all academics, and they are able to play a tactical game. That doesn’t mean that Indian players are stupid, but they are not academics.

How does being an academic help one improve his/her hockey?

It’s about thinking abstract. The flexibility of your mind, and implementation of strategy, the ability to understand more, to have awareness of space... Like I said, not technique, but tactics. It helps one apply sports science and have an open mind. India took 10 years to get where they are, and it took many coaches. However, behind this generation, there is very little. Tactically a lot can be done.

Firstpost

Will the reformatted World Cup prove better?

Errol D’Cruz



Extending the field to 16 nations from 12 at the Hockey World Cup had raised the danger of eventually gaining less from more.

For several nations, the tournament for all practical purposes, would end in two days.

Two defeats in the first two matches in standard format of qualifying the top two in a pool for the quarterfinals amid usually back-to-back match days would evaporate months, if not years, of preparation calling for precious funding.

The FIH only once held a World Cup this large – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2002.

On that occasion, the world body dropped its plan to use a four-pool format used at the World Cup qualifiers in Edinburgh, Scotland, which saw many a campaign end after just two match days.

The world body resorted to a two-pool format but it made for a somewhat match-heavy schedule of 72 in 14 days. Ostensibly, the FIH has circumvented constraints meticulously with the Bhubaneswar tournament.

The cross-overs for teams finishing second and third in the pool to book a second quarterfinal spot potentially retains interest for all 16 teams till roughly the halfway-mark of the 19-day event.

Generically speaking, it becomes particularly significant for the hosts.

In the current case, India play their last pool match on December 8 when they take on Canada after playing South Africa and Belgium. This implies that, in the worst-case scenario, crucial home interest could be sustained till roughly half-way mark of the tournament that starts on November 28.

Hopefully, the hosts won’t face a do-or-die encounter against the doughty Canadians but the prolonging of interest could do a world of good for lower-ranked teams who’ve had to walk a tightrope for funding and sponsorship, not to mention players sacrificing pay from work, to play in arguably hockey’s ultimate event.

There have been raised eyebrows on the duration of the tournament. But a four or five-day increase over the conventional fortnight that the World Cup lasts and that, with opportunities given to four more teams, suggests the move is worth its while.

Hockey isn’t alone when it comes to grappling with the format in an attempt to secure maximum gains across the board.

Who can forget a forgettable 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies when two defeats signaled India’s demise from a four-team group in a 16-nation event?

The ICC wisened up with two-group formats in subsequent editions and a single 10-team round-robin format with playoff semifinals leading to the final for the 2019 World Cup in England next year.

Football’s universality along with millions of dollars riding over each World Cup match is, however, a different ball game altogether.

Three matches with mandatory 72-hour rest periods ensures that interest for almost each of the 32 teams involved, realistically or otherwise, lasts until the half-way mark of the month-long tournament. Hockey’s new World Cup format was used for the first time at the Women’s World Cup in London in July. Teams however realized that they had bigger gaps between matches than what hockey teams are generally used to with one particular segment lasting five days!

The Dutch management tweaked the program to stave off staleness and possible boredom even if it meant moving to a new hotel.

The first men’s World Cup at Barcelona 1971 drew 10 teams. The field was increased to 12 until the 1978 edition in Buenos Aires where 14 participated in a two-pool format.

It was back to 12 for Mumbai 1982 up until Kuala Lumpur 2002 where 16 teams entered.

Moenchengladbach 2006 saw 12 teams in the fray again and it continued till The Hague 2014. Bhubaneswar’s field of 16 may give way to a rather ambitious 24 at the 2022 World Cup if reports are to be believed.

Meanwhile, faced with long rest as many as five days rest between matches, teams have used the opportunity to not just rest and recuperate during matches but also to soak up the sun at the luxury resorts around Bhubaneswar, play golf or visit the many tourist spots especially the temples that Odisha is famous for.

Of course, team managements are mindful of boredom, staleness and the ensuing rustiness that could creep in. Australia coach Colin Batch said, “ It’s different for sure. We are coping with it for now but at the end we’ll find out with a review.”



The Australians earned themselves a really long break after qualifying directly for the quarterfinals by topping pool B and avoiding the cross-overs.

Barry Middleton, the England captain, looks at the positive side of things. “We are not used it but we have some fun during the long breaks. The hotel’s good and we mess around and have some fun and it gives us a chance to rest,” the veteran midfielder said.

The Canadian team made a trip to Puri where the beaches are inviting. Other teams like Pakistan and South Africa hit the mall and the fan park near the Kalinga stadium has drawn many a team.

If nothing else, players have had a chance to catch up on action on the pitch in front of their television sets in the hotel.

Stick2Hockey.com

Billy Pollock’s Letter from Bhubaneswar


Billy Pollock with Irish coach Alexander Cox

A small but vocal Irish supporter's group has made the lengthy trip to Bhubaneswar to cheer on the boys in green; chief among them - in his customised shamrock suit - is Billy Pollock who has penned this letter from the World Cup for the Hook!

The small group of supporters of Ireland men’s World Cup Squad are having a fantastic time in India. The craic is mighty and everyone had bonded very quickly.


The Irish supporters group

Bhubaneswar is an interesting cultural experience with the crazy, noisy traffic with tuk-tuk or taxi being an exciting, very cheap mode of transport. The horn blowing is constant and the sacred cows have to be regularly negotiated everywhere. The city has very many beautiful temples dating back to the 8th Century.

Some families and friends are staying at coastal resorts and travelling in for matches (1.5hrs trip), others like myself are in hotels within walking distance of the magnificent 15,000 seater Kalinga Stadium and taking in both matches every evening.

A great highlight was seeing hosts India playing Belgium in front of a full house on last Sunday. The atmosphere was something that will long in the memory. The Indian fans are so welcoming and friendly.

All the Irish supporters have been inundated for selfie requests! The local crowd of supporters are made up families plus many boys schools who fill the Stadium, very smartly attired in their uniforms. The ticket prices were on Rs 100 or Rs 200 (£1.60) a fraction of the very expensive tickets I paid for the London Ladies Hockey World Cup in the summer.

The Irish lads, Coach Alexander Cox and background team are staying at the beautiful 5* Mayfair Lagoon along with other teams such as Netherlands, England and Spain.

However, they are pretty much in lockdown so it’s tough and with many days between match nights, the scenario must be very difficult to manage. Plus training at night under floodlights attracting thousands of insects has been a nightmare.

I’m staying in 3* accommodation which was one of the only nearby hotels available and is extremely basic after the 5* delights in Delhi and Agra on route.

I’ve even had a “rodent” in-room visitor, others fans on the coast have encountered a “snake” and the Hockey Ireland President Martin Canniffe was a target for the mosquitos.

I’ve been using the Mayfair complex excellent local cuisine for lunch most days and usually, there is an after match evening drinks and “debrief” in the hotel pub! Pleased to report none of the fans have encountered the infamous “Delhi Belly” so fingers crossed and keep praying lol.

Big thanks to the lovely Carol Metchette (here, coaching the Video Analysis Teams). She kindly managed to get us all Official Programmes from the “VIP area”!

A massive congratulations to the Bhubaneswar organisers, the tournament, the Fan Village, the security, the welcome are all top notch! I met an Aussie Hockey Masters friend last night and he is here working for FIH planning the Tokyo Olympic Tournament in 2020!

One disappointing comment is there is no representative Umpire from Ireland. There are up and coming high-class Irish Umpires, but more are obviously needed and what experience that guy could have had here, umpiring world-class hockey and enjoying the cultural experience!

Lastly, I know the supporters back have been cheering on watch BTSport. This had been most appreciated by the team and supporting fans and we want a very loud cheer on Friday when the Green Machine take on England!

Warm Regards from India
Billy Pollock, Chair Ulster Hockey

The Hook

Indian hockey’s High Performance Director David John living on borrowed time

The Hockey Insider


David John, reportedly, been directed to stay away from the Indian team during the ongoing World Cup.

Hockey India’s self-styled team supremo David John seems to be living on borrowed time and has reportedly been directed to stay away from the Indian team during the ongoing World Cup.

The World Cup jamboree in Bhubaneswar has found space for hockey folks of all hues to play a role, and the mood of hockey fans across the country is upbeat owing to India’s good show in the first two group games, but missing from the scenario is John, whose word was law until recently.

Hockey India sources said John was in Delhi and keeping himself busy with paper-work – hardly a convincing explanation for missing the World Cup played on Indian soil when you were damn serious about being present in Buenos Aires to see the next generation of Indian players just a couple of months ago, even when it came at the expense of the “actual coach” of the junior national squad. The Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games were, of course, significant assignments compared to the World Cup.

The choice of New Delhi as the city for John’s paperwork seems strange. Leaving apart the World Cup featuring 16 teams, there seems no apparent interest in assigning John to Indian women’s camp in Bengaluru, where ex-Australian international Glenn Turner, a World Cup gold medallist, is conducting a clinic at Hockey India’s behest.

It was on assignment as “coach” of the Indian teams at the Young Olympic Games that he learnt about an “officious” note that he had been “officially” barred from playing a role in the selection of the World Cup squad. In response to questions if that actually meant that John would now not pick the side by himself, Hockey India officials only offered shy smiles. No one was willing to even nod his head in agreement, lest it was misconstrued. In any case, there was no mention in the note from staying away from the Indian squad or the World Cup itself.

Appointed Hockey India’s High Performance Director two years ago, John’s word was apparently the law when Indian teams, and even their coaches, were selected. So powerful was his position that players were advised to observe the hint of approval or disapproval in his demeanour to figure out their career options.

Having self-designated himself as the overall team supremo, John was allowed to make drastic policy decisions about team selection for two full years without even a murmur from Hockey India officials. It was tactical approval from the Hockey India bosses for John’s decisions to turn things upside down that several senior players found themselves on the sidelines.

For a man who was the cock of the walk, a small matter like wanting to visit Argentine capital of Buenos Aires seemed to have been blown out of proportion by a sidelined coach. John was designated the coach of both the Indian boys’ and girls’ teams, while Baljit Singh Saini and BJ Kariappa were named managers of the respective sides. No big matter this where Hockey India was concerned.

But strangely, former Indian captain and junior team’s coach Jude Felix sought explanation for his removal as coach of the team for the Youth Olympics. When he was not convinced by the informal comment that he was being sent as coach to the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, which is said to get the top priority in Hockey India’s plans, Felix actually wrote a letter to Hockey India’s Chief Executive, Elena Norman, wanting to know why he had been dropped as coach of the squad for the Youth Olympics.

Hockey India officials are tight-lipped as to how seriously they took this letter of apparent protest from Felix, but the mood was turning sour where John was considered high-handed.

Around the same time, Hockey India’s newly-elected President, Mushtaque Ahmed, took exception to the comments in the media specifically commenting on the performance of senior players.

No one involved with Hockey India expected a letter to go from the newly-elected President to the CEO, saying: “Observing the bias David John now has against a few players … I have decided David John will not be a part of the senior men’s selection committee for the World Cup. This is to ensure fairness in selection without any prior bias against anyone in anyone’s mind.”

His move from exercise physiology to the high performance director seemed smooth, even if it was interrupted by a stint back home in Australia. But what now?

Firstpost

Road to Tokyo begins in Bulawayo



Memories of a golden hockey past and the confidence that has grown since the Youth Olympic Games are just two of the sources of inspiration for the players preparing for their first steps along the road to Tokyo 2020.

Four men’s teams and three women’s teams will be competing for a place at the Hockey Series Finals and the chance to continue an Olympic journey that all begins at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The two events, which run side by side from 7-9 December sees teams from the African continent playing in a round robin competition for first place and the opportunity to play at the prestigious HSO Finals in 2019. The winner of the men's event will qualify for the Hockey Series Final taking place in France while the victorious women's team will either play the next stage in Spain or Ireland (to be confirmed).

The women’s competition comprises Namibia, Zambia and the host nation Zimbabwe, while the three corresponding men’s nations are also joined by Egypt.

There is a fair gap in world rankings in the men’s event, with Egypt currently ranked 19th in the FIH Hero World Rankings, while Zimbabwe are ranked at 66, Namibia 74 and Zambia yet to receive a world ranking. There is also a vast chasm in the amount of experience the players in each squad have when it comes to international competition.

Egypt has three players with more than 100 international caps each – Amr Sayed, Ahmed Elnaggar and Amr Elhady – and several more players are in the 60-80 cap range. The north African team also has the recent experience of playing in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, where they finished a respectable eighth, beating higher ranked South Africa in the process.

Namibia has a team that is a balanced mix of youth and experience, although Head Coach Sven van der Most will be watching anxiously to see how his two very young goalkeepers cope with international pressure. Willem Serfontein is just 19-years, while 15-year-old Henning Kruger is the youngest member of the squad and one of the youngest players at the tournament.

Thomas Mumba is Head Coach to a Zambia team that comprises many of the players who performed so brilliantly to finish fourth at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Among the players that excelled in Argentina are Phillimon Bwali, Andrew Moyo and Simon Banda. Registering a 6-4 win over Australia at the Youth Olympics will have given the team an immense confidence boost ahead of this competition.

Much will rest on the shoulders of Tendayi Mareza as he leads the host nation Zimbabwe in this competition. Support for the home team will be intense, so the experienced duo of Mareza and Pritchard Matambo will need to keep the squad focused on their own performances.

The three women’s teams are far more closely matched in terms of where they sit in the world rankings. Namibia is the highest ranked team at 60, with Zimbabwe eight places below and Zambia still to get a world ranking.

Erwin Handura is Head Coach to the Namibia team. He and several of his team experienced top flight international competition when they played in the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in February 2018. Star of the team in Berlin was Magreth Mengo and the captain will be looking to provide the same inspirational leadership in Bulawayo.

The Zambia women’s team, which shares its Head Coach Thomas Mumba with the men, is a tightly-knit group of players who have little international experience but a heap of enthusiasm to raise hockey’s profile in their country.

Zimbabwe, who are led by former cricket coach Angus McVey, will be harnessing the home support and the weight of history to provide inspiration for their performances at this event. Large, vocal crowds will cheer the teams on and, at the back of the player’s minds will be the memory of the 1980 Olympic gold medal won by the Zimbabwe women’s hockey team at the Moscow Olympic Games. This was a pinnacle of sporting achievement for the African nation and one the current squad use as a source of inspiration.

For all the details from the Hockey Series Open in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, click here.

FIH site

Series of EHL medalists to star at Pro Series Indoor showdown in Cape Town



A wealth of EHL medal winners will travel to Cape Town next week to play their part in the Pro Series Indoor European All-Stars team to take on an African line-up.

The core of the team will come from the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup champions Netherlands with PSi ambassador and Amsterdam legend Robert Tigges the man to lead the lines again.

He is joined by fellow Amsterdam men Teun Rohof and Nicki Leijs and goalkeeper Laurens Goedegebuure who played in the 2016 run to silver with the Dutch club. Recently retired SV Kampong defender Sjoerd de Wert – an EHL champion in 2016 – brings defensive stability.

Ronan Gromley is no stranger to world hockey as the Irish legend has featured more than 200 times for his country and an EHL silver with Club de Campo. He was a pivotal part of the World All-Stars in 2017 and will once again be a signature that the kids are fighting for.

The new names in the European side start with Oliver Korn from Germany. The man who has won two Olympic gold medals also adds an indoor hockey World Cup gold medal that he won with Germany in 2007 as a 22-year-old.

Pilou Mariate is the next new name on the list. The Belgian indoor specialist was part of their fairy-tale run to the European Championship finals in January this year. The 16th ranked nation lost the final on a shootout after a run almost equivalent to the Irish Women’s outdoor run.

He was also a pivotal part of the team as Belgium finished sixth at this year’s World Cup, their first World Cup appearance.

Max Plennevaux, another Belgian, is the last name in the squad. He was another vital cog of the Belgian European Championship run, his importance was highlighted with a brace in the semi-final and a game-tying goal at the end of the final to send it to showdowns. He was also on the scoresheet five times at the World Cup as Belgium fell out in the Quarter-Finals.

They will meet the African All-Stars who feature four men that formed part of the South African Men’s side at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in February. Ryan Julius, Rusten Abrahams and Jethro Eustice are joined by 2018 IPT Player of the tournament Jarryd Jones.

The four SA Internationals are joined by two more of their countrymen, the superb Dayaan Cassiem and Melrick Maddocks who represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games.

The African All-Stars will take on the European All-Stars in four matches. The matches will all take place at University of Cape Town and will be played at 19:30, directly after the first Women’s series. The matches take place on the 14th, 15th, 18th and 19th December.

The women’s international All-Stars team features German legend Janne Muller-Wieland along with her sister Rhoda, Irish World Cup star Ali Meeke, Dutch indoor internationals Kiki van Wijk and Alexandra Heerbaart, Poland’s Marlena Rybacha as well as Namibian and Zimbabwean players.

Euro Hockey League media release

McFerran named an All-American for fourth successive year



Ayeisha McFerran was awarded the full set as she was named in the 2018 Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I All-America honors.

The World Cup goalkeeper of the tournament was selected to the first team in the honours list picking up her fourth straight all-America honour after starting every game for the Louisville Cardinals.

She recorded five clean sheets in their season, tying for the most among ACC goalkeepers in 2018 while her goals conceded ratio of 1.24 per game was the second best in the conference and ninth in the US.

Over the course of her career in the US, she has posted 50 career victories, 20 clean sheets and is ranked among the top three on Louisville’s career lists for wins, shutouts and goals against average.

She became the first player in Louisville field hockey history to earn all-America honors as a freshman when she was named to the third team and was selected to the first team in each of the next three seasons.

The Hook

Umpiring Seminar in Guyana

“The level of officials determine the level of play of the Nation” (Roger St Rose).

Guyana Hockey Board


Umpiring Seminar in Guyana   

A quote the  Guyana Hockey Board used as it motivation to host a 4 Day Seminar Sponsored by the Pan American Hockey Federation and conducted by the Regional Body’s Umpiring Committee Chair Roger St Rose.

This is not the first time that Mr St Rose has lent his immense wealth of experience gained as an Umpire for over 40 years on the world stage to the strengthening and development of the skill of Umpires in Guyana. From responses this opportunity was just as successful.

The PAHF sponsored seminar was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports hall facilities From 22nd November to the 25th Nov 2018 as the umpires and Umpire Coaches used the opportunity to sharpen their preparation for the GHB’s Annual Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival.

The Junior officials also benefitted from the seminar with specially designed segment targeting the New Umpires

In an invited comment  Mr. St Rose stated “I am always excited to be in Guyana and around Guyana Hockey because the Hockey Board here is definitely doing the right things and putting structures in place to capture the next generation and to ensure that the future of Guyana Hockey is in the right path.

It’s very important to create the right atmosphere for Hockey to prosper and you can see it in what has been taking place.  In the past few years there was no greater accolade than being awarded the Pan American Indoor Qualifiers in 2017 for this part of the world For the Indoor World Cup that was held in Germany in 2018.

Guyana Hockey showed that it can hold its own when it’s teams were very competitive during the tournament it’s officials be it umpires or technical officials and all the supporting staff be it spectators technicians, sponsors or food providers demonstrated that they were as competent as any I say Kudos to Philip Fernandes and his able body Board.”

Quotes from participants:

The recently concluded Umpires Briefing Session with Mr Roger St. Rose was a timely one. Throughout the sessions Mr  St. Rose shared his technical expertise and experience in umpiring with Guyanese umpires across the experience gamut. The beginners, the seasoned and the not so new umpires all benefitted tremendously. Many questions were answered and issues clarified. It is now up to the local umpires to use this new knowledge to raise the standard of the game here in Guyana by being thoroughly prepared for games and disseminating the information from this session to their respective clubs.

“It was a privilege participating in the umpiring workshop. It was a very informative session filling the gap so umpires and players can both have a better understanding of the game and its rules. I think that with more of these sessions hockey in Guyana will improve to that of international standards.”

“The Umpires seminar was a success based on the fact that many of the local umpires have never experienced such details  on umpiring especially from someone with as much umpiring experience as Mr St Rose. I was very thankful for the experience and i have learnt many new things during the course ...”

"Exceptional, that’s the word I would use to describe the workshop. I had been guided by Roger over the past few years as an umpire, yet he never ceased to astonish me. His presence in Guyana was nothing short of amazing, as it’s not often that one gets to work with someone extremely knowledgeable of the rules but also how best to apply it. His teaching approach was more of a two-way conversation than a teacher-student relationship with no wrong or right answers. He never gives you the answer but he guides you along the way whilst opening your mind to multiple new scenarios and perspectives."

‘What is the issue, what is the law, apply the law.’ Roger St. Rose

“it was very informative and interactive. The presenter got the class to learn to think for themselves to come with their own solutions which in my opinion helps with being a better umpire"

Pan American Hockey Federation media release