News for 03 August 2021
All the news for Tuesday 3 August 2021
2020 Olympic Games - Day 12
Tokyo (JPN)
All times GMT +9
Men's Semi FInals
3 Aug 2021 BEL v IND 5 - 2
3 Aug 2021 GER v AUS 0 - 3 Q1
Pool Standings
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 9 | 13 | 13 |
| 2 | India | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | Argentina | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 11 | -1 | 7 |
| 4 | Spain | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 5 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 16 | -5 | 4 |
| 6 | Japan | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 18 | -8 | 1 |
Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 9 | 17 | 13 |
| 2 | Germany | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| 3 | Netherlands | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 7 |
| 4 | Great Britain | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 8 |
| 5 | South Africa | 6 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 24 | -8 | 4 |
| 6 | Canada | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 27 | -18 | 1 |
Women's Semi Finals
4 Aug 2021 10:30 NED v GBR
4 Aug 2021 19:00 ARG v IND
Pool Standings
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 15 |
| 2 | Germany | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 12 |
| 3 | Great Britain | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | India | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 14 | -7 | 6 |
| 5 | Ireland | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 3 |
| 6 | South Africa | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 19 | -14 | 0 |
Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 | Argentina | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 |
| 3 | Spain | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 8 | -1 | 9 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| 5 | China | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 16 | -7 | 6 |
| 6 | Japan | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 0 |
Get your hard hat on, Argentina are in Tokyo to fight for gold
By Tom Pilcher
Argentina women soak up victory during the Pool stages at the Tokyo Olympics PIC: REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
If passion for country and hockey was an Olympic sport, Argentina would be top of the Tokyo Olympics medal table.
‘Put every drop of energy into the next 60 minutes’
Skipper Rani reveals how the team motivated itself for the quarterfinal clash against Australia
Shyam Vasudevan
Savouring the moment: The Indians celebrate the result of executing their plan to perfection. | Photo Credit: PTI
The heavens wept and so did the Indians.
When the hooter went off some sank to their knees, others looked to the heavens in disbelief and the bench ran onto the pitch. It was perhaps the fastest 50m dash of their lives.
The women’s hockey team had done the unthinkable, beating three-time Olympic champion Australia for a place in the semifinals.
Super proud
“I seriously don’t know what to say. I am super proud of the team. Before the game we told each other ‘just give everything you have on the pitch today. Don’t look ahead, it’s the next 60 minutes that count. Put every drop of energy into the next 60 minutes and stick to your roles’,” skipper Rani Rampal said. The women executed the plan with surgical precision. They split open the Australian backline at will, scored the all-important goal and stitched it up with a leakproof defence.
The match-winning goal came from Gurjit Kaur, one of the seniors in this young squad. Gurjit had been under pressure throughout this campaign — the defence had shipped in 14 goals ahead of the quarterfinals and she had not converted any of her penalty corners. But on Monday, she struck gold.
“We had only one penalty corner and it was important to convert that. It was great that my team created the chance for me and each of us gets credit for it,” she said, humble in victory.
Another heroine, goalkeeper Savita said the team had been primed to play Australia.
“We wanted to face Australia in the quarterfinal because we have played them earlier and know that we can play our natural game against them. They give us space and we took advantage of that today,” she said.
Coach Sjoerd Marijne said he had never lost faith in the squad despite the three successive losses at first.
Self-belief
“We believed in ourselves and the dream that these women have chased. We don’t concern ourselves with the ‘what ifs’. We focus on our job as a team and as individuals, and that’s why we have made it so far,” he said.
This bunch of 16 women have dared to dream. And we’re living the dream with them.
The Hindu
Coach Sjoerd Marijne's journey from rank outsider to Hockey India insider 
A brief overview of the journey of Sjoerd Marijne, coach of the Indian women's hockey team
Once more The Bridge has any quality articles on the reactions to the Indian Women's entry into the Semis. Here are direct links to the stories.
Coach Sjoerd Marijne's journey from rank outsider to Hockey India insider
A brief overview of the journey of Sjoerd Marijne, coach of the Indian women's hockey team
Hockey player's parents arrange generator to watch their daughter defeat Australia
Olympian Salima's hometown celebrated after the Indian women's hockey team emerged victorious against Australia
A look at Indian Women's Hockey Team's Road to the Semi-final
Indian Women's Hockey team scripted history, as they progressed into the Semi final at Tokyo Olympics.
Sreejesh and Savita - Saviours of Indian hockey at the grandest stage of the world
Standing ground firmly and saving the Indian hockey team from multiple attacks, the goalkeepers of the two sides - Sreejesh and Savita are the real saviours.
'Just bring Gold on your way back', Sjoerd Marijne, Shah Rukh Khan exchange friendly banter after women's historic win
India women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan were involved in a friendly banter after the former's team advanced to the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
India women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne posted a photo on Twitter following their win over Australia. Twitter @SjoerdMarijne
Just hours after the India men’s hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals on Sunday at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020, the India women’s team, led by Rani Rampal, followed the men’s footsteps with a resounding 1-0 win over Australia in the quarter-finals.
This was the first time that the women’s hockey team advanced to the last-four, where they will play Argentina on Wednesday.
And following their historic last-eight win, team coach Sjoerd Marijne posted an image with the players on Twitter, which he captioned, ‘Sorry family, I coming again later’.
Replying to this, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who acted as coach ‘Kabir Khan’ in the famous fictional sports-drama film Chak De! India, tweeted: “Haan haan no problem. Just bring some Gold on your way back….for a billion family members. This time Dhanteras is also on 2nd Nov. From: Ex-coach Kabir Khan.”
Thanking Shah Rukh for the words of encouragement, the ‘Real Coach’ Marijne vowed that the team would give ‘everything again’. He tweeted: “Thank you for all the support and love. We will give everything again. From: The Real Coach.”
Gurjit Kaur, the team’s designated drag-flicker, scored the only goal of the game during the second quarter, which eventually knocked out World No 2 Australia.
India are already assured of three medals this Olympics, surpassing their tally of two from Rio Games in 2016. While weightlifter Mirabai Chanu returned home with a silver medal after ending as runner-up in the 49 kg category, shuttler PV Sindhu inspired millions across India as she clinched bronze medal on Sunday, beating China’s He Bing Jiao 21-13, 21-15 in the bronze medal match.
The India men’s hockey team will take on world champions Belgium in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Firstpost
It's celebration time in Savita Punia's native village in Rajasthan
Goalkeeper Savita Punia made a spectacular performance in the match and is being called 'The Wall'
Savita Punia of India, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam of India and Deep Ekka of India defend their goal in front of Mariah Williams of Australia. REUTERS
A village in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, where Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia's family resides, is on cloud 9 after the team defeated world champion Australia to enter the semi-finals in Tokyo.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia made a spectacular performance in the match and is being called 'The Wall' as she saved all the nine shots that were hit at her, which makes it an incredible achievement considering the pressure of knockout stages.
Savita remained calm and did her job with utmost perfection and that's the reason that her family and villagers here are celebrating her success.
Her entire family stays in the Jhansal village of Bhadra Tehsil area of Hanumangarh district.
Savita's uncle Omprakash Punia says, "Her father, Mahendra Singh, in fact, was born here in this village. Her grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, everyone stays here," he told IANS Last time Savita came here in 2019 when the villagers gifted her a silver hockey, said Omprakash who is the Jhansal Sarpanch and Savita's uncle.
"It was a grand programme where all villagers gathered and presented her a silver hockey to show their love and warmth towards her," he added.
Her father, who was born and brought up here, shifted to Haryana around 25 years ago. However, Savita has been coming here quite frequently. The entire family is well connected with Savita and she too gives equal love and respect to all, said Omprakash.
Punia thwarted every Australian attack to help India register a 1-0 win and helped the team reach the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics.
The Tribune
Classy Dutch end Black Sticks’ Olympic campaign
The Black Sticks women have been outclassed by world no.1 the Netherlands 3-0 in their Olympic quarterfinal tonight.
In a repeat of the 2012 Olympic semifinal won in a shootout by the Dutch, the Netherlands controlled possession and suffocated the Kiwis to comfortably progress to the semifinals.
Sadly for the Black Sticks there was no repeat of their semifinal efforts in London 2012 and Rio 2016, exiting the Olympics after a promising start to their campaign including upsetting world no. 2 Argentina.
New Zealand were today at full strength with captain Stacey Michelsen (hamstring) and defender Tarryn Davey (groin) in the match day squad after missing earlier matches in the tournament.
The Dutch immediately stamped their mark on the quarterfinal with a penalty corner in the first minute, and six minutes later they were on the scoreboard. After yet another Black Sticks turnover, Laurien Leurink made a classy run along the baseline to find Lidewij Welten on the spot to knock in the goal.
With more than two thirds of the possession, the World Cup holders looked a class above the Kiwis with their one-touch passing and silky stick skills.
They turned that dominance into a second goal midway through the second quarter from a penalty stroke to Frederique Matla, after Black Sticks defender Megan Hull had illegally saved a penalty corner on the line with the grill of her helmet.
A two-goal advantage at half-time became three in the third quarter with Lauren Stam converting a penalty corner, and that was where the score remained until the final whistle.
The statistics said it all – with the Netherlands having 70% possession, 28 circle entries and 16 shots on goal compared to just three entries and four shots for the Kiwis.
Netherlands 3 (Lidewij Welten 7 min, Frederique Matla 21 min, Lauren Stam 37 min) New Zealand 0. Halftime: 2-0 Netherlands.
New Zealand Women: Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen – captain (Northland); Stephanie Dickins (North Harbour); Katie Doar, Julia King, Grace O’Hanlon (GK), Elizabeth Thompson (Auckland); Tarryn Davey (Thames Valley), Samantha Charlton, Frances Davies, Rose Keddell (Tauranga); Hope Ralph (Taranaki); Olivia Shannon (Manawatu); Megan Hull (Wairarapa); Kelsey Smith (Nelson); Olivia Merry (Canterbury).
Official Blacksticks site
Black Sticks Women beaten in quarterfinal by the Netherlands
By Christopher Reive
The Black Sticks women have been knocked out of the Olympic Games, being stifled 3-0 by the Netherlands in their quarter-final match-up.
Drawing the world's No1-ranked side in their first knockout match, the New Zealand side were pushed from start to finish, with the Netherlands playing a possession-heavy style of hockey to force their counterparts to work and tire in the Tokyo heat.
As has been a factor in a number of sports at these Olympic Games, the 30C heat appeared to take its toll on the Kiwis. The Dutch side passed the ball around with precision and had plenty of flow about their attacking play. The Netherlands weren't trying to force anything, but trusted in their ability to maintain possession and open up holes in the opposition defensive system.
Full Kiwi schedule below. Click on a name to see athlete's bio, upcoming events, past Games performance and medal chance.
That approach had positive results early on as the Dutch side found their way into the circle often and launched shots at goal.
The pressure was eventually reflected on the scoreboard when a quick free hit taken deep in their own half launched a counter attack, and the ball was sent into the circle for Lidewij Marsia Maria Welten to tap home ahead of the stick of goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon.
While the final score was a fair reflection on the match, the way the second and third goals came were a bit unlucky for the New Zealand side.
The New Zealand Herald
Netherlands and GB set up re-match in women’s Olympic semi-finals
The Netherlands will face Great Britain while Argentina take on surprise package India in the women’s Olympic semi-finals on Thursday following a thrill-a-minute quarter-final day of action.
The Netherlands – the reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions – powered to their sixth win on the bounce in Tokyo with a 3-0 quarter-final victory over New Zealand, with Den Bosch’s Lidewij Welten and Frederique Matla along with AH&BC Amsterdam’s Lauren Stam on target as the Oranje confirmed a seventh successive appearance in the medal matches.
“I’m very happy that we won with the team and got to the semi-finals”, said Netherlands goal-scorer Lauren Stam, who is competing in her first Olympic Games, after the contest.
“Of course, it is really nice to score an Olympic goal as well. I have ‘goosebumps’, as you say in English. I’m excited about everything [here in Tokyo], about the [Athlete’s] Village, the Olympics; I’m very honoured to play here.”
The Dutch will face Rio 2016 gold medallists Great Britain in the semi-final, with GB sealing their place with a drama-filled shoot-out victory against Spain. As she did against the Netherlands in that famous final in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, goalkeeper Maddie Hinch produced a sensational goalkeeping performance to save all of Spain’s shoot-out attempts as GB won 2-0.
Earlier in the day, India women produced the performance of their lives to claim a stunning quarter-final victory over Pool B winners Australia, with the team that finished fourth in Pool A now guaranteed their first top four finish at an Olympic Games since Moscow 1980. Gurjit Kaur scored the only goal of the game as India, who finished 12th in the standings at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, ensured their ambition of medalling in Tokyo was kept alive and kicking.
India’s semi-final opponents will be Argentina, who defeated the much-fancied Germany in the day’s first quarter-final. Goals for Agustina Albertarrio, Victoria Granatto and rising star Valentina Raposo earned Las Leonas a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Die Danas, eliminating the team that finished second in Pool A to march into the semi-finals.
Across both the men’s and women’s Hockey competitions, teams from seven different nations representing four continents have qualified for the semi-finals here at Tokyo 2020 – India (2), Great Britain, Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, Germany and Belgium.
Euro Hockey League media release
Hinch’s Heroics Secure Semi-Final Spot For GB’s Women
Great Britain reached their third consecutive Olympic semi-finals after a Maddie Hinch shootout masterclass following a nail-biting draw against Spain.
The goalkeeper – hero of the Rio 2016 gold medal shootout – kept out every single Spanish effort while Hannah Martin and Sarah Jones scored two of Great Britain’s three attempts.
That came after a gripping quarter-final match up ended 2-2, with Great Britain scoring two beautiful goals through Martin and Grace Balsdon.
But Spain – who lost 3-1 to Great Britain at the same stage in 2016 – fought back valiantly, producing two equalisers of their own through Belen Iglesias and Berta Bonastre.
That means Great Britain will meet The Netherlands for the second time at this Olympics in the semi-final at 02:30 BST on Wednesday 4 August.
https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com/cb3ef1c8-df8c-01cb-c932-3d4740102b9a/f0daeaae-20e4-48eb-89ea-5fbebcdae179/WSP02082119.jpg?auto=format&w=681&q=85
GB's women celebrate their shootout victory over Spain. Credit: World Sport Pics
The opening chance for either time came courtesy of a penalty corner for Great Britain but Anna Toman’s slap was way above the backboard and meant the Spanish could clear the lines.
Aside from that, there was very little goalmouth action in the first quarter as both teams held firm in defence, while Sarah Jones was shown a green card just moments after a brilliantly timed Spanish interception stopped the Welsh player from taking a shot on goal.
Berta Bonastre had Spain’s first chance shortly after the second quarter began, her shot on the turn not troubling Maddie Hinch.
Moments later Great Britain opened the scoring as Martin waltzed her way past two defenders before firing the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs for her fourth goal of the Olympics.
Spain weren’t behind for long though as they equalised just three minutes later, Iglesias deflecting the ball beyond Hinch after a clever corner routine caught Great Britain out.
Giselle Ansley saw a flick of her own blocked in the 24th minute as both teams once again neutralised each other to go into the half-time break all square.
Clara Ycart was shown a green card early in the third quarter and Great Britain immediately made them pay, winning a corner that Balsdon rocketed high into the top corner to restore her side’s lead.
Ellie Rayer then had a shot on the turn blocked shortly after before Spain went onto the front foot, trying to break into the British circle in the remaining moments of the quarter but meeting stern resistance.
Hinch then produced a brilliant save in the final minute of the quarter to keep out Lucia Jimenez but Spain won a corner. However an unfortunate bobble meant they couldn’t trap the ball cleanly and the danger was averted.
Martin then hit the post with the game’s final clear chance as both teams settled for a shootout.
Both sides missed their first chances, with Hinch saving Ycart’s attempt before Anna Toman’s shot just went wide. Hinch then produced another great save to thwart Begona Garcia before Martin opened the scoring with a composed finish after her first shot was saved.
Gigi Oliva was also stopped by Hinch before Sarah Jones doubled the lead, meaning Spain had to score with their next effort. Beatriz Perez stepped up and hit the post before after yet more great work by Hinch, only for it to be re-awarded. But there was no getting past Hinch who once again positioned herself brilliantly to keep out the first shot before the second looped over.
Next up, Great Britain's women will face a Netherlands side they dramatically defeated in the Rio 2016 Olympic final. Credit: World Sport Pics
After the game, Lily Owsley commented: “When it goes to a penalty shootout, we just let Maddie do her thing. She’s got so many processes, she’s meticulous in her preparation, knows exactly what every single one of them wants to do and will play on that. She’s one of the best goalies in the world and a shootout is when she really comes into it. She’s a big game ‘keeper and I think it gives us so much confidence going into a shootout as we know we only need to score one or two as she can take care of then rest. We’ve lost to Spain in a shootout before, you can’t take anything for granted as we know they’re a good side with tricky players.
“We have so much belief in this team. We’ve been growing through this whole tournament and it’s the best we’ve ever played. We’ve been building and building for this tournament and are so happy that the performances are coming now, and we can show the world what we’ve been working on back home.”
Maddie Hinch also commented: “As a ‘keeper I think you shouldn’t fear a penalty shootout as it’s a chance for you to do your part. I didn’t fear it today, I felt ready and that I’d done my homework. I could have let all five in or saved all five, that’s just how it goes, but it certainly helps when we’re putting them in the back of the net as well.
“I’m quietly confident in my ability to do it but it doesn’t always go like that. You’ve got to take it one shootout at a time, celebrate each save and get the hype going. All of that plays into the Spanish heads and I’m glad we didn’t have any more as I was getting a little tired!
“There’s a lot of homework that goes into it. I had a bit of an idea of what they might do. We actually lost to them as England in a shootout not too long ago and I knew what I did wrong there. It was really nice to get the win today. I’m really proud of the group.
“I’m quite relaxed going into a shootout, of course there are some nerves there, but I think they’re a good thing. I don’t feel like I have anything to lose, I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m just trying to do my job. As long as I have no regrets and I’ve given it my all and believe that I can save them all then what will be will be.
“What happened five years ago just shows that anything is possible. That group was ranked sixth or seventh in the world, we hadn’t won a huge amount, and we went on to win a gold medal. We’ve still got people in the group who know how to do it, and it was that one game at a time mentality. So, as exciting as it is, those ones that have done it, we just need to forget it and move on to the next one.
“I think, going into the semi-finals, there’s an advantage of maybe that it’s still in the back of the minds of the Dutch. I’m sure they’ll say it isn’t but it probably still is a little bit. We gave them a bit of a scare in the group stages which is also really helpful, but the game is going to be tough. We’re going to have to look at why we didn’t get a result there, what we need to do better, because they’re going to be better having learned from that match. But you know what, we’re in the mix, we’ve just got to go out there and give it our all. I’m just so proud of what we’re delivering here and that’s the number one thing we wanted. We said we to go home delivering what we’re delivering and if that gives us a medal then great, and if not then we can still be proud of what we’ve done."
Spain 2 (1)
Iglesias (20’, PC); Bonastre (51’, FG)
Great Britain 2 (1)
Martin (17’, FG); Balsdon (38’, PC)
GB win shootout 2-0
Starting XI: Hinch (GK), Unsworth, Toman, Jones, Townsend, Robertson, Rayer, Ansley, Pearne-Webb, McCallin, Owsley
Subs: Martin, Petter, Wilkinson, Crackles, Balsdon
Great Britain Hockey media release
Hinch: Why I Didn't Fear The Shootout
After yet more shootout heroics in the Olympics, Maddie Hinch explained why she felt confident going into a do-or-die situation against Spain in the quarter-finals in Tokyo.
Hinch kept the Spanish side out on four occasions - with one retake - and was hugely impressive in securing a final four berth for Mark Hager's side.
She rightly praised her team-mates as it was very much a squad effort, setting up a rerun of the Rio final against the Dutch at 2:30am on Wednesday morning UK time.
Hinch said, "As a ‘keeper I think you shouldn’t fear a penalty shootout as it’s a chance for you to do your part. I didn’t fear it today, I felt ready and that I’d done my homework. I could have let all five in or saved all five, that’s just how it goes, but it certainly helps when we’re putting them in the back of the net as well.
“I’m quietly confident in my ability to do it but it doesn’t always go like that. You’ve got to take it one shootout at a time, celebrate each save and get the hype going. All of that plays into the Spanish heads and I’m glad we didn’t have any more as I was getting a little tired!
“There’s a lot of homework that goes into it. I had a bit of an idea of what they might do. We actually lost to them as England in a shootout not too long ago and I knew what I did wrong there. It was really nice to get the win today. I’m really proud of the group.
“I’m quite relaxed going into a shootout, of course there are some nerves there, but I think they’re a good thing. I don’t feel like I have anything to lose, I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m just trying to do my job. As long as I have no regrets and I’ve given it my all and believe that I can save them all, then what will be will be.
“I definitely don’t feel invincible and I’m definitely not, I just enjoy shootouts. Honestly, we’ve lost a lot of them as well and I’ve just had a lot of experience in the moment. It’s just about not fearing it. As a goalkeeper it’s a pretty unforgiving position so you might as well enjoy these moments that you have and put it all out there and have no regrets."
Hinch and Hannah Martin celebrate shootout victory over Spain. Credit: World Sport Pics
The team are continuing to build momentum into the final two matches, and Hinch can take confidence from how the group are growing: “What happened five years ago just shows that anything is possible. That group was ranked sixth or seventh in the world, we hadn’t won a huge amount, and we went on to win a gold medal. We’ve still got people in the group who know how to do it, and it was that one game at a time mentality. So, as exciting as it is, those ones that have done it, we just need to forget it and move on to the next one.
“I think, going into the semi-finals, there’s an advantage of maybe that it’s still in the back of the minds of the Dutch. I’m sure they’ll say it isn’t, but it probably still is a little bit. We gave them a bit of a scare in the group stages which is also really helpful, but the game is going to be tough. We’re going to have to look at why we didn’t get a result there, what we need to do better, because they’re going to be better having learned from that match. But you know what, we’re in the mix, we’ve just got to go out there and give it our all. I’m just so proud of what we’re delivering here and that’s the number one thing we wanted. We said we want to go home delivering what we’re delivering and if that gives us a medal then great, and if not then we can still be proud of what we’ve done."
Great Britain Hockey media release
Britain defeats Spain after penalty shootout to reach semis
By Daniel Leussink
Players of Britain celebrate after winning their match by penalty shoot-out. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Britain beat Spain in a penalty shootout to secure the last semi-final spot in the women’s Olympic hockey tournament on Monday, joining India, Argentina and the Netherlands in the last four.
After a tense 2-2 draw in regular time, Britain won the game by scoring two shootout goals, while Spain missed four times thanks to a superb performance by Britain’s veteran goalie Madeleine Hinch.
In the semi-finals, Britain will play the Netherlands, who defeated New Zealand 3-0 thanks to goals by Lidewij Welten, Frederique Matla and Lauren Stam.
India pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Australia, and will face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday after the South Americans got past the quarter-finals for the first time since 2012 with a 3-0 win over Germany.
Gurjit Kaur scored India’s winning goal from a first-half penalty corner, beating Australia goalie Rachael Lynch who had kept a clean sheet in the previous four matches.
Australia were unable to equalise in the second half despite ramping up the pressure and winning a number of penalty corners.
“It’s a dream come true,” India goalkeeper Savita said, struggling for words.
Savita, who goes by one name, pulled the team through some of the hardest moments of the match with nine saves.
Argentina’s women team have never won an Olympic hockey gold medal, but clinched silver at the 2012 London Games and the 2000 Sydney Games, the latter being where they earned the nickname Las Leonas, or lionesses.
Las Leonas were elated after beating Germany, with some players crying as they celebrated around goalie Belen Succi, who was on the team that was knocked out of the quarter-finals in 2016 by the Netherlands.
“We have to keep fighting,” Argentina’s Maria Victoria Granatto said. “We are going to play one of the most important games of our lives.”
Argentina stepped up the pace against their opponents from the start, with their skilful and fast attackers posing a threat to the Germans who won bronze at the 2016 Olympics.
Their effort paid dividends shortly before halftime when a hard pass from Rocio Sanchez Moccia crossed in front of the goal to reach Agustina Albertarrio, who deflected the ball with her stick behind the German goalie.
The game had barely restarted when Maria Victoria Granatto doubled the lead off a penalty corner just before halftime.
After the break, the Germans were unable to break down their opponent’s defence. Argentina sealed the win in the 52th minute when Valentina Raposo Ruiz scored the third goal through another penalty corner.
“The first goal was the knockout for us because then they get their chests up and they get better and better,” said veteran Franzisca Hauke, who was playing her last match for Germany.
“I’m really disappointed and sad that it’s the end of my journey,” a tearful Hauke added.
Reuters
Hinch’s heroics deny Spain and put Britain into Olympic hockey semi-finals
Stephen McMillan
Maddie Hinch celebrates with her teammates after her shootout shutout Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
Five years ago a forest fire in the hills above Rio de Janeiro spread ash across the pitch before Team GB and Spain met at the same stage of the 2016 Games. The only thing on fire at Oi Hockey Stadium on a sultry Tokyo evening was the goalkeeping of Britain’s Maddie Hinch, whose extraordinary shutout in the shootout propelled the reigning women’s Olympic champions into a semi-final against the Netherlands.
Twice in normal time Britain went ahead, through Hannah Martin and Grace Balsdon, and twice they allowed Spain back into the match. But when the hooter sounded on a 2-2 draw you could almost hear Britain’s head coach, Mark Hager, slapping his hands with glee at the prospect of Hinch deciding this quarter-final. And decide it she did.
In a hockey shootout players have eight seconds to beat the keeper from the 23m line. Hinch saved all five of Spain’s attempts, one a retake after the video referee intervened when Britain were already celebrating. She smothered, she stretched, she swept every shot aside. Nothing would pass beyond GB’s extraordinary 5ft 6in guardian and her heavy suit of armour.
Martin and Sarah Jones scored for Britain and Hinch’s feats helped secure a last-four encounter with the tournament favourites, a team eager for revenge for the 2016 final they felt was stolen from them by Hinch’s shootout heroics. Seven of GB’s Rio squad are in Tokyo.
“I don’t feel invincible, definitely not. I just enjoy them,” said Hinch. “As a keeper I think you shouldn’t fear [shootouts], it’s just a chance for you to do your part. I didn’t fear it today, I felt ready.”
Hinch may be modest but Hager is under no illusions about the value of his goalkeeper to Britain’s Olympic cause. “Maddie Hinch, No 1,” he said. “She’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. You saw five years ago how good she is and composed in that situation.
“It always helps when your keeper can save three in a row, it gives you a chance and gives the girls confidence.”
The first quarter had been bitty, but two minutes into the second period the game came to life. Martin beat two defenders and fired through the keeper’s legs for her fourth goal of the Games. Spain galvanised themselves and soon equalised from their first penalty corner, a clever routine stopped deep and turned in on the deflection by Belén Iglesias Marcos.
A familiar failing of Team GB against better opposition at these Games has been profligacy at penalty corners, but there was no wastefulness when Balsdon swept high into the net to restore their lead. Yet again Spain hit back when Berta Bonastre turned a bobbling ball past Hinch.
That was the last time GB’s keeper would be beaten. Now come the Netherlands on Wednesday. “It’s just an advantage to us that 2016 is still in the back of the minds of the Dutch,” said Hinch. “I’m sure they’ll say it’s not. But it probably still is a bit.”
The Guardian
Maddie Hinch's shootout saves put Great Britain in hockey semi-finals
Great Britain goalkeeper Maddie Hinch repeated her Rio 2016 heroics, saving all four of Spain's attempts in a shootout to secure the defending champions' place in the semi-finals.
GB's Hannah Martin and Sarah Jones both found the target to win the shootout 2-0 after the score was 2-2 at full-time.
They will face the Netherlands in the semi-finals - the opponents they beat to claim gold in Rio.
Argentina and India are in Wednesday's other semi-final.
Hinch saved all four of the Netherlands' shootout efforts to claim Great Britain's first Olympic hockey gold in Rio, but a much-changed side lost 1-0 to the Dutch in the Tokyo 2020 pool stage.
Team-mate Lily Owsley described Hinch as a "big-game keeper" after the quarter-final win, and Hinch added "you shouldn't fear" shootouts.
"It's just a chance for you to do your part," said the 32-year-old.
"I didn't fear it today, I felt ready. I'm quietly confident in my ability to do it, but it doesn't always go like that."
Martin put GB ahead in the second quarter with a superb individual effort, before Spain's Belen Iglesias Marcos equalised.
Grace Balsdon once against gave the defending champions the advantage with a powerful shot from a penalty corner before Spain's Berta Bonastre Peremateu levelled things again with nine minutes left to play.
Earlier on Monday, India claimed a shock 1-0 win over Australia to reach the semi-finals for the first time, while Argentina beat Germany 3-0.
The Netherlands advanced to the last four with a 3-0 victory against New Zealand.
Owsley said "we're here to cause some upsets" before Wednesday's semi-final, and responded to those who have criticised some of the side's poor performances between Olympics.
"The more people that write us off, the better - we'll show them," she added.
"We've had a rocky few years - I know everyone's gone through the pandemic - we only got [head coach] Mark [Hager] in a few years ago so it's been a real rebuilding process and it's taken us a bit of time.
"Now we're playing a nice game of hockey, we've got that attacking flair, but we've also got the 'British Bulldog' side back. It's really exciting times and I think this is the best we've played in a long time."
BBC Sport
Semis at last! And a nearly 50 year jinx broken
The sight of Harmanpreet Singh weeping tears of joy after India beat Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics to make the semi-finals after four decades reminded one of another, that of Dhanraj Pillay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Only that those were tears of despair for missing the grade by a whisker after a 1-1 draw with Poland.
Control emotions, avoid cards: Graham Reid
Indian men’s hockey chief coach Graham Reid urged his team to control emotions in the Tokyo Olympic semi-final against Belgium on Tuesday. The Australian expressed happiness on the 3-1 victory over Great Britain in the quarterfinals on Sunday and spoke highly of their ability to fight and defend a lead, he put the subject of discipline under the scanner.
Hendrickx hat-trick dashes Indian Dream
S2H Team
Belgium once again proved to be India’s Olympic stumbling block, winning the semifinal in Tokyo 5-2 at the Oi Stadium on Tuesday with drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx’s hat-trick being the highlight. The Red Lions, who beat India 3-1 in a Rio 2016 quarterfinal, needed a trigger to run away with the match when the score was 2-2 going into the fourth and final quarter.
Needed to force more penalty corners: Manpreet
Manpreet Singh, the Indian captain, rued the failure to force an adequate number of penalty corners as a key factor in the defeat to Belgium in the Olympic semifinal on Tuesday.
India lose to Belgium in Semi-final, to play for the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics
India's dream of going to the Tokyo Olympics final was foiled by Belgium after the men's team suffered a 2-5 defeat.
Once more The Bridge has any quality articles on the reactions to the Indian Women's entry into the Semis. Here are direct links to the stories.
India lose to Belgium in Semi-final, to play for the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics
India's dream of going to the Tokyo Olympics final was foiled by Belgium after the men's team suffered a 2-5 defeat.
Road to the bronze medal match for the Indian men's hockey team
India still has a shot at winning a medal as they will take on the loser of Australia- Germany on August 5th
Why a bronze medal would still be historic for the Indian hockey team?
The Indian men's hockey team lose out to Belgium in the semifinals and will now play for the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics Indian Hockey Mens Team at the Tokyo Olympics
Despite semifinal loss, Manpreet Singh's India deserve just as much as the heroes of Moscow 1980
A brief analysis of why the present Indian team deserve to be placed on par with the gold-medal winning team of Moscow 1980
We should win a bronze medal for the nation — India's captain Manpreet Singh
The Indian hockey team lost to Belgium in the Olympic semifinals nut, the team now focus on winning the bronze medal
India's leading goalscorer Harmanpreet Singh attributes his power to driving tractor
Harmanpreet Singh has so far netted five goals for India through his powerful drag flicks at the Tokyo Olympics.
India men’s Olympic gold dream crushed, lose to Belgium in Tokyo 2020 hockey semis
The Indian hockey team lost 5-2 to the reigning world champions. India will now play the bronze medal match next on Thursday. Belgium progress to the gold medal match.
By Abhishek Purohit
Picture by Getty Images
India stayed equal with Belgium for three quarters in the Tokyo Olympics semi-final before the World Cup champions broke through in the fourth to hand Manpreet Singh’s side a 5-2 defeat at the Oi Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.
With it, the Indian men’s hockey team’s hopes of winning a gold medal for the first time in 41 years was crushed. India last won a gold, also their last Olympic hockey medal, at the Moscow 1980 Games.
India, however, still have a chance to win a medal at Tokyo 2020. They will play the bronze medal match next against the loser of the second semi-final between Australia and Germany that will be held later in the day.
Rio 2016 silver medallists Belgium will now play for the gold medal.
Drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx scored a hat-trick for Belgium (19th, 49th and 53rd minute). Loick Luypaert (2nd minute) and John-John Dohmen (60th minute) hit the board as well.
Harmanpreet Singh (7th minute) and Mandeep Singh (9th minute) scored the goals for India in the semi-final.
The Indians lost steam eventually in a match that saw four goals in the first half alone at a draining pace in the Tokyo heat. Belgium earned a staggering 14 penalty corners and gave away just five as India were found wanting at both ends of the goal despite generating several chances.
Belgium struck as soon as the second minute off their first penalty corner, Loick Luypaert’s drag-flick flying flat to the left of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Within minutes, though, India would go 2-1 ahead. Harmanpreet Singh converted their second penalty corner in the 7th minute after the first wasn’t stopped cleanly.
Next came a stunner of a trap from Mandeep Singh, who lunged to his left away from goal in the circle to stop a bullet of a cross. Mandeep then had enough control to not lose his balance, whirl around, get clear of a defender and fire a reverse hit to send India into the lead.
India kept pressing, earning their third penalty corner only for Rupinder Pal Singh’s shot to be saved. Having lost their early momentum, it was Belgium’s turn to push for the equaliser but India held out in the remainder of the first quarter.
Belgium were unrelenting with three successive penalty corners early in the second quarter, and India were a man down in defending them when Rupinder was sent to the centre for having broken line early. However, the rest of the Indian hockey team’s defence would hold firm.
But there was absolutely no let-up from the Belgians, who levelled 2-2 by a drag-flick from Alexander Hendrickx off their sixth penalty corner in the 19th minute.
India were switching flanks constantly and trying for deflections with long hits from the centre but the Belgian defence was sharp. The Indians continued to surge into the circle, Mandeep creating a couple of chances with sharp bursts and short crosses. However, the Indian men’s hockey team couldn’t find the finish.
Belgium countered for yet another penalty corner to be denied by the courage of Amit Rohidas. Both teams had opportunities at the stroke of half-time. Harmanpreet’s drag-flick off India’s fourth penalty corner went wide and Belgium’s shot flew over the goal with just seconds left.
The furious pace of the match wouldn’t flag as the third quarter began. Mandeep was still managing to threaten with his deep runs but the Belgian last line wasn’t getting breached.
India were handed an opening when Sumit was pushed down in the circle. They couldn’t make anything of their fifth penalty corner, though.
Belgium attacked with unceasing pressure late in the third. The Indian back line, although slowing down, was able to somehow maintain the deadlock.
Both sides strung together dangerous moves early in the fourth, even as Manpreet Singh was handed a green card. Belgium instantly came harder, and their third consecutive penalty corner finally put them 3-2 in front, courtesy Hendrickx in the 49th minute.
The dam had been breached. India were now losing possession in their half and leaking a flood of penalty corners. The Indian defence was getting battered with Belgian drag-flicks. It was a matter of time before serious damage was caused; a penalty stroke was awarded after a defender came in the way of a goal-bound hit. Hendrickx opened up a 4-2 advantage with just seven minutes to go.
John-John Dohmen would add a late, unhindered fifth as India had taken PR Sreejesh off for an extra man upfront.
Olympic Channel
Indian men's hockey team lose 2-5 against Belgium in semi-final, to play for bronze
India still has a chance at the medal as they will play for the bronze on Thursday.
Hockey India Twitter
The Indian men's hockey team, who had created history and entering the semi-finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics saw them lose 2-5 against Belgium at Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch, Japan.
With this loss, World No. 2 Belgium progress to the final and will play for the gold but India still have a chance at the medal as they will play for the bronze. The clash for third place will take place on Thursday
India have scored 2 goals while Belgium are on the lead with five goals to their name. India had conceded their fourth through a penalty stroke by Alexander Hendrickx, who also completed a hat-trick.
Earlier, Belgium had equalised in the second quarter to make it 2:2. Indian had ended the first quarter as they turned it around with two goals after conceding an early strike.
Loick Luypaert had scored for Belgium through a penalty corner while Mandeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh got the required goals for India.
As India men's hockey team suffered a defeat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is proud of what Manpreet and his boys have been able to achieve.
"Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men's Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players," tweeted Modi.
They had earlier defeated Great Britain 3-1 in a quarter-final match to qualify for the semifinals. India scored three field goals courtesy of Dilpreet Singh (7th minute), Gurjant Singh (16th), and Hardik Singh (57th).
India's last of the eight Olympic gold medals had come way back in the 1980 Moscow Games.
The last time India featured in the semifinals of the Olympics was in the 1972 Munich Games. They had lost 0-2 to arch-rivals Pakistan.
Daily News & Analysis
Belgium men in reach of gold after India battle
Alexander Hendrickx lines up for another Red Lion effort PIC: REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Graham Reid’s India had to try something spectacular. But world champions Belgium, a class apart in all areas across the astro, had Alexander Hendrickx to thank once again as his hat-trick – to record his 14th goal of a headbandage, all muscle campaign – put the Red Lions into successive Olympic Games finals.
No time for disappointment, have to focus on bronze medal match: Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet
The eight-time winners of Olympic gold, the last of which came way back in 1980, fell short against world champions Belgium, losing 2-5 in the semifinals here on Tuesday. Reuters
The 2-5 loss to Belgium in the Olympic semifinals on Tuesday is disappointing but Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh and star custodian P R Sreejesh said the side has no time to dwell on the heartbreak as it has to refocus for the bronze medal play-off on Thursday.
Also read: ‘India is proud of its players’, ‘never ever give up’, encouraging words flood Twitter to cheer hockey team
Tokyo Olympics: India lose to Belgium in hockey semis, to play for bronze on Thursday
The eight-time winners of Olympic gold, the last of which came way back in 1980, fell short against world champions Belgium, losing 2-5 in the semifinals here on Tuesday.
"It is really hard for me right now because we came with a winning mindset, but unfortunately we didn't win the match. Now we need to focus on our next bronze-medal match and we need to work and we need to get the medal," Manpreet said after the loss.
"It's a great honour for us reaching the semifinal after a long time, but now I think we need to focus because the next match is going to be really important for us. At least we should win a bronze medal for the nation," he added.
The skipper said having toiled hard for the last five years to reach this level, India deserved a better result on Tuesday.
"It's always been hard work and togetherness. This team has been together for the last four or five years. We have worked really hard to be reaching this level. We deserve better, and unfortunately we couldn't get it today."
Sreejesh agreed with his skipper and said the loss against Belgium is a thing of the past now and the team needs to focus on returning home with a medal from here.
"Disappointed, but you don't have time to worry about that. You need to forget about that and think about the future. Now we still have a chance to win a medal and that's more important for us than crying at this time," he said.
"It's more important for us to think about the future, watch the match, think about where we lost, where we committed the mistakes, rectify that, and move on," added.
Senior India defender Rupinder Pal Singh too feels that all is not lost in the ongoing Games for them.
"Of course it's heartbreaking for us, reaching the semifinal after 41 years and we were here to win a gold medal. That was our aim, but we lost today. The great thing is we have a chance to finish third in the next game so we will focus on that," he said.
Rupinder believes a medal from Tokyo will be big for the sport back in the country.
"If we win that, it's going to be for us only. Of course there are a lot of people behind this and supporting us. But we are going to win for us first and then (everyone else). That's a great motivation, too," the tall drag-flicker said.
Rupinder credited team's self belief for its success in Tokyo.
"That's the hard work behind it and the belief. That's the most important thing behind (us) reaching here. I feel like the younger guys are working really hard for us and we are converting good chances.
"We need to work hard for the next game."
Manpreet and Sreejesh, meanwhile, were also in awe of the women team's feat in the ongoing Games and wished the side luck for the maiden semifinal appearance against Argentina on Wednesday.
"They played an amazing game against Australia. We wish them the best of luck for their semifinal (against) Argentina. I hope they win," Manpreet said.
Sreejesh added: "That's a great wake-up. The first three matches they lost, but the girls fought really well and won the last three matches, which was so crucial for them.
"Yesterday's match, upsetting Australia, that was a tough call and I think the girls are tough enough to win a medal in this tournament."
Sreejesh praised Belgium's Alexander Hendrickx, who made all the difference by scoring a hat-trick to take the Red Lions into the Olympic semifinals for the second consecutive time.
"He (Hendrickx) always scores at the right time. That gives the team more confidence. I think the second goal was a bit my mistake, but still, the way he flicks the ball it is always a bit tough for a goalkeeper," he said.
India will face the losing team from the other semifinal, between Australia and Germany, in the bronze medal play-off match on Thursday.
The Tribune
Battle-hardened Kookaburras ready for German onslaught
Catriona Dixon 
THE Kookaburras go into their sudden death semi-final against four-time Olympic champions Germany battle-hardened and with enormous belief after their epic quarter-final victory over the Netherlands.
Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch believes the encounter against the Dutch – and hard-fought round clashes with New Zealand and Spain – has given his team much-needed match play after a limited preparation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To make the gold medal play-off and be a chance of winning just Australia's second Olympic gold medal in men's hockey, the Kookaburras must beat a confident German side who accounted for reigning Olympic Champions Argentina 3-1.
"Our last three matches have been quite difficult," Batch said.
"The quarter final was a tight tussle right the way through, it does prepare you well for the semi-final because you have to come up with solutions all the time.
"Everyone wants to win by four goals and have an easy game, but I think the preparation we have had particularly in the quarter final will hold us in good stead for the semi."
Co-captain Aran Zalewski will celebrate his 200th outing for the Kookaburras in the semi-final. The 30-year old's experience, strategic play and calm leadership an integral part in the Kookaburras' standing and success.
There is no question the Germans will put pressure on goalkeeper Andrew Charter and the Aussie defence after scoring all three of their quarter final goals against Argentina from penalty corners.
The significance of this threat is illustrated by the fact Australia conceded eight penalty corners in their quarter final.
However, it was the way the Kookaburras responded under pressure that has the world number one team confident in their ability to achieve Olympic success.
"The quarter final match has consolidated the belief in the group…we are very resilient," Batch said.
"We didn't get the job done in normal time, but we executed our shoot-outs really well. We have confidence in both attack and defence.
"Germany are very confident with their shoot-outs, so if it goes that way, we will be very competitive.
"We need to tighten up our defensive penalty corners, likewise we need to create some more opportunities to score."
Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Men's Hockey Semi Final
Kookaburras v Germany
Tuesday 3 August 2021
Oi Stadium, Tokyo
Start time: 7:00pm local (8:00pm AEST)
Broadcast: LIVE on 7Plus
Kookaburras v Germany – Overall Record
Played 108; Kookaburras 46, Draws 16, Germany 46
Last time they met
16-Jun-19 FIH Pro League (Krefeld, Germany)
Germany 1 (Miltkau 59')
Kookaburras 2 (Craig 42', Govers 52')
Kookaburras squad: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 2.Tom Craig, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 10.Josh Beltz, 11.Eddie Ockenden, 12.Jake Whetton, 13.Blake Govers, 14.Dylan Martin, 15.Josh Simmonds, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski, 22.Flynn Ogilvie, 23.Daniel Beale, 25.Trent Mitton, 29.Tim Brand, 30.Andrew Charter (gk), 32.Jeremy Hayward
Hockey Australia media release
‘Moose’ Zalewski to reach 200 game milestone in Semi
If there was not already enough motivation for the Kookaburras in their Olympic Semi Final against Germany, the match will carry extra significance for one of the team’s integral figures.
Co-captain Aran Zalewski will run out in a Kookaburras shirt for the 200th time when they take on Germany for a place in the Olympic Final.
The midfielder affectionately known as ‘Moose’ has been a mainstay for the Kookaburras throughout this Olympic cycle.
A dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Zalewski was named the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural FIH Pro League as the Kookaburras lifted the trophy.
He was also part of the all-conquering 2014 World Cup winning Kookaburras team.
Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch, who has seen the 30 year old develop from a junior into one of the world’s best hockey players, says the regard Zaelwski is held in is highlighted by the impact he and fellow co-captain Eddie Ockenden have on the team.
“Aran and Eddie form a great partnership for the team as co-captains,” said Batch.
“Aran not only leads by example, but his leadership has grown over the years since Mark Knowles retired.
“It has been a pleasure to watch him and the way he operates. He’s so positive around the group, he’s a very important player for us strategically and he gives us a really good balance in the midfield and has a calming influence on the team.”
“I had the pleasure of coaching Aran as a junior coming through – he played with my son – and to see his growth and work with him over a long period of time and over the past five years has been excellent.”
Heralding from Margaret River in Western Australia, Zalewski made his debut back in 2011 against India.
Now almost a decade later, he will front up for game 200 but the milestone will be the furthest thing from his mind as he attempts to help the Kookaburras reach the Gold Medal match in Tokyo.
Hockey Australia media release
EuroHockey Championship III Men 2021
Lousada, Portugal
Times GMT +1
1 Aug 2021 BLR v TUR (Pool A) 2 - 2
1 Aug 2021 CZE v SVK (Pool B) 7 - 0
1 Aug 2021 POR v LTU (Pool B) 3 - 0
2 Aug 2021 TUR v MLT (Pool A) 3 - 0
3 Aug 2021 16:45 SVK v LTU (Pool B)
3 Aug 2021 19:00 POR v CZE (Pool B)
Pool Standings
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkey | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 2 | Belarus | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Malta | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Czech Republic | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | Portugal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Lithuania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| 4 | Slovakia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
EuroHockey Championship III Women 2021
Lipovci, Slovenia
Times GMT +2
1 Aug 2021 TUR v SVK (Pool B) 9 - 0
1 Aug 2021 SUI v POR (Pool B) 0 - 0 1st Quarter 10' Suspended due to Lightning
2 Aug 2021 UKR v SLO (Pool A) 14 - 0
2 Aug 2021 SVK v POR (Pool B) 1 - 6
2 Aug 2021 SUI v TUR (Pool B) 3 - 2
3 Aug 2021 17:00 CRO v UKR (Pool A)
3 Aug 2021 14:45 SUI v POR (Pool B) Replay
Pool Standings
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ukraine | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| 2 | Croatia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Slovenia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | -14 | 0 |
Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkey | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 3 |
| 2 | Portugal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Slovakia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 15 | -14 | 0 |
Roundup at the EuroHockey Championship III, Men, Lousada
Day 1, 1 August 2021
The EuroHockey Championship III 2021, Men, is played in the Estádio Municipal de Hóquei em Campo in Lousada, Portugal, about 40 minutes east of Porto. The pitch in Lousada was replaced 2 years ago, so the event is played with excellent conditions for the players and umpires. The host National Association, Federação Portuguesa de Hóquei, has done their utmost to make this event possible which is highly appreciated by all participants. The EHF wishes to thank the host for their great work up till now.
The teams in the competition are as follows (Current World Ranking in brackets): Belarus (32nd), Czech Republic (32nd also) Portugal (41st) Turkey (47th), Slovakia (49th), Lithuania (54th), and Malta (63rd).
The Pool A match between Belarus and Turkey was the first match of the event. In 2019 Belarus was relegated from the EuroHockey Championship II in Cambrai (FRA), together with the Czech Republic. As Belarus and Czech Republic are the highest-ranked teams in this competition, they are looking to make sure they are on top of the final ranking at the end of this week. But there are challenges.
Turkey played with 5 players making their debut on international senior level: Furkan ÖZKILIÇ, Ömer ÖZKAN, Mazlum KESKIN, Necip ÇILKIZ and Batuhan ÖZAKALIN. The same counted for Stanislau LEUKIN and Pavel KORSIK of Belarus.
The match started slow but then went from left to right, skipping the midfield often. Just before halftime, it was Belarus who opened the score from a PC; Artur KADRAN with the 1-0. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Turkey equalized via a field goal by Ali Akin ÖZKILIÇ. It was the same Ali Akin ÖZKILIÇ who brought the Turkish team ahead via a great goal 11 minutes before the end. Nearly from the backline, he outwitted the Belarussian goalkeeper; 1-2. The Belarussian side kept on pressing, getting numerous penalty corners, but time after time the Turkish defense kept their goal clean. Only in the 56th minute, was a PC variant which was too much for Turkey; Uladzislau BELAVUSAU scored a nice PC. A few more chances on both sides, but the score in this highly entertaining game remained 2-2.
The 2nd match of the day saw the Czech Republic taking on Slovakia. The players obviously know each other very well as they play in the same interleague. The Slovak defense was not yet awake as Martin CAPOUCH put the first penalty corner in the net in the 3rd minute. The rest of the 1st half was equal with not too many big chances for both teams.
The Czechs got a huge opportunity in the 38th minute when Štěpán KLABAN was brought down in the circle. Tomas PROCHÁZKA converted the penalty stroke making it 2-0 to the Czech Republic. Štěpán KLABAN and Josef TOMS are the only 2 youngsters of the Czechs who also played in the EuroHockey U18 Championship II in Vienna (AUT) last week.
In the 50th minute, Lukas PLOCHÝ scored the 3-0 via a field goal, shortly followed by the 4-0 by Michal BÁRTA. The Slovaks got a penalty corner but this was defended well. The Slovaks thought the match was nearly finished and indeed nearly… Lukas PLOCHÝ scored a hattrick in the last minute, making his match total 4. Final score Czech Republic vs Slovakia; 7-0.
A nice thing to mention is that 6 players of the Czech Republic played their 1st international match today: Ondrej HES, Josef TOMS, Eduard GERLICKÝ, Štěpán KLABAN, Josef TREJBAL, and Vojtěch PAŽITKA.
This also counted for the Slovak side where 5 teenagers played their 1st international match: Tomáš POUSTECKÝ, Peter PREVERČÍK, Matúš DUGOVIČ, Jozef HORÁČEK and Adam ŠTROFEK.
The 3rd and last match of Day 1 saw home nation Portugal taking on Lithuania. Diogo GAMITO made his debut for the senior team of Portugal.
The first half showed that both teams were equal. Both teams had chances but the score remained 0-0. In the 3rd quarter, José SANTOS was the first to score, 1-0 via a PC. A few seconds before the end of the 3rd quarter a nice attack and brilliant backhand shot by Tiago VENTOSA resulting in the 2-0. In the last quarter, Portugal clearly had the better chances, but more than a 3rd field goal by Afonso CARAMALHO did not happen. Final score 3-0 to Portugal, who were supported by a good crowd.
Watch back the games on www.eurohockeytv.org
All results here:
EuroHockey
Roundup – EuroHockey Championship III, Women, Lipovci
Day 1, 1 August 2021
After the successful European Championship in Amsterdam, 1st August women’s continuing to comped in EuroHockey Championship III in Lipovci. All teams, officials, LOC, and volunteers are happy to be here and have the opportunity to celebrate hockey again. Everybody was glad to see seven teams joining the event.
The tournament starts with a match between Turkey and Slovakia. The rainy weather didn’t stop the Turkey team to make “goals rain” for the Slovakia team, which had few nice moments to score the goal. Unlucky. The final result was 9 – 0 Turkish won: 5 field goals (Gültekin Fatma Songül), 1 field goal (Kurt Sudenur, Paksoy Gülcan, Oymak Meryem) 1 goal from penalty corner (Çelik Yeter).
Due to thunderstorms and torrential rain, the Pool match Switzerland vs Portugal was interrupted and suspended after 9:48 on the first quarter.
The match will be resumed on Tuesday, 3rd August at 14.45 hrs.
Due to thunderstorms and torrential rain, the Pool match Ukraine vs Slovenia is re-scheduled from 1st August 17.00 hrs to the 2nd August at 12.30 hrs.
To follow the live scoring click here
Day 2, 2 August 2021
The second sunny day started with the suspended and re-scheduled match between Ukraine and host team Slovenia.
Ukraine v Slovenia 14-0
2019 Ukraine was relegated from EuroHockey Championship II and here they came to win. Svitlana Makaieva, Head Coach of Ukraine told “We didn’t have hockey in last year and we glad that we back on track. Players and staff are happy to enjoy hockey again and EHF did a great job to go ahead with these events.”
The match was not intense, clever tactical preparation and a lot of ‘one touch’ moves bring an easy win for the Ukraine team, final score 14 – 0. Slovenian captain, Andreja Rituper, the entire match asked the team not to give up and play till the last second. This is the spirit spectators want to see from each hockey player.
Goals score 5 field goals (Shevchenko Yuliia), 4 field goals (Leonova Karyna), 2 field goals (Kurovska Olha), 1 field goal (Honcharenko Olha), 1 goal from a penalty corner (Ponomarenko Oksana, Kernoz Yevheniya).
Slovakia v Portugal 1-6
The second match of the day brings a nice surprise, as the Portugal team participating in a women’s event after a long break and showed that they came here with a clear message – win the championship. It’s their first international event for all ladies. Slovakian team this is the second EuroHockey event in the same place, Lipovci.
In the first 15 seconds and we already saw the first goal from Claudia Fidalgo. During the whole game, the Portuguese team was under control. They had 4 penalty corners but didn’t realize any of them. At the same time, the Slovakian team had 5 penalty corners, and at the end of the 3rd quarter, they scored the first goal from PC.
In the 4th quarter, Slovakia tried to score at least one more goal, but Portugal defenders were well prepared for this. Final result 6 – 1, goals scored: Portugal 3 field goals (Ledesma Mariana), 2 field goals (Bruce Sónia), 1 field goal (Fidalgo Claudia), Slovakia 1 goal from a penalty corner (Vyskočová Karolína).
Switzerland v Turkey 3-2
The last match of the day was between two strong teams – Switzerland and Turkey. The last time these teams played against each other was in 2017 and the final result was 2 – 1, Turkey won.
In 2019 Turkish team was relegated from EuroHockey Championship II. The match starts intensely, with both teams took ‘high pressure’ tactics which helped both teams to score first goals in the 1st quarter.
At the start of the 2nd quarter, Elena Trösch scored a wonderful goal and let Switzerland lead until halftime.
In the 3rd quarter, the Turkish team took the initiative of the game and after the 10th minute they equal the score to 2 – 2. 4 minutes from the match end, Switzerland scored the final goal and won the match 3 – 2.
Goals scores: Switzerland 1 field goal (Trösch Elena, Pöhler Nele), 1 goal from penalty corner (Stomps Sofie). Turkey 2 goals from penalty corner (Gültekin Fatma Songül).
To follow the live scoring click here
EuroHockey
Olton sisters headline women’s hockey team
by Nigel Simon
Freshmen Kaitlyn Olton, right, and Saarah Olton of Long Island University with their sister Samantha Olton of Saint Francis University pose for a photo after their teams encounter on Saturday
The trio of Olton sisters, Samantha, Saarah and Kaitlyn have been named in an 18-member team by coach Dwain Quan Chan to represent T&T at the upcoming Junior Pan American Women’s Hockey Championship.
The tournament will be played in Santiago, Chile from August 21-28 and will act as the qualification competition for the 2021 Junior World Cup at the end of this year.
At the one-week competition from which the top-two teams will qualify to the World Cup, sixth-ranked T&T, will contest the round-robin Pool B with Chile (3rd), and USA (2nd while top-seeded Argentina, Canada (4th), and Uruguay (5th) are in Pool A.
The Olton-sisters are all currently-based in the USA at Long Island University (LIU) with former Holy Name Convent (PoS) duo, Saarah and Kaitlyn being joined this year by St Francis University-transfer ex-Providence Girls High School student Samantha, all of whom have played at the senior national level as well.
In addition to the trio, former South East Port-of-Spain standout forward, Felicia King who also attends LIU has played at the senior level along with Shaniah De Freitas helping to forma a solid core to work around for coach Quan Chan, a former national indoor and outdoor player.
The team is expected to leave for Chile on August 15 but before that they will continue their preparations with training sessions at the newly relayed astro turf hockey surface at the St James Police Barracks Training Ground on Mondays (4.30–6.30pm), Wednesdays (4.30–6.30pm), and Saturdays (7-9 am), and (4.30-6.30pm).
The Trinidad Guardian