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All the news for Sunday 5 August 2018

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

Semifinal results 4 August

IRL v ESP (SF 2)     1 - 1 (3 - 2 SO)
NED v AUS (SF 1)     1 - 1 (3 - 1 SO)

Finals 5 August (GMT+1)

14:00     AUS v ESP (Bronze Medal)
16:30     NED v IRL (Gold Medal)

Final Placings

Gold Medal match: Ireland v Netherland
Bronze Medal match: Spain v Australia

5 - 8
Argentina
Germany
England
India

9-12
Belgium
Italy
Korea
New Zealand

13 - 16
China
Japan
South Africa
United States

FIH Match Centre

Green army re-writing hockey history



Ireland's incredible World Cup adventure just keeps going. The team that entered the tournament ranked 16th in the world is not guaranteed at least a silver medal after the Green Army won a high energy match against Spain.

"Both teams have great spirit and it is a real shame that one team won't make it to the final," said Spain's Head Coach Adrian Lock, speaking before the game.

Sixty minutes and a tense shoot out later and it was Graham Shaw's Ireland who made it through to the final of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup.

Ireland have been re-writing hockey history since they arrived in London and were the first team to make it through to the quarter-finals. They have also been re-writing the script: "We only created that penalty corner routine a few days ago," revealed Shaw, talking about the goal that gave his team the lead.

"We were going to use it against India but we didn't win a penalty corner to use it."

In the match, the Green Army started the sharper, playing with the energy and confidence that has been core to their performance throughout the World Cup.

They won a penalty corner just three minutes into the game after captain Kathryn Mullan fired a speculative pass into the Spain circle. That ball struck a Spanish foot to win the corner. Shirley McCay's strike was deflected by Vitality Player of the Match Anna O'Flanagan through the pads of Maria Ruiz in the Spain goal to give the Green Army an early lead.

Most of the opening quarter was all about Ireland as Spain struggled to come to terms with the enormity of the occasion.

With a minute to go in the quarter, Spain were just starting to play their game. Rocio Gutierrez wove some magic up the right of the pitch, slipping the ball to Carola Salvatella, who was unlucky to tip the ball just around the corner of the goal.

"We are definitely not going to sit back and consolidate," said Graham Shaw at the quarter break. "It's not something we are very good at, we want to go out and score as many goals as we can."

Spain had other plans though, as they continued where they left off, piling pressure on the Ireland defence. The largely Irish crowd groaned as the ball was hammered into the circle by Beatriz Perez and flew into the net but fortunately it was off the stick of Mullan and Perez's hit had been outside the circle.

Xantal Gine nearly scored the most audacious goal of the competition as she chopped the ball backwards through her legs. Fortunately for Ireland the move was seen by Ayeisha McFerran in the Ireland goal and she reacted swiftly to clear the danger.

Deirdrie Duke was unlucky not to put her team two ahead after Nicola Daly and O'Flanagan worked the ball swiftly down the Irish right hand side of the pitch. McCay touched the ball to Duke but her shot flew just wide.

Ireland won their third penalty corner of the game when Nicola Evans put in a shift in the Spanish circle to force the ball onto a Spanish player's foot. The shot was chased down but the Irish will be pleased to have instigated an attack after an onslaught by their opponents for most of the quarter.

The wonderful stick skills of the Spanish players was very much in evidence as the Red Sticks tightened their grip on the game in the second half. Desperately trying to find the equaliser, the Spanish players probed at the Irish defence. The breakthrough came as Georgina Oliva played in a pass that found Perez. The energetic forward dodged the Irish sticks and found Alicia Magaz, who made no mistake as she slotted the ball past McFerran – only the third goal the 'keeper had conceded all tournament, except in shoot out situations.

With 15 minutes left, both teams were more than aware of the opportunity they had to create hockey history. The tension on the pitch translated into a few spilled passes and turnovers were rapid. Nicola Evans had a great opportunity to set Alison Meeke on her way but the pass was just too far ahead of the midfielder.

The final 10 minutes saw Spain really preventing Ireland from playing. Georgina Oliva was controlling the centre of the pitch and her clever passes were constantly putting the Irish defence under pressure.

The excellent Shirley McCay rallied her team, receiving a ball in the face for her efforts. She brushed that off and continued to urge her team forwards.

Oliva was sent off with a green card and this was a crucial loss to Spain as the diminutive midfielder had been at the epicentre of all Spain's attacking play. The drama intensified as Ireland won a penalty corner in the final two minutes. Ruiz was unable to save the shot but, fortunately for the 'keeper, Gutierrez was on hand to clear the ball out.

And so to shoot out. These two teams had both won shoot outs earlier in the competition, with Spain beating Belgium and Ireland defeating India. The psychological advantage of having won a shoot out was nullified by the fact both teams now had knowledge of each other's shoot out tactics.

In an attempt to do the unexpected, Head Coach Shaw changed his shoot out line up and Gillian Pinder stepped up to take on Ruiz. Pinder showed nerves of steel to flick over Ruiz and get Ireland off to the best of starts. Next up was Begona Garcia, who found herself in the unenviable position of facing the hugely talented McFerran. As so often, McFerran won out as Garcia shot wide.

O'Flanagan, Perez, and Upton all missed, but Oliva made no mistake as she shot home to bring the scores level. Chloe Watkins put Ireland back ahead but the most audacious shoot out goal, particularly in light of the pressured situation, was scored by Lola Riera, who lobbed the ball over McFerran's head.

With the scores all equal, the match went to sudden death. McFerran pulled off a magnificent save using her stick to pull the ball out of midair and then it was all on Pinder's shoulders to put her team through to the final. As the entire stadium held its breath, Pinder coolly slotted home and Ireland were through.

Speaking after the game, Graham Shaw said: "What a feeling. I didn't think this would happen. What a group of people, it just shows what can happen when the right people come together. The sport has been phenomenal, people have made the journey here to support us, that's amazing."

A speechless Elena Tice could only say "It was unbelievable."

Once she gathered her composure she said: "In every single game we have battled tooth and nail. We have executed our goals when it mattered, defended our goal when it mattered. We just said in this tournament it was important that we defended from the front.

"We are a young team and we have had to learn quickly. Our forwards set the tone with their energy and our midfield team are so hard working. We are the underdog in every game and in every game it is like we have won the World Cup.

"We are going to fight tooth and nail tomorrow as well. The last bit of our soul will be out on the pitch tomorrow."

HWC2018

FIH site

Netherlands survive Australian fightback



Netherlands and Australia both entered their semi-final encounter undefeated with the world number one side, The Netherlands, sailing serenely through, scoring 28 goals and conceding just two. Australia (WR:5), by contrast, had won only one match in regulation time and their quarter-final match against Argentina had been won on shoot out.

But Australia are a team that will always rise to the occasion and so it proved this time. Under the cosh for much of the middle of the game, Australia have their goalkeeper Rachael Lynch to thank for the fact they were still in contention when, seven minutes from time, Georgina Morgan scored her first penalty corner goal of the competition, to send the match to shoot out. With the Netherlands looking a little rattled, the crowd sensed an upset might be on the cards, particularly with Lynch in such fine form.

Unfortunately for Australia, Lynch might have been in form, but at this event, the Netherlands are unstoppable and so it proved again as Lidewij Welten dealt the killer blow to take her team to a final against the world 16 side Ireland.

As the match got under way, three penalty corners in the opening five minutes of the game was the sign that the Hockeyroos had no intention of letting the Netherlands dominate this match in the same way they had all their previous games.

Unfortunately for Paul Gaudoin's side, Jodie Kenny's fearsome penalty corner strike was slightly below par and the Netherlands defence was let off the hook. As the quarter progressed, so the Netherlands began to take the upper hand and put their opponents under increasing pressure. This was rewarded when Kelly Jonker was able to slam the ball home after some great work by Lidewij Welten to first get round the defence and then to find her team mate.

"Our performance tonight is not good enough to win the World Cup" Alyson Annan

The Netherlands also had a number of penalty corner opportunities, but Caia van Maasakker's shots were all well dealt with by Rachael Lynch who, despite conceding a goal, was having a great game in the Australian goal.

The second half saw a much more even split of pressure with the Netherlands unable to extend their lead but the Hockeyroos just not able to deal a killer blow.

The equaliser eventually came with just seven minutes left on the clock. Paul Gaudoin's team had come out for the final 15 minutes with a renewed energy and suddenly the Dutch began to look a little shaky. Emily Hurtz was the first to rattle the Oranje although her final shot was easily dealt with by Josine Koning, who had replaced Anne Veenendaal in the Netherlands goal.

The breakthrough came when Georgina Morgan stepped up and shot home with pinpoint precision after an excellent speedy injection by Kathryn Slattery. Lidewij Welten had a chance to make it 2-1 but, unusually for the striker, she shot wildly over the top.

In the ensuing shoot out, Frederique Matla, Xan de Waard and Welten were all on target, while only Kristina Bates was able to score for Australia.

The result means Australia will play Spain for the bronze medal, while Netherlands take on Ireland.

"The Australia goalkeeper was very good but we should have finished it in the match, we created enough chances," said Lidewij Welten.

Her coach agreed: "We weren't good enough in the circle," said Alyson Annan. "We have had to work hard to score goals in the quarter finals and semi finals but that is right.

"I just try to give the players the information to be able to play the game but our performance tonight is not good enough to win the World Cup," she added.

HWC2018

FIH site

Ireland shock Spain to reach Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup



The fairy tale of the Ireland women’s hockey team continued as they advanced to the final of the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup.

To date, their best showing at a World Cup was on home turf in 1994 when they finished 11th. Coming into the tournament world-ranked sixteenth, they were not expected to make it out of the group, but have beaten the USA, India twice, and now Spain.

Remarkably, they are one of the last two teams standing, and will play world number one, the Netherlands, in the final.

Ireland’s captain Kathryn Mullan said afterwards: “I’m on top of the world, it’s just amazing to think that we’re in the World Cup final tomorrow.

“We came over here living a dream of playing in a World Cup. We wanted to make an impact – you couldn’t ask to make a bigger impact than getting to a World Cup final.”

“Today was for us. We said in the changing room before the game, we wanted to win this game for this group of players.”

As with their quarter-final against India, Ireland were reliant on the shootout to progress against Spain. After full time ended 1-1, they won the shootout 3-2 thanks to two successful conversions from Gillian Pinder and more brilliance from ‘keeper Ayeisha McFerran.

Ireland took the lead only three minutes into the match. At a short corner won by Mullan, Zoe Wilson’s slap from the top of the ‘D’ was deflected home by Anna O’Flanagan.

Ireland remained the dominant force in the first quarter, with Spain seeming taken by surprise by the pace, physicality – and sheer will to win – of the Green Army.

The second quarter was closer, with both sides having chances. Spain were achieving many more circle entries, and on one occasion the ball fell to Carola Salvatella who, with back to goal, improvised brilliantly to strike the ball through her legs and narrowly wide of Ayeisha McFerran’s left post.

Deidre Duke was at the heart of Ireland’s best work in this period. Firstly, she made room for herself in the ‘D’ and hit a well-struck backhand, forcing a save from Spanish ‘keeper Maria Ruiz. Next, Duke’s purposeful run into the ‘D’ won a short corner for the Green Army that was slapped just wide by Hannah Matthews.

By the next quarter the pendulum had swung Spain’s way. The Red Sticks served warning to their opponents in the 36th minute when Carlota Petchame pushed weakly towards goal when well positioned in the area.

Three minutes later, their equaliser arrived. Alicia Magaz received a cross from the right and took a touch to control, before slamming the ball into the backboard to make it 1-1.

Nervousness crept into the play in the final quarter, and there were only half-chances for both sides through Duke and Spain goalscorer Magaz, as the game drifted towards a shootout.

After five attempts each in the shootout, the score stood at 2-2, with Gillian Pinder and Chloe Watkins converting for Ireland, and Georgina Oliva and Lola Riera for Spain.

Oliva took the first sudden-death penalty, but her effort was kept out by McFerran. Pinder had the chance to put Ireland into the World Cup final, and she coolly advanced on Ruiz, spotted a gap and slotted the ball through the ‘keepers legs to spark wild Irish celebrations.

England Hockey Board Media release

Green Army Going To The World Cup Final!


 
The Green Army have beaten Spain in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the World Cup Final.

It was the dream start for the Green Army as Katie Mullan sent the ball into the circle and won the first penalty corner of the game. Shirley McCay swept the ball from the top of the circle and Anna O’Flanagan slipped her marker and deflected past Maria Ruiz to give her side the lead in the 3rdminute. The pace and precision of the Green Army didn’t let up and Gillian Pinder won her side’s second penalty corner before the end of the first quarter. A straight strike from the top by Ali Meeke was well saved by Maria Ruiz as O’Flanagan lurked in front looking for another deflection. Julia Pons sent a deflection at the other end just past the post as Spain settled into the game, likewise Carola Salvatella sent an unconventional shot just wide. The Green Army defence continued their impenetrable form with Shirley McCay and Hannah Matthews frustrating the Spanish forward line and limiting any further clear cut chances. Ireland ended the half the better of the two sides with Deidre Duke sending a reverse strike inches wide and then combining with Nikki Evans to win Ireland’s third penalty corner. Matthews sweep from the top was saved by Ruiz and Ireland went in at half time holding their 1-0 lead.

It took just 2 minutes into the second half for Mullan to win her sides 4thpenalty corner but the variation didn’t quite come off as McCay sent the ball to the right looking for Mullan on the post. 2 minutes later and it looked like Spain had their first penalty corner but a smart referral by Matthews saw the ball was lifted high and the Green Army won the free out. Spain began to up the pressure as the half progressed and got their equaliser in the 39thminute from a ball crossed in to Alicia Magaz who scored from close range. The stats show that Spain had 21 circle entries as they chased the winner with Lucia Jimenez sending her shot over the crossbar. Mullan won her side a penalty corner in the final 2 minutes but Zoe Wilson’s sweep was saved off the line by Rocio Gutierrez and the sides were destined for a shoot-out.

It was Pinder who was the hero as she scored her first shot and then her second in sudden death in  the 6thround. In between those two vital moments though Watkins scored in the 5thround and Ayeisha McFerran was unbeatable in 4 of Spain’s attempts. Pinder’s second goal secured the 3-2 victory and put the Green Army in their first ever World Cup Final!

Graham Shaw, head coach said “This performance was testament to the character and belief in our team. It was warm out there, and I thought we looked the stronger side in the final minutes, and that’s down to the fitness of this team and how hard they work. This is just amazing and hopefully this will be a changing moment in our sport. I could not be more proud of this team, they deserve every bit of this”.

Vitality Hockey World Cup, London

Ireland 1(O’Flanagan)
Spain 1 (Magaz)

Penalty Shootout:

Ireland 3 (Pinder x2, Watkins)
Spain 2 (Oliva, Riera)

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

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

Ireland’s Pool B Vitality Hockey World Cup Fixtures:

Ireland 3vs1 USA 21/7/18 6pm
Ireland 1vs0 India 26/7/18 2pm
Ireland 0vs1 England 29/7/18 7pm
Quarter Final Ireland 0vs0 India (3-1 in shootout) 2/8/18 6pm
Semi Final Ireland 1vs1 Spain. Shootout: Ireland 3v2 Spain 4/8/18 2pm
World Cup Final Ireland vs Netherlands or Australia 5/8/18 4:30pm

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ireland hockey sent into Women’s World Cup wonderland as Holland awaits


Ireland celebrate epic semi-final win PIC: England Hockey

“I’ve been asking the Dutch for a bloody game for three years, so they don’t have a choice now,” Irish coach Graham Shaw boomed as his brilliant group of Irish women took their place in Sunday’s showpiece final.

There, they will play Holland, the world No 1 side looking for their eighth world title. After two weeks of this, is there to be one more miraculous sporting sub-plot in store at the Olympic Park?

With each passing victory here, Shaw has been shaking his head in general disbelief as Pool stage turned to knock out and then the business end. And now the final.

Yes, Ireland have reached Sunday’s showpiece finale after another edge-of-your-seat shoot-out. Ireland’s tournament has come laced with steely resolve, a sublime 22-year-old goalkeeper, tight defence and a World Cup draw which has simply opened up invitingly.

As the players rushed towards match winner Gillian Pinder and then Ayeisha McFerran to wildly celebrate this most unlikely of dreamy sporting runs to a major denouement, we all took in the moment. But then, 30 minutes later, the players understood the task ahead.

The test will come in their recovery ahead of the climb to surpass Dutch class, although the world champs were made to sweat by Australia before the day’s second shoot-out victory.

“You want to come to a World Cup and make an impact,” said Katie Mullan, Ireland’s captain. “To get to a World Cup final is something dreams are made of.

“We have never got ahead of ourselves. We came here to improve with very performance. The fight and determination has been incredible.”

Shaw said his team woke up believing a win was well within their grasp in normal time. By the way they cut open Spain – their fellow amateur rivals – in the opening salvos, the Green Army were up for the fight.

It came as early as the third minute, and as penalty corner routines go, it was laid out on plate.

Injected to Shirley McCay at the top of the circle, Ireland’s most experienced player couldn’t have slotted an easier central pass to Anna O’Flanagan, who deflected through the legs of Maria Ruiz.

Belief surged through the side. Playing an expansive game, Spain were being caught on the hop. But as half-time loomed, Adrian Lock’s sie began to have an impact down the right flanks.

Spain’s circle penetration was hurting Ireland without making it count. That turned when a pass found unmarked Alicia Magaz, the 24-year-old medical student’s shot too good for McFerran.



Ireland landed their fifth penalty corner at the death, Zoe Wilson’s central shot smothered by Ruiz as the crowd fell momentarily silent as the ball got lost in the circle melee. It ultimately proved to be the last meaningful attack before Ireland’s exploits.

‘Wow, hopefully this will be a changing moment in our sport,” said Shaw. ‘This will put us somewhere with the top teams in the world and a changing moment in these girls’ lives.

‘These girls are absolute legends, what an achievement to come as the second lowest-ranked team here and make a world final. It is a dream come true.’

McCay said that they had tried to shield themselves from the adulation of the team back home. Everyone from Brian O’Driscoll and beyond have got on board the Irish bandwagon.

“We are living in a bubble but it’s hard when whatever you doing becomes unprecedented and is making history. But we never thought this would happen,” she admitted.

“We said today was our final. Holland are an unbelievable team but will keep enjoying every second.”

The smiles will not disappear for the final.

The Hockey Paper

Ireland into final with shootout win over Spain

Ireland reach World Cup final after thrilling shootout

By Cian Murtagh


Chloe Watkins, Anna O'Flanagan and Gillian Pinder rush to celebrate with with goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran

Tournament minnows Ireland reached the World Cup final with a sudden-death shootout win over Spain.

Goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was once again the Green Army hero with three vital saves, before Gillian Pinder scored the final effort for a 3-2 win.

The tie finished 1-1 in normal time after Anna O'Flanagan's early goal was cancelled out by Alicia Magaz for the Red Sticks.

Ireland will play defending champions Netherlands in Sunday's final.

The seven-time winners beat Australia 3-1 in a shootout after the second semi-final ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ireland's dramatic shootout was a repeat of their quarter-final victory over India, and extended their remarkable journey through a tournament they went into as the second lowest-ranked team.

A tension-filled semi-final went all the way to a shootout after Spain deservedly fought back, but McFerran's brilliant saves paved the way for Pinder to score the winner.

From no-hopers to finalists

No other Irish hockey team has scaled the same heights this side has achieved at this tournament - their first World Cup appearance in 16 years.

When head coach Graham Shaw took charge three years ago, his team was at a low ebb after a shootout defeat by China in their World League 3 quarter-final, but the former Ireland international has overseen an astonishing transformation.

He has inspired a startling degree of commitment from his largely amateur playing squad, with players such as Nikki Evans, Chloe Watkins and O'Flanagan putting their full-time jobs on hold to dedicate themselves to playing at the highest level.

Ireland's rollercoaster ride through the competition is all the more surprising given the disparity in funding for the team in comparison to the budgets of the USA, the Netherlands or hosts England.

Shaw's team have trailed just once so far, when they conceded in the closing stages of their final group match against England - their success built on the excellence of McFerran and a superb team spirit.


Alicia Magaz (left) scores Spain's equalising goal

Dream start for Green Army

Competing in their first World Cup semi-final, Ireland made a dream start by taking the lead in the third minute.

In an almost identical move to the one that led to the only goal of their Pool B win against India, Shirley McKay's sweep from the first penalty corner of the match was cleverly deflected by O'Flanagan through the legs of goalkeeper Maria Ruiz.

O'Flanagan nearly repeated the trick in the 11th minute when she got her stick on Ali Meeke's initial effort but Ruiz produced a superb reflex save before Carola Salvatella flashed a shot wide at the other end.

Spain eventually began to find their rhythm and the Red Sticks dominated the second and third quarters as they started to spread the ball with width and pace.

Salvatella went close again when her audacious shot, with her back to goal, flew wide of the post but Ireland remained dangerous on the counter attack and Deirdre Duke's low shot forced Ruiz into a fine stop.

Spain deservedly equalised in the 39th minute when Berta Bonastre's cross from the right wing found Magaz in space and she had time to pick her spot past the onrushing McFerran.

Both teams had chances to score in the final quarter. Magaz flashed a shot over the Ireland crossbar before the Green Army won a late penalty corner, via video referral, but Zoe Wilson's shot was scrambled away.

McFerran the shootout star

McFerran's performance in the quarter-final shootout against India gave Ireland renewed confidence, which was strengthened when Pinder fired them into an early lead.

The Larne goalkeeper forced a miss by Begona Garcia before she saved from Beatriz Perez and Carlota Petchame either side of a composed finish by Spanish captain Georgina Oliva.

Chloe Watkins and Lola Rieira both scored spectacular efforts to force the shootout into sudden death.

Oliva took responsibility for her side but she was brilliantly denied by McFerran, which set up Pinder for her dramatic winner.

What they said

Ireland player Gillian Pinder, speaking to BT Sport: "It feels absolutely unbelievable. I need to pinch myself and just check that it is all real. It's just unbelievable.

"It's an absolute dream come true. We've worked really really hard and been through highs and lows over the past number of years and we're just delighted now to finally get a bit of a reward.

"We started well and got an early goal, but they just threw the kitchen sink at us as. We defended really well and we were really confident going into one-v-ones, we've got one of the world's best goalkeepers."

Ireland coach Graham Shaw, speaking to BT Sport: "I didn't think this would ever happen in my lifetime, if I'm being honest. We're 16th in the world - what's going on?

"What a team, what a group of people. It just shows you that when you fight for each other and you get together, anything can happen."

Analysis

Nigel Ringland, BBC Sport NI at Lee Valley

It was a tense affair throughout but Ireland didn't sit back after scoring first and tried to grab a second. However, the Spanish have had a wonderful World Cup as well and were rewarded with the equaliser.

When it went to penalties, Ireland have the tournament's best goalkeeper in Ayeisha McFerran who pulled off a vital save when she needed to, setting the stage for Gillian Pinder to keep her cool and send Ireland into the World Cup Final… and yes, this really isn't a dream.

BBC Sport

Ireland beat Spain in shootout to seal shock Hockey World Cup final spot


Ireland celebrate after clinching their place in the final of the Hockey World Cup. Photograph: Tim Ireland/AP

Ireland secured a second consecutive shootout victory to book their place in the final of the Hockey World Cup in London.

After a 1-1 draw with Spain at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Ireland won the shootout 3-2, with Gillian Pinder scoring twice as the contest went to sudden death.

Ireland have been the surprise package of the tournament after going in as the second lowest-ranked team then topping a group containing the hosts, England, and India.

They made a dream start to the semi-final, with Anna O’Flanagan touching in a penalty corner after only three minutes. But Spain began to exert some concerted pressure and nine minutes into the third quarter Alicia Magaz equalised.

That was the way it stayed until full-time, meaning a second shootout for Ireland after their quarter-final victory over India.

Graham Shaw’s side made the perfect start as Pinder tucked her effort away but Georgina Oliva levelled with Spain’s third one-on-one attempt.

With the goalkeepers in the ascendancy, Chloe Watkins looked like she might have won it for Ireland only for Lola Riera to immediately cancel that out.

After five attempts for each side, the sequence began again, this time with Spain going first, and, after Oliva’s shot was saved by Ayeisha McFerran, Pinder confidently converted the winning shot.

The Guardian

Breathtaking penalty win sends Ireland through to Hockey World Cup final

Carl Kinsella



Ireland have reached the World Cup final after beating Spain on penalties.

Dominance in the game went to and fro, but Ireland created the better chances throughout — winning five penalty corners to Spain's zero.

It was the first of those penalty corners that yielded an early opening goal, when a shot was turned in by Anna O'Flanagan. It came at the beginning of a first quarter where Ireland had the Spanish defence under siege, but by the end, the deficit remained at just one goal.

Spain regained their composure in the second quarter, and levelled the score in the third quarter when Alicia Magaz slotted home a from open play, inside the circle.

It was perhaps the only moment that the resolute Irish defence had been unduly troubled throughout the game despite pressure, and the score held at 1-1.

And so, just like the previous clash against India, Ireland were sent to the shootout once more.

Gillian Pinder scored Ireland's first shot on the rebound, before Aisha Ayeisha McFerran denied the first Spain penalty. Anna O'Flanagan was then forced to retake her penalty and hit the frame of the goal. McFerran then got low to again deny Spain and rack up her fifth shootout save of the tournament.

Roisin Upton sent Ireland's third penalty wide of the mark, and tensions were ramped up when McFerran was beaten at the third time of asking. Meeke was denied on Ireland's fourth attempt, handing Spain the advantage.

But Spain's fourth penalty taker spurned the chance — chipping the ball into the net but breaking the 8-second time limit on the shot.

Chloe Watkins, Ireland's hero against India, stood up once more, and cleverly finished beneath the Spanish keeper. Again, Spain came back with an incredibly cheeky chipped finish over McFerran to send the game to sudden death.

Spain went first in sudden death, and McFerran stood down the Spanish captain. Gillian Pinder's penalty, Ireland's sixth of the day, saw her score her second of the day, sweeping the ball past the Spanish keeper and sweeping Ireland into their first ever Hockey World Cup final.

JOE.ie

Ireland beat Spain to reach Hockey World Cup final


Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran (far right) celebrates with teammates after winning the shootout to win the match during the Vitality Women's Hockey World Cup Semi Final match at The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London. Steven Paston/PA Wire

Ireland booked their place in the final of the Women's Hockey World Cup with a remarkable penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in London this afternoon.

Graham Shaw's side had taken the lead after just three minutes as Anna O'Flanagan turned home from the penalty corner to give her side the dream start.

Spain grew into the game after their nervy start, and soon after the second-half began they found an equaliser, Alicia Magaz giving Spain a deserved reward for their sustained period of pressure.

It was Ireland who finished normal time stronger, and took that momentum into a dramatic penalty shoot-out, Ayeisha McFerran making a number of outstanding saves and Gillian Pinder scoring the final penalty to send Ireland to a first-ever World Cup final.

Ireland will now face either the Netherlands or Australia in the final tomorrow afternoon.

The Belfast Telegraph

Ulster ace Megan: we're now aiming to feel on top of the world
 
By John Flack


Unfinished business: Ulster duo Megan Frazer and Shirley McCay are aiming to help Ireland reign against Spain in the semi-final this afternoon

It's the biggest day in Irish hockey's 130-year history - and Megan Frazer is looking forward to today's women's World Cup semi-final with Spain in London (2pm) more than most.

Frazer, one of six Ulster players in the 18-strong squad, finally exorcised her personal demons in Thursday night's dramatic penalty shoot-out win over India.

The Londonderry woman saw her penalty rebound agonisingly off the post at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Valencia three years ago denying Ireland a place at the Rio showpiece as China went through instead.

Frazer is also edging her way back to full fitness although she's not quite there yet as Ireland prepare to take on the Spanish, who are ranked 11th in the world, just five places higher than Graham Shaw's team.

Ireland are well into bonus territory, having overcome higher ranked teams on three occasions already at this tournament.

Even a defeat today wouldn't be the end of their World Cup dream as they would go into a bronze medal play-off tomorrow against the losers of the other semi-final between holders Netherlands and Australia.

Frazer believes, like the rest of the squad, that a win over the Spanish today is far from impossible, having once again defied the odds to beat India for the second time after a 1-0 victory earlier on.

The 27-year-old simply couldn't bring herself to watch as Ulster goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran denied the Asians three times in the shoot-out to spark the celebrations on Thursday evening.

She said: "To be honest, I couldn't bear to watch, so I ended up just looking at the reaction of the crowd.

"Penalty shoot-outs are always so difficult and, at the end of the day, fate will take its course.

"Did I want to take one? I was tempted to put my hand up but I hadn't practised them in two years, so I don't think I wanted to take the risk.

"There were a lot of emotions and not everyone who took the penalties in Valencia is here for different reasons.

"Some have retired or moved on and, yeah, Ayeisha was outstanding.

"It's such a brave thing to do when you agree to take a penalty in a shoot-out."

Frazer says she has been grateful for the extra rest days at this World Cup having been sidelined from international hockey for two years due to a bad cruciate injury.

Game by game in London, there have been signs that she is nearing the talismanic player she was before sustaining the sickening injury in October 2016.

Frazer added: "The format of this tournament with a lot of rest days until now has really helped my recovery.

"After the first game I had a bit of a reaction with my knee, a bit of swelling.

"It was a bit sore then, but as the games have progressed that reaction has got less and less, so I don't expect any more problems.

"To be honest, though, I feel I am still nowhere near 100 per cent up to my normal game but I do feel like it's getting better as time goes on, getting more touches of the ball and more time on the pitch.

"I've been working on my strength around the knee and there are no problems there.

"To drop into a World Cup has been mind blowing really and it's been a bit weird trying to grow with each game and trying to build up the confidence more than anything."

Frazer believes Spain are beatable in today's semi-final and the teams certainly know each other well.

Ireland have an old score to settle, having lost 7-2 in the corresponding European Championship game in Amsterdam last year, when Frazer was still out of action.

The teams last met in a shared series in January when, once again, Ireland shipped seven goals in the first match, only to respond with a 4-0 win.

However, while Ireland did the business against India, Frazer says there is still room for improvement if the wonderful journey is to culminate in a place in tomorrow's final.

Which would be remarkable when you consider the Irish are ranked 15th of the 16 competing nations and were expected to get an early plane back from London after the three pool games against full-time outfits.

Instead they beat the USA 3-1 and India 1-0 before losing 1-0 to World No.2 England.

That left them top of Pool B and an automatic place in the quarter-finals instead of having a crossover game to earn a spot in the last eight, and it was the USA who unexpectedly caught the early plane.

Then came that penalty shoot-out win over India on Thursday with fellow Ulster player, goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, the hero by saving the first three India attempts.

With Roisin Upton, Ali Meeke and Chloe Watkins all converting, the Green Army had achieved the unthinkable, a place in the world semi-finals.

"With playing Spain so often, I think we've got the best semi-final possible and have avoided competition favourites, the Netherlands, so we're looking forward to it very much," said Frazer.

"But It was very tactically astute by India in the quarter-final - they were able to get numbers around the ball constantly and we were under pressure when we tried to move it.

"That meant there weren't a lot of passes on, so we ended up running with the ball a little bit more than we had talked about before the game.

"The pitch is a little bit sticky and it can be difficult when you're running with the ball and there were quite a lot of missed passes from us, so we'll have to improve on that."

The six Ulster girls have all been instrumental in the success.

McFerran (pictured left with Grace O'Flanagan) has been an outstanding goalkeeper and surely will win the goalkeeper of the tournament award, while Shirley McCay and Zoe Wilson have been a tower of strength in defence.

Frazer's contribution has increased game by game as her fitness improves, Lizzie Colin has thrived in a hard-working midfield and skipper Katie Mullan has spearheaded the attack as well as chasing back when needed.

Mullan praised her players for their efforts in the searing heat on Thursday night and is confident that they can meet today's challenge.

She said: "The work rate was incredible, the girls never stopped fighting for every single ball.

"It was hard out there in the heat, really tough, but we just kept going and kept going and I think that was what took us through the shoot-out as well.

"It's incredible to have made it so far and this is something that's not going to hit us for a while now because we're in our bubble.

"We keep believing and we've been looking to the next game virtually straight after the shoot-out with a shorter turnaround to prepare."

If Ireland do beat Spain, then the 15th ranked team will be in tomorrow's final against World No. 1 Netherlands or No. 5 Australia (4.30pm).

If they lose then it's the bronze play-off against the losers of the Netherlands and Australia game (2pm).

No matter what happens, it's been a wonderful journey for a great bunch of women who may be underfunded but pay up for it in many other ways.

Belfast Telegraph

Netherlands reach Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup Final



Lidewij Welten netted the winning penalty as the Netherland defeated Australia in a shootout and booked their place in the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup.

Kelly Jonker put the Dutch ahead after 22 minutes and they held this lead until six minutes from time when Australia equalised through Georgina Morgan.

A dramatic shootout followed with Rachael Lynch continuing her heroics from normal time in goal but she couldn’t stop Welten who slotted home to win the shootout 3-1.

The Netherlands will play Ireland in the final tomorrow after they defeated Spain in another penalty shootout earlier in the day.

Captain Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel praised her opponent’s efforts after the match: “Australia played really well. Their keeper was amazing, their defenders were amazing and we had to give it all. I think they played a really good match. It was a close call.”

“We are the number one in the world and everybody is saying ‘You’re going to be amazing’, but we need to work really hard to play good as well.

"If you play at 95%, everybody can beat us. We have to be 100%, and if we are at 100% I trust my team and believe that we can win this.”

The first quarter was one dominated by penalty corners as both sides failed to produce any clear-cut chances from open play. Three back to back corners began the match but Jodie Kenny’s efforts were all halted by the Dutch defence.

Caia Van Maasakker went closest for the Netherlands from another penalty corner but her low drag-flick was easily kicked away by Lynch in the Australian goal.

After the quarter break the Dutch began to take more control of the contest and on 22 minutes moved into the lead. Marloes Keetels made a long run down the right reaching the byline, her cut back met the run of Jonker who slapped across goal and into the net.

There were good chances for the Netherlands to move further ahead but a fierce reverse stick strike from Welten and another from Eva de Goede were both stopped by Lynch before half-time.

After the break it was all about Lidewij Welten and Rachael Lynch in the Australia goal. Welten continued to work her way past, around and through the Australian defence but her flicked effort and another backhand strike were both saved by Lynch.

Australia had another penalty corner of their own but Kenny’s slap was blocked by the runner and the Dutch took their slender 1-0 lead into the final fifteen minutes.    
With time running out the Aussies pushed for a leveller and were rewarded six minutes from time as Georgina Morgan scored with a powerful drag-flick low into the corner. The Dutch pressed for a winner but couldn’t make the breakthrough and the contest headed to a shootout.

Matla and Bates both went onto their reverse and scored before the goalkeepers began to steal the show. Lynch and Koning both saved from Van den Heuvel, Peris, Van Geffen and Nobbs.

De Waard then headed left and cut back to the right and fired past Lynch to put the Dutch ahead and Koning’s save again McMahon gave Welten the chance to send the Dutch through.

Welten headed towards goal and soon after engaging Lynch tucked the ball between her legs to score and book the Netherland’s place in the final.

England Hockey Board Media release

Hockeyroos Suffer Semi-Final Shootout Heartbreak

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have heartbreakingly missed out on a spot in the 2018 Women’s World Cup in a penalty shootout after fighting back for a brave 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Sunday morning’s (AEST) semi-final in London.

Australia couldn’t re-produce their quarter-final penalty shootout heroics against Argentina, going down 3-1 in the shootout to the world number one Dutch who’ll face Ireland in the decider from 1:30am (AEST) Monday morning.

The Hockeyroos produced a gutsy display led by goalkeeper Rachael Lynch who made numerous saves to withstand waves of Dutch pressure, before Georgina Morgan scored a 54th minute equaliser – to Kelly Jonker’s 22nd minute opener - to send the game to a shootout.

Dutch keeper Josine Koning was the hero in the shootout for the reigning world champions, denying Brooke Peris, Kaitlin Nobbs and Karri McMahon, before Lidewij Welten converted her attempt to seal the win.

The Hockeyroos will now play Spain in the third place game from 11pm (AEST) on Sunday night.

Australia coach Paul Gaudoin said: “We were playing the best in the world, we knew it was a challenge and I thought we took it up to them.

“It wasn’t always pretty. We’ve got plenty to work on but I think there’s some belief that we can do some things in the next few years.”

Australia started the contest brightly, with Jodie Kenny firing into the crossbar from a penalty corner in the second minute.

The Dutch hit back, with Lynch forced into a good save from Caia van Maasakker’s first quarter drag flick.

After a tight opening period, the Netherlands were dominant in the second, going ahead with Marloes Keetels broke down the right before cutting back for Jonker to convert.

Lynch made excellent second quarter saves from Welten and Eva de Goede to ensure it only remained 1-0 at the main break.

The Dutch pressure continued in the third, with Welten testing Lynch from an angle, before the Hockeyroos keeper forced de Waard wide when in behind the Australia defence.

Lynch saved low from World Cup top scorer Kitty van Male in the 38th minute, before Stephanie Kershaw sent a warning down the other end with a shot which brought out a save from Koning.

Lynch was heroic again with a 51st minute double save to thwart Welten and Keetels, before Australia levelled after Grace Stewart had done well to win a short corner.

Savannah Fitzpatrick provided the injection which Nobbs trapped perfectly, allowing Morgan to power her low drag flick to Koning’s right and into the backboard for 1-1.

Australia were buoyed by the goal and pressed for a winner but scores couldn’t be split, coming down to the shootout.

Netherlands 1 (Jonker 22’)
Australia 1 (Morgan 54’)

Shootouts
Netherlands: Matla X, van der Heuvel O, van Geffen O, de Waard X, Welten X
Australia: Bates X, Peris O, Nobbs O, McMahon O

Hockey Australia media release

Australia exit hockey World Cup with penalty shootout loss to Netherlands


Netherlands players celebrate Lidewij Welten’s winning penalty shot. Photograph: Tim Ireland/AP

The Netherlands reached yet another women’s World Cup field hockey final after beating Australia in a shootout on Saturday. The Dutch conceded a penalty corner goal with seven minutes left but prevailed in a shootout 3-1 to foil the Australians’ bid for a first world title in 20 years.

In their fifth successive final on Sunday, the Dutch will defend the title against first-time finalist Ireland, which extended its stunning run by upsetting Spain 3-2 in a shootout after 1-1 in regulation of their semifinal.

It’s a feeling the Netherlands know all too well. Of the 13 previous World Cups, the Netherlands have appeared in 11 and won a record seven. This Dutch side hasn’t lost since the Olympic final two years ago. At this World Cup, they came into the semi finals having scored 28 goals and conceding only two.

“We were playing the best in the world, we knew it was a challenge and I thought we took it up to them,” Australia coach Paul Gaudoin said.

“It wasn’t always pretty. We’ve got plenty to work on but I think there’s some belief that we can do some things in the next few years.”

Kelly Jonker scored in the first half after she was picked out by Lidewij Welten, who made a fine run down the right side. But the Netherlands’ dominance was spoiled by Georgina Morgan clipping a penalty corner shot low into the left side for the tying goal.

The match went to a shootout, where both sides scored from their first shots, but then the goalies saved two each.

Xan de Waard then got around Australia goalkeeper Rachael Lynch for 2-1. Dutch goalie Josine Koning then denied Karri McMahon, who shot wide. Given the chance to clinch the win, Welten scored between Lynch’s legs.

“The Australia goalkeeper was very good but we should have finished it in the match, we created enough chances,” Welten said.

The Guardian

Ireland and Netherlands ready for World Cup final


Ireland will play in a World Cup final for the first time in any sport in their nations history Photo: FIH/Getty8

At 16:30 (BST) on Sunday 5 August, Ireland and Netherlands will create their own history as they go head to head in the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 final.

Netherlands will be looking to retain the prize they won back in The Hague in 2014 and in doing so secure a record eighth title to maintain their status as the world's number one women's team.

"We'll need to do our homework in order to be fully prepared as they can always spring an element of surprise. But we can't wait for the final - it's so exciting!"
Xan de Waard, Netherlands

The reigning European and Hockey World League champions will be hoping to continue their impressive form in this event having scored 29 goals and conceding only three, while superstar Kitty van Male leads the scoring charts with seven goals so far.

Netherlands emerged from Pool A having defeated Korea 7-0, China 7-1 and Italy 12-1 before winning their quarter-final against hosts England 2-0. Despite a 1-1 draw in the semi-final against Australia, they emerged from the shootout winners to erase recent memories of their Rio 2016 Olympic final shootout loss to Great Britain.


Netherlands will play in their second consecutive final Photo: FIH/Getty

Following their semi-final win, Netherlands star Xan de Waard said: "I don't think we've played Ireland in recent years so it will be interesting. We'll need to do our homework in order to be fully prepared as they can always spring an element of surprise. But we can't wait for the final - it's so exciting!"

Ireland's fairytale will end postively regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's final. This is the first time any Irish team has reached a World Cup final in the nation's history, ensuring they will walk away with a gold or silver medal which will mark their greatest achievement in the sport.

Going into a women's World Cup for the first time in 16 years, the second lowest ranked team emerged winners of Pool B following a 3-1 win against USA and a 1-0 victory over India.

Despite losing 1-0 to England in the closing minutes of their final Pool B match, their first place finish put them directly into the quarter-finals where they once again faced Asian champions India.

A goalless draw forced this tie into a shootout and gave fans the first opportunity to witness goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran's magic. The Green Army's hero on so many occassions throughout this event, she was the star again as she helped her team to a 3-2 shootout win in their semi-final against Spain following their 1-1 draw.

On reaching the final, Ireland's Gillian Pinder said: "We've worked really, really hard and been through highs and lows over the last number of years and we're just delighted now to finally get a bit of a reward.

Ireland coach Graham Shaw, added: "I didn't think this would ever happen in my lifetime if I'm being honest. I mean, we're 16th in the world - what's going on? What a team, what a group of people. It just shows you that when you fight for each other and you get together anything can happen."


Who will win the new Hockey Women's World Cup Trophy? Photo: FIH/Getty

Earlier in the day, Australia and Spain will pick themselves up from their semi-final losses as they battle for the bronze medals at 14:00.

While Australia's Hockeyroos have only scored five goals from open play in this event, the Oceania champions will be hoping to medal for the seventh time in women's World Cup history.

Meanwhile, Spain's 7-1 victory against South Africa in the Pool stages will surely be a performance to draw confidence from as they bid to to finish higher than their previous highest finish, fourth, back in 2006.

To find out where to watch all the action, click here.

#HWC2018

FIH site

The Dutch (no 1) and Green Army (no 16) final, eighth title triumph for Oranje is on cards

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


Irish Zoe Wilson is the only bespectacled medalist women player in hockey. Photo Avtar Bhurji (sportmediagroup.com.au)

Triple Champions (World Cup-Hague 2014, Hockey World League –Auckland 2017, Europeans Cup-Amsterdam 2017) Netherlands will lock horns against minnows Ireland for a record eighth World Cup title.

Prior to this 11th place in 3 appearances was the best performance of Ireland on home ground (Dublin-1994) in World Cup.

In 12 appearances of Europeans Cup, they have never reached in semis.

It is Irish ladies first ever final in history of hockey. In quarter final (vs. India) and semifinal (vs. Spain) they won via shoot out.

Their fairytale will end positively with a minimum silver medal.

Netherlands have created 120 goal shots as compared to Ireland’s only28 so far in this tournament.

The free flowing Dutch girls should make history by winning the final easily.

If Netherlands scores 5 goals, then they will surpass current record of 33 goals in a single tournament set by Australia in Utrecht World Cup (1998).

Irish player Zoe Wilson will be the only bespectacled women player in hockey, who has won medal in elite tourneys. List of medalists bespectacled players are:

 Fieldhockey.com

Dutch to defend women's field hockey title against Ireland


This is Ireland's first World Cup since 2002. CHRISTOPHER LEE/GETTY

The Netherlands reached yet another Women's World Cup field hockey final after beating Australia in a shootout on Saturday (Sunday NZT).

The Dutch conceded a penalty corner goal with seven minutes left but prevailed in a shootout 3-1 to foil the Australians' bid for a first world title in 20 years.

In their fifth successive final on Sunday, the Dutch will defend the title against first-time finalist Ireland, which extended its stunning run by upsetting Spain 3-2 in a shootout after 1-1 in regulation of their semifinal.


Elena Tice celebrates getting through to the final. CHRISTOPHER LEE/GETTY

"I didn't think this would happen,'' Ireland coach Graham Shaw said. "What a feeling.''

It's a feeling the Netherlands know all too well. Of the 13 previous World Cups, the Netherlands appeared in 11 and won a record seven.


Ireland's Deirdre Duke, right, competes for the ball with Spain's Lola Riera. TIM IRELAND/AP

This Dutch side hasn't lost since the Olympic final two years ago. At this World Cup, they came into the semifinals having scored 28 goals and conceding only two.

Kelly Jonker scored in the first half after she was picked out by Lidewij Welten, who made a fine run down the right side. But the Netherlands' dominance was spoiled by Georgina Morgan clipping a penalty corner shot low into the left side for the tying goal.

The match went to a shootout, where both sides scored from their first shots, but then the goalies saved two each.

Xan de Waard then got around Australia goalkeeper Rachael Lynch for 2-1. Dutch goalie Josine Koning then denied Karri McMahon, who shot wide. Given the chance to clinch the win, Welten scored between Lynch's legs.

"The Australia goalkeeper was very good but we should have finished it in the match, we created enough chances,'' Welten said.

The Irish made a dream start against Spain, with Anna O'Flanagan touching in a penalty corner after only three minutes at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Spain began to exert some concerted pressure and Alicia Magaz equalised in the 39th.

It stayed that way to fulltime, meaning another shootout for Ireland following its quarterfinal victory over India.

After five attempts for each side finished 2-2, the shootout went to sudden death. Ireland goalie Ayeisha McFerran made a stick save of Georgina Oliva's shot, then Gillian Pinder confidently converted her second shootout goal and the winner.

From out of nowhere, Ireland has reached its first major final. Ranked 16th, the second lowest in the World Cup, it topped a group including Olympic champion England and was first into the quarterfinals.

This is Ireland's first World Cup since 2002, and its previous best result was 11th in 1994.

"The last bit of our soul will be out on the pitch tomorrow,'' Ireland's Elena Tice said.

Stuff

High hopes despite all the drama

Confusion, suspense and secrecy mark selection

Stan Rayan


Going for gold: Coach Harendra Singh and the Indian men's hockey team will take heart from their silver-winning performance at the recent Champions Trophy.   | Photo Credit: K_MURALI_KUMAR

Court cases, lack of transparency, allegations of favouritism in selecting teams… the signs are all very clear. A major multi-eventer is close by!

While almost every other country appears to be fine-tuning its act and talking strategy for the 18th Asian Games, which begin in Jakarta and Palembang on August 18, India appears to be still breaking its head over who should be going in many disciplines though the final entry deadline closed more than a month ago.

From athletics and badminton to shooting and wrestling, controversy has hit almost every sport. There were strange situations too, like the equestrian federation’s frequent flip-flops, the swimming federation’s virtually secret selection trials in Bengaluru and the men’s handball team, which despite finishing 12th at the Asian championship, finding a magical passage to the Asiad after five higher-ranked teams opted out.

The handball team got into the Asiad draw without even the Indian Olympic Association — which is supposed to send the entries — being aware of it!

Still, despite all the drama and confusion, India looks set to better its 2014 Asiad gold count which was 11 in a total of 57 medals that saw the country finish eighth in the medals table.

There has been a series of impressive performances in various disciplines in the recent past. And, among the many bright faces in the 500-plus contingent, athletics which fetched the maximum number of medals at Incheon and badminton, which got just a bronze in women’s team event in the last edition, shine the brightest.

While athletics has many at the top or close in this year’s Asian charts like Commonwealth Games champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the presence of the new under-20 World champion quartermiler Hima Das offers the sport many options.

But the biggest transformation, from Incheon to Jakarta, is in badminton. Whichever way one looks at the sport, from the last Olympics or the World rankings — which has P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in the top 10 and K. Srikanth and H.S. Prannoy in the first 11 — badminton offers hope of a new high.

Athletics and kabaddi were the only disciplines that brought two golds in Incheon with hockey, squash, shooting, tennis, wrestling, archery and boxing bringing one each at the last Asiad.

The hockey boost

The big boost for hockey came with the recent Champions Trophy silver, after a shoot-out against World champion Australia, and that should make India the favourite to retain the men’s gold.

The big names missing will be boxing great M.C. Mary Kom and shooter Jitu Rai, both lone gold medallists in their respective sport at the last Asiad. Who will prop up shooting and boxing?

We will be discussing all these and more in detail in our Asian Games series over the next few days.

The Hindu

England women’s hockey coach Danny Kerry mooted for men’s role

By Richard Bright



England women’s coach Danny Kerry is being tipped to take charge of the men’s team, according to reports.

It is widely rumoured that Kerry, who saw his women’s side exit at the World Cup quarter-final stage, has applied to take up a different challenge with the vacant men’s coaching role.

Kerry took charge of the women’s side up until 2012 where he guided Team GB to Olympic bronze.

A brief spell as performance director was halted in 2014 when Jason Lee exited as women’s coach after a poor World Cup and Kerry took charge for a second time, famously leading the team to Olympic gold in Rio.

Kerry’s contract was reportedly extended before the Rio Olympics, although he was expected to leave after the Games, according to the Daily Telegraph.

England Hockey has been looking for a men’s coach after Bobby Crutchley left his position in May to join British Gymnastics in a performance role.

Crutchley had taken England to bronze medals at the EuroHockey Championships last summer and April’s Commonwealth Games.

After a ninth position finish at the Rio Olympics, a post-Games review saw several key figures leave the central programme, including talented trio Ashley Jackson, Nick Catlin and Iain Lewers.

Kate Richardson-Walsh had fuelled the speculation of Kerry after telling BT Sport in the aftermath of England’s defeat: “The temptation of that men’s coaching job is a tempting one.

“I do know he has gone for it and who knows what’s going to happen.”

After so long overseeing women’s teams, it will be interesting to see how Kerry would cope in charge of the men’s side if his application – international coaches have also applied for the role – proves successful.

Sally Munday, England Hockey’s chief executive, said: “We are still in the recruitment process so it would not be appropriate to comment.

“When the process is concluded we will naturally communicate in due course.”

The Hockey Paper

South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT A Section - Finals
Pietermaritzburg

Results 4 August 2018

EP v WPP (7&8)         6 - 1
SGN v KZNM (11&12)     2 - 2 (1 - 3 SO)
SGW v NG (3&4)         2 - 1
FS v NW (9&10)         0 - 1
SAU21 v WP (5&6)     1 - 3
KZNC v SG (Final)         2 - 1

Final Positions

1. KZN Raiders (KZNC)
2. Southern Gauteng (SG)
3. Southern Gauteng Witsies (SGW)
4. Northern Blues (NG)
5. TUFFY Western Province (WP)
6. SA Under 21 (SAU21)
7. Eastern Province (EP)
8. Western Province Pens (WPP)
9. North West (NW)
10. Free State (FS)
11. KZN Mynahs (KZNM)
12 Southern Gauteng Nuggets (SGN)

SAHA Match Centre

South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT B Section - Finals
Pietermaritzburg

MPU v NCA (5&6)         5 - 1
NGB v KZNI (3&4)         1 - 2
NCB v SACD (Final)     3 - 2

Final Positions

1. Northern Cape B (NCB)
2. SA Country Districts (SACD)
3. KZN Inland (KZNI)
4. Northern Daisies (NGB)
5. Mpumalanga (MPU
6. Northen Cape A (NCA)

SAHA Match Centre

KZN Raiders are the SA Hockey Men Champions



In front of the biggest crowd of the week at the AB Jackson Astro-Turf in Pietermaritzburg, the KZN Raiders came from a goal behind to defeat Southern Gauteng 2-1 in a fantastic display of hockey. The victory for Sihle Ntuli’s men means the province defended their title won last year and, in the process, completed back-to-back indoor and outdoor hockey national titles.

The game started in the warm winter sun with Southern Gauteng looking fired up and ready to win the title. They created the first big chance of the game as they broke from defence and skipper Miguel da Graca hit the most delightful diagonal through ball to set up Nic Spooner in a one-on-one with Gowan Jones. The Southerns hot shot, who plays his club hockey in Germany, took a touch, lined up his shot and slid it into the bottom corner. The composure in the finish brought the Gauteng fans to their feet.

Southerns defence was the hallmark to their great week and once establishing a lead they would be difficult side to break down, needing either an error by Southerns or a moment of magic from the Raiders. Fortunately for the crowd it was a moment of magic as Clinton Panther, a former IPT winner with Southerns, produced a breath-taking run down the line laying the ball off for Matt de Sousa who set up Cameron Mackay. Mackay had a lot to do still but finished outstanding well from a tight angle.

The second half saw both teams looking to gain the lead with chances spurned on both ends, but the defining moment arrived in the 46th minute when national skipper Tim Drummond set up Bili Ntuli, despite the attention of three Southern Gauteng defenders. Ntuli finished with a strike worthy of winning a championship and that’s exactly what it did, sealing the title for the KZN Raiders.

The B Section produced an outstanding final of its own as the Northern Cape side took an early 3-0 lead through Severiano Kock and a brace from Lyndon Fredericks. They then went defensive in restricting SA Country Districts to just two goals to bag a historic title for themselves.

The Bronze medal was won by Southern Gauteng Witsies, who came from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to Kingsley Botes and Thabang Modise, while Western Province secured fifth spot with a 3-1 victory over SA Invitational U21.

The individual awards of the B section were announced after the final with Darren Kamfer (SACD) named as player of the tournament and Macheke Fanelo (SACD) won the goalkeeper of the tournament. In the A Section the prize winners were Jarred Cass (SAU21) – young player of the tournament, Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng) – goalkeeper of the tournament and Mo Mea (KZN Raiders) – player of the tournament.

For many of the players the eye will now turn to the upcoming PHL tournament, which starts next week, while the greater world cup squad announcement will also be released shortly.

Day 7 Final Results

A Section Final
Southern Gauteng 1-2 KZN Raiders

A Section Playoffs
3/4 – SG Witsies 2-1 Northerns Blues
5/6 – Western Province 3-1 SA Invitational U21
7/8 – Eastern Province 6-1 WP Peninsula
9/10 – Free State 0-1 North West
11/12 – SG Nuggets (1)2-2(3) KZN Mynahs

B Section Final
Northern Cape “B” 3-2 SA Country Districts

B Section Playoffs
3/4 – Northern Daisies 1-2 KZN Inland
5/6 – Mpumalanga 5-1 Northern Cape “A”

SA Hockey Association media release

Omaido strike settles Telkom-USIU thriller

By AYUMBA AYODI


Rhoda Kuira of United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) shields the ball from Telkom's Audrey Omaido during their Women's Hockey Premier League duel at City Park on August 4, 2018. Telkom won 1-0.

Audrey Omaido’s ninth minute goal was all champions Telkom needed to edge out a compact United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) side in their women’s Kenya Hockey Union Premier League duel at City Park Stadium on Saturday.

The victory saw Jos Openda’s charges stretch their league’s lead to six points, having amassed 21 points from seven matches as the second leg of the league got underway.

It was USIU-A’s third defeat of the season as they stayed third with 10 points from three wins and a draw.

Both sides wasted a myriad of chances, but USIU-A could have easily turned tables on the champions and put away the match but lacked creativity in Telkom’s 25 yards.

Telkom went on attack early on with Omaido wasting no chance to sound the board after being put through by Maureen Okumu early on.


Florence Karanja (left) of United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) charges past Telkom's Maureen Okumu during their Women's Hockey Premier League duel at City Park on August 4, 2018. Telkom won 1-0.

USIU-A, who finished second in the league last season, dominated the second quarter with Rhoda Kuira proving a thriller with the stick on the right wing.

However, her efforts were all in vain with no good connection from Veronica Williams, who missed several chances.

Telkom would turn on the style in the third quarter but met a formidable USIU-A’s defence marshalled by Phanice Teka and skipper Beatrice Mbugua to keep away veterans Jacky Mwangi and Glen Namasake at bay.

At one time, Omaido tore from the right flank but Mwangi, who was alone with the keeper to beat blasted wide the yawning goal. Flavian Amutiva also had a chance to stretch Telkom’s lead in the last quarter but her screaming shot went wide.

Perez Akinyi also wasted a golden opportunity to level for USIU-A after fumbling with the ball on the right corner of the goal. Instead of sticking it in, Akinyi opted to play the ball back to the field where the flat-footed Telkom defenders cleared.

“We simply played badly and missed many scoring chances. A clinical opponent could have punished us easily but in the end we won,” said Openda, who warned his charges to up their game. “Yes, we had key injuries but that is not an excuse for a poor display.”

'LACKED CREATIVITY'

USIU-A coach Willis “Awilo" Okeyo rued the missed opportunities but hailed his charges for a good display. “I will not take it away from the girls, they played well but missed the opportunity to nail Telkom,” said Okeyo. “We lacked creativity inside the 25 yards but we shall sharpen that.”

Meanwhile, two matches are on card in men’s Premier League on Sunday with the clash between former champions Nairobi Simba Union and Strathmore University's Gladiators the highlight.

Strathmore will be hoping for a repeat performance after they rallied from behind to beat Simba 5-4 in the first leg.

Strathmore are placed fifth with 16 points from 10 matches of five wins, four losses and a draw while Simba are seventh with 12 points drawn from 11 outings of four wins, a draw and six losses

Daily Nation