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All the news for Sunday 3 November 2019

FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2019 (Men)

Vantage Black Sticks Men are Tokyo bound



With an Olympic berth on the line, the Vantage Black Sticks Men have put together a clinical performance to see off a strong challenge from Korea. The New Zealand side only needed a draw to book their spot at the big dance, however, the Kiwis came out firing and were looking to put Korea under early pressure.

Wardrobe World Man of the Match Nic Woods ensured that the New Zealand team had good go forward and was integral in the Black Sticks 3-0 win.

Starting the first quarter with a one-goal buffer, the Kiwi Men knew that a good first half would go a long way to set them up well in the contest. The side was looking strong early on as the Korean Men were struggling to clear the ball out of their defensive zone as the Black Sticks screen was forcing them to look long to get the ball out of trouble.

Despite some significant pressure in the first quarter, the New Zealand Men couldn’t crack a resolute Korean defence and went into the first break tied at 0-0.

Almost straight away in the second quarter the Black Sticks went on the ascendency and were rewarded when Stephen Jenness deflected home another great cross for his third goal of the series and put New Zealand into a commanding position, with a two goal aggregate lead.

New Zealand continued to play with confidence throughout the quarter and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Sam Lane finished off some slick passing to touch in the Kiwis second goal.

Korea went into half time trailing 2-0 and needing three goals in the second half to force the match to a penalty shootout. Looking desperate early in the third quarter the Korean side forced Leon Hayward in the New Zealand goal to pull off some spectacular saves to ensure the New Zealand lead remained intact.

Then it was the Kiwis turn to go on attack managing to break down the other end of the field and secured a penalty corner. Experienced drag flicker Kane Russell was then called on and flicked a ripping shot to the top netting of the goal, and the Black Sticks were ahead 3-0 and surely an unassailable lead.

With only minutes to go in the match and needing four goals to get themselves back into the series, the Korean side pulled their goalkeeper and immediately was rewarded with several penalty corners.

Despite a huge weight of possession in favour of the Koreans throughout the last quarter of the match, the Vantage Black Sticks were able to hold their nerve and book their place at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The side will now take a well-earned break after a long season which started in January with the inaugural FIH Pro League, before returning to the turf at the start of February for season two of the Pro League, where they will begin their 2020 Olympic year against the reigning world champions Belgium, at the new National Hockey Centre in North Harbour.

Vantage Black Sticks Men 3 (Stephen Jenness 16 min, Sam Lane 23 min, Kane Russell 42 min)
Korea 0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks men win crucial match against Korea to seal Olympic berth


The Black Sticks celebrate qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games. SUPPLIED

New Zealand Black Sticks hockey men are on their way to the 2020 Olympic Games, after beating Korea 3-0 in Stratford on Sunday.

With an Olympic berth on the line, they together a clinical performance to see off a strong challenge from Korea.

New Zealand needed only a draw to book their spot in Tokyo, but were on top early and kept the effort going.

Man of the Match Nic Woods ensured New Zealand had good go forward and was integral in the Black Sticks 3-0 win.

New Zealand knew a good first half would go a long way to set them up well in the contest.

Korea were struggling to clear the ball out of their defensive zone as the Black Sticks screen was forced them to look long to get the ball out of trouble.

But New Zealand initially couldn't crack a resolute Korean defence and went into the first break tied at 0-0.

The Blacks Sticks scored almost straight away in the second quarter when Stephen Jenness deflected home another great cross for his third goal of the series.


Nic Woods was man-of-the-match. IAN HITCHCOCK

That put New Zealand into a commanding position, with a two goal aggregate lead across the series.

New Zealand continued to play with confidence throughout the quarter and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Sam Lane finished off some slick passing to touch in the Kiwis second goal.

That left Korea needing three goals in the second half to force the match to a penalty shootout.

Looking desperate early in the third quarter Korea forced Leon Hayward in the New Zealand goal to pull off some spectacular saves.

When New Zealand managed to break out, they secured a penalty corner and drag flicker Kane Russell flicked a ripping shot to the top netting.

Korea pulled their goalkeeper out to go on to all-out attack, and were rewarded with several penalty corners, still failing to find the net.

Black Sticks 3 (Stephen Jenness 16 min, Sam Lane 23 min, Kane Russell 42 min), Korea 0. HT: 2-0

Stuff

India men and women secure tickets to Olympic Games Tokyo 2020


India's men and women will both participate in the Olympic Games 2020. Image copyright: Hockey India

India’s men’s and women’s teams both secured qualification for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on a busy day of action in the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers.

India's women came into their second leg match against USA with what looked like an unassailable 5-1 advantage, but a brilliant first half performance saw the Americans score four times without reply to level the aggregate score at 5-5 against the hosts. However, a captain's goal from Rani Rampal in the final quarter gave India a 6-5 aggregate victory to break the hearts of a USA team that produced a truly monumental away performance in Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium.

India's men ensured it was a double home celebration in Bhubaneswar by overpowering Russia 7-1 in their second leg match, a result which gave them an 11-3 victory on aggregate. The home favourites conceded inside the opening 25 seconds as Russia closed the aggregate score-line to 4-3, but India moved through the gears to claim an emphatic win and seal their place at Tokyo 2020.

Six first-leg matches also took place on Saturday, with New Zealand’s men earning a narrow 3-2 win over Korea in Stratford while the men’s and women’s teams of both Germany and Great Britain all claimed what could vital victories. The women of Ireland and Canada were also in action, playing out a draw at the Energia Park in Dublin to leave the tie finely balanced.

More information about today's matches, as well as a summary of the upcoming fixtures in the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers, can be found below.

FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers: Day 5 – Saturday 2 November 2019

Stratford (NZL) – Men: New Zealand 3, Korea 2 (Match 1 of 2)
A thrilling first leg fixture saw New Zealand (FIH World Ranking: 9) twice lead thanks to two goals from Stephen Jenness only for the visitors Korea (WR:16) to draw level on each occasion through Lee Namyong's open play effort and a penalty stroke from Jang Jonghyun. The teams were all square at 2-2 going into the fourth and final quarter before the Black Sticks snatched a winner, with Simon Child firing home a field goal to give the hosts a slender advantage over Korea going into the second leg on Sunday.

For more information on this match please visit the Live reporting page by clicking here.

Bhubaneswar (IND) – Women: India 1, USA 4 (India win 6-5 on aggregate)
A remarkable first half performance saw USA (WR:13) cancel out India's (WR:9) 5-1 aggregate lead by scoring four times without reply to tie the match at half-time. Amanda Magadan netted two superb goals with team captain Kathleen Sharkey and Alyssa Parker also on target as the visiting Americans overwhelmed their opponents with a scintillating display. Following some half-time words of guidance from head coach Sjoerd Marijne, India were vastly improved after the break as both teams chased the goal that would send them to Tokyo. The winner arrived 12 minutes from time thanks to a terrific finish from India captain Rani Rampal, who fired high into the net after a goal-mouth scramble. USA almost pulled off a miracle in Bhubaneswar, but it is India who claim the ticket to next year's Olympiad.

For more information on this match please visit the Live reporting page by clicking here.

London (ENG) - Women: Great Britain 3, Chile 0 (Match 1 of 2)
A goalless first half saw both Great Britain (WR:5) and Chile (WR:18) probing and testing each other’s defences. GB, the defending Olympic champions, broke the deadlock early in the second half with a well-taken goal from Isabelle Petter. This was followed by goals from Hannah Martin and Anna Toman, two players who put in excellent performances in this first of two matches. Chile made their own chances, including several penalty corner attempts, and captain Camila Caram said her team would be looking to capitalise on any scoring opportunity in the second leg tomorrow (Sunday 3 November).

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India 7, Russia 1 (India win 11-3 on aggregate)
Home favourites India (WR:5) endured a difficult start to their second leg match, with Alexey Sobolevskiy scoring just 25 seconds into the contest and moving Russia (WR:22) to within one goal of their opponents. Despite the early set-back and their aggregate lead cut to 4-3, India bounced back in style to overpower the Russians and secure their berth at Tokyo 2020. The hosts scored three times in the second quarter thanks to Lalit Upadhyay – who was celebrating his 100th international cap today – and a double from Akashdeep Singh, putting the hosts into a 3-1 lead on the night and 7-3 on aggregate. The Russian goal was breached on four occasions after half time, with Nilakanta Sharma, Rupinder Singh (2) and Amit Rohidas confirming that the eight-times Olympic champions will indeed be present at Tokyo 2020.

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

Mönchengladbach (GER) – Women: Germany 2, Italy 0 (Match 1 of 2)
Germany (WR:4) came into their all-European encounter with Italy (WR:17) as heavy favourites but needed to show a degree of patience against a side that defended valiantly. Die Danas were guilty of missing a host of penalty corner chances before eventually getting the opening goal through Hannah Gablac, who fired home at the second attempt following good build-up play from Nike Lorenz and Cecile Pieper. Lorenz netted Germany's second goal in the final minute, converting her team's 11th penalty corner of the match. Italy will feel rightly buoyed by today's performance and know that Germany's two-goal advantage is not insurmountable.

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

London (ENG) - Men: Great Britain 4, Malaysia 1 (Match 1 of 2)
The opening half of this match saw Malaysia (WR:11) take an early 1-0 lead and dominate the proceedings with their speedy attack and great possessive play. However, Great Britain (WR:7) weathered the storm and kept the deficit to just the one goal. The second half was a reversal of form, with Great Britain playing attacking, fast-paced hockey. Goals for Sam Ward, Phil Roper, Alan Forsyth and James Gall puts Great Britain 4-1 up going into the second leg on Sunday.

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

Mönchengladbach (GER) – Men: Germany 5, Austria 0 (Match 1 of 2) 
Following a cagey opening, Germany (WR:6) took a 1-0 lead against Austria (WR:20) with their first penalty corner thanks to a low drag-flick from Lukas Windfeder before two goals in the second quarter put Die Honamas firmly in control. Constantin Staib showed quick hands to score from close range before a stunning solo effort from Christopher Rühr - who ran half the length of the field before producing an emphatic finish - established a 3-0 lead at half time. Germany dominated throughout the third and fourth quarters, with Florian Fuchs and Timur Oruz completing the scoring as the four times Olympic gold medallists took complete control of the tie.

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

Dublin (IRL) – Women: Ireland 0, Canada 0 (Match 1 of 2)
Two evenly matched teams played out the first goalless draw of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in front of a rain-sodden but vociferous crowd in Dublin. Ireland (WR:8) had the major share of possession and more scoring chances but Canada (WR:15) weathered the attacks and created their own opportunities in the second half. Both team captains, Katie Mullan of Ireland and Kate Wright of Canada have promised their teams have plans to break the deadlock in tomorrow's crucial deciding match.

For more information on this match please visit the live reporting link by clicking here.

How Olympic qualification works: The winners will be determined as follows: teams will be ranked according to the number of points each has accumulated in both matches (for each match, 3 points are awarded to the winner, 1 point to each team in the event of a draw and 0 point to the loser). If there is equality among the two teams, then the teams will be ranked according to their respective goal difference. If the equality remains, a shoot-out competition will be played to establish the winner.

FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers

Results
Friday 25 October 2019 - Day 1 Results
Perth (AUS) - Women: Australia 4, Russia 2 (Match 1 of 2)
Changzhou (CHN) - Women: China 0, Belgium 2 (Match 1 of 2)
Valencia (ESP) - Men: Spain 3, France 3 (Match 1 of 2)
Valencia (ESP) - Women: Spain 2, Korea 1 (Match 1 of 2)

Saturday 26 October 2019 - Day 2 Results
Changzhou (CHN) - Women: China 2, Belgium 0 (Match 2 of 2)
Perth (AUS) - Women: Australia 5, Russia 0 (Match 2 of 2)
Amsterdam (NED) – Men: Netherlands 4, Pakistan 4 (Match 1 of 2)
Valencia (ESP) - Men: Spain 3, France 2 (Match 2 of 2)
Valencia (ESP) - Women: Spain 2, Korea 0 (Match 2 of 2)
Vancouver (CAN) – Men: Canada 3, Ireland 5 (Match 1 of 2)

Sunday 27 October 2019 - Day 3 Results
Amsterdam (NED) – Men: Netherlands 6, Pakistan 1 (Match 2 of 2)
Vancouver (CAN) – Men: Canada 3 Ireland 1 [5-4 After Shoot-Out] (Match 2 of 2)

Friday 1 November 2019 - Day 4 Results
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Women: India 5, USA 1 (Match 1 of 2)
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India 4, Russia 2 (Match 1 of 2)

Saturday 2 November 2019 - Day 5 Results
Stratford (NZL) – Men: New Zealand 3, Korea 2 (Match 1 of 2)
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Women: India 1, USA 4 (Match 2 of 2)
London (ENG) - Women: Great Britain 3, Chile 0 (Match 1 of 2)
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India 7, Russia 1 (Match 2 of 2)
Mönchengladbach (GER) – Women: Germany 2, Italy 0 (Match 1 of 2)
London (ENG) - Men: Great Britain 4, Malaysia 1 (Match 1 of 2)
Mönchengladbach (GER) – Men: Germany 5, Austria 0 (Match 1 of 2)
Dublin (IRL) – Women: Ireland 0, Canada 0 (Match 1 of 2)

Upcoming fixtures

Sunday 3 November 2019 - Day 6
Stratford (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Korea (Match 2 of 2)
London (ENG) - Women: Great Britain v Chile (Match 2 of 2)
Mönchengladbach (GER) – Women: Germany v Italy (Match 2 of 2)
London (ENG) - Men: Great Britain v Malaysia (Match 2 of 2)
Mönchengladbach (GER) – Men: Germany v Austria (Match 2 of 2)
Dublin (IRL) – Women: Ireland v Canada (Match 2 of 2)

#Tokyo2020
#RoadToTokyo
#GiftOfHockey

FIH site

Rani Rampal’s mercenaries revel in much-deserved spotlight; Indian men's team underline potential

Sundeep Misra


Women's captain Rani Rampal celebrates after scoring the decisive goal to seal India's berth for Tokyo Olympics 2020. Image courtesy: Twitter @TheHockeyIndia

In a sense, it was a team’s re-making; without casting off the senior talent for younger legs. It’s not the men’s hockey team one is talking about. Rather, a team that plays in the shadows, like they were afraid of the spotlight – they win consistently, had a strong run last year, even made it to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they lost a close game, gave interviews late night at airport arrival terminals – and then slipped back into the shadows.

But Rani Rampal’s bunch of mercenaries, finally, got that spotlight, at The Kalinga.

Just when it seemed that the first-leg's scoreline of 5-1 was enough to deliver the Tokyo tickets, the second-leg on Saturday came with its own Bollywood finish. Within the space of first 30 minutes it was 4-0 to USA, but more importantly 5-5 on aggregate. The Americans were playing like it was the Last Stand and had pumped in four goals in the first half. Belief stood in their camp.

In walked Indian women hockey’s first lady, captain, Rani Rampal. Getting hold of Alyssa Parker’s clearance in the 48th minute, on the edge of the American circle, Rani sashayed to the right, uncorked a perfect back-lift, smacked it into the roof of USA goal and India led 6-5 in the final quarter.

The fans thundered. Rani, down on one knee, arms aloft, basked in the ecstasy. Her teammates swarmed around her. Belief swiftly switched sides. Indian coach, Sjoerd Marijne, the man who created this moment, ditched twice by the very federation that appointed him, stood in the dugout, vindicated.

“We have a dream and the dream is to go to the Olympics, and the most beautiful colour is gold,” said Marijne. “Preparation starts tomorrow morning. I am proud of the fighting spirit of the girls.”

“I think it was quite a good move,” explained Rani about her goal. “When I got that rebound, I was just thinking about shooting.”

The story about the women’s team is just not about qualifying for Tokyo 2020. That disappointment was like a raw wound when they lost to Japan in the 2018 Asian Games final. Marijne and his captain are good at masking emotions. Both admitted the deep, deep hurt in Jakarta last year. But within seconds, a steely resolve took over. They knew they were better as a team. It was back to the drawing board and after winning the FIH Series Women’s final beating Japan 3-1, the Jakarta loss had been forgotten. Olympic qualification was a must, a necessity. And when the team realised they would face USA at home, Rani Rampal without sounding over-confident said, “It is great playing at home. And we know what to do.”

Though that belief would have taken a beating after the USA had pounded the Indian defence with four goals in the second-leg, Marijne’s instincts came to the fore. Control became the theme and then patiently wait for a loose ball – a mistake to pounce on and close the door. Maybe, another player would have lashed at the ball; someone else would have tried to dribble past the American defenders; some may have gone further into the American circle. However as they say, there are no substitutes for experience, captain Rani had seemed to have calculated, not the distance, but the reaction time of a desperate American defence, and before they could pick themselves up, shot the ball high into the net, away from out-stretched sticks of the goalkeeper.

“When you play for so long, you wait for these moments, work towards it,” said Rani, “Last time also we qualified after 36 years, similarly, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. Today also after conceding we did not give up.”

Deep down, Marijne knows there is plenty of work to be done. Last year, after coming back from the World Cup, he said what the team lacks is constant top-level competition. And not being in the Pro League has its disadvantages. Playing and testing yourself against some of the better sides in Europe gives a modicum of confidence that doesn’t and will never come from the confines of a training camp. Down 0-4 to the USA in the second-leg, Marijne explained after the match, “The first half, I was like what is going on here, and we really reacted. I was watching with the conditioning coach, like what is going on. There were so many things that were going wrong.”

The key point towards the Olympic Games would be the day the Pools are decided. Marijne would then plan on looking at the teams they would face. It’s always a conundrum of playing against the Pool sides in Tests or go elsewhere for match practice. Playing top sides gives the girls confidence, a loss is a learning experience. The Olympics usually dish out tight matches, a 60-minute experience of missed and converted chances.

It’s almost four years since 2016 Rio, when the team qualified but couldn’t win a single game. This team, though, promises to be different. It showed in that moment when the scores were tied 5-5. Even later, after the match-winner, the assurance was of a team on the rise. Marijne would already be looking at the next level.

On the same pitch, a score-line of 11-3 looks more than just generous. It looks positively smashing. When pitted against 6-5 of the women, it seems the men steamrolled the opposition. But nothing could be further from the truth. The difference between ranked World No. 5 (India) and World No. 22 (Russia) is a vast gap. That wasn’t seen on the pitch. In the game on Friday, India came off 4-2 winners.


Indian men's team stamped their class to beat Russia and qualify for Olympics. Image courtesy: Twitter @TheHockeyIndia

Nobody really believed there would be an upset. However, Russia challenged and surprised everyone with the way they played in the gap and the pace in the midfield and even caught the Indian defence napping at the start of the game. Within 22 seconds, Russia was 1-0 up, India’s overall lead was cut to 4-3.

Alexey Sobolevskiy, picking up a pass early and putting it past the Indian defence. Time and again, in the match, despite India going up 3-1 after the second quarter, Russia pushed a shaky Indian defence that was seen getting beaten on pure pace. Russia used the middle to good effect. They were fast, turned with the ball while on the run, posing questions to the Indian defence; a definite pointer to Indian Men's coach Graham Reid and staff that needs to find answers rather quickly. After the match, Reid said, “I think for me what we need to get better in is finishing. We are creating a lot of opportunities, which is great. Need to get more return. Also, in deep defence, we have to get tighter. Still giving away too many opportunities.”

At 4-1, with an overall lead of 8-3, the contest was over. Russia, however, still pressed but there wasn't any heroics from the 22nd ranked hockey nation. At 5-1, the Indian coaching staff would have been relieved seeing Rupinder Pal Singh get his first penalty corner goal. It was also India’s first penalty corner conversion in the two-match series. Rupinder would get his second goal of the match and then Amit Rohidas earned his first goal off a penalty corner to round off the tally. Three converted of six penalty corners was a healthy 50 percent of success rate. Yet, the issues remain the same. And it has remained in a similar manner for over the last two decades with penalty corner conversion in big tournaments like the Olympic Games and World Cup’s being India achilles heel.

There would be a few worries on the goalkeeping. In matches like this, goals do go in, off deflections and sometimes a goalkeeper does get unsighted. But diagonal shots are normally within a goalkeeper’s range and the eye follows the trajectory of the ball. After the match, did the coach hint towards a change in the run-up to the Games?

“What I shared today was the confidence I have in Krishan (Pathak),” said Reid. “For me they both (PR Sreejesh and Krishan) can be interchangeable. That's how I want to keep it. Obviously the choice will need to be made for the Games. Also, Suraj (Karkera) is there. And he will also have the next three months.”

Qualifying business done, Reid would now look at the Pro League. India play on 18 January against Netherlands and play their last Pro League on 14 June against Spain. And in about two weeks time, will leave for Tokyo, with the Olympics beginning on 24 July. It’s a packed calendar and one that might come with a few injuries.

“It's great that we have a squad of 33,” said Reid. “Which may have to become 32. Pro League is a big opportunity, to work out for the Olympics and there are a lot of games during that period. If all of them play all those games, they won't be in the best shape to play for the Olympics.”

“Unfinished business (Olympics),” Reid said. “I don't care who you are. You always dream of an Olympics podium finish. I was lucky to win one as a player and those memories are things you hold on to. That's what we need to bring to this team and give it a big shot.”

Yes, Olympics is unfinished business for Reid, as coach having failed to take Australia to the podium in 2016 and also for an Indian team that hasn’t had a sniff of the podium since 1980.

There have been near misses. Talks of podium finishes, medals will gain momentum as the Games will near and if anything to go by then a quick look at what World Champion Belgium’s coach Shane McLeod said about the Indian team after their recent European victory, is a slight nudge to the conversation surrounding Olympic ‘podium momentum’ – “I think they (India) are not far away from a big result. If we play India in the final it would not surprise me.”

Firstpost

Heartbreaker: USWNT Performance Not Enough to Overcome India in FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier


Image Courtesy of Hockey India & FIH

BHUBANESWAR, India – November 2, 2019 – All or nothing. A ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was on the line. The No. 13 U.S. Women’s National Team knew they had to do everything possible to come back from a four-goal advantage produced by No. 9 India in the previous FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. USA tallied four goals in the first half to even the aggregate score but India capitalized on a USA yellow card to add one back as the red, white and blue’s Olympic qualification dream was dashed in a heartbreaking 4-1 match.

“I’m devastated,” said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. “I thought we played really, really well today and we just weren’t lucky. In the end phase the yellow card was harsh and it changed the game for us, but that’s hockey. I am very proud of them, as no one gave us a shot after yesterday.”

A change in the game plan paid off for USA as they came out strong and produced three penalty corners in the first 5 minutes. On the third one earned, USA converted when Kathleen Sharkey’s (Moosic, Pa.) straight shot was tipped in out of the air by a sliding Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) off the right post. The red, white and blue did not allow India to break into their circle as they continued to press on offensively. One minute before the quarter ended, USA extended the lead after a good passing combination through Margaux Paolino (Villanova, Pa.), Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.), Sharkey and Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.), with the play finished by Sharkey who tucked it into the right corner.

At the start of the second frame, USA maintained their tight defense and solid marking to limit India’s chances. In the 20th minute, Manley fought through a tough tackle to keep the ball alive and passed it to Sharkey. She turned and passed it right to Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) who pushed it to the far post where Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, Md.) was there to finish into the roof of the net to make it 3-0. Two minutes following, India earned back-to-back penalty corners where the first drag attempt by Gurjit Kaur was saved by USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) and the second went wide. Remaining on the front foot, USA continued to attack as a series of three cards, one for USA and two for India, were issued for hitting the ball away after the whistle. USA capitalized on the third, a 5-minute yellow to Navneet Kaur, when Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) found Magadan in the circle who turned and drilled a shot off the back foot to even the aggregate score at 5-5 and extend the lead to 4-0. The red, white and blue continued to press on as the half ended.

India started the third quarter an athlete down as USA tried to maintain their offensive threat searching for the aggregate go-ahead goal. For a period of time, both sides struggled to produce any offense. At around the 43rd-minute mark, the Eves started to break through USA’s press and earned a penalty corner but was unsuccessful. The quarter closed with USA leading 4-0.

The final quarter saw India more on the front foot producing some offensive opportunities. In the 48th minute, Manley was issued a yellow card for also hitting the ball away after the whistle. India wasted no time taking advantage of the player-up situation and got the ball into the circle. Bing made the initial stop but USA’s defense panicked to clear as it went right to Rani who sent it into the net to make it 4-1. As the time ticked down, with India leading the aggregate score 6-5, USA tried to threaten but could not positively string passes together or break into their circle. A close chance came for the red, white and blue with 5 minutes remaining when Manley took it forward, passed to Matson and then got it back in the circle when her stick got tied up with an India defender. USA asked for a video referral but the officials noted that the first obstruction happened outside the circle and issued USA a free hit. On the resuming play, Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) drove the baseline and seemed to have earned a penalty corner but that call was also reversed after India referred that the ball was dangerously brought into the air off a USA stick. USA kept pressing forward but their unbelievable performance fell heartbreakingly short after winning the match 4-1, but losing the aggregate 6-5.

Following the conclusion of the game, USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing was named Player of the Match.

“When you go into a game where you have to at least score four goals, the plan was to put pressure on India knowing that they probably wanted to delay the game,” comment Schopman in the post-game press conference. “I was very happy on how they played, I thought we played it well and put them on the back foot.”

“We scored some good circle attack so at halftime we had the conversation that we knew we had to come out of the gates a little bit differently in the third quarter and that happened,” continued Schopman. “India is an experienced, good team. I felt like we were able to get through that period and create some opportunities but in the fourth quarter it went away from us when we were content and that killed us.”

USFHA media release

Indian girls huff and buff for Tokyo ticket

s2h Team


Photo: s2h photographer Shamim Qureshy

Indian girls survived many a lives today before ensuring their Olympic berth in a nervous fashion. With the luxury of having four goal advantage thanks to yesterday's brilliant game, Rani Rampal's team hung on to a slender single goal advantage on aggregate arithmatics, despite going down 1-4 today in the repeat match, to go to Olympics successively for the second time. The result was in tune with Qualifiers' trend elsewhere also where the home teams hold the sway. Besides every other factor, the full stands and their vociferous support must have worked with both teams, helping the one spoiling the spirit of the other.

Unexpectedly, India was subdued in the entire first half, was outplayed by the robust visitors with a result it conceded 0-4 lead to USA at half time.

This silenced the goody crowd. Surprising perhaps themselves too, the resurgent India came on their own in the second half not only to deny the rampaging visitors further goal but also posted their solitary goal that brought curtains down on the visitor's effort to force either shoot out or post superior goal aggregate.

Rani Rampal's team dream of getting the Olympic berth was made possible by herself today. The yesterday's Best Player used all her consummate skills to the fore to score the all important goal in the 48th minute, that narrowed the rival's quest while giving lifeline to the girls' Tokyo dream. Without that goal, the tie was heading for shoot out. With just 12 minutes at their hand, the USA tried every trick in the trade but the Indians too raised their game to deny them any leeway.

Interestingly, Rani scored the only goal against Japan four years ago to get India Rio ticket.

India conceded the first goal to an immaculately constructed penalty corner and then a faulty clearance by tentative Gurjit Kaur led to the lead being increased. Two more goals surfaced with the States' robust game while the Indians were wasting their hard earned penalty corners.

In the 48th minute, in tune with the field aggression, Lalremsiami took the ball inside the circle only to see goalie blocking it and a defender clearing the rebound from her. Thankfully, Rani Rampal latched on to it and whacked top corner of the net before throwing her hands open. This one goal turned out to be the saviour and cleared the road for Tokyo

After anxious moments, India had a better goal aggregate of 6-5 to set aside the mighty challenge posed by USA team. There were tense moments in the last quarter when USA was leading 4-0, which meant shoot out for the decider. However, Rani Rampal struck after being served from otherwise lacklustre midfield. This goal, only Indian goal of the day, settled the issue in favour of the hosts.

In the last moments India survived two referrals which went in its favour. This reprieve also played a pivotal role in India riding through its off-colour patch today.

American coach said she is devastated with the result and lamented for some harsh umpiring decisions including award of an yellow card for the failure to complete their mission.

Stick2Hockey.com

Graham Reid: Every team coped with hiccups

K. Arumugam



Coach Graham Reid reflected on proper planning against Russia who India beat 7-1 in the second leg of the Olympic Qualifier at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday to register a 11-3 aggregate score.

“I got a reasonable night’s sleep. I went to bed at 1.30 am (on Friday). At the end of the day, we knew what we needed to do and it was a matter of executing it properly and we did so,” the Australian said.

Reid looked forward to Tokyo: “I told the players just now that we have nine months (before Olympics). Just get better and better. That's our plan. Focus on the process, the result will take care of itself,” the former Kookaburras defender said.

“I think for me what we need to get better in is finishing. We are creating a lot of opportunities, which is great but we need to get more return,” Reid observed.

“Also in deep defence, we have to get tighter. We’re still giving away too many opportunities.”

Reid also believed that the squad’s bench strength could be built, thanks to the upcoming Pro League.

“It's great that we have a squad of 33, which may have to become 32. The Pro League is a big opportunity to develop the squad for the Olympics and there are a lot of games during that period.

“If players play all those games, they won't be in best shape for the Olympics,” Reid reasoned.

“That's one of the things that the Pro League does. It sets up a competition schedule between now and Olympics,” Reid added.

Reid expressed satisfaction when it comes to the goalkeepers. “What I shared today was the confidence I have in Krishan (Pathak). For me both (Sreejesh and Krishan) are interchangeable. That's how I want to keep it,” he said.

“Obviously the choice will need to be made for the games. We also have Suraj (Karkera???),” the Australian reflected.

“In the midfield, we have some of the younger players coming through. And Chinglensana, a defensive midfielder, is still in the wings but getting better. He is also the defensive midfielder to come back for us,” the coach said, taking stock of his resources after the resounding win.

Reid admitted that the team coped with first-game jitters. “We aren't the only ones who coped with hiccups.

“The Australian women and the Dutch men also survived hiccups. The format is a first for everybody. There was a lot of pressure on the players and coaching staff,” Reid said while giving credit to everyone involved with the team.

Despite the scoreline, Reid praised Russia. “As I said before, Russia are a really good team and tackle very well.

“To think we would come out and play fantastically would probably amount to downgrading the opposition,” he said.

Reid touched upon the aura of the Olympics. “No matter who you are, you always dream of an Olympic podium finish. I was lucky to experience that as a player and those memories are things you hold on to. That's what we need to bring to this team and we intend giving it a big shot.

Manpreet Singh looked back to a serious approach to the qualifier.

The India captain said, “In the last press conference I spoke about (SV) Sunil who was there in 2008 when we failed to qualify. He shared that experience with the team.



“Then there is Rupinder and Sreejesh who also shared their experiences and spoke of the need to stay strong mentally and not take Russia easily as they too are here to qualify for the Olympics.”

Manpreet also expressed joy on the Indian women making the grade.

“I want to congratulate the women. They deserve it. They worked hard and scored the goal in the final minutes after being down 0-4 (winning 6-5 on aggregate).

About Rupinder Pal Singh, Manpreet said he had complete faith in tall defender and drag flicker and the experience he brings to the squad.

“We didn't stop the ball well during the penalty corners yesterday. I told Bob ???? I know you will score. He replied ‘Just stop the ball and I will’”, Manpreet said.

Player of the match SV Sunil has come through an injury-induced rough patch and reflected on his struggle after the match.

“It was a very tough period for me. After injury, I was out for nine months. My physio and trainer worked hard and drew up plans for me which I followed".

“If I am playing today, it's because of their support and that of my team,” the speedy forward said.

“I want to congratulate the support staff. They work so hard and they deserve success as much as we do,” the soft-spoken stalwart said.

Sunil explained the importance given to penalty corners. “We discussed PCs during meetings where we watched videos on their execution as well,” he revealed.

He expressed joy at all senior players returning to the squad, pointing out that they have played in the Olympics.

“I feel they can share their experience and tell us what the Olympics are all about. That would help many a young player who doesn’t know what it is to play at the Games.

“It helps in team bonding and I fully agree with seniors returning to the fold,” Sunil said.

Stick2Hockey.com

Our Olympic preparation starts tomorrow morning

K. Arumugam



Coach Sjoerd Marinje couldn’t believe what he was seeing in India’s horror first half of the second leg women’s Olympic qualifier against USA at the Kalinga stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday.

After winning the first leg 5-1, the team conceded four goals in the first half of the second leg and Marinje reflected on the first 30 minutes. “I just didn’t know what was going on there. I was watching with the conditioning coach and we could see so many things going wrong!”

“At half-time I told the girls it’s now 0-0. It's your moment. Go back with your heads up,” the Dutchman said.

“There was pressure on the girls. The only thing you can do on the pitch is run. Because if you are running, you aren’t thinking about winning or losing.

“I had to take the pressure off the girls. We had to put USA under pressure and make them make mistakes.

“We have a dream and the dream is to go to the Olympics. And the most beautiful colour is gold and preparation starts tomorrow morning,” Marinje asserted.

“We all saw we played well in one half. But now we have to do it for the entire match,” he said while expressing pride in his girls who showed fighting spirit.

The Dutchman also acknowledged his beaten opponents. “I think the US played two very good matches. They played their best hockey from what I saw now,” Marinje said.

India captain Rani Rampal said she kept faith in her team despite the setbacks in the first half. “For a lot of players, especially youngsters it was the first opportunity. Throughout the game, I never thought it would end our careers, because we have worked a lot for these matches".

“I know we should have got our act together in the first quarter but I knew we could do anything till the last minute,” the scorer of the match-winning goal said.

It was USA’s story for us today. We converted our chances yesterday, they did so today".

"Trailing 0-4, you need to work harder. I think the girls put in a lot of energy till the last moment,” Rani said.

The India captain said the team was wary of making mistakes at the back and wanted to play beautiful hockey in the opponents’ half.

“Everyone played responsibly and I didn’t have to tell the players much. After we scored we felt we could control the match,” she revealed.

“The goal came after a good move. When I got the rebound, all I thought of was to shoot the ball into goal,” Rani focused on the moment that won India the tie.

“When you play for so long, you wait for these moments, and work towards it. Moments like qualifying for the Olympics after 36 years (for Rio in 2016) and reaching the World Cup quarterfinals last year.

“Today was one such moment when we did not give up. Especially after conceding,” Rani signed off.

Stick2Hockey.com

India women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne stresses on consistency after narrow 6-5 win on aggregate against USA in qualifiers


India's Rani Rampal celebrates after scoring her side's winning goal against the USA. Image credits Twitter @HockeyIndia

Bhubaneswar: Their dream to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics achieved, Indian women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said preparations for a podium finish in next year's Summer Games will realistically start from Sunday.

The Indian team sealed its place in next year's Games after beating USA 6-5 on aggregate despite losing the second match 1-4 against the visitors in the double-leg FIH Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday.

The hosts had earlier defeated the Americans 5-1 in the first tie on Friday.

"We have a dream and the dream is to go to the Olympics, and the most beautiful colour in the Olympics is gold. Our preparation for the Olympics starts tomorrow morning," the Dutchman said.

Marijne, however, was not happy with the performance of his wards in the second game and said to excel on the big stage, they will have to maintain consistency for the entire 60 minutes.

"The first half, I was like what is going on here, and we really reacted. I was watching with the conditioning coach, like what is going on. There were so many things that were going wrong," he said.

"At half-time, I told the girls, it's 0-0. It's your moment, go with your heads up. There's pressure on the girls. The only thing you can do on the pitch is run. Because if you are running, you are not thinking about winning or losing. I had to take the pressure off the girls. We had to put the USA under pressure and make them commit mistakes."

"We all can see, we played well in one half. But now we have to do it for the entire match. But I am proud of the fighting spirit of the girls," he added.

Marijne was full of praise for how the USA fought until the end.

India captain Rani Rampal, who scored the vital goal in the 48th minute, said she was confident of a positive result despite trailing 0-4 in the first half.

"For a lot of players, especially for youngsters, it was the first opportunity. Throughout the game, I never thought it would end our careers because we have worked a lot for these matches. I knew we can do anything till the last minute. I know we should have done it from the first quarter," she said.

"We converted our chances yesterday, they converted today. Trailing 0-4, you need to work harder. I think the girls put in a lot of energy till the last moment."

USA coach Janneke Schopman was "devastated" with the end result, especially after their valiant fightback. "We are devastated. The girls are heartbroken. They gave their heart and soul on the pitch today but we were unlucky," she said.

She also criticised the umpiring and said the yellow card in the 47th minute to Alyssa Manley cost them dear.

"It was not a yellow card, for that matter, not a green card. That decision cost us and India scored that goal," Schopman said.

Firstpost

Rani Rampal goal takes India to Tokyo 2020

Rampal's crucial strike in the fourth quarter helped India sneak through in the hockey women's Olympic qualifiers despite losing 4-1 against the USA.

Uthra Ganesan


Indian women's team celebrates its Olympic qualification after its match against the USA.   -  BISWARANJAN ROUT

On Friday, the Indian women were living a dream with a comfortable four-goal advantage against the USA and one foot through the door to Tokyo. On Saturday, it almost turned into a nightmare before Rani Rampal took a knee, half-turned and slotted the ball into the roof of the net in the 48th minute of the game.

That moment did not help India win the game – the USA did 4-1 -- but ensured the host snatched the Olympic ticket with a 6-5 aggregate, surviving the longest 12 minutes for the team in recent history. It also took the team to its second successive Olympics and third ever even as the USA was left devastated, falling short despite a tremendous fightback when no one gave it a chance.

USA coach Janneke Schopman had said after the 5-1 drubbing in the first game that things were still “doable” for her team, even if no one gave it a chance to overturn the deficit. It did a lot more than that.

Aggressive from the start, USA dished out a ruthless display of perfect planning and made sure the half-chances counted, the Indians left panting in the wake of its speed and precision. Every Indian pass was intercepted, every aerial ball brought down within its own half. The USA cut through the Indian defence with ease, finding space at will to play ball.

There were a grand total of two shots on target in the first half – both penalty corners, both wasted. India struggled to hold the ball, USA winning turnovers with barely an effort. Captain Kathleen Sharkey was all over, scoring once and terrorising the Indian defence, as threadbare as it was, further. India struggled to enter the opposition circle throughout the game.

Fightback

Erin Matson joined ranks and simply kept running into the Indian circle at will. When they did not have a shot at goal, they earned PCs. And Amanda Magadan kept converting them. At half time, the lead was gone, USA led 4-0 and India looked down and out.

India coach Sjoerd Marijne admitted there was so much going wrong, he did not know where to start with the team in the first half. “But he told us the score was 0-0 and we had a new 30-minute game to play. The result of that would decide our fate and that’s what we did in the next two quarters,” goalkeeper Savita said.

India grew post-break but the USA held firm. Till that one moment when, scrapping for possession and almost a dozen legs from both sides inside the circle, the ball landed with Rani and the Indian skipper stamped her mark on the game, in more ways than one.
 
The result: USA 4 (Amanda Magadan 2, Alyssa Parker, Kathleen Sharkey) bt India 1 (Rani Rampal). India won 6-5 on aggregate.

The Tribune

TICKET TO TOKYO!

Rani’s strike helps India beat USA 6-5 on aggregate | Men maul Russia 11-3


Captain Rani Rampal scored the goal that made the difference on Saturday. HI

The Indian women's hockey team sealed a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after beating USA 6-5 on aggregate despite losing the second match 1-4 in the second leg of the FIH Olympic Qualifier.

After thrashing USA 5-1 yesterday, the Indian girls looked a pale shadow of themselves as USA raced to a 4-0 lead in the first half, courtesy goals from Amanda Magadan (5th, 28th), skipper Kathleen Sharkey (14th) and Alyssa Parker (20th). India's lone goal was scored by captain Rani Rampal in the 48th minute.

The Indian women have participated in the 1980 Moscow Olympics and qualified again for Rio after 36 years. This is the second time in a row that they have made it to the tournament proper despite a huge scare after the US led the hosts 4-0 at half-time.

‘Our Olympic preparation starts tomorrow morning’

Their dream to qualify for the Olympics achieved, team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said preparations for a podium finish in the Olympic Games will realistically start from Sunday morning. “We have a dream and the dream is to go to the Olympics, and the most beautiful colour in the Olympics is gold. Our preparation for the Olympics starts tomorrow morning,” the Dutchman said. Marijne was not happy with the performance of his wards in the second game and said to excel on the big stage, they will have to maintain consistency for the entire 60 minutes. “The first half, I was like what is going on here, and we really reacted. I was watching with the conditioning coach, like what is going on. There were so many things that were going wrong,” he said. “At the half-time I told the girls, it is 0-0. It's your moment, go with your heads up. There's pressure on the girls. The only thing you can do on the pitch is run. Because if you are running, you are not thinking about winning or losing. I had to take the pressure off the girls. We had to put USA under pressure and make them commit mistakes. We all can see, we played well in one half. But now, we have to do it for the entire match,” he added.

Result

    India 1: Rani Rampal (48th)
    USA 4: Amanda Magadan (5th, 28th), Kathleen Sharkey (14th), Alyssa Parker

The Tribune

India beats Russia 7-1 to win Tokyo 2020 ticket

Russia scored in the first minute through Alexey Sobolevskiy but from there on India coasted through to a 7-1 win in the hockey Olympic qualifiers.

Uthra Ganesan


Indian men's team celebrate a goal against Russia.   -  BISWARANJAN ROUT

The Indian team has a tendency to concede goals very early or very late in a game but even by its own standards, a 22nd-second opener by Russia would be a shocker. The final result though was 7-1 in the second leg of the Olympic Qualifiers as the host booked its ticket to Tokyo with a 11-3 aggregate.

There was never a doubt of Indian victory in the men’s competition but it was a patchy performance from the World No. 5 against the World No. 22, specially in the first half. With one goal in the bag and the aggregate lead cut to just one, Russia knew it had nothing to lose. It ran hard, opened up space and made full use of the openings against an erratic India. The host was also slow to pick up and the midfield was non-existent.

It took a solo effort from Lalit Upadhyay in the 17th minute into the match to pull India level. Akashdeep Singh got two more in the second quarter but the missed chances were much more. The finishing, so stressed upon, was messy and wayward. Ramandeep, Mandeep, Simranjeet and Sunil found ways to hit wide or over from all angles. Harmanpreet Singh fluffed two PCs.

The second half was better and India finally played the way it was expected of. The cohesion was back and its attack was sharp. The movements were in rhythm and the gap in quality was visible. Russia still fought hard but there was no fightback left. And the more India went upward, the more the Russians went defensive, ceding goals, space and the game to the host.

It got the Indian men on the flight to Tokyo but coach Graham Reid and his team would do well to get back to the drawing board ahead of the Olympics, ironing out the several chinks that Russia exposed over the two games.

Result: India 7 (Lalit Upadhyay 17', Akashdeep Singh 23' 29', Nilakanta Sharma 47', Rupinder Pal Singh 48' 59', Amit Rohidas 60') bt. Russia 1 (Alexey Sobolevskiy 1')

Sportstar

Indian men's hockey team thrashes Russia 7-1 in second-leg to book ticket to Tokyo


Hockey India

Bhubaneswar: Eight-time winners India qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after thrashing Russia 7-1 (11-3 on aggregate) in the second game of the two-legged FIH Qualifiers for men on Saturday.

The men's team booked their tickets after the women defeated USA 6-5 on aggregate to qualify for the sporting extravaganza.

The Indian men, ranked fifth in the world, had earlier defeated world number 22 Russia 4-2 in the first-leg on Friday.

On Saturday, Akashdeep Singh (23rd and 29th minutes) and Rupinder Pal Singh (48th, 59th) scored a brace each, while Lalit Upadhyay (17th), Nilkanta Sharma (47th) and Amit Rohidas (60th) struck after Russia took an early lead in the opening minute through Alexey Sobolevskiy.

The Russians stunned India 25 seconds into the game when Sobolevskiy opened the scoring to reduce the goal difference to just one.

The Indians were slow to get off the blocks and it took seven minutes for the hosts to get their first scoring opportunity in the form of a penalty corner, but it was wasted.

After a sedate start, the Indians intensified the pressure on Russia's goal but were unable to create clear chances. Russia, on the other hand, looked dangerous on counter-attacks as the hosts trailed by a goal in the opening quarter.

India equalised in the 21st minute through a field strike by Lalit Upadhyay, who deflected in a Hardik Singh shot.

The Indians upped their ante and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Akashdeep scored following a penalty corner.

There was no stopping India after that as they kept up the pressure on the Russian defence and mounted quite a few attacks.

Graham Reid's men extended their lead just a minute from half time when Akashdeep scored his second goal of the game through individual brilliance.

India went into the halfway break with a comfortable 7-3 lead over Russia on aggregate, courtesy three strikes in the second quarter.

Five minutes after the change of ends, Alexander Skiperskiy narrowly missed the target after a beautiful team work by the Russians.

In the 44th minute, Ramandeep Singh missed a big opportunity to increase India's lead as his attempt went wide.

There was no stopping the Indians after the initial hiccup as they added four more goals in the final quarter to add to Russia's agony.

Nilakanta scored with a powerful shot into the top left angle of the goal in the 47th minute before Rupinder converted a penalty corner in the very next minute.

The berth more or less secured, India pumped in two more goals in the final two minutes of the game through penalty corner conversions by Rupinder and Rohidas.

Firstpost

Akashdeep, Rupinder star in India’s win


Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace in India’s 7-1 win on Saturday. HI

India qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after mauling Russia 7-1 (11-3 on aggregate) in the second game of the two-legged FIH Olympic Qualifier for men.

Akashdeep Singh (23rd, 29th) and Rupinder Pal Singh (48th, 59th) scored a brace each, while Lalit Upadhyay (17th), Nilkanta Sharma (47th) and Amit Rohidas (60th) scored for the hosts after Russia took an early lead in the opening minute through Alexey Sobolevskiy.

India went into the halfway break with a comfortable 7-3 lead over Russia on aggregate, courtesy three strikes in the second quarter. India pumped in two more goals in the final two minutes of the game through penalty corner conversions by Rupinder and Rohidas.

Result

    India 7: Akashdeep Singh (23rd, 29th), Rupinder Pal Singh (48th, 59th), Lalit Upadhyay (17th), Nilkanta Sharma (47th), Amit Rohidas (60th)
    RUSSIA 1: Alexey Sobolevskiy (1st)

The Tribune

Indian men and women hockey teams qualify for Tokyo

Indian women have now qualified for back-to-back Olympics.

Edited By Ahamad Fuwad


Indian women qualify for Tokyo

Both Indian men and women on Saturday sealed 2020 Tokyo Olympics berth despite the later losing 1-4 to the US in the second leg of the FIH Qualifier in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The men, however, thrashed Russia 7-1 in the second leg to take 11-3 aggregate win and qualify for the Olympics.

Indian women pipped USA 6-5 on aggregate despite losing the second leg. They had thrashed USA 5-1 on Friday but they were given a scare by the USA who raced to a 4-0 lead at the halfway mark. An all-important goal skipper Rani Rampal brought back India into the game.

Indian women have now qualified for back-to-back Olympics. They had qualified for Rio de Janeiro, after a gap of 36 years.

As for the men, they booked a berth for Tokyo Olympics after mauling Russia in the second game of the two-legged FIH Qualifiers.

The Indian men had earlier defeated Russia 4-2 in the first-leg on Friday.

For India, Akashdeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh scored two goals each while Lalit Upadhyay, Nilkanta Sharma and Amit Rohidas scored other three goals.

Daily News & Analysis

Graham Reid: India needs to work on finishing and deep defence

Graham Reid said that he has some 'unfinished business' at the Olympics after his coaching stint with Australia ended with a quarterfinal defeat at Rio 2016.


Graham Reid felt his team will get good practice for the Olympics by playing in the upcoming FIH Pro League.   -  SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Endeavouring to accomplish an “unfinished” task at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Indian men’s hockey team coach Graham Reid wants strikers with incredible finishing skills and a strongly fortified defence.

The Australian, on Saturday, oversaw India’s entry into next year’s Summer Olympics with a 11-3 victory on aggregate over Russia in Hockey Olympic Qualifiers at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Reid was part of the team that won silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics but, as a coach, he had a disastrous campaign at the 2016 Rio Games, as the Kookaburras crashed out in the quarterfinals.

“Obviously, I have an unfinished business. You always dream of an Olympics podium finish. I was lucky to win one as a player and those memories are things you hold on to,” said Reid.

“That’s what we need to bring to this team and give it a big shot (in Tokyo),” the 55-year-old coach said.

“I told the players just now that we have nine months (before Olympics). Just get better and better, that’s our plan. Focus on the process, result will take care of itself.”

Reid said his players will look to polish their game in the coming months.

“I think for me what we need to get better in is finishing. We are creating a lot of opportunities, which is great. But we need to get more returns.

“Also in deep defence, we have to get tighter. We are still giving away too many opportunities (to opponents),” he said.

After opting out of the inaugural edition last year, India will make its debut in the FIH Pro League against the Netherlands in January next year.

After Netherlands, India will host Belgium and Australia in February before embarking on overseas tours.

Reid believed playing against top teams will be handy for his side in its preparation for the Games.

“That’s one of the things that Pro League does, that it sets up competition schedule between now and Olympics,” he said.

“It’s great that we have a squad of 33, which may have to become 32. Pro League is a big opportunity, to work out for the Olympics and there are a lot of games during that period.

“If all of them play all those games, they will be in their best shape to play at the Olympics,” Reid added.

India captain Manpreet Singh congratulated their female counterparts, who too have sealed an Olympic berth by beating USA 6-5 on aggregate.

“It’s quite good that the women too have qualified. They did a lot of hard work and got the goal in the final minutes after being down 0-4. They deserve it,” he said.

Sportstar

Great Britain's women and men take big step towards Tokyo 2020 qualification

By Ross Bone

Both Great Britain's women's and men's teams took a big step towards securing their places at Tokyo 2020 with healthy wins in the first legs of their Olympic qualifying play-offs.

The defending Olympic champion women's side beat Chile 3-0 through goals from Izzy Petter, Hannah Martin and Anna Toman at Lee Valley in London.

The men's team came back from a goal down to defeat Malaysia 4-1.

Both sides play their second legs at the same venue on Sunday.

"We're pleased with the result but it's job half done - there will be absolutely no complacency, we know we're not qualified yet," women's captain Hollie Pearne Webb told BBC Sport.

"We started tentatively, the nerves showed and there is plenty to improve on.

"Hopefully the nerves will have gone by then, it's a fresh start."

Having been through a transitional period since the last Olympics, the women's side came into the weekend knowing this is their last chance to qualify to defend the title they won at Rio 2016.

The game was goalless at half-time but Petter's backhand strike from just inside the circle for her third international goal gave the nervous hosts a much-needed lead.

Britain dominated the world number 18 side after going in front and doubled their advantage in the 45th minute when Martin forced in Petter's cross from close range.

Toman's deflected penalty corner strike with seven minutes to go made it 3-0 and put Great Britain in a great position to qualify, with the side with the the highest aggregate score across the two legs taking a place at the Games.

Britain's men also started their crucial play-off in nervous fashion, trailing 1-0 at half-time following a lovely finish from Malaysia's Nabil Noor.

But Sam Ward's 70th international goal three minutes after the break sparked a strong second-half display where Great Britain scored four times in 14 minutes to take a three-goal lead into the second leg.

After Ward's equaliser, Phil Roper's fierce strike from the top of the circle put Britain in front.

With the hosts firmly on the front foot, Scotland striker Alan Forsyth made it 3-1 in the 42nd minute with a precise strike into the corner.

A first Great Britain goal for James Gall made it 4-1 with 13 minutes left to play and despite a late surge by Malaysia, Danny Kerry's side took the win and a will hold a crucial advantage going into Sunday's decider.

"It's a strange one, we're not used to playing two games in a row and the aggregate score is new to us," said Roper.

"They'll have everything to play for and nothing to lose so they're going to come out hard in the second leg.

"We need to react and be positive but we're confident we can get it done."

Great Britain's women will take on Chile at 12:00 GMT, with the men's game against Malaysia following at 15:00.

BBC Sport

Britain's hockey teams take giant steps towards Tokyo Olympics qualification

Fiona Tomas


Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin celebrate a goal against Chile at Lee Valley on Saturday Credit: Simon Parker/Focus Images Ltd

Great Britain’s women took a huge leap towards booking their ticket to next year’s Tokyo Olympics after beating Chile 3-0 in the first of their two qualifiers against the South Americans.

Much has been made of Britain’s ­inexperience since the side claimed gold in Rio three years ago and it was apt that 19-year-old Izzy Petter – who had not even received her GCSE ­results when she watched Britain become Olympic champions – unleashed a ­reverse-stick shot in the 35th minute past Claudia Schuler.

Petter’s score sparked the hosts into life as Hannah Martin pounced on a ­rebound from a penalty corner in the third quarter and Anna Toman’s screamer deflected high into the ­Chilean net late on.

Should they come out as aggregate winners after the second leg of their qualifier on Sunday, Britain will defend their Olympic title in Tokyo.

“It’s job half-done. We know we have a huge job to do on Sunday, so we’ll be looking on things to improve on,” Hollie Pearne-Webb, the captain, said.

Britain pressed high in the opening quarter, but Chile showed greater ­resolve in the second, earning three unanswered penalty corners as Constanza Palma rifled a shot at a spread-eagled Maddie Hinch.

“We were quite nervous and anxious throughout most of the game,” conceded Mark Hager, Great Britain’s coach. “Because we didn’t get the goal in the first quarter we started to try a little bit too hard and started to run the ball and not quite connect like we should have.”

Of Petter’s goal, he added: “Izzy came in as a young kid with no fear and then she started to think and probably got a bit confused with what we wanted from her. Now, she’s coming out on the right side of that hill. Her goal today was excellent, that’s what she’s capable of doing in this group.”

Great Britain’s men are also in a prime position to secure Olympic qualification after second-half goals from Sam Ward, Phil Roper, Alan Forsyth and James Gall helped overturn a 1-0 deficit against Malaysia.

The Telegraph

GB women's take important lead from first leg


Hollie Pearne-Webb and Anna Toman of Great Britain

Great Britain's women took an important step towards Tokyo with a three-goal victory in the first game of their two-legged FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in London.

The game was goalless at half time but Mark Hager's side scored three times after the interval to give themselves the upper hand going into Sunday's second leg.

Izzy Petter opened the scoring with the best goal of the game; Hannah Martin and Anna Toman also on target from penalty corners inside the final 15 minutes.

It was by no means comfortable though, and the first goal on Sunday will be crucial as both teams eye the huge prize of a trip to Japan next summer.

Full report

With four minutes on the clock, GB had the first effort on target as Lily Owsley slapped an effort goalwards but Claudia Schuler stood tall in the Chile goal. A few moments later it was Hannah Martin who cleverly diverted goalwards, but again it was too close to the 'keeper.

Early in the second quarter and Chile had their first sights of goal, winning two corners in quick succession, the second very well saved by Maddie Hinch. Great Britain were controlling possession but chances were limited with so much at stake.

Into the second half, Mark Hager's side were beginning to press, and got their rewards on 35 minutes when young Izzy Petter scored with a super backhand finish from ten yards to break the deadlock. The 19-year-old has caught the eye since making her international debut in the FIH Pro League earlier in the year, and showed real quality to find the back of the net.

The home side were looking to add a quick second, and Tess Howard went close, before Martin had a good sight of goal but the impressive Schuler was out quickly. Right before the end of the third quarter GB did indeed get their second, Martin producing a poacher's finish from a penalty corner.

The reigning Olympic champions were beginning to turn the screw, and Anna Toman was next on the scoresheet with 53 minutes played, her penalty corner deflected high into the net by a Chilean stick, giving Schuler no chance. With only three minutes to go, Chile were saved by the upright as Leah Wilkinson struck the post from close range after another Toman corner was blocked.

That proved to be the last meaningful action, and it was a satisfactory outcome for the women's side. They played their cards close to their chest in the first half but opened up in the second period and got their rewards in front of goal.

As Maddie Hinch told the media after the game, the job is only half done and the first goal in Sunday's second leg is absolutely crucial.

Great Britain 3
Petter (35', FG), Martin (45', PC), Toman (53' PC)

Chile 0

Great Britain: Hinch (GK), Toman, Ansley, Pearne-Webb (c), Unsworth, McCallin, Robertson, Howard, Owsley, Martin, Petter
Subs used: Townsend, Neal, Hunter, Costello, Watson, Wilkinson
Unused subs: Heesh (GK)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain women defeat Chile as Tokyo beckons

By The Hockey Paper


Izzy Petter celebrates GB’s opener PIC: Will Palmer/Worldsportpics

Izzy Petter played a crucial hand in Great Britain’s 3-0 victory over Chile as Mark Hager’s side put themselves to within 60 minutes from securing their Tokyo 2020 tickets.

A beastly wind and driving rain, early nerves and perhaps England’s rugby defeat added to an understandably lacklustre and tight atmosphere at Lee Valley during the opening half. But a sparse home crowd saw the game light up soon after as Petter rattled home from the top of the circle before setting up Hannah Martin late in the third quarter to dampen the Chile Devils’s spirits.

Victory was then made safe when Anna Toman’s PC shot was deflected home off Chile’s first runner. But with aggregate goals the key in these Olympic qualifiers, GB’s Tokyo berth will only be rubber stamped if they can stave off a Chile comeback in Sunday’s second game.

‘We didn’t freak out and even at 0-0 it was a matter of time,’ Lily Owsley admitted later. ‘Mark said that once one goal goes in against Chile, that’s when historically teams get clusters of goals. And a 19-year-old banging a goal in, the weight off my shoulders was magnificent and 3-0 gives us the best possible chance.’

Prior to the goal cluster, the first half lacked any real flow or pinch, the hosts hesitant moving forwards. Chile’s defence, meanwhile, coped with the pressure as GB mounted last third possession. Chile did notch three PCs, each time GB snaffled any danger, Maddie Hinch forced into a low save with their second.

But GB remained composed and Hager’s side came out strongly after the break. On the counter, they were swift and finally they made it count when Petter found herself devoid of any defenders and struck a well-timed low backhand past Claudia Schuler.

Now there was intent as GB asked continual questions of Chile’s defence. Crash balls into the circle had more purpose, Susannah Townsend’s shot deflected wide, Tess Howard trapping and forcing Schuler into a smart save as the Briton encroached upon the byline.

Deep into the third quarter, the game began to get stretched, with one moment of panic for GB as danger forward Manuela Urroz ran the length of the field before a lavish backhand effort racing across goal.

Moments before the third quarter hooter, GB won another PC. Giselle Ansley’s shot deflected into the path of Petter, who passed into the circle melee and Martin squeezed home into a empty net.

The final quarter was all GB, Chile blighted by a late yellow card. It gifted the hosts some space and Leah Wilkinson so nearly scored on her international debut here but was thwarted by the post. First blood to GB.

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The Hockey Paper

Second half goals put Britain's men in the ascendancy


Great Britain's men celebrate at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

Four goals in the space of 14 second half minutes put Great Britain's men in a good position after the first of their two-legged FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers.

Malaysia were 1-0 up at half time after an impressive 30 minutes from the visitors, but Britain turned on the style in the second half with some brilliant goals. It was hard to pick out which was the most impressive goal, but Phil Roper's rocket-like finish was absolutely unstoppable while Sam Ward, Alan Forsyth and James Gall all profited from excellent team moves.

Britain were put under pressure in the final stages and Malaysia will be very disappointed at a missed chance to make it 4-2. So it is very much still all to play for come Sunday's second leg at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Full report

It was Malaysia who took an early lead, Nabil Noor scoring well from a recycled corner; giving George Pinner no chance. Britain looked for a quick response, and James Gall fired well over from just inside the D after showing good skill to work the chance. Sam Ward looked the most likely threat from corners, and saw an effort well saved by Kumar Subramiam in the Malaysia goal.

The visitors continued to be a threat, and it took a very sharp save from Pinner to keep it at 1-0 as he saved a super deflection from a Malay stick. The visitors were certainly playing their part, backed by a vociferous section of Tigers fans. Before the half time break Phil Roper saw another corner well saved by Subramiam, and then Ward put a deflection just wide as the half ended with Malaysia a goal to the good.

After the break Danny Kerry's side very much upped the ante and with 33 on the clock, Ward produced the deftest of touches to nudge it home at the near post in fine style.

Just three minutes later GB had the lead thanks to a stunning finish from Phil Roper. Driving into the D, he absolutely leathered the ball into the far corner. Quite simply, no goalkeeper would have stopped it.

The goals continued to flow, and Alan Forsyth made it 99 international goals with a neat strike that took a nick off a Malaysian stick on the way in, having been expertly assisted in the build-up. Soon enough it was 4-1 after a super team goal involving a number of players, eventually rifled home by Gall.

Malaysia still had time to look for another goal, Pinner making an important save from a corner before Abu Kamal Azrai really should have hit the target after being handed possession in space inside the D.

So it proved to be a positive afternoon for Danny Kerry's side, but it was not without a couple of hairy moments so they will be very aware of Malaysia's threat in Sunday's second match; especially with such a huge prize at stake.

Great Britain 4
Ward (33', FG), Roper (36', FG), Forsyth (42' FG), Gall (47', FG)

Malaysia 1
Noor (6', PC)

Great Britain: Pinner (GK), Waller, Sanford, Dixon (c), Ames, Sloan, Gall, Martin, Roper, Forsyth, Ward
Subs: Willars, Weir, Sorsby, Calnan, Wallace, Draper
Unused sub: Gibson (GK)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain ease past Malaysia in superb display

By The Hockey Paper


Alan Forsyth during the Olympic qualifier PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS /WILL PALMER

Great Britain men blitzed Malaysia with a stunning second-half tirade, scoring four times in 14 minutes to leave Danny Kerry’s side in the hot seat ahead of Sunday’s second leg match. It was a period of play deserving of an Olympic berth.

Going behind to an early goal, Sam Ward started off a rampant third quarter performance, Phil Roper scored a wonder solo goal, Alan Forsyth slotted home a third, while James Gall capped a fine display with the hosts’ fourth.

Malaysia are chasing a first Olympic berth since Sydney 2000, while the Asian side have yet to prevail against GB this century. Under stalwart coach Roelant Oltmans, this two-legged encounter was always going to prove tricky for Danny Kerry’s side.

They were further buoyed by a hardy band of vocal Malaysian support at a windswept Lee Valley. And when Nabil Noor was on hand to follow up a sixth minute PC for the Tigers, they sensed an upset.

This was a typically fast-paced opening. Ward went close in the second quarter, the ball spinning agonisingly wide. James Gall had blazed over the bar and George Pinner was called into action with the Tigers’ early PC threats.

But just like in GB’s first game, when the women’s side refused to panic, the men’s side came out with intent and found immediate riposte. Ward produced a routine dive to latch on perfectly to a low cross.

Then, three minutes later, Malaysia backed off Roper, or rather the Briton weaved left and right towards the top of the circle with no tackle forthcoming, before opening his shoulders and striking wonderfully across goal into the net.

Third quarter bounty was given further gloss when Gall fed Forsyth with a delightful backhand tap pass. The Scot was never going to miss one on one.

Gall then put the game beyond Malaysia when he followed up Forsyth’s fourth quarter shot, initially saved from an increasingly under pressure Kumar Subramanian.

Meanwhile, India, the eight-time Olympic champions, thrashed Russia 7-1 to qualify for Tokyo 2020. New Zealand had earlier edged Korea 3-2 in the first leg.

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The Hockey Paper

Britain deal a blow to Malaysia's Olympic dream

By Jugjet Singh


The Britain team celebrating after beating Malaysia 4-1 in an Olympic qualifier in London on Nov 2, 2019. Pic courtesy of FIH

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite grabbing an early lead, Malaysia ended up losing 4-1 to Britain in the first leg of their Olympic qualifiers yesterday.

In a match played in 12 degrees Celsius at the Lee Valley Stadium in London, it was Malaysia who warmed up to the task first with inspector Nabil Fiqri scoring in the sixth minute from a penalty corner.

But it was not enough to stop World No 7 Britain from unleashing their firepower.

Soon, Malaysia were downed by goals from Sam Ward (33rd), Phil Roper (36th), Alan Forsyth (42nd) and James Gall (47th), leaving the nation with an uphill task in the second leg barely 24 hours later.

Azrai Aizad missed an open goal two minutes from the end, leaving a bemused coach Roelant Oltmans scratching his head.

Now, Malaysia need a miracle to beat Britain in the second leg to realise their Olympic dream after 19 years.

Even though Malaysia played their hearts out, clever Britain took their half chances and turned them into four field goals.

Meanwhile it was a night of double joy for India when both their men and women’s teams qualified for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

India’s men routed Russia 11-3 on aggregate while the women edged United States 6-5 on aggregate.

New Straits Times

M'sia men's hockey team outclassed 4-1 by Britain, hopes of Olympic qualification take a beating

By AFTAR SINGH


The national men's hockey team during a preparation stint for the play-off with Britain.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia men's hockey team hope of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics took a beating after they were outclassed 4-1 by Britain in the first match of the Olympic qualifiers at the Lee Valley Hockey Hockey and Tennis Centre in London Saturday (Nov 2).

Malaysia started off well by taking the lead through Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor in the sixth minute off a penalty corner.

But world No. 7 Britain came back strongly to score four goals in 14 minutes to destroy Malaysia coach Roelant Oltmans' men.

Sam Ward equalised for Britain in the 33rd minute off a field goal before Phil Roper made it 2-1 from top of the semi-circle three minutes later.

Malaysian goalkeeper S. Kumar was beaten for the third time by Alan Forsyth in the 42nd minute while James Gall completed the rout in the 47th minute.

Britain skipper Adam Dixon praised his teammates for coming back from a goal down to score four goals.

"We played a well-disciplined game and did well to score four goals. We are confident of playing a better game in the second match Sunday (Nov 3)," said Dixon.

Malaysia captain Mohd Sukri Abdul Mutalib said that despite the defeat, they have not given up hope of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"We have another 60 minutes of play and anything is possible in the second match today (Sunday at the same venue in London)," said Sukri.

Malaysia will face Britain on Sunday at 11pm (Malaysian time).

The Malaysian hockey team last featured in the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.

The Star of Malaysia

Canada and Ireland play to a rainy 0-0 draw in Dublin

First game draw sets up dramatic Sunday with Tokyo on the line


Photos: INPHO Photography

Dublin — A capacity crowd at Donnybrook Stadium was electric for the first match of the FIH Olympic Qualifiers as Canada and Ireland played to a nil-nil draw.

The two teams faced tricky conditions tonight as rain was pelting down from the anthems all the way to the final hooter. The first half went in favour of the home team as they rode the home-crowd momentum to some early penalty corners. Terrific goalkeeping by Kaitlyn Williams and stingy defense by Team Canada weathered the storm.

Canada slowly mounted their pressured attacks in the second half. The rainy and cold conditions made for a lot of midfield play with neither team really able to mount too much through the middle of the game. Canada drove the pace in the second half, getting Ireland on their heels in their own zone.

Canadian captain, Kate Wright said in her post-match interview, that the team is familiar with rainy conditions and thought the team responded well. “We were ready for the weather. I’m very proud of my teammates for being gritty….We’re going to analyze the video and come out firing tomorrow.”


Chloe Watkins with Nikki Woodcroft 2/11/2019


Shirely McCay with Karli Johansen 2/11/2019


Nicola Daly with Danielle Hennig 2/11/2019


Zoe Wilson with Amanda Woodcroft 2/11/2019


Anna O'Flanagan with Brienne Stairs 2/11/2019


Anna O'Flanagan with Amanda Woodcroft 2/11/2019

Canada takes on Ireland in the first of a two-game FIH Olympic Qualification Series. Photo/INPHO Photography

Canada earned a hard-working penalty corner in the fourth quarter, but Irish goalkeeper Serena Barr was equal to the task and came up with a big save. Canada had scattered chances as they controlled the majority of the possession in the second half. At the end of the match, neither team was able to get on the scoreboard. Both goalkeepers were big when they had to be.

The scoreless draw sets up a winner-takes all final match tomorrow. The Irish Women’s National Team has never qualified for the Olympic Games and Canada hasn’t made the big dance since 1992. Both teams will lay it all on the line in one final effort to punch their ticket to Tokyo.

Field Hockey Canada media release

HRH Tuanku Zara - Invitational International Women's Indoor Hockey 2019 - Final Day
Ipoh (MAS)

2 Nov 2019 09:00     PHI v TPE (RR)     1 - 2 (0 - 2)
2 Nov 2019 10:30     UZB v MAS (RR)     0 - 2 (0 - 1)
2 Nov 2019 16:30     TPE v UZB (RR)     0 - 2 (0 - 0)
2 Nov 2019 18:00     MAS v NEP (RR)     13 - 0 (5 - 0)

3 Nov 2019 14:00     TPE v PHI (3rd / 4th)     4 - 0 (3 - 0)
3 Nov 2019 15:30     MAS v UZB (Final)     3 - 0 (0 - 0)

Final Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

National hockey team trounce Uzbekistan, Nepal

By Jugjet Singh

MALAYSIA plundered another 15 goals in two matches yesterday to set up a title showdown against Uzbekistan in the Tuanku Zara Invitational International Women’s Indoor Hockey in Kuala Kangsar today.

Coach K. Dharmaraj’s players got off to a sluggish start yesterday, beating Uzbekistan 2-0 before turning on the power to trounce Nepal 13-0 and top the standings.

Malaysia will have to tread with caution against the Uzbeks, who rattled even the normally composed Dharmaraj yesterday.

Luckily for him, Nur Aisyah Yaacob scored in the sixth and 33rd minutes to see off Uzbekistan.

“Uzbekistan were not impressive in their earlier matches. But against us, they rose to the occasion,” Dharmaraj said. “I expect a very tough final, but the target is still gold.”

This tournament serves as a warm-up for the Philippines Sea Games.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are targeting gold after settling for bronze in KL 2017.

In Manila, defending champions Thailand and silver medallists Indonesia will be the teams to beat in women’s indoor, while the Malaysian men will defend their gold.

Results: Taiwan 2 Philippines 1, Malaysia 2 Uzbekistan 0, Taiwan 0 Uzbekistan 2, Malaysia 13 Nepal 0.

Final standings: 1 Malaysia, 2 Uzbekistan, 3 Taiwan, 4 Philippines, 5 Nepal.

TODAY — Final: Malaysia v Uzbekistan, Third-Fourth: Taiwan v Philippines.

New Straits Times

KCA thrash Mvita to keep promotion hopes alive

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


Butali Sugar Warriors midfielder Brian Musasia (centre) in element against KCA- University during their Kenya Hockey men's Premier League match at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi on August 26, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Captain Arnold Marango was the hero as Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) came from a goal down to see off Mvita 4-1 in the ongoing Kenya Hockey Union men’s Super League match at City Park Stadium on Saturday.

Marango sounded the boards in the 25th, 32nd, 41st and 60th minutes respectively with the visitors finding their consolation through Farham Khan in the 15th minute.

The win leaves the varsity side with a realistic chance of earning promotion to the top tier when the season comes to an end next month.

The top two teams in the Super League will gain automatic promotion to the Premier League while the last two teams in the top tier will be relegated.

KCA-U will be hoping to extend their good run on Sunday when they welcome Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) who also beat Nakuru Hockey Club 2-0 in an earlier match played at the same venue.

A win against the Coastal side on Sunday will see Willis Otieno's charges close in on leaders Parkroad Badgers who are not in action this weekend.

KCA-U are second on log with 40 points from 20 matches while Badgers have 46 points with two matches in hand. MSC wrap up the top three positions with 33 points from 18 matches.

KCA-U coach Otieno believes the MSC tie will decide their fate.

“That match is crucial and we hope to win since that will see us book a slot in the top tier with a match to spare against Nakuru on November 30,” said the former international.

Mvita coach Billy Olang lamented their failure to assert themselves after taking the lead.

“We had our work well cut out but unfortunately we didn’t stay in the party for long. We surrendered the lead and allowed them to grow in the game and at last we were punished. Now we hope to recover and win against Nakuru on Sunday,” noted Olang.

Mvita were hungry for the early goal and barely one minute into play, George Otieno sent his shot wide.

The hosts looked disjointed in the first quarter, with Mvita looking the better side with good runs and passes that later earned them a penalty corner which was expertly converted by Khan.

KCA-U slowly grew in the game and it was no surprise when Marango levelled in the 25th before handing his side the lead in the 32nd. The students continued their ascendancy after the break with Marango stealing the show.

Daily Nation

IU field hockey ends season with a loss

By Aiden Kantner


IU junior Rylee Pearson chases the ball against Miami University onSept. 6 at the IU Field Hockey Complex. Joy Burton Buy Photos

IU field hockey closed out its season with a 6-0 loss to Northwestern.

On Friday, junior goalkeeper Sachi Ananias had two early saves and was maintaining a clean sheet going into the second quarter.

However, with her goal constantly under siege, she was not able to hold up. IU conceded 30 shots and only got six shots off of its own. The offense had difficulties keeping up, and the Hoosiers were dominated defensively because of it.

The Hoosiers end their season at 5-12, an improvement of one game from last year. IU started 4-3, and opened the conference slate with a win over a ranked Michigan State team, sitting atop the conference Sept. 20.

After the upset in East Lansing, Michigan, the Hoosiers came home and lost four straight matches in Bloomington and all but one of the games remaining after that homestand. Their one win came to the last-place team in the Mid-American Conference — Central Michigan University.

IU couldn’t connect more than two or three passes at a time to move the ball down the field for the most part during the season. After Michigan State, where sophomore forward Hailey Couch had a breakout game by scoring three goals, the defense constantly double-teamed her, and IU’s offense suffered because of it.

The loss to Northwestern marked the end of year one for IU head coach Kayla Bashore-Smedley, but she will have a couple key players returning next season.

Indiana Student Daily