News for 07 June 2014
All the news for Saturday 7 June 2014
Peillat puts paid to Black Sticks with hat-trick, South Africa and Korea draw, Netherlands edge Germany
Three points to Argentina after four-goal second half, South Africa and Korea scoreless, Hertzberger's goal stands over Germany
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
As qualification matches draw nearer we see Argentina grab another three points after a 3-1 victory over New Zealand. A trio of drag flicks from Gonzalo Peillat lifted the Pan American champs. Still to play are Korea and South Africa (17:30 CET), as well as Germany and Netherlansd (19:45 CET).
MEN Pool B: New Zealand v Argentina 1-3 (0-0)
A second half hat trick from Gonzalo Peillat gave Argentina victory over New Zealand in a game that was notable for the high standard of defence and possessive play. The result leaves Argentina joint top of the pool with the Netherlands and Peillat as joint top scorer with Belgium's Tom Boon.
Argentina look like a different side from the team that hassled and harried Germany just a few days ago. A disciplined press, composure both in attack and defence, patient moving of the ball around the pitch – in the first half both teams played a similar and evenly-matched game. Even without goals in the first 35 minutes, this was a game that had the hockey aficionado glued to the action.
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MEN Pool B: Korea v South Africa 0-0 (0-0)
A collection of world class saves from Korea shot-stopper Lee Myungho denied 11th ranked South Africa a famous victory over world number 7 Korea, as the two Pool B rivals played out a 0-0 draw. Myungho made a number of terrific blocks in the second half to spare the blushes of the Asian Champions, who were second best to the Champions of Africa for much of the second half. The result gave both teams their first point of the tournament, although served to dramatically reduce the chances of either side reaching the semi-final stages.
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MEN Pool B: Germany v Netherlands 0-1 (0-1)
It was always going to be a cracker of a game when the two giant of European hockey met in the final game of the day at the Kyocera Stadium. Germany versus the Netherlands had the prospect of a fiercely contested and high quality match written all over it and it didn't disappoint. The fact that a first half goal, scored by Jeroen Hertzberger (19'), was the only time the ball found the back of the net did nothing to diminish the entertainment value of this match.
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FIH site
Odie creates China crisis, South Africa crush England's World Cup dreams, Las Leonas pretty (in pink) on top of Pool B
Five-goal USA top pool B, England knocked out of contention, Argentina drop Germany
(Photo: Grant Treeby/Treebyimages)
As the pool standings start to firm up we see the No. 10-ranked United States upset No. 7 China to top Pool B. A five-goal blanking and a hat trick from Katie O'Donnell have held the USA undefeated. Also playing today are South Africa and England (14:30 CET), as well as Germany and Argentina (16:00 CET).
WOMEN Pool B: China v United States 0-5 (0-3)
A hat-trick for Katie O'Donnell and an overall strong team performance left the USA sitting at the top of the table after their third pool B match. China,who had looked so composed in their earlier two matches were unable to deal with the ferocity or versatility of the USA attack and, on her 100th cap, Jackie Kintzer in the USA goal was a spectator for most of the game.
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WOMEN Pool B: South Africa v England 4-1 (2-0)
Sulette Damons marked her 150th international match with a brilliant back-hand strike as South Africa ended England's dreams of winning the Rabobank Hockey World Cup by taking a 4-1 victory in the GreenFields Stadium. Goals from Kathleen Taylor, Damons, Shelley Russell and Dirkie Chamberlain gave the world number 11 ranked team a stunning 4-1 over a side that sits eight places above them in the FIH World Rankings, with England's solitary goal coming from the stick of Nicola White 15 minutes from time. The result leaves England rooted to the bottom of Pool B, while South Africa claimed their first points of the tournament.
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WOMEN Pool B: Germany v Argentina 0-3 (0-2)
Carlos Retegui had a good day at the office as his women's team joined the Argentina men's team at the top of their respective pools after beating Germany 3-0. Las Leonas still give the impression of a team that hasn't yet hit top gear, as they put in a workmanlike performance to overcome a German side that was hardworking, but lacked the flair necessary to pressure the Argentine defence. The one concern for the Argentine coach will be the early departure from the field of play by his star player Luciana Aymar, with an unspecified leg injury.
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For full summaries, photos, highlights and more visit: rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com
FIH site
Great day for SA hockey as national men drew with world number 7 South Korea
JONATHAN COOK in The Hague
South Korea's Seunghoon Lee (21) tries to stop Taine Paton during the exciting yet goalless draw at Hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague Friday. Photo: STANISLAS BROCHIER
Hot on the heels of the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team’s upsetting world number three England 4-1 at World Cup 2014 it was the South Africa men’s turn to defy the odds in a 0-0 draw with world number seven South Korea.
Perhaps the “B field”, the 5000-seater Greenfields Stadium, is where SA should be permanently fixtured and for the SA men it was a gutsy performance mixed with no little skill as they dominated South Korea - including a spell in the dying minutes in which the lads in green and gold won three consecutive penalty corners that somehow stayed the wrong side of the Korean goalline.
All three lines, from defence to midfield to attack – as well as keeper Rassie Pieterse – were outstanding for SA in a clash that became increasingly nasty as Korean frustrations wore on.
At one point the African champions, already without striker Ignatius Malgraff who was forced to sit out the match, were two men short but these setbacks did nothing to stem the fire within.
World number 12 SA dominated territory, possession, the PC count as well as chances from open play being more or less even, but Korea keeper Myungho Lee was in brilliant form, pulling off a number of near-miraculous saves.
Now it’s the big one against one of hockey‘s heavyweights, host nation Holland, in front of a screaming, chanting, flag-waving 15-000 capacity Kyocera Stadium at 7.45pm Sunday.
SA can take much heart from Friday’s performance into that marquee match.
SA Hockey Association media release
On-fire SA hockey girls outplay world number 3 England
JONATHAN COOK in The Hague
SA captain Marsha Cox (middle) congratulates Sulette Damons (right) on an exquisite goal in her 150th Test match while England skipper Kate Richardson-Walsh reflects. PHOTO: STANISLAS BROCHIER
Bubbling with confidence from the outset, the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team had too many options for world number three England and the result was a 4-1 victory after the girls in green and gold had led 2-0 at half-time.
World number 11 SA scored four outstanding goals from open play, the first going to Kathleen Taylor in the 17th minute, the second an exquisite strike by Sulette Damons, in her 150th match, three minutes from half-time (32nd) and after the changeover it was a Shelley Russell stunner (40th) followed by the fourth strike off the stick of Dirkie Chamberlain (52nd). England scored a consolation goal through Nicola White in the 55th.
“We worked hard for this result, I am pleased but not surprised by the outcome,” said SA captain Marsha Cox, who led by example throughout an entertaining 70 minutes.
“We started the tournament shakily but had put a lot of focus on this game even before the World Cup, against an England side that have always given us a tough battle.”
Assistant coach Kurt Cerfontyne said that after two defeats this match was the crossroads of the tournament for SA. “The result was non-negotiable and we have asked the girls to enjoy the moment but keep their feet on the ground as there are still two [Group B] matches to come.”
SA now have a fighting chance of leapfrogging the Chinese and Germans to finish third in the Group and with it a shot at an unprecedented fifth place.
Cox said the team would re-focus for world number seven China (5.30pm Sunday), which precedes their final Group B match versus high-riding world number 10 the USA (2.30pm Tuesday). “China are fast, technically good so it’s going to be an extremely tough game for us.”
England head coach Jason Lee said his team’s confidence dropped after they hit the post and didn’t score early in the match, while he was also disappointed in the manner in which the English conceded the four goals.
The South Africans’ win is particularly meritorious as the world’s third-ranked England, as Great Britain, won the London 2012 Olympics bronze medal. Eight of those players were in Friday’s line-up. England’s success continued in 2013 with silver at the European Cup and bronze in the World league Finals just under six months’ ago.
But they ran into an SA team that were in top form as a unit - and through the defence, midfield and forward lines. And particularly memorable was that every single team member played her part.
SA Hockey Association media release
England suffer third defeat at World Cup
Nicola White scored England's only goal in the 4-1 defeat to South Africa at the Rabobank World Cup - credit Ady Kerry
England’s 2014 Rabobank World Cup fate was sealed today as Jason Lee’s side fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of South Africa. The result means that any chances of making a semi-final and having the opportunity to play for a World Cup medal are well and truly over.
In the other Pool B matches of the day the USA thrashed China 5-0 and Argentina put three past Germany without reply to leave the USA and Argentina top of Pool B.
England Head Coach Jason Lee said on the result today: “Early on when we hit the post I thought we were in control and if that had gone in it would have been enough to take us on into the game. It’s a real challenge for us to get the most out of this tournament now in terms of pride and self-esteem."
England started with promise, with Lily Owsley hitting the post and Sophie Bray having a good chance in the first five minutes. However, the South African attackers enjoyed early chances of their own – playing on the break while England played high up the field, and coming extremely close a couple of times, but the scoring didn't open until 17 minutes in. South Africa’s Celia Evans got past the England defence to fire a shot on goal which, was tapped in by Kathleen Taylor.
After that the momentum of the game continued to go South Africa’s way – just before half time Hollie Webb was dispossessed in front of England’s circle, and Sulette Damons was able to dart inside the circle line and fire off a reverse-stick shot into the top left hand corner, sending South Africa two goals up going into the break.
In the second half South Africa were still looking for chances to break through England’s defence and looked the stronger side, and a green card for England Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh gave South Africa the opportunity they needed to increase their lead – Nicolene Terblanche fired a shot into England’s circle which was picked up by Shelley Russell, taking South Africa’s lead to 3-0 in the 40th minute.
A green card for South Africa shortly afterwards gave England an extra player, but both the South African defenders and goalkeeper were equal to any danger. Sam Quek was next to pick up a green card in the 51st minute, and South Africa again capitalised. For a second time it was Terblanche who got the ball into England’s circle, this time enabling Dirkie Chamberlain to put it away with a reverse stick, deftly lifting the ball over Hinch and into the net.
England came back and once White found some space in the South African circle she was able to fire a fine shot across the goal and into the far corner, bringing the score to 4-1 with 15 minutes left on the clock, but none of the players that had chances could beat South Africa’s van Deventer and the final whistle – and England’s hopes of making the semi-finals – went with the score at 4-1 to South Africa and England bottom of their pool.
Click here to find out squad and caps information and to see the other results at the tournament.
England Captain, Kate Richardson-Walsh reflecting on the game today: “We have produced a lot of scoring chances. If you won games on stats we’d be right in there, but of course you don’t. We need to go away, as we always do, and prepare professionally and play for pride and for the shirt we wear, to prove to ourselves on the pitch that we are the players we know we are."
The next time England face South Africa will be at the Investec London Cup on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Thursday 10th July. This will be the first tournament to be held at hockey’s legacy stadium and will be held across five days from 9th – 13th July.
England women’s next game is against Argentina on Sunday at 1500 (BST). England’s men play against Australia tomorrow at 1500 (BST).
SOUTH AFRICA 4 (2)
Kathleen Taylor 18 (FG)
Sulette Damons 32 (FG)
Shelley Russell 40 (FG)
Dirkie Chamberlain 52 (FG)
ENGLAND 1 (0)
Nicola White 55 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
England women playing for pride after hockey World Cup hammering
ENGLAND'S women hit rock bottom and slumped embarrassingly out of World Cup contention after losing 4-1 to South Africa in The Hague.
By Graham Wilson
The England players and staff huddle together after their crushing defeat[ADY KERRY]
Coach Jason Lee called it an "appalling result."
There was not a lot of confidence around his squad after defeats against the USA and China, and South Africa were quick to take advantage.
England were left reeling again as Kathleen Turner and Sulette Damons took their so far winless side 2-0 up in the first half before Shelley Russell of Kent club Holcombe and Dirkie Chamberlain, who played for Reading last season, made sure of England's demise.
Nicola White pulled a goal back for England with 15 minutes remaining but there was no way back.
With his third-ranked squad stuck at the bottom of Group B, with only two goals to their name, Lee's women must still face defending champions Argentina on Sunday, who beat European champions Germany 3-0, and then Germany on Tuesday.
Lee said: "It's an appalling result for us. As has been the case throughout this tournament we failed to take our chances and conceded far too cheaply. We conceded two quick goals and with the confidence in our group teetering that made it very hard for us. As the game progressed we went chasing it which made us stretched and of course it got away from us."
Lee knows he has a huge job to lift the girls, with the basics of passing and stopping letting them down.
He said: "It's a real challenge for us to get the most out of this tournament now in terms of pride and self-esteem.
Things have got worse. We've been unlucky but that's no solution for anybody.
"I do think the confidence is rock bottom because we're performing so far off the group's potential. I need to instil some unity and belief that they can do it. Sometimes you need things to go for you to make it work.
"We have to stay tight as a unit and think back to the good times, which were very recent. We had a great 2013, European silver and third place in the World League. It's still that same team so, hopefully, I can help them find it again in the next 48 hours. It'd be easy to make a list of things that have brought about the results. The truth is it's complex and if it wasn't complex it'd be easy to solve.
"We knew we came into the tournament with strengths and weaknesses and with some inexperience. I think largely the girls have performed within the range of expectations but mostly in the bottom end of that range. That's my responsibility to set the tone and maintain the confidence. I'll be asking a lot of questions of myself in terms of approach and how I can adjust to help them for the next game and the rest of the tournament."
Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said: "I think because of the first two games we've had chances that haven't gone in which has eaten away at our confidence. We need to go away, prepare professionally and play for pride and for the shirt we wear, to prove to ourselves that we are the players we know we are. We have to start showing it on the pitch."
England's men play world champions Australia today.
Daily Express
Katie O'Donnell hat trick powers USA against China for a 5-0 stunner
By Jawwad Qamar
The United States Women beat China with surprise ease 5-0 on the strength of a hat trick by star forward Katie O'Donnell in their third pool B Hockey World Cup match in The Hague. O'Donnell opened the scoring in the 4th minute by lobbing the ball over the Chinese keeper from a reverse stick attempt by midfielder Melissa Gonzales. Gonzales’ attempt came at the end of a great penetration run by her, right to left, into the circle, through a number of hapless red shirts.
Michelle Vittese found the near corner of the goal six minutes later for a 2-0 lead after moving from left to right on top of the circle as the Chinese players got out of the way. A beautiful run and a cross by Paige Selenski from the right flank found a diving O'Donnell for a brilliant tally and a comfortable 3-0 result at the 30 minute mark.
While USA completely dominated in the first half, the Chinese had no circle penatration or shots on goal making it a relaxing 100th cap for the American goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer. Second half finally saw China’s incursion into the American circle that resulted in five penalty corners giving Kintzer somework. However, she was equal to the task.
A tip by O'Donnell on a penalty corner attempt by Rachel Dawson in the 63 minute made it a hat trick for O'Donnell and a 4-0 lead for USA. With three minutes left in the match, Jill Witmer stole the ball at the 25 yard line on the right and ran to the center finding a streaking Kelsey Kolojejchick with a neat pass to her left for a fine reverse stick goal by Kolojejchick and a 5-0 final score.
This was an overall strong performance by team USA. The Americans next face Germany on Sunday in a crucial encounter for both. The German women suffered a 3-0 defeat later in the day at the hands of Argentina who along with USA are on top of pool B with seven points each while Germany is in third place with four points and will play England in their last pool match on Tuesday. USA in their last pool match will take on South Africa.
Fieldhockey.com
World Cup Pool Play Ramps Up with Excitement as Team USA Overcomes 7th World-Ranked Seed
The U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team defeats China 5-0, O'Donnell secures hat trick
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The U.S. Women’s National Team held steadfast against China’s dense defensive line leaving Kyocera Stadium on another high note with a clean victory of 5-0. Gaining pivotal meters with their sheer consistent speed, Team USA was able to create an impressive lead over China, World Ranked 7.
“We’re trying to make a statement by going hard the entire game, every game with no let-up for the whole 70 minutes,” said Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.). “It’s something that’s included in our game plan which is working and is something we need to stick to going forward.”
With vital tournament points on the line, today’s World Cup matches create separation of the top three teams in the pool from the bottom. Acknowledging that pressure but keeping focus on the process by taking on each competitor one at a time, the red, white and blue settled into an early rhythm of relentless aggressive play from the backfield to the forward line. In the 4th minute, USA athlete Katie O'Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) stormed into the attacking circle and positioned herself on the left post to redirect a ball from Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) developing an early lead for the United States. The game drove on with saturated action remaining in the offensive half for Team USA when Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) carried the ball across the top of the circle to strike a hard ball into an open pocket of the cage in the 10th minute. The forward motion to goal only continued as Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) spotted O’Donnell sprinting toward the baseline and sent a leading, crisp cross. O’Donnell dove, popping the ball into the net for her second goal, closing out the first half USA 3, China 0.
“It goes without saying, but we’re proud of this performance,” said Head Coach Craig Parnham. “This match was important to start well. We had a tactically fantastic first half which set the tone for the rest of the game.”
China’s young squad solidified their first corner in the second half with a flurry of corners to follow. Although quick off of the insert, China was unable to convert the opportunities into goals. Game play fluctuated more from circle to circle in the remaining 35 minutes. USA’s persistent attack kept knocking at the door to light up the scoreboard again only to be answered in the 63rd minute when O’Donnell buried the ball into the cage on an attack penalty corner to rack up a total of three goals during the match. USA's Kolojejchick capped off the scoring frenzy by capitalizing off of a sweet back-handed shot to close the score USA 5, China 0. To add extra celebration to the United States’ win, today Jackie Kintzer (Robesonia, Pa.) earned her 100th cap in cage for the Stars and Stripes.
The World Cup opened for Team USA with competition against England where the United States won 2-1. The team then contended against Argentina, concluding the match with a 2-2 tie. The USA will meet Germany on the pitch Sunday, June 8 at 8:30 a.m. EST. All matches can be viewed live by clicking here or watching ESPN3.
“Sunday’s match is a very important game,” said Kolojejchick. “We need to keep up the team tempo we created which is working hard on our fitness and to make connections with simple passing. Our defensive tackle backs have been equally as good. We can’t let up on these aspects as we head into our match against Germany.”
USFHA media release
Dynamic U.S. Goalkeeper Kintzer Marks 100th Cap at World Cup
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Jackie Kintzer (Robesia, Pa.) earned her 100th cap for the red, white and blue in today’s 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup match against China in Holland. Kintzer, a University of North Carolina standout, joined the U.S. Women’s National squad in 2010, helped the team earn a 2011 Pan American Cup gold medal and a spot at the 2012 Olympics. Kintzer was also a member on the recent Champions Challenge gold medal team in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kintzer has demonstrated stellar goal-line defense against top-tier national teams at the World Cup. Kintzer’s cool composure in the cage will continue to be important in Team USA’s next match against Germany on Sunday, June 8.
“All caps are equally as special,” said Kintzer. “To celebrate it here at the World Cup is a huge honor. My team definitely had my back today by scoring all of those goals. It’s one for the memory books.”
When asked what she has learned from her first cap to her 100th, Kinzter replied, “To trust in myself and believe in myself and know I’ve always had the capability to play to this level.”
USFHA media release
Argentina hand Black Sticks Men first loss
The Black Sticks Men have suffered their first loss at the Hockey World Cup after being defeated 3-1 by Argentina at Kyocera Stadium.
After a goalless first half, Argentina powered home thanks to a second half hat-trick by Gonzalo Peiillat who scored all three from penalty corner drag flicks.
Down 0-1 the Kiwis scored a brilliant goal to equalise with Phil Burrows drilling a free hit into the circle where Stephen Jenness put a pin-point deflection through the goalkeeper’s legs.
With the score locked up the Black Sticks went searching for the winning goal but conceded two more penalty corners that Argentina were able to put away.
The result now sees New Zealand and Argentina both on six points in Pool B, although the Black Sticks hold an advantage with a better goal differential.
Defensive midfielder Alex Shaw brought up his 50th test today.
Head coach Colin Batch said the difference in the game came down to Argentina’s success from penalty corners.
“If you look at the facts they scored three of four penalty corners and we got none out of three, so obviously the game was won in those areas,” he said.
“Our first half was quite good, we created two very good chances and they defended well to their credit. It would’ve been nice to score that goal and go into halftime up 1-0 which could have really changed the game.
“We feel a bit disappointed in our final 15 minutes, we got to 1-1 and then pushed for a victory but unfortunately conceded two more penalty corner goals.”
The Black Sticks Men now move on to a crucial game against Germany on Sunday at 8:30pm (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 2.
Meanwhile, the Black Sticks Women face a must-win match against Japan on Sunday at 3:30am (NZ time), which will also be broadcast live on SKY Sport 2.
In other men’s Pool B matches later today Korea go up against South Africa before the battle of the border when Germany face up to the Netherlands.
BLACK STICKS 1: (Stephen Jenness)
ARGENTINA 3: (Gonzalo Peillat 3)
Halftime: 0-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Injured Hafifi out of the World Cup
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysia's Hafifihafiz Hanafi is stretchered off the field after colliding with the England goalkeerper during the World Cup Group A match on Friday. He has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a shoulder injury. - SS KANESAN/ The Star
THE HAGUE: Hafifihafiz Hanafi’s World Cup is over. The striker, 29, who just made the team was injured in the match against England and have been ruled out of the tournament.
He has a cut lip and a bone in his shoulder is said to have dislocated.
He had collided with the England goalkeeper George Pinner in the ninth minute and was stretched out. He was then sent to the hospital after being diagnosed with concussion.
Hafifi said that he was out and did not know what had happened when he had collided with the goalkeeper.
“I blacked out and when I came too I was not sure where I was. Apparently it was in the hospital. The x-ray showed that I have a dislocated shoulder. It’s painful now,” said the Maybank player.
He said the cut in his lip was not serious and did not require any stitches.
“I am really disappointed as I wanted to do well. I had just come on to the pitch for about two minutes when the incident happened.
“It was not an intentional foul but just one of those things when you are trying to get to the ball. I will leave it to the medical people to advise me but it is likely that I cannot play for now,” he said.
Team manager George Koshy confirmed that the player would be out of action for the rest of the tournament.
The Malaysians have two more group matches against India on Saturday and Spain on Monday.
Depending on how they finish in the group phase, the team will have one more classification match to play.
The Malaysians have played three matches and have lost all of them. They started off with a 0-4 defeat to Australia before losing to Belgium 2-6. Then against England on Thursday the team was beaten 0-2.
The Star of Malaysia
Faizal yet to stamp his mark at The Hague
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysia's Faizal Saari (left) tussling for the ball with an Australian player during their Group A World Cup match at The Hague last week, which Malaysia lost 0-4. - AFP
THE HAGUE: He was expected to be the star player in the team – the one to turn a match in Malaysia’s favour.
But, thus far, striker Faizal Saari has been relatively quiet and yet to score a goal in the World Cup here at The Hague.
Faizal, however, is not overly concerned as he feels the players have given their best “but the outcome has not gone our way”.
“I’m just as disappointed as the other players after three straight defeats. We’ve done our best and you can see that everyone tried hard,” he said.
“Frankly, this is the first time that most of us are playing at this level ... the games here are at a different level altogether. I believe we have improved with each game ... all we need to do is to step up our tempo to match the others.”
Faizal, 22, admitted that based on the chances created, he should have scored at least one goal by now.
Faizal has urged his team-mates to be more aggressive in their next match, against India, and also to make better use of the field attempts and penalty corner set pieces.
“That goes for me too ... I want to pay harder. There are still two more matches to go for us and we need to start getting some points on board,” he said.
Malaysia will play India on Saturday and complete their Group A fixtures against Spain on Monday.
Malaysia need at least four points to be sure of meeting their 10th-placing target. That does not leave them with much option but to win the two remaining matches.
“Yes, the situation is critical for us. But I believe in the team and I feel we can win. Like I said, we need to tweak out game plan a bit,” said Faizal.
“Our mental strength is also very important ... we must be ready for a tough time as these two teams (India and Spain) will also want to secure full points.”
One thing in Malaysia’s favour is that Faizal has a good knowledge of the Indian players as he had played in the Hockey India League for the last two seasons.
“Yes, I have a fair bit of idea about the Indian players’ abilities. They are good but we have the talent to beat them. It’ll all boil down to who can come up with the right strategy,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Odds stacked against Malaysia
By S. Ramaguru
Pic shows India's Yuvraj Walmiki dribbling past England's Tim Whiteman during their Group A match on Monday. The Indians will take on Malaysia on Saturday. - EPA
THE HAGUE: Statistics usually do favour Malaysia when it comes to comparisons with the top hockey playing countries.
So, it’s no surprise that India hold a big advantage over Malaysia in their head-to-head clashes.
Both teams have met 105 times, with India recording 73 wins, 18 draws and 14 losses.
Saturday will see the two teams clashing for only the fourth time in World Cup history.
They first met in the 1975 semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, which India won 3-2. Then, they met in the group phase of the 1982 World Cup in Bombay. Again, the Indians won – this time 6-2.
The third time was the charm for Malaysia as they triumphed 3-2 – also at the group stage – at the 2002 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Both teams are now in the unenviable position of needing to win today’s game so as not to finish last in the group.
Malaysia are winless after three matches while India have one point after their 1-1 draw with Spain on Thursday.
India coach Terry Walsh said that the game against Malaysia would be different and “we’ll have to plan differently”.
“That’s the beauty of the World Cup. Every match is different ... teams don’t play the same way. You plan one match at a time and see how it goes,” said Walsh, who used to coach Malaysia from 1990 to 1993 and took over India’s team in January.
“We want to win every match but we’ve been unlucky in some of them. So, getting a point off Spain was great ... we want to improve on that.”
India skipper Sardar Singh said that matches between the two teams had always been close and “there is no reason to think that it will be any easier tomorrow (today)”.
“We have played Malaysia before and we know what they are capable of. But we are desperate for a win ... so, we will not take it lightly nor take them for granted,” he said.
The last time the two teams met was in November 2013 at the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan. India won 4-3.
Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj said that it’s never easy playing against India, more so when they are in desperate need of points.
“India have always been a good team and highly skillful. They have managed to gain one point and will be looking at us to get their first win,” he said.
“We too have targeted full points from this match ... so, it’ll be interesting to see how things pan out.”
The Star of Malaysia
Belgium semis quest hits Aussie roadblock
By S. Ramaguru
Belgium's Felix Denayer flicks the ball past Australia's Timothy Deavin during their Group A match on Thursday. Australia won 3-1. - EPA
THE HAGUE: Belgium’s World Cup progress hit a bump when they lost 3-1 to defending champions Australia.
But that has only strengthened their resolve to double their efforts as they seek to reach the semi-final for the first time.
After two impressive victories – beating India 3-2 and Malaysia 6-2 – the Belgians were brought down to earth by defending champions Australia on Thursday.
Australia now top Group A with the maximum nine points, with two matches to go.
Australia showed why they are one of the favourites for the title with three early strikes before seeing out the match with relative ease.
Chris Ciriello (seventh minute), Jacob Whetton (ninth) and Eddie Ockenden (36th) scored for the champions while Sebastian Dockler replied for the Belgians in the 46th minute.
Belgium coach Marc Lammers admitted that they lost to the better team and he hoped that his men would learn from the defeat.
“We need to be more aggressive, especially when playing against teams like Australia,” he said.
“To beat Australia, you have to survive the first 10 minutes. They are strong starters and have this ability to get ahead before you can get ready. But there are positives we can take from this match.
“For us, the next two matches are like Cup finals. We have to win them to make the last four. We meet Spain next, followed by England.
“These are matches we have to win.”
Australia, on the other hand, have England and India on their radar next and all they need is one win to confirm their berth in the last four.
“We prefer to take it one step at a time and keep on improving,” said Australia coach Ric Charlesworth.
“I wasn’t too happy with our second-half performance (against Belgium).”
In the other late match on Thursday, India gained their first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Spain.
India scored in the 28th minute through a Rupinderpal Singh penalty corner goal while Spain equalised through a Roc Oliva field goal in the 32nd minute.
Spain now have two points, following their opening day draw against England.
The Star of Malaysia
Kookaburras England preview
Jamie Dwyer hopes Kookaburras continue improving form
Jamie Dwyer is hopeful that the Kookaburras’ improving performances continue in the same direction when they come up against England at the World Cup on Saturday.
Two recent preparation games in England, which the Kookaburras won 2-1 and 3-1, will provide confidence but also served as a reminder to the Australian men of the tight contest they’ll be in.
“They’re a very tough team,” said Dwyer after training on Friday. “[They have a] very good defence, very physical defence with a good goalkeeper, [and] a couple of very skilful players in Ashley Jackson, [Nick] Catlin and Barry Middleton, so we’re going to have to control those players.”
With just three places separating them in the world rankings, the Kookaburras won’t be underestimating the number four side having lost 2-1 in the bronze medal match at the World League Finals in Delhi in January. England also came out on top, 3-2, in their last World Cup meeting four years ago in Delhi, although the Kookaburras bounced back to lift the trophy while England missed out on the medals, finishing fourth.
Prior to the January’s clash, you have to go back to the 2010 Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach for the countries’ last meetings, which the Kookaburras won 3-2 and, comfortably, 4-0 in the final.
While England drew their opening match of the 2014 World Cup 1-1 with Spain, a last minute winner for 2-1 against India and a 2-0 win over Malaysia has seen them find form and, crucially, points going into the top of the table clash with the Kookaburras.
The Aussies, too, however are finding form with ever improving performances, albeit with coach Ric Charlesworth saying on Thursday he still expects plenty more from his charges.
Dwyer says, “Hopefully, we keep continuing on our good form. We want to go out there and play good hockey and hopefully get three points.
“I guess in previous tournaments we’ve played really good at the start, dropped off a little bit in the middle, then either slipped up in the semi final or final, or got through and won it on occasions as well, but you want to just continually keep increasing [performance], keep getting better. It’s very important we keep doing that.”
Referring to Thursday’s 3-1 win over Belgium in which the Kookaburras scored twice in the opening ten minutes, he adds, “It was a tough game. It was definitely a step up from the previous two games. They’re a quality opposition. It was a little bit scrappy but we got the job done.
“We had a good first half – a good first quarter actually where we scored two goals – and then after that it was pretty even but we held on, which was good, and that’s put us in a really good position now to make the semi finals of this competition.”
Victory over England would mathematically secure semi final qualification for the Kookaburras while a draw would be enough if Belgium fail to beat Spain.
The match is live on ABC 2 in Eastern states from 11:45pm and on delay in full in SA, NT and WA from 11:45pm. Live coverage for those states is also available on the official website rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com from 10:00pm AWST.
All time Australia v England record
AUS wins: 47
ENG wins: 6
Draws: 13
World Cup Australia v England record
AUS wins: 5
ENG wins: 2
Draws: 0
Pool A (see the full standings on the official site)
Pos. Team W D L GF/GA Pts
1. Australia 3 0 0 10/1 9
2. England 2 1 0 5/2 7
3. Belgium 2 0 1 10/7 6
4. Spain 0 2 1 2/5 2
5. India 0 1 2 4/6 1
6. Malaysia 0 0 3 2/12 0
Hockey Australia media release
Hockeyroos Netherlands preview
Madonna Blyth says 15,000 Dutch fans can motivate Hockeyroos
Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth will lead her teammates into a cauldron of orange in the Kyocera Stadium on Saturday night with the match a sell-out of 15,000 predominantly partisan home fans.
With the Olympic Champions the Netherlands and the World League silver medal winning Hockeyroos arriving at match four with a full complement of nine points something has to give.
“It is an important game,” admits Blyth. “We’re obviously sitting quite well at the moment but we’ve got two tough opponents left. The Netherlands are always a tough team to play but at home in front of a full stadium of about 15,000, I think that will be even tougher.”
The two sides met in the final of the World League in Rosario late last year with the Dutch coming out 5-1 winners; a burst of goals early in the second half taking the game away from the Australian women after Anna Flanagan opened the scoring. Generally, however, in recent years games between the pair have been tighter with a 2-2 draw in their previous meeting in South Africa in February 2013.
“They’ve got a couple of really good players,” says Blyth. “Their key playmakers through the middle are Maartje Paumen and Eva de Goode, and I think they’ve just got those strikers that are always dangerous. We saw Kim Lammers score a fantastic goal in the last game [against New Zealand] and you’ve just got to constantly be aware of the players with that big a threat.”
The Hockeyroos’ nine points have come courtesy of three 3-2 wins over Korea, Japan and Belgium while the Netherlands have seen off Japan (6-1), Belgium (4-0) and New Zealand (2-0). But Blyth believes there’s still plenty more to come from the Hockeyroos, whose rise to fourth in the world rankings over the past 18 months has come on the back of excellent tournament results, including a Champions Challenge gold medal, Oceania Cup victory and World League Semi Final gold medal.
Pinpointing the need for greater consistency in their play, Blyth says, “We’re happy with where we’re sitting in terms of points on the table but I think we’ve also got a lot of improvement left. We’re not satisfied with how we’ve played. We’ve been up and down. We’ve had some good moments but we believe that we can be even better and I think to do really well in this tournament we’re going to have to improve on our last three performances.”
While the friends and family of the team will be cheering loudly from the far side of the pitch they are likely to be drowned out by 15,000 passionate orange clad Dutch. The noise during the Netherlands’ matches on each of the tournament’s previous six evenings has been deafening at times, something which Blyth acknowledges could prove testing.
“It will be a challenge for the girls. It’s not something that happens very often but it’s also something that can really drive us and keep us motivated in the game. To be honest, once you’re out there you're more focused on your job than the crowd but it’s probably easier to say right now sitting in the hotel than it is out with the 15,000.”
The victor will take not only the spoils but the first available spot in the semi finals. A draw would be enough to send both teams through to the last four if Korea fail to take maximum points from their game against Belgium.
The match is live on ABC 2 in Eastern states from 3:30am on Sunday morning and on delay in full in SA, NT and WA from 3:30am. Live coverage for those states is also available on the official rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com website from 1:45am AWST.
All time Australia v Netherlands record
AUS wins: 35
NED wins: 49
Draws: 17
World Cup Australia v Netherlands record
AUS wins: 0
NED wins: 7
Draws: 0
Pool A (see the full standings on the official site)
Pos. Team W D L GF GA Pts
1. Netherlands 3 0 0 12 1 9
2. Australia 3 0 0 9 6 9
3. Korea 1 1 1 4 4 4
4. New Zealand 1 0 2 6 6 3
5. Japan 0 1 2 4 10 1
6. Belgium 0 0 3 5 11 0
Hockey Australia media release
Santi's hopes for a Spanish conquest
Up Close with Spain captain Santi Freixa
(Photo: Stanislas Brochier)
Santi Freixa is a man with a vision. The Spain captain knows that his team lacks international experience, but this World Cup is one step along the way to getting Spain back among the world's hockey elite. "We come into this tournament at a disadvantage because we have not had the international experience necessary to make the next step up," said the engaging Spainiard. "But we are getting better with each game and we feel we have winning performances in us."
The team's problems are not their pitch performances, as Santi explains: "Spain is suffering financial instability, so we have not had the funding to be able to play teams such as India and Australia in preparation for this event. That is not going to change for the moment, so we have to take every experience we can and use that. A lack of funds means that we cannot build up a long-term programme of development. We didn't even enter the Champions Challenge this year and that would have been a great opportunity to get more international experience."
For a country such as Spain, which has a long and proud history within the world of international hockey, poor preparation is a bitter pill to swallow. No matter how talented the individual players, if they are not getting the chance to be competitive with the best teams in the world, then when it comes to major tournaments they are at a disadvantage.
The number of Spanish internationals who play their domestic league hockey outside Spain is also a problem says Santi. "I play in the Netherlands, as do four others in our team. Three more play in Belgium. There are positives and negatives to that. One the one hand, we get experience of playing different systems, playing with other players and being part of a hockey network. So for us, yes it is good, but for the team and for the Spanish league it is bad to have the top players performing elsewhere. It weakens our league and that cannot be good for our national side."
The long-term aim, despite the financial problems, is to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016. "We have a squad that we think can qualify, we have to grow together and learn from everything, every opportunity to play international hockey. We have the talent, we just need the experience. It is like the game today (Spain drew 1-1 with India), it is a match we should have won, but inexperience showed. We have two more games against Belgium and Malaysia and I would hope we can get more points from those games, because of what we have learnt so far."
Certainly Santi is enjoying his World Cup, "For me it is special to be playing for my country in the place I now live. I give 100 per cent in every game, and this time round I have been fortunate because for once I am free of injury. In the past I have had four knee operations and two arm operations, so I know I am fortunate to be here."
Spain's next game is against Belgium and, with the current pool standings, it would take Spain winning both their games and either Belgium or England failing to win further points for Spain to make it through as runners-up in the pool. But for Santi and his men it is about more than simply positions on a table, it is about making each match a learning experience on their long road to Rio.
FIH site
Experience plays its part in Chinese revival
Up close with China's De Jaiojaio
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
De Jaiojaio is the China women's team most capped player with 154 caps. Along with Wang Mengyu and Xu Xiaoxu, she is one of the few survivors of the team that won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The 24-year-old has been pivotal in her team's sparkling start to this tournament: China has drawn with Germany 1-1 and beaten third-ranked England by a 3-0 margin. The results leave the Chinese in a strong position after two matches; they are in second place behind Argentina separated by goal difference only.
De Jaiojaio's importance to the team is undeniable. Despite only being 24 herself, her experience will be vital in this World Cup as the China team is very much in a period of transition. With only a handful of players left from their most recent global hockey event – the London 2012 Olympics, where China finished 6th – and with 10 of the players on less than 50 caps, it will be the old hands who are providing the calmness and composure as the tournament progresses. The average age of the China team is 23.5 years, which is to noticeably young, but there has been a sea-change in personnel recently. De Jaiojaio is the third oldest player, with 27-year-old, Xu Xiaoxu, the oldest member of the squad. 19-year-old Wang Na is one of two teenagers named on the China roster, with 19-year-old goalkeeper Guo Jiajia also gaining selection. 20-year-old Gu Bingfeng is the only member of the team to have competed in last year’s ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup in Möchengladbach, Germany, where China finished 12th.
This transition phase for the Chinese team was inevitable: few of the players who continued post-Beijing would be expected to continue past London as well, but even so, coach You Baodong will be more than pleased with the way his young, inexperienced side has adapted to international competition in The Hague. The focus for the coach and his senior members now will be to raise the team's level of performance as the tournament progresses. So far China showed they could be physical and composed in their draw with Germany, and in the match against England, they soaked up a barrage of goal-mouth pressure before taking advantage of England's frustrations and scoring on the break.
At the last World Cup, China finished eighth, but with the start they have enjoyed, the team ranked seventh in the world will be hoping for a much higher finish. It will take the cool heads De Jaiojaio and Xu Xiao to ensure that their form continues as they have recently demonstrated a propensity to wilt in the latter stages of a tournament. One such example of a dramatic falling off in form came last September at the Asia Cup continental championship in Kuala Lumpur. China were topping Pool A with three wins from three matches. However, they could not take their early form into the latter stages of the competition and finished fourth behind Japan (1st), Korea (2nd) and India (3rd). The youthful side also recently performed admirably in a test series against New Zealand’s Black Sticks, losing the first game 3-2 before drawing the second match 1-1.
For De Jaiojaio and her teammates, this World Cup is a part of a long-term plan to build the young squad into a top-three ranked hockey nation. But with Argentina faltering against the USA and England failing to live up to their pre-tournament hype, there is every chance that the Chinese could make a significant mark on this World Cup.
FIH site
Dhanraj Pillay lashes out at foreign experts post India's poor show
MUMBAI: Former India skipper Dhanraj Pillay today said he was disappointed with India's performance in the ongoing hockey World Cup at The Hague and called for sacking of foreign experts including coach Terry Walsh.
"World cup has been a failure for us. We have a high performance director (Roelant Oltmans) and Terry Walsh who has been there since past eight months. I don't think their services have benefited the Indian team," he told reporters.
India managed to draw 1-1 with Spain yesterday after losing the first two games against Belgium and England.
"Nowadays we are losing even against teams like Belgium. If an Indian was coach, then he would know as to how to motivate and strategise during matches. We should have won all the matches but lost in the last minute. Walsh stated that we are lucky to get a point. I feel this is a sad attitude for a coach," he further said.
He pointed out that there is a bias in selection as Sandeep Singh was ignored for the World Cup, despite proving his merit in the Hockey India League.
"Sandeep Singh has been the highest scorer in the Hockey India League, despite that he hasn't found a place in the Indian team and has been dropped on the basis of his performance. Even a non-playing player can comment on the performance on Sandeep. I believe there is a case of bias against Sandeep," he said.
Dhanraj though praised captain Sardar Singh and goalkeeper Sreejesh for their performance and said that they are the only two stand-out players.
"I can only see Sardar performing and in the previous match Sreejesh played really well. It is because of him we saved so many goals, otherwise they would have knocked in 8-9 goals. The gameplan employed by Sreejesh is very good but we are out of the semifinals," he said.
India failed to convert penalty corners which cost them dearly and Pillay was also scathing in his comments against Hockey India Secretary General Narinder Batra.
"I have been reiterating that Sandeep Singh is India's top penalty corner specialist. Narinder Batra should see who is a good or bad player and accordingly should select a team. It is not a team consisting of your family members, the whole world has eyes on the Indian team. The federation should think they can take decisions on their own," he said.
The Times of India
U.S. Masters Squad Show Continued Growth on Day Two of World Cup
The USA Men's Over-40 Masters team put together another solid defensive effort and held Australia to one goal, including keeping them off of the scoreboard for the final 61 minutes. The Kookaburra’s single strike off of a penalty corner rebound came in the ninth minute, and the Aussies were able to hold on for the victory.
Player of the Match Steve Wagner (Philadelphia, Pa.) again led the way, notching 12 saves. Manuel Morales (Miami, Fla.) added two defensive saves and Amaneedt Sandu (Corona, Calif.) added a third, demonstrating the tough character of the USA defense. The Americans surrendered only eight corners in the match and generated attack in the Australian zone but were unable to convert any circle penetrations.
The Men’s Over-50 team dropped their tough battle against England 2-0.
Yesterday, the women's Over-50 opened their Masters tournament by playing Ireland. The women fought hard from the opening whistle, but the Irish got the best of them as they won the match 5-0. It is exciting to watch the women in action, representing the USA at the Masters level again.
The Women's Over-40 team played South Africa today in a very tightly contested match. The U.S. maintained possession for a majority of the game, but was unable to convert like the U.S. Women’s Senior National team did against China. The Women’s Over-40 squad looks to build on the good structure from today and to increase their opportunities on goal for the next game.
The Times of India
Pakistan veterans team pull out of Masters World Cup
KARACHI: As if the humiliation of not being able to qualify for the ongoing World Cup in Rotterdam was not enough for Pakistani hockey fans now even the national veterans team has been forced to pull out of the Masters World Cup tournament on the sidelines of the main event.
The secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Rana Mujahid and former Olympian, Islahuddin Siddiqui, who led the Pakistan veterans team to Rotterdam for the Masters event said today their team had pulled out of the event after playing just one match.
"We had picked a 18 member squad for the event but due to visa problems only nine players could fly to Rotterdam on time for the first match against South Africa and even in that match three of the players got injured. So we just don't have the players to carry on in this event," Islahuddin, a former captain and now chief selector of the PHF, said.
Interestingly to rub salt into the wounds of Pakistan hockey, the South Africans thrashed the Pakistani veterans by 24 goals to one.
A reliable source aware of the developments said that the organisers had told the Pakistani contingent they couldn't participate in the Masters event any longer as they had not come prepared properly for the event.
"The organisers had bended the rules to allow Pakistan to field nine players only against South Africa but due to protests from other sides and the fiasco that happened in the match the organisers have told the Pakistan side thank you," the source said.
Former Olympian and captain, Samiullah told PTI that he couldn't understand why the PHF had allowed an incomplete veterans team to go to Rotterdam in the first place.
"If all the players didn't get visas the team should never have been allowed to fly out of Pakistan. Our hockey has now become a laughing stock in the world. As if the humiliation of our team not playing in the main event is not bad enough," Samiullah said.
Islahuddin said the squad had full 18 players but some of them faced problems getting visas on time here.
The Times of India
Hockey India announces women's team for Malaysian tour
NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) on Friday announced a 21-member women's squad to tour Malaysia June 7-17 as part of preparations for the Commonwealth and the Asian Games.
India will be playing a six-match test series against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The squad was selected by HI selectors BP Govinda, Harbinder Singh and Surinder Kaur along with chief coach Neil Hawgood and scientific advisor Matthew Tredrea. Selection trials were held at Patiala May 23-24.
Midfielder Ritu Rani will be the captain of the team while defender Deepika will be the vice-captain. The matches will be held June 9, June 10, June 12, June 14, June 15 and June 17.
"The players selected to be a part of the squad have shown immense talent and skills on the field and have earned their position to make it in the list. We are looking forward for the Malaysian tour as this will help us and the players to understand their strengths and weaknesses even better and work on them to the level of perfection. We will be keeping a close watch on the players' performances in this tour and will analyse the same to refine the edges to ensure good results in the Commonwealth Games 2014," said Hawgood.
Ritu said she was honoured to lead the side again.
"I am very pleased to see the selected squad and I am glad to be a part of it. As I have been playing with all of these players for quite some time now and am aware of their capabilities, it gives me huge motivation when I look at the squad and I believe we all will give our best to live up to the expectations of our coaches and selectors. This tour is going to help us to get into the rhythm and prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games," she said.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita
Defenders: Deepika (vice-captain), Kirandeep Kaur, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Jaspreet Kaur, Gurjit Kaur, Asunta Lakra and Deep Grace Ekka
Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Sushila Chanu, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya, Amandeep Kaur and Navjot Kaur
Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Ritusha Arya, Anupa Barla, Anuradha Devi.
The Times of India
Ritu Rani to lead Indian women's hockey team in Malaysia
NEW DELHI: Midfielder Ritu Rani will lead a 21-member Indian women's hockey squad in the upcoming tour of Malaysia, which is scheduled to take place from June 7 to June 17 as part of preparations for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
India will be playing a six-match test series in Kuala Lumpur, the last one in the build-up to the CWG in Glasgow, which will be organised from July 23 to August 3.
The squad was selected by Hockey India selectors B P Govinda, Harbinder Singh, Surinder Kaur along with chief coach Neil Hawgood and scientific advisor Matthew Tredrea.
Selection trials for the same were conducted at NSNIS Patiala on May 23 and 24. The preparatory camp of the senior women's team for Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2014 is already in progress at NSNIS Patiala.
Defender Deepika will be the vice-captain for the Malaysian tour.
Hawgood said, "The players selected to be a part of the squad have shown immense talent and skills on the field and have earned their position to make it in the list. We are looking forward for the Malaysian tour as this will help us and the players to understand their strengths and weaknesses even better and work on them to the level of perfection.
"We will be keeping a close watch on the players' performances on this tour and will analyse the same to refine the edges to ensure good results in the Commonwealth Games 2014."
Speaking ahead of series, Rani said, "I am very pleased to see the selected squad and I am glad to be a part of it. As I have been playing with all of these players for quite some time now and aware of their capabilities, it gives me huge motivation when I look at the squad and I believe we all will give our best to live up to the expectations of our coaches and selectors.
"This tour is going to help us to get into the rhythm and prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games."
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita Defenders: Deepika (Vice-Captain), Kirandeep Kaur, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Jaspreet Kaur, Gurjit Kaur, Asunta Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka
Midfielders: Ritu Rani (Captain), Sushila Chanu, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya, Amandeep Kaur, Navjot Kaur
Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Ritusha Arya, Anupa Barla, Anuradha Devi
Schedule for the Malaysian Tour First match: June 9 Second match: June 10 Third match: June 12 Fourth match: June 14 Fifth match: June 15 Sixth match: June 17.
The Times of India
Amsterdam to host 2017 EuroHockey Championships
EuroHockey announced this week that Wagener Stadium will be the venue for the 2017 men's and women's EuroHockey Championships
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
The EHF and KNHB announced on 5 June that the 2017 EuroHockey Championships, Women and Men will be held at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, The Netherlands , 19-27 August 2017.
Following an extensive process which began in November 2013 when EHF Member Associations where asked for Expressions of Interest to host the 2017 EuroHockey Championships Women and Men, the EHF has now announced that the KNHB is the successful bidder.
Three countries submitted an Expression of Interest on time – France, Netherlands and Spain. A bid Selection Group of Carola Meyer, Simon Mason and Angus Kirkland was tasked with assessing the bids and making a recommendation to the EHF Office Bearers of the EHF Executive board for their approval. France subsequently withdrew, leaving a bid from RFEH and KNHB.
“It is fantastic that the EHF has honoured all the effort which went into producing the bid book. The KNHB is looking forward to working with the EHF and Amsterdam city council. The European championships will focus not only on top-level hockey but on sharing expertise. We will try to ensure the event becomes an educational experience for umpires, coaches, event managers and others by organising congresses and seminars,” said KNHB director Johan Wakkie.
Erik van der Burg, Amsterdam city council alderman: “We are delighted the EuroHockey Championships for both men and women are coming to Amsterdam in 2017. This brings the total number of major hockey events staged in Amsterdam to 17. Amsterdam has been a hockey city for years - the ‘marriage’ goes back to the 1928 Olympics when hockey was played at the Olympic Stadium. Hockey remains extremely popular to this day. Amsterdam has 10 clubs and membership is growing continually. We are sure these championships will deliver economic and sporting spin offs for the city, as we have experienced in the terrific atmosphere of the World Cup in The Hague. Amsterdam is looking forward to welcoming the international hockey community to our wonderful city.”
For more information on EuroHockey visit eurohockey.org
FIH site