News 13 June 2014
All the news for Friday 13 June 2014
Women's Semi-final 1: Hockeyroos in Hague heaven
Thrilling semi-final sees Hockeyroos win shoot-out over relentless USA
The Hockeyroos will contest the World Cup final after they saw off a relentless challenge from the USA. For their part, the USA saw their World Cup adventure come to the most heart-breaking of endings after they came back from 2-1 down in the final minutes of regular time, only to lose in a penalty shoot-out. The Hockeyroos had taken the lead just before half-time, but the USA had fought back so the score at full-time was 2-2. Great goal-keeping by Australia's Rachael Lynch prevented all but one of the USA players from scoring and with Kellie White, Georgie Parker and Jodie Kenny all finding the net, it is the Hockeyroos who will contest Saturday's final. The USA, who came into this tournament as 10th-ranked underdogs will contest the bronze medal.
The match itself was a thrilling semi-final between two physical, fit and committed teams. The first half was an even affair played out with just one goal scored on the brink of half time by Kellie White of Australia. If it was possible, the second half was played at an even greater tempo and both sides created scoring opportunities, although the greater quality of play was probably to be found in the defensive units of both teams. The USA levelled, only to see Anna Flanagan score a trademark drag-flick to restore the lead. A sustained USA attack was rewarded with two minutes left when Michelle Vitesse scored to send the game into shoot-out.
It was a busy start by both teams with Australia marginally edging the opening few minutes, but it was USA who drew the first save, the tournament's top scorer Katie O'Donnell forcing Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch into action.
The half settled into a flowing and exciting game, with both teams playing expansive and open hockey. Australia were led on the break time and again by the heard-working Georgia Nanscawen and Emily Hurtz, but their forays into the USA defending end were met by a solid and stern resistance from Caroline Nichols, Lauren Crandall and Stefanie Fee. At the other end of the pitch, Jodie Kenny – who has had an outstanding World Cup – was strong in the Australia defence.
Coach Craig Parnham will not be pleased that his team lost their video referral early in the half. This was a rare slip-up in decision-making and might have been a sign of the pressure getting to the normally disciplined USA squad.
As the half played out, key players for both teams began to make their presence felt. Madonna Blyth proved her value at the core of the Australia midfield, making crucial tackles and providing the platform for Australia attacking opportunities. Up front for the Hockeyroos, Kellie White and Georgie Parker were hard-working and put the USA defence to the test with regularity. For the USA, Michelle Kasold and Michelle Vitesse were particularly impressive, their passes scattering across the field with pin-point accuracy to create all sorts of problems for the Hockeyroos defence to deal with.
The opening goal came at the end of the half, Hurtz made a terrific run – incisive and direct – and her pass was gratefully received by Kellie White (33') who slammed it past Jackie Kintzer in the USA goal.
The second half was an equally well-matched affair with the USA demonstrating just how they had finished up as pool winners with their quick ball transfer and running at the defence with speed and commitment. The USA's first penalty corner of the match came in the 41st minute, with Lauren Crandall desperately unlucky not to direct Caroline Nichol's sweep shot past Lynch. However, true to the pattern of this game, the Hockeyroos had their first corner opportunity just two minutes later, and Anna Flanagan had her first sight of glory. Her shot was well-saved by Kintzer, and the keeper recovered sufficiently to deal with a sharp rebound from White, seeking her second goal.
The equaliser came courtesy of Kelsey Kolojejchick (48'), her total determination to win the ball synonymous with both team's approach to the game. She hassled and harried the Australia defence and scrambled the ball home.
Michelle Vitesse, whose ceaseless running was causing the Hockeyroos all sorts of bother, nearly gave the USA the lead seconds later. She pounced on a loose ball in circle, but then had a swing and miss, only to see Casey Eastham knick the ball and hare up the other end of the pitch. Anna Flanagan's second penalty corner, which came in the 52nd minute gave the Hockeyroos a 2-1 lead with a low shot to Kintzer's bottom right corner.
The final 18 minutes was played at a relentless pace. The USA came straight back at the Hockeyroos with an intensity, but Australia weathered the initial storm, and Kate Jenner was unlucky not to put the game beyond the USA's reach. But the USA pressure paid off and with just two minutes of regular time left, Kelsey Kolojejchick (68') was rewarded for her input and her shot left Lynch stranded.
The penalty shoot out saw the goalkeepers again perform brilliantly under pressure, with Lynch particularly impressive. Kellie White, Georgie Parker and Jodie Kenny scored for Australia, and Kelsey Kolojejchick scored for USA, leaving the Hockeyroos eventual winners.
Speaking after the game, coach Craig Parnham said: "We played a pretty good game today. Australia is a world class team, but we competed with them. We could have done with a few more penalty corners, but we must now move on."
Anna Flanagan, whose goal had given Australia the lead until two minutes from time, said: "They (the USA) had a really good tournament. It is a credit to the players who did a one-on-one that they were able to refocus and take the game. We are excited to be in the final and we know we need to bring our best game to that final. If it is against the Netherlands then we had our best game against them, and we can do that again."
Her colleague Ashleigh Nelson said: "That was a physical game, but I was angry that we conceded a goal at the end. I didn't think it should have been a goal, but they really came at us hard."
Captain of USA, Lauren Crandall, added: That game was probably all about us. We are relentless, we get energised when we are pressing and moving the ball forwards. We were 2-1 down and we just kept going. Now we have to refocus as we have a really big game coming up."
FIH site
Women's Semi-final 2: Netherlands hit top gear and tame Las Leonas
Argentina are swept away by the free scoring Oranje
Result: Netherlands v Argentina 4-0 (3-0)
It was the match that many people thought would be the final, but this World Cup is providing surprises every step of the way. What was not a surprise was the quality of the Netherlands side that took to the field for the second women's semi-final. What was more surprising was the ease with which the women in orange swept the challenge of the reigning champions aside to win the game by a convincing 4-0 scoreline.
"When you have scored two goals in the first 20 minutes you make it very hard for the opposition to play their game," said two-goal hero Kim Lammers. "We played a really good game tonight; probably the best we have played so far in the competition. Yes, we were scoring, but our defence and our tackling all over the field was also very good."
Argentina's case was not helped by the injury to Luciana Aymar. The player, who for so many years has been the inspiration and driving force, took to the field with a heavily-strapped right thigh and was effectively operating on half capacity for the entire match. Whether the eight-times FIH Player of the Year would have been able to stop the orange onslaught had she been fully fit is debatable but, with the core of the midfield missing, Argentina were chasing the game from the opening minutes.
Kelly Jonker came close to opening the scoring within four minutes but Belen Succi put in a first-class save to deny her. It was left to one of the new recruits to the Dutch squad to open the scoring. Xan de Waard (10') opened her international scoring account with a sweetly-taken reverse stick strike after running around the top of the circle and using clever footwork to lose the defenders.
In the 16th minute Maartje Paumen scored her seventh goal of the competition, with a penalty corner that when into the goal low and to the right of Belen and doubled the Dutch lead. Roos Drost, who has had an excellent tournament, nearly made it three, but her shot, taken on the bounce, was mistimed and Rosario Luchetti cleared the danger.
Argentina fought back and there were touches of brilliance from individuals within the squad, but there was a lack of cohesion to the squad and that ultimately was the undoing of Las Leona's challenge.
The Netherlands goalkeeper, Joyce Sombroek, was called into action infrequently, but when she was asked to perform she was excellent. A save from Carla Rebecchi was top class, and she also batted away a half-hearted attempt by Delfino Merino.
The game was effectively put to bed in the 22nd minute when Kim Lammers took the ball around Belen and as it popped up into the air, Lammers was able to bat it into the back of the net. Argentina had one more chance to reduce the deficit before half-time, when Daniela Sruoga fired the ball across Sombroek, but a diving Rebecchi couldn't connect.
After the break Argentina came back strongly and won two penalty corners, but with Aymar a shadow of her imperious best, these did not really threaten the Netherland's defence. Netherland's coach Max Caldas was concerned about his team's lack of goals in the second half and the fact that Argentina were able to create opportunities. "Every time you score an early goal that helps, but it also gives the opposition a longer time to get back into it. In the last half of the first half we lost our composure and in the start of the second half, we didn't put our chances away. It stayed a close game, but they are things we need to get better at."
It was not until the 70th minute of the game that Kim Lammers scored her second and Netherlands fourth goal. The move was started by Naomi van As, the tall midfielder glided past the Argentine defence before releasing Ellen Hoog with a beautifully weighted pass. Hoog shot and Lammers touched the ball to tip it past Succi.
"That was a big team effort today," said Lammers. Her coach added: "We needed to play that well to beat Argentina. We needed our best game yet to beat them and luckily that happened. Now we need to do the same in the final."
The match was not the showpiece it promised to be, but for hockey aficionados, the excellence of the Netherlands team cannot fail to set hearts beating. The Oranje now take on the Hockeyroos. The two sides met in the pool stages, where the Netherlands won 2-1.
FIH site
England edge Belgium; South Africa rout Malaysia
England women & South Africa men secure 11th place finishes at Rabobank Hockey World Cup.jpg-1402573211)
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
The 11/12 place play-off matches at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup were both decided, with England women taking a dramatic shoot-out victory over Belgium before South Africa men came from a goal down to thrash Malaysia 6-2. The result gave the winning teams an 11th place finish, consigning their opponents to 12th.
WOMEN 11/12th: Belgium v England 1-1 (0-1) (2-3 SO)
The 11/12 place play-off was decided in dramatic fashion when England's slender 1-0 lead was cancelled out by a last-minute equaliser and the game went to shoot-out. England's experience paid off as they won the shoot-out 2-1, largely thanks to the excellent 'keeping by England's Maddie Hinch. The goal-scorers for England in the shoot-out were Sally Walton and Susie Gilbert, Belgium's sole scorer was Aline Fobe.
The 13th-ranked young Belgium side worked hard in the heat of the Kyocera Stadium, but for most of the game failed to really trouble an England team that looked tired, dejected but competent. England, who took the lead in the 16th minute, spent the last period of the game with only nine players on the pitch, when captain Kate Richardson-Walsh and Susannah Townsend were both dismissed with yellow cards. England defended well and survived this, but in the final minute Belgium – who had removed their 'keeper to have 11 field players – scored from a penalty corner, Emilie Sinia the hero for the Red Panthers.
Read more..
MEN 11/12th: Malaysia v South Africa 2-6 (1-0)
Seven goals in 35 minutes kept the crowd entertained as the Lads ran riot in the second half of this 11/12 classification match. South Africa took full advantage when Malaysia were reduced to 10 men for five minutes in the second half of the game. A hat-trick for Justin Reid-Ross was the highlight of the South Africa performance, but the African champions had to survive a Malaysian attacking onslaught in the first half before they got a handle on the game.
Malaysia opened the scoring through Firhan Ashari (26') found the goal after taking a quick free hit just outside the circle. The South Africa defence was caught snoozing and Erasmus Pieterse was unable to prevent the ball going into the net. The matched turned around in the second half as South Africa began to set their press higher up the field and pressurise the Malaysian defence. The South Africa goals came from Reid-Ross, (43', 45' and 48'). Lloyd Norris-Jones (50'), Austin Smith (64') and Jean-Pierre de Voux. Malaysia scored a consolation goal through Shahrun Abdullah in the final minute of the match.
Read more...
For more information on the Rabobank Hockey World Cup visit the Event website HERE.
FIH site
Going for gold
Hockeyroos beat USA on shoot-out to reach World Cup final against Netherlands.
The Hockeyroos are through to Saturday's World Cup final after a thrilling semi-final with the USA finished with Australia taking victory, 3-1 in the shoot-out after a 2-2 draw.
They will meet the hosts, the Netherlands, in the final after the Olympic champions beat the defending World Cup winners Argentina 4-0 in the second semi-final.
The result ensures that the Hockeyroos will leave The Hague with a medal and gives them the opportunity to add a third World Cup gold to those won in 1994 and 1998.
Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch was one of the Australian heroines with three saves in the shoot-out while Kellie White, Georgie Parker and Jodie Kenny kept their cool to convert their efforts.
Before the match, Western Australian Jayde Taylor was recognised for reaching 100 appearances for the Hockeyroos.
In a well contested opening half, White broke the deadlock two minutes before the half time break with a shot on the angle that took a deflection before finding its way to the back of the goal.
Kelsey Kolojejchick levelled for the USA 13 minutes into the second half as she rode a series of challenges before striking back for the 10th ranked team but tournament top scorer Anna Flanagan fired the Hockeyroos back in front five minutes later. It was Flanagan’s sixth penalty corner goal in the tournament.
With the contest entering its final stages and the Australian defence under growing pressure the USA snatched an equaliser with a shot from Kolojejchick that flew high off the body of Madonna Blyth beyond Lynch in goal. Australia immediately asked the umpire to review the decision but having lost their referral earlier in the game their appeals fell on deaf ears.
Afterwards, Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said, “I thought it was a typical semi-final. I think both teams came to play very hard and to play with a lot of energy, to try and win. I think in the first half we were a little disconnected but we still created a lot of opportunities. The second half…we started off quite well, we created a number of goal scoring opportunities.
“You wouldn’t expect a semi-final to be an easy match and it wasn’t, it was very close. I’m really proud the girls were able to get the result and to reach our goal of reaching the final. It’s been a long time since the Hockeyroos have been in a final of the World Cup or an Olympic Games. To do it now is off the back of some hard work over a number of years.”
When asked whether he feels the Hockeyroos belong back at the top of world hockey, Commens said, “I think we do. Whilst I have not been 100 per cent pleased with the way that we’ve played, and certainly wasn’t today, for us to not play at our best and to win matches and to reach a World Cup final says something about the ceiling we have.
“If your ceiling is here (up high) and you’re operating here (lower) but you still make the World Cup final, it shows the potential and capacity of this group is quite large. I think in the next two years you’ll start to see some pretty exciting matches from our group.”
Lynch was the busier of the goalkeepers early on in a first half that had only a handful of clear cut goal scoring opportunities. When it arrived, White’s goal was Australia’s first shot on target and came as the result of a quick breakaway by Emily Hurtz and Georgie Parker’s quickly taken free hit.
The second half burst into life with a string of early penalty corners. Jodie Kenny’s facemask thwarted the US on the first occasion and moments later Anna Flanagan was denied by American goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer at the other end. Rachael Lynch pulled off a good save from the USA’s second corner but the world number ten side was not to be denied and scored through Kelsey Kolojejchick who rode the tackles to equalise on 48 minutes.
Australia responded well to the set-back with Emily Hurtz forcing a penalty corner and the tournament’s top scorer Anna Flanagan kept her cool to fire the ball low into the bottom corner.
Under increasing American pressure as the match entered its final ten minutes, Lynch was forced to make save before Michelle Vittesse lashed a powerful shot just wide of the Victorian’s goal. There was a string in the tail, however. With just two minutes remaining Kolojejchick fired USA level at 2-2 to force the match to a shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Lynch saved from Katie O’Donnell, Paige Selenski and Michelle Kasold with only Kolojejchick finding the target. Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth’s effort was saved before White, Parker and Kenny all successfully held their nerve to put the Hockeryoos into Saturday’s final against either the Netherlands or Argentina.
Lynch spoke after the shoot-out, saying, “It’s just relief I suppose. There’s so much adrenalin in the one-on-ones. I’m just really happy the girls were so solid and just got the job done at the end so really rapped.
“I thought we were ok at 2-1 and were going to take the game out but these things happen. We practice these so much for this reason so we were really confident with the girls and that gives me so much confidence. I know I just have to save a couple and we’ll win. It went well today. [I’m] just so happy.”
The Hockeyroos will face the winner of the second semi-final, the Netherlands, in the final. The final takes place at 23:15 AEST on Saturday and will be shown live across Australia on ABC 2.
World Cup
The Hague, Netherlands
Semi-Final 1
HOCKEYROOS 2 (1)
Kellie White 33 (FG)
Anna Flanagan 53 (PC)
USA 2 (0)
Kelsey Kolojejchick 48, 68 (FG, FG)
Shoot-out:
Katie O'Donnell (USA) - no goal
Madonna Blyth (AUS) - no goal
Paige Selenski (USA) - no goal
Kellie White (AUS) - goal
Kelsey Kolojejchick (USA) - goal
Georgie Parker (AUS) - goal
Michelle Kasold (USA) - no goal
Jodie Kenny (AUS) - goal
Hockeyroos’ squad v USA
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 285/65 [28]
Eddie Bone (Evatt, ACT) 46/2 [26]
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 209/44 [25]
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 130/29 [22]
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 112/55 [26]
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 109/0 [27]
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 45/4 [22]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 154/61 [27]
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 62/16 [25]
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 92/36 [21]
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 82/25 [22]
Used Substitute
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 47/4 [21]
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 54/2 [25]
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 84/30 [24]
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 101/1 [24]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 130/23 [22]
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 100/2 [29]
Unused Substitute
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 35/0 [24]
Final Standings
1. Australia OR Netherlands OR Argentina (14.6.14)
2. Australia OR Netherlands OR Argentina (14.6.14)
3. USA OR Netherlands OR Argentina (14.6.14)
4. USA OR Netherlands OR Argentina (14.6.14)
5. New Zealand OR China (13.6.14)
6. New Zealand OR China (13.6.14)
7. Korea OR Germany (13.6.14)
8. Korea OR Germany (13. 6.14)
9. Japan OR South Africa (13.6.14)
10. Japan OR South Africa (13.6.14)
11. England
12. Belgium
Hockey Australia media release
Australian women win shoot-out against USA to enter final
THE HAGUE: Australia entered the women's hockey World Cup final with a 3-1 win in the shootout against United States after the two teams were tied 2-2 in regulation period at the Kyocera Stadium on Thursday.
Kellie White, Goergie Parker and Jodies Smith Kenny scored for Australia in the shootout after their captain Madonna Blyth was unable to convert the first try.
Australian goalkeeper Rachael Lynch conceded a goal to Kelsey Kolojejchick, but thwarted Katie O'Donnell, Paige Selenski and Michelle Kasold.
The fifth attempt in the shootout was not needed as Australia had already secured a two-goal advantage.
USA, who came into this tournament ranked No. 10 in the world, twice rallied after falling behind in regulation period to take the contest into extra-time and then into the shootout.
Australia took the lead two minutes before half-time on Kellie White's diagonal shot that went in off a defender's stick.
USA made it 1-1 in the 48th minute with a field goal by Kolojejchick, but Australia went ahead again four minutes later through a rasping penalty corner shot from Anna Flanagan.
Pressing hard, USA drew parity again just two minutes from the hooter with Kolojejchick's second open field strike of the semifinal.
Australia, seeking their third World Cup title, now await the result of the second semifinal between defending champions Argentina and 2012 Olympic gold medalists The Netherlands, to be played later today.
Earlier, Olympic bronze medalists England averted the bottom spot among 12 women teams at this tournament when they prevailed 2-1 in the shootout against Belgium after the teams were tied 1-1 in regulation period.
The Times of India
Gutsy performance falls short for USA in semifinal as they lose to Australia in shoot-out
By Jawwad Qamar
In one of the most exciting World Cups matches so far, the unbeaten magical run of USA Women came to an end in a semifinal shoot-out against Australia, after the Americans came back from a goal down in the last two minutes of regulation on a tremendous effort by Kelsey Kolojejchic with her second goal.
After an evenly played first half, that saw good defensive efforts from both sides, especially the goalkeepers, it was the Australians ahead with a one goal lead thanks to a blast by Kellie White from the right of the circle that found Lauren Crandall’s stick for a deflection through the stretched right leg of Jackie Kintzer in USA goal at the 33rd minute mark.
Kolojejchic evened the score in the 48 minute, after taking a loose ball on a penetration run by Michelle Kasold and getting away from four Aussie defenders, left to right, showing great skills. However, four minutes later the tournament’s leading scorer, Anna Flanagan, gave the Hockeyroos a 2-1 lead on a penalty corner victimizing USA captain Crandall for another deflection into the net. With a goal down and the clock winding down, Team USA started showing urgency with numbers in their forays, led by the relentless Katie O'Donnell. However, it was Kolojejchic again, receiving the ball just beyond the center line from Caroline Nichols and weaving it in unchallenged into the circle and surprising the Aussies with a with shot from top left of circle, as another deflection, this time from an Australian hand, allowed the Americans the equalizer with two minutes left in regulation.
The shoot-out saw both keepers again perform superbly under pressure, especially Rachael Lynch. While White, Georgie Parker and Jodie Kenny scored for Australia, O'Donnell, Paige Selenski and Kasold were denied by Lynch. Kolojejchick was the only one to find the net for USA again, thus sending the Hockeyroos into a joyous eruption and the final.
In the second semifinal between the number 1 ranked Netherlands against the number 2 ranked and defending champions Argentina, it was the Dutch runing riot against the South Americans scoring 3 goals in the first half and putting another one in the second half for a 4-0 victory in front of a delighted home crowd to move into Saturday’s final. The Dutch are in excellent form and have to be a favorites here against the Aussies for the gold having beaten them 2-0 in pool play last Saturday.
Meanwhile, it’ll be a rematch of pool play 2-2 tie between the Pan American rivals USA and Argentina in the bronze medal match earlier on Saturday. Team USA have been the surprise of the women’s tournament showing a lot skill and motivation and should prevail this time against Argentina. Kolojejchick with her performance today leads Team USA with 5 goals and Kathleen Sharkey was outstanding with her two goals against Germany. However, both players have been coming off the bench and it’ll be wise for Coach Craig Parnham to include them in the starting lineup on Saturday to get the offense going early.
Fieldhockey.com
Team USA Cements Historical Achievement and Heads to Globally-Sought World Cup Bronze Round
The U.S. Women’s National Team falls 1-3 in shootouts to Australia
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup semifinal match between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Australia came down to mere minutes and inches to keep spectators' hearts pounding until utterly the last moment of play. In monumental fashion, the United States took their positions on the pitch to make their first appearance in 20 years on the World Cup semifinals stage. With a relentless spirit, Team USA tied in regulation play but fell short in shootouts against Australia in Kyocera Stadium. The game concluded with the Hockeyroos winning shootouts 1-3 over the USA.
“I’m incredibly proud of the group,” said Head Coach Craig Parnham. “Australia is a world-class team, possessing lots of strengths. Our group played a terrific 70 minutes of hockey. Our focus now transitions to the bronze medal round.”
Both teams settled into the first 35 minutes by trying to develop a fluid game rhythm. Spells of aggressive attack bantered from both ends of the pitch. The red, white and blue’s defensive end was able to withstand the swarming Australian forward line. As play shifted, United States strikers Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) and Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) as well as midfielder Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) sent quick sessions of rapid fire, rebounded shots to cage looking to break onto the board. The score swayed in the opposition's favor in 33rd minute when Australian forward Kellie White took the ball with speed to the top right of the attacking D to send a smooth drive to goal. The halftime report displayed a close match of USA 0, Australia 1.
The United States was far from a finished script as they looked to write a new score by plowing into their offensive end with might. In the 48th minute it paid off big when Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) shot the ball from the sweet spot of the circle to hit the net. The equalizer held until the 52nd minute when Australia’s Anna Flanagan scored off of a penalty corner. The match raced on as those in the stadium shifted their eyes between the pitch and the game clock’s dwindling minutes. With an enormous amount of fight and heart, Team USA tapped into their unyielding energy to keep the game alive. In the 68th marker Kolojejchick capitalized yet again in front of the goal cage to lock a score of 2-2 and push the match into shootouts.
“This game defines us,” said USA Captain and defender Lauren Crandall (Doylestown, Pa.). “We’re relentless. We do our homework. We play our game. We’ve learned that the strengths we possess will take us to where we want to go. We energize one another. We scored a goal with two minutes and 16 seconds on the clock to tie the game. That’s who we are.”
Edge-of-the-seat shootouts commenced with O’Donnell taking the first opportunity and Selenski with the second position. Despite two solid runs to the net, neither were able to create goals while Australia missed their first shootout but made their second. Australia held an edge over the USA until Kolojejchick dodged the keeper to send a crisp drive into the cage. Next up for the USA was striker Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.) who bolted off of the line with stealth but the buzzer rang without a result. Australia won their final two shootout opportunities to clinch a position in the finals.
“We’re on a journey,” said Parnham. “We’re looking at the long term and there is more to come from us.”
The World Cup started for Team USA with competition against England where the red, white and blue won 2-1. The team then went on to tie Argentina 2-2. China proved to be another hard-fought battle, but the United States prevailed 5-0. Next, the United States beat Germany 4-1. South Africa was Team USA’s final competitor in pool play. The team was able to strike hard and fast with a final score of USA 4, South Africa 2. The USA will contend next against Argentina on Saturday, June 14 at 6:30 a.m. EST.
USFHA media release
Igniting the Dream from the First Stick to the World Cup
As we all watch Team USA take the turf on Thursday against Australia, we will see the world’s top athletes compete with skill, strength, speed and finesse. With 15,000 fans chanting “U-S-A” in Kyocera Stadium and folks across the globe tuning in, it’s hard to imagine where it all began. However, it wasn’t too long ago that these athletes were struggling with yard stick pulls on a bumpy grass field or attempting 10 consecutive air dribbles.
“It feels like yesterday that my father took me and my friends to watch the U.S. Team play prior to the '84 Games,” said 1996 Olympian and Sport Development Manager, Liz Tchou. “It’s an experience I’ve never forgotten and I’m so excited we are able to have the current National Team work with this age group. They’ll remember this unique opportunity for a lifetime!”
This summer, USA Field Hockey is introducing an opportunity to not only meet the stars of the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup, but to also ignite the dream of youngsters nationwide. The U.S. National Team will hit the road and travel to 14 sites for the first annual Olympic Youth Camps.
“By connecting us with the next generation of dreamers, Olympic Youth Camps provide a great opportunity to share the sport we love in a fun, dynamic environment,” said U.S. Women’s National Team member, two-time Olympian, and World Cup athlete, Rachel Dawson. “It is our chance to give back, to share our stories, our sport, and most of all our smiles. It gets at the heart of sport, of what makes what we do every day so meaningful - it’s not just about us, it’s bigger than us; it’s about inspiring others with the courage to dream.”
In an effort to continue to grow the game and to allow Team USA to give back to the grassroots community, Olympic Youth Camps were introduced. Boys and girls, ages 7-13, will build fundamental skills, play games, and have an opportunity to learn from the very best. All skill levels and positions are welcome. Click here for more information!
USFHA media release
Six-minute Justin Reid-Ross hat-trick delivers knockout punch for SA
JONATHAN COOK in The Hague
Justin Reid-Ross celebrates his hat-trick inside six minutes in the World Cup 11th/12th place playoff against Malaysia and Lloyd Madsen joins in. Photo: GRANT TREEBY
A stunning hat-trick between the 43rd and 48th minutes by South Africa drag-flick king Justin Reid-Ross ensured the men in green and gold consigned Malaysia to 12th and last place during Hockey World Cup 2014 at the splendid Kyocera Stadium in The Hague, Holland Thursday.
SA won 6-2 after trailing 1-0 at half-time, the goals going to Reid-Ross (3), Lloyd Norris-Jones, outstanding captain Austin Smith and Pierre de Voux, while Firhan Ashari in the first half and a superb Shahrun Abdulla shot 49 seconds from the final whistle made up the Malaysians’ numbers.
Reid-Ross, who had an inspired match in all departments, both on attack and in defence, sent the white nut flying past hapless Malaysia goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam from the penalty spot in the 43rd, delivered a drag-flick at a fearsome speed that nearly took the keeper’s head off two minutes later and nailed down another penalty corner in the 48th minute that threatened to break the back of the net.
SA’s goal number four was fittingly scored by fleet-footed striker Norris-Jones, who took advantage of Smith’s slide-rule through pass, broke into the 23-metre area before entering the strike zone and smashing the ball past an advancing Subramiam, who actually had a reasonable tournament, making some breathtaking saves.
But in this match he was the victim. This in the face of extreme pressure caused by a clumsy defence whose members too often used their bodies to bump the South Africans off the ball.
The numerous penalty corners the SA strikers were able to win in the second half reflected the pressure the frontrunners put the Malaysian defence under after the changeover, as the match took a dramatic turn in the South Africans’ favour.
To add insult to injury, Smith also nailed down a superb PC drag-flick goal in the 64th minute, while striker Pierre de Voux completed the rout one minute from the final whistle.
Yet the first half reflected much of South Africa’s woes in their Group matches, the lack of cohesion largely due to just two weeks together.
World number 12 SA and world 13 Malaysia have a history of close tussles in recent years and the full-time professional, well-paid Malaysians enjoy a national programme while the men in green and gold have no such advantages.
Rassie Pieterse in the goals was instrumental in keeping SA in the game when things weren’t going their way but there was little he could do in the 26th minute when Malaysia forward Firhan Ashari exhibited excellent close control to evade defenders in the strike zone and slip the ball past the keeper (1-0).
With five minutes to the break, Fitri Saari forced a PC and Pieterse was on hand to make an acrobatic stick-save out to his right.
Defender Rhett Halkett also had a very good game – and not just as a stopper of attacks – several of his passes creating chances for his team-mates while SA midfielder and vice-captain Wade Paton, a player who does the unfashionable hard graft that allows others to shine, drew praise from head coach Fabian Gregory for soldiering on during the tournament despite debilitating injury.
Meanwhile, the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team meet an old foe when they take on world number nine Japan in the playoff for ninth place at 10am Friday.
The Japanese women somewhat controversially edged SA in the equivalent match at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the girls in green and gold will be determined to turn the tables this time round and end World Cup 2014 on a high, particularly as the Investec Cup looms in London mid-July as well as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow towards the end of next month.
SA Hockey Association media release
Malaysia finish last
MALAYSIA created history of sorts when they lost 6-2 to South Africa to finish last for the first time, without a single win or draw, in the World Cup.
Firhan Ashaari injected early hopes when he finally scored his first World Cup goal after dribbling the defence and placing the ball between the legs of South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse for the lead in the 26th minute.
However South Africa, 12th in the World, equalised in the 43rd minute off a penalty stroke executed by Justin Reid-Ross.
And in the 48th minute South Africa won their first penalty corner of the match and Reid-Ross perfected it with a high flick.
Reid-Ross snatched his hat-trick in the 50th minute, off their second penalty corner.
Lloyd Jones (50th), Austin Smith (64th), Jean Pierre (69th) nailed the Malaysian coffin shut.
Shahrun Nabil scored the consolation in the 70th minute.
New Straits Times
Malaysia finish hockey World Cup campaign in last spot
by S Ramaguru
Malaysian player Ramadan Rosli (left) hands out his hand for a handshake after losing 6-2 to South Africa. -S.S KANESAN/The Star
THE HAGUE: Malaysia started off promisingly but ended like chumps as they were blasted 6-2 by South Africa in the World Cup’s 11th placing playoff at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague, Holland.
Malaysia finished last for their worst ever showing in hockey’s premier tournament.
Yesterday, the Malaysians held the lead at half-time and were in control of the match.
But they succumbed to a South African fightback and gave away six goals in the second half to end up without a single win.
National coach K. Dharmaraj said his players were upset with a penalty stroke given to South Africa early in the second half.
“They lost concentration after that and conceded three quick penalty corner goals. It is a learning experience for the players and they now know what it is like to play at this level.
“You just cannot make mistakes and expect to win. We played well in patches and that’s not enough. The South Africans were also determined not to finish last and they took their chances better than us,” added Dharmaraj.
The match got off to a slow start with Malaysia taking the initiative. They could have taken the lead in the 11th minute when they earned their first penalty corner, but Mohamed Razie Rahim sent his flick wide.
In the 26th minute, Mohamed Firhan Azhaari beat two South African defenders to slot the ball past goalkeeper Eramus Pieterse to give Malaysia the lead.
The Malaysians had another penalty corner in the 31st minute but failed to take advantage. They went off at half-time with a 1-0 lead.
It was all over for Malaysia in a seven-minute spell after the breather.
In the 43rd minute, South Africa earned a penalty stroke and Justin Reid-Ross easily converted for the equaliser.
Reid-Ross was again on target in the 48th minute when he converted South Africa’s first penalty corner past goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Reid-Ross then completed his hat-trick a minute later, again through a penalty corner.
The African champions were not done yet with Lloyd Jones stretching the lead to 4-1 with a field goal in the 50th minute.
After that, Malaysia replaced Kumar with veteran Roslan Jamaluddin, giving him his first taste of action in the tournament.
But there was no joy for Roslan as the South Africans scored two more goals through Austin Smith (64th) and Jean-Pierre de Voux (69th). Mohamed Shahrun Nabil pulled one back for Malaysia in the 69th minute, but it was too little too late.
The Star of Malaysia
Malaysia lose 2-6 to South Africa to finish last
THE HAGUE (The Netherlands): Malaysia were pushed to the bottom of the 12-nation Men's Hockey World Cup after being hammered 6-2 by South Africa on Thursday.
Justin Reid-Ross scored a hat-trick to boost South Africa in the play-off for the 11th position.
Malaysia opened the scoring with a field goal by Firhan Ashari in the 26th minute before Reid-Ross hit back in the second half, converting a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute.
Within five minutes, he had converted two penalty corners to complete his hat-trick. Lloyd Norris-Jones, captain Austin Smith and Jean-Pierre de Voux boosted South Africa with a goal each before Malaysia pulled one back in the last minute through Shahrun Abdullah.
Malaysia were playing in their first World Cup since hosting the event in 2002.
The Times of India
England finish 11th after shoot-out victory
Maddie Hinch in action during the shoot-out for 11th-12th place at the Rabobank World Cup - credit Ady Kerry story
On women’s Semi Final day at the Kyocera Stadium the battle for an 11th place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup was not the match England Head Coach Jason Lee and his team had hoped to be playing in. However, after finishing in sixth place in their pool that was the reality and England lined up eager to ensure they took the win from 12th ranked side Belgium.
While Sophie Bray put England ahead in the first half, a goal after full-time from Belgium levelled the scores and forced the game into a shoot-out. England put two away thanks to Sally Walton and Susie Gilbert and in defence Maddie Hinch showed her prowess in goal, saving all but one of Belgium’s shots and giving her side the victory.
On the result today and looking ahead, England Captain, Kate Richardson-Walsh said: "It's good to finish with a win but we never wanted to be in this position. We've got some important lessons to learn and we'll go back and learn them. We have the Investec London Cup and Commonwealth Games coming up so it's a busy summer. We'll pick ourselves up and set our standards high for those tournaments."
England started brightly and earned themselves a penalty corner inside the first five minutes; the resulting shot from Hollie Webb went straight through Belgium’s defence into the goal, but the ball just missed the top of the back board resulting in a free hit to Belgium.
After a period of sustained pressure from Belgium, England broke free with a great counter-attacking run from Susie Gilbert whose strong pass across goal was deflected in by Sophie Bray at close range to take the score to 1-0.
England’s defence was tested by Belgium on several occasions and Hinch had to be at her best to keep them at bay. Several shots flew in from Belgium’s Emilie Sinia over the course of the rest of the half, but Hinch was always quick to send them away and the first half ran out with the scores still at 1-0 to England.
Both teams pushed forward in the second half and Belgium had a couple of early chances as they hunted to bring the scores level. England lost Ashleigh Ball with half an hour to go as she went down outside the Belgian circle with a knee injury and had to be stretched off the pitch.
Despite a number of penalty corners and good attacking play England were unable to add another goal to their tally for the rest of the second half. A yellow card for Susannah Townsend followed just moments later by one for captain Kate Richardson-Walsh made the game nervy with less than ten minutes left on the clock. In the last few seconds it looked like England had done enough to secure the win, but a penalty corner for Belgium proved otherwise. In a moment very reminiscent of England’s defeat to Argentina, Stephanie de Groof put the ball away after full-time and took the game into a shoot-out.
Belgium went first and Hinch began facing off against Alix Gerniers. As soon as the ball was in her circle she was out for the tackle, cleanly getting the ball off Gerniers and giving England a good start. This was followed by Sally Walton putting her attempt away and getting England into the lead, but Belgium’s Aline Fobe was quick to level the scores at 1-1 as she got the ball around Hinch into the far corner.
That proved to be the last of Belgium’s goals - Nicola White stepped up next and her shot went wide, while Hinch pulled off a fantastic diving save to deny Belgium’s Stephanie Vanden Borre’s chance to pull ahead. Susie Gilbert’s goal proved decisive as Belgium were both tackled and missed in their next two goal attempts, and England won the shoot-out 2-1 to finish their World Cup in 11th place.
Click here to find out squad and caps information and to see the other results at the tournament.
England Head Coach, Jason Lee said on the story of the tournament: “I certainly think we played to a good standard in the first two games but lady luck was against us. At that point the confidence had gone. The girls got a grip of the tournament as we progressed. We changed a few things around and we’ve played to a good standard in the last few games against the world number two [Argentina] and Germany [European champions]. Belgium, with the exception of the Dutch game, have been close in all their matches, I think they would reflect, like us that they‘re better than their position suggests.”
The women’s World Cup Semi Finals take place later on today with the USA against Australia at 1500 BST and then host nation the Netherlands facing Argentina [the top two sides in the world] in the final game of the day at 1845 BST. Both games will be live on Sky Sports 1.
England men play their World Cup Semi Final clash against the Netherlands at 1415 BST
BELGIUM 1 (0)
Stephanie De Groof 70+ (PC)
ENGLAND 1 (1)
Sophie Bray 16 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
England women beat Belgium to finish 11th at Rabobank Hockey World Cup
SOPHIE BRAY scored England’s only goal as they finished in 11th place by beating Belgium 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out at the Rabobank World Cup in The Hague.
By Mike Haymonds and Graham Wilson
England captain Kate Richardson-Walsh and Maddie Hinch after the shoot-out victory[ADY KERRY]
England have never lost to Belgium in 14 previous meetings but they made heavy weather of this game which finished 1-1 in normal time.
Bray struck in the 16th minute but England failed to convert any of their five penalty corners, lost Ashleigh Ball to a knee injury and were reduced to nine players late on after two yellow cards.
Belgium brought on an additional outfield player and the gamble paid off when they won two corners at the death with Stephanie de Groof firing home the second after the final hooter. In the penalty shoot-out Sally Walton and Susie Gilbert were successful while goalkeeper Maddie Hinch kept Belgium’s score to one.
Bray said: “We ground out the win but it was not much consolation to finish 11th. With Maddie Hinch in goal we knew we would be okay in the shoot-out.”
England captain, Kate Richardson-Walsh said: "It's good to finish with a win but we never wanted to be in this position. We've got some important lessons to learn and we'll go back and learn them. We have the Investec London Cup and Commonwealth Games coming up so it's a busy summer. We'll pick ourselves up and set our standards high for those tournaments."
On her decision to announce her retirement she added: “I said before the tournament I was going to retire this summer. I was quite clear in communicating that with the team and I was confident in making that decision.
“It was about me and where I am in my career and it had no effect on the rest of the squad. The way we’ve played in this tournament and the results we’ve had I think it’s very complex and difficult situation.
“There are a lot of factors we will have to look at to ensure this doesn’t happen again but I’m pretty confident me retiring wasn’t the reason this happened.”
England coach Jason Lee said: “The ranking table doesn’t lie. I’ve been in tournaments where we’ve finished higher than we’ve performed, but we’ve finished 11th here.
“A lot of our performance markers we use to review the games we’ve actually been far superior to those in 2013 when we finished third at the World League. But you have to do things that win the games and we’ve failed to do that here.
“I certainly think we played to a good standard in the first two games but lady luck was against us. At that point the confidence had gone. The girls got a grip of the tournament as we progressed.
“We changed a few things around and we’ve played to a good standard in the last few games against the world number two [Argentina] and Germany [European champions]. Belgium, with the exception of the Dutch game, have been close in all their matches. I think they would reflect, like us that they‘re better than their position suggests.”
He added: “Of course there’ll be changes; changes in the approach and the team and things both in and out of our control. The job of an international coach is up and down.
“This is my worst experience by some distance as a coach, but one of the girls quite eloquently put it this morning: it’s the hard times that make you reflect and really learn. I get a sense from the girls they are focused and optimistic they can and will do better.”
The men have restored some pride by reaching the semi-finals but are without injured defender Tim Whiteman against hosts Holland today. It is 10 games since England’s last win against the Dutch in 2010 and Great Britain’s 9-2 drubbing in the London Olympics semi-final is still a painful memory.
Daily Express
Men’s semi-final preview
Kookaburras wary of threat of PC ace Gonzalo Peillat ahead of final four clash
While the Kookaburras have enjoyed a 100% winning run to the semi-finals of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague that form will count for nothing if they fail to progress to the final, according to Jamie Dwyer.
The Kookaburra, playing in his fourth World Cup, told Australian Associated Press (AAP) this week, "We've been playing pretty well but, obviously, that means nothing now - we've got to win our last two games.
"Argentina are fairly unique in the style that they play. They're very physical. They're going to be tough to beat, that's for sure, because they've been playing some really good hockey.
"But we think that our style can win the tournament. Hopefully, we perform on the day."
Anyone who has watched Argentina’s matches at the tournament so far will have seen their impressive ascendancy to second place in Pool B. The Pan American continental champions finished the pool phase as the competition’s third highest scorers, netting 15 times in five games – two goals fewer than Belgium and four behind Australia. After going down to the Netherlands in their opening game they fought back to beat Olympic champions Germany, New Zealand, Korea and South Africa.
A significant element of their goal scoring threat rests on young penalty corner ace Gonzalo Peillat. The 21 year-old was one of the stars of the Junior World Cup in December with four goals and has shown his improvement since with nine goals in the opening five games.
Dwyer labels Peillat’s penalty corner flicking as “lethal” but added, "We haven't given away too many penalty corners but, if we do, we're going to have to run really tight lines and put as much pressure on (Peillat) as possible."
Los Leones, as they are known, have already surpassed their best ever World Cup finish of sixth (in 1986 and 2002) but with the experience of women’s World Cup winning coach Carlos Retegui leading the charge they will firmly believe that a medal is possible.
Retegui has already achieved what many thought would be impossible here – leading both the Argentina men AND women to the semi-finals. After leading the women to Olympic silver in 2012, he moved to the men’s program but was reappointed to the women’s team earlier this year and now combines both roles.
Australia and Argentina have met four times in previous World Cups with the Kookaburras enjoying victories on all four occasions. In their last competitive meeting – at the World League Finals in January – the Kookaburras came out on top 6-1 in the pool phase. And in Perth last October, the Aussie men won 8-1. However, a 2-2 draw at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a 3-2 defeat in Paris in July 2011 show that it hasn’t all been one way traffic in recent years.
The Kookaburras’ World Cup semi-final against Argentina starts at 2:00am AEST on Saturday 14 June (00:00 AWST).
Hockey Australia media release
Australia and Holland favourites for hockey World Cup final
By S Ramaguru
THE HAGUE: Defending champions Australia and hosts Holland are set for a dream final as they head into the semi-finals of the hockey World Cup as favourites.
Australia will play Argentina first while Holland tackle England at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague today.
Both Australia and Holland reached the last four with an unbeaten record and winning their respective groups.
The Australians are highly motivated and plan to win the title as a farewell gift for coach Ric Charlesworth who is calling it quits after the final.
Argentina, on the other hand, have surprised everyone by making the cut for the semi-final for the first time.
Coach Carlos Retegui also created history as the first head coach to lead two teams – men and women – into the semi-finals. Both the men’s and women’s World Cup are being held simultaneously.
Said Retegui: “We have the highest respect for Australia. But we came through some tough matches and know what needs to be done. We will be ready to face Australia as our players are eager to win a medal here.”
Charlesworth, on the other hand, is too worried about their opponents.
“For me how we play is more important. There is no point worrying about our rivals. We have a game plan and as long as we execute it properly I will be satisfied.
“It’s a different ball game in the semi-finals. Every team will be out to win it as the prize at stake is a place in the final,” said Charlesworth, who won the World Cup as the Australian skipper in 1986 and then as coach in 2010.
As for Holland, they have thrived in front of their home fans. In fact, two of their three World Cup titles came at home – in Amstelveen (1973) and Utrecht (1998). Their other triumph was in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1990.
Holland coach Paul van Ass has warned his players not to under-estimate England.
“It will be a close encounter as England are familiar opponents. We have some mixed performances in the group phase and we need to step up our game to ensure that we win the match.
“The English will be going all out to upset us. We expect them to come at us,” said Van Ass.
For England, they achieved their best-ever result of a fourth spot in 2010. Naturally, the English want to go one step better.
“We want to finish on the podium this time and this match is the perfect way to get there,” said England coach Bobby Crutchley.
“We believe that there is an even chance of winning although we know Holland will enjoy tremendous support from their fans. It will be a huge occasion to play in,” he added.
The Star of Malaysia
Call for Australia to match physical Argentina team
THE HAGUE - Australian hockey star Jamie Dwyer has demanded his team lift their tempo to match a physical Argentine team today in their World Cup semi-final.
The Kookaburras were near flawless in the group stage of the tournament, going through undefeated while racking up 19 goals and conceding just one - in a 3-1 victory over Belgium.
But Dwyer warned the aggressive nature of the Argentines will provide a trickier hurdle for the defending champions, who could join rare company with a successful weekend.
A win in Sunday's final would draw Australia level with hosts the Netherlands on three World Cup crowns and behind only four-time champions Pakistan.
Argentina, ranked 11th in the world coming into the World Cup, have shocked many to reach the semi-finals — thanks largely to their stunning 1-0 upset of world No.2 Germany.
"We've been playing pretty well but, obviously, that means nothing now — we've got to win our last two games," Dwyer told AAP.
"Argentina are fairly unique in the style that they play. They're very physical.
"They're going to be tough to beat, that's for sure, because they've been playing some really good hockey.
"But we think that our style can win the tournament. Hopefully, we perform on the day."
One of the key figures Australia will need to shut down is Argentina's penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat who has risen to be the tournament's top goalscorer with nine, all from short corners.
But in open play, Dwyer indicated the Australians were not too fearful of Peillat's qualities — and suggested the key to eliminating his role in the game was to limit the number of penalty corners awarded.
"It's just his penalty corner attack which has been impressive," Dwyer said.
"There's always one or two guys every tournament that are really good at penalty corner attack.
"As a player, he's probably not the best player. But his penalty corner attack is lethal.
"We have to stop the other guys getting penalty corners for him and, hopefully, he won't be too good," he said.
The Fiji Times
England out to avenge London 2012 hockey defeat to Holland at Rabobank World Cup
ENGLAND captain Barry Middleton says his side are out to avenge the 9-2 hammering suffered by Holland at London 2012 but warned the crowd in The Hague "will be out to get us".
Barry Middleton has warned the Dutch crowd will be on their back during the semi-final[GETTY]
England booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals against the Dutch tomorrow with a 3-2 victory over Belgium on Monday.
Middleton was part of the England side thrashed by Holland in front of their home crowd at the London Olympics and said: "A few of us have been here before. I said to the guys that it is in the past now. We want to make our own bit of history where we don't keep getting asked the question two years down the line.
"Friday will be something different. It will be completely different from London. The crowd will be out to get us.
"This group is learning so fast and we believe we can put a plan together to beat Holland. We will find a way."
Team-mate Ashley Jackson added: "The tournament starts from here and there is no better setting to put wrong what happened a few years ago. I don't think the 9-2 will ever happen again in world hockey."
Daily Express
India should assert their right in world hockey: Bovelander
THE HAGUE: Indian hockey seems a work in progress, feels Dutch legend Floris Jan Bovelander who wants the erstwhile champions of the game to re-assert their right among the new elite nations.
"There is change evident in the Indian team, they were unlucky to lose a couple of games to late goals and that derailed them at the start of the World Cup," said Bovelander, whose proficiency with the penalty corner helped Netherlands clinch gold in the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games.
Bovelander's penalty corner conversion lifted Netherlands to the World Cup in Lahore against hosts Pakistan in 1990. Six years later, he scored twice in the final as Netherlands won their first Olympic hockey gold. He retired from international hockey after the Atlanta Olympic final.
Bovelander feels talent in India, as in any other country, can be nurtured through a programme that will provide a feeder system for successive national teams.
"Every country needs a proper talent-nurturing programme and India is no different," said the ex-Dutch star, who was renowned for his penalty corner execution that saw him score 216 goals in 241 internationals.
"Where India can have an advantage is the number of players across the vast country. From such huge number the talent is bound to emerge in abundance," said Bovelander.
"It is time for India to assert their position in world hockey, but it could take some time."
One of the sport's greatest all-time penalty corner executioners, Bovelander is now involved with a coaching platform called 'Hockey Factory' and also another company called 'Bovelander and Bovelander' that organises hockey camps for young players.
Bovelander is also the brand ambassador for the inaugural World Beach Hockey Cup that started here today.
Watching hockey, Bovelander continues to look out for what's happening around penalty corners at major events.
In the current World Cup, the penalty corner conversion ratio has not been very impressive. Bovelander, however, feels the proportion would always stay around one conversion out of three corners.
"There has to be a balance, and that's what guides all rule changes," says Bovelander.
Bovelander said any changes made to the penalty corner rules -- even the evolution of rising drag flicks -- was to balance the scoring opportunities.
"It will always remain an intense contest between the penalty corner shooter and the goalkeeper." said Bovelander.
"In the scoring rate drops, the penalty corner exponents will have to work on different strategy."
The penalty corner has evolved a great deal since Bovelander's career ended with the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He featured in three Olymppics Games, winning two medals -- a bronze at Seoul Olympics in 1988 followed by the gold in Atlanta.
In his playing days, Bovelander had to bank on stinging shots and their placement as goals were only awarded if the ball struck the boards.
"The goalkeepers these days have very good protective gear, but the drag flick is very powerful," said Bovelander.
The Times of India
Overhaul won’t yield desired result: Gurbaj
Sabi Hussain
New delhi - The Indian team drew flak from all quarters over their disappointing performance in the Hockey World Cup, but senior midfielder Gurbaj Singh on Thursday defended his team mates, saying India were a young side and several players were playing for the first time in a World Cup.
India finished five pool matches with just four points, defeating Malaysia and playing a draw against Spain. India ended fifth in Group A and face Korea in the playoff for the 9-10 positions on Saturday.
In the last edition in New Delhi, India had finished eighth. “We are a young side. For majority of the players, it's their first World Cup. There are 4-5 players in the present squad who have the experience of the World Cup rest of the squad is relatively young. If you look at the teams from Australia, the Netherlands and Germany, they have a vastly experienced squad. Most of their players have the experience of playing in at least two Olympics and three World Cups," Gurbaj told The Tribune from The Hague. “The Indian team has some way to go. We should train hard for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Champions Trophy this year. Tinkering with the squad won't help the cause much. It takes time to build a strong unit and you need to give a longer rope to the young players. We know about the areas where we need to improve as a team and we will certainly work in that direction, but the people back home need to show faith in us," added Gurbaj.
Hockey India has already formed an 11-member committee to probe the debacle after the national team's below-par show despite the government spending crores and providing the coaching staff with the latest training equipments from the GPS monitors to speed guns and software to analyze players' performance. Chief coach Terry Walsh and High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans had set top-eight as their target. However, India will finish lower than where they did in the previous edition.
According to Gurbaj, India played well in the early part of the tournament but conceded late goals against England and Belgium. "It was disappointing to lose those matches. We were playing some good hockey but became careless towards the end. We paid the penalty for being careless, but against Spain, we bounced back and held them to 1-1 draw. We were outclassed by defending champions Australia but we played competitive hockey in the second half,” said Gurbaj.
“You need to pick the positives from the tournament and prepare for the future. A major overhaul would lead us back to the drawing board,” he added.
The Tribune
Men's Masters Teams Conclude World Cup with Victories
The USA Men's Masters Over-40 Team closed out the 2014 World Cup with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Wales, catapulting the Americans to a 9th place finish after winning the final three games of the tournament. For the third consecutive day, 1996 Olympian Ahmed Elmagrabhy (Ledgewood, Ill.) notched a hat trick, giving him nine goals in six games.
The USA went up 1-0 in the 10th minute as Elmagrabhy took a pass up the right side of the pitch and worked himself into the circle where his short-angle shot flew into the net. Fifteen minutes later the Welsh tied the game, also scoring off a rebound of a short corner.
The Americans took the lead two minutes later as Elmagrabhy again found the boards, flicking in a broken corner to put the USA up 2-1. The teams went into the halftime break with that score.
The Stars and Stripes took a 3-1 lead as the USA earned a short corner in the 45th minute off a combination up the middle. 1996 Olympian Ben Maruquin's (Ventura, Calif.) shot was saved but Paul Lewis (Colorado Springs, Colo.) deflected in the rebound for a two-goal lead. One minute later Alvaro Salcedo (Baltimore, Md.) intercepted a ball at midfield and fed Elmagrabhy up top, who converted the lead from Salcedo into a goal and a 4-1 lead.
The Welsh quickly responded with a pair of goals in a minute, scoring first on a stroke in the 53rd minute that came out of a short corner. A takeaway in the defensive third led to another Welsh goal in the next minute, cutting the American lead to one at 4-3.
The USA defense did not break and the Americans were rewarded with a goal in the 66th minute after earning a stroke on a breakaway, generated by crisp passing from Salcedo, Elmagrabhy and Olaf Maack (Hannover, Ger.). Maruquin converted the stroke to give the USA a 5-3 lead that would stand as the final score.
The Americans only allowed three shots from the field all game; Steve Wagner (Philadelphia, Pa.) made a save on two of them to keep the USA in the contest.
The 3-3 record, +6 goal differential, and 17 goals scored are all masters records for the USA.
The Over-50 Men's Team also won today, beating Argentina 1-0 in a shoot out. Don Warner (Henrico, Va.) and John Michalak (Camarillo, Calif.) both converted in the penalty phase, and Warren Prestwich (Baltimore, Md.) made two saves to push the USA to the 2-1 advantage in the shoot out. They play tomorrow, June 13, at 3:00 against the winner of the Spain vs Scotland match.
USFHA media release
Ireland Men O40's in play off for 5th at Masters World Cup
Reports provided by Masters to Irish Hockey
Day 8 of the Masters World Cup and Ireland faced Scotland this morning with an early 9:00am, CET, start time.
After a chastening 5:0 Quarter Final defeat to the German Masters last Tuesday the Irish Masters showed there mettle this morning with a 6:1 win in the first of the cross-over games that will decide the final rankings. A goal after 1 minute against Scotland put Ireland in the ascendancy early and it remained so until the halftime break. However the Irish cut loose in the Second half with Paul Fitzpatrick bagging a hat-trick with the other goals coming from Eise Lodewjik, Steven Magee and James Fahy. Ireland are likely to face their very first opponents in the Competition with a shoot out for 5th spot against the South Africans tomorrow afternoon.
This is the 6th game in 8 days for the Irish Team in what has been a punishing schedule for all. The original 18 man squad now whittled back to 15 due to injuries and absentees. With the event taking place over 9 days It's a huge commitment from the players from a time and financial perspective, but moreover from a physical standpoint.
This is Irelands best ever showing at the World Cup and the Management Team report that the team are up for the final game with S.A. and will give everything they have to secure the 5th place final ranking.
The game will take place at 13.00 CET Friday, 13th June.
Irish Hockey Association media release
A baby roo and a Grand Master
Bob and Jane Claxton keep hockey in the family at their own World Cups
(Photo: Koen Suyk)
At just 21 years old, midfielder Jane Claxton is the baby of the Hockeyroos at the World Cup in The Hague. Father Bob Claxton, by contrast is a Grand Master, and currently coaching the Australian men’s 65+ team at their own World Cup not far down the road. As Jane prepares for her semi-final match against USA on Thursday, Bob’s team are getting ready to take on England. Bob, now 68, has a hockey career stretching back almost 60 years. His brother also plays hockey, as does son Matthew. Daughter Jane completes the family line-up.
Good athletes
“Actually I tried heaps of different sports, lots of individual ones, but they are not as much fun. You get really nervous because it is all about you,” Jane says. “I played netball but I think I was too aggressive for it.” Bob says Jane would have been good at whatever sport she chose to do. “She’s always been a good athlete. She’s good at reading the game,” he says. “And if she wanted to stay playing netball, she’d have had to grow a few inches.”
Debriefing
Bob has coached both Jane and her brother in the past and still has something to say about her performance. “Yes, I get my own debriefing,” laughs Jane. “Sometimes you don’t want to hear it. No-one wants to hear the negatives. But on the other hand it is good to be able to talk to your parents about hockey.” Mum Anne-Marie laughs at the other side of the table. “Hockey dominates at the dinner table,” she says. “We have so many hockey players from all over the world come to stay and we often end up in a two or three hour discussion over dinner.” Bob is very happy with the Hockeyroos’ performance so far at this World Cup. “I think the game against the Netherlands was the best I’ve seen them play,” he says. “The current squad has taken women’s hockey in Australia to a new level.”
Grand Masters
Bob, who still plays in a Masters’ team back home, is currently coaching the Australian 65+ team at the ongoing Grand Masters World Cup at Klein Zwitserland in The Hague. Jane is not quite so enthusiastic about supporting her dad. “I’ve watched a few games but it is frustrating to watch. It’s like playing in slow motion.” She does offer her own tips on occasion. “My great words of wisdom are never really accepted,” she laughs.
Proud
“We are very proud of her… of her dedication and the way she keeps studying even when she is away,” Bob says of his daughter, who has over 40 caps for Australia and is studying occupational therapy at university in Perth at the same time. “My dad is a pretty big achiever,” says Jane. “I a lot of my game style and knowledge comes from him. I do not think I would be as smart a player if I did not have a father who knows so much about hockey.”
FIH site
Indian eves rout Malaysia 4-0 in third hockey 'Test'
KUALA LUMPUR: Indian women's hockey team continued their good show against hosts Malaysia by completing a hat-trick of victories with a crushing 4-0 margin here today in the six-match 'Test' series.
The opening goal was scored in the fifth minute by Anupa Barla with Jaspreet Kaur increasing the tally by a successful penalty corner conversion in the 22nd minute.
Vandana Kataria made it 3-0 in the 59th minute while Amadeep Kaur rounded off the tally in the 69th minute.
Skipper Ritu Rani said,"It is our third uninterrupted win against team Malaysia. We are doing a lot of experiments during these matches for better preparations for the Commonwealth Games and things are going well. I am happy with the team's show and look forward to performing likewise in the rest of the matches."
The Times of India
FIH approves holding of PM Gold Cup in Pakistan: Rana Mujahid
ROTTERDAM: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has approved the staging of inaugural Prime Minister of Pakistan Gold Cup hockey tournament in Lahore later this year, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said here on Wednesday.
Mujahid said a PHF delegation met the FIH chief Negre Leandro and other officials who gave a green signal for holding the tournament at the end of tthis year.
“They (FIH officials) have given green signal to us for holding the event in Lahore during coming winter,” Mujahid told reporters.
The Pakistan delegation comprising PHF president Akhtar Rasool, ex-PHF president Qasim Zia and Rana Mujahid met with FIH boss and FIH chief executive Kelly Fairweather on Wednesday.
Rana said during the meeting, the FIH lauded the contribution of Pakistan in international hockey and assured their all-out support in the resumption of international activities there.
Rana added that the FIH officials expressed their concern over lack of international hockey in Pakistan and said they wanted to assist PHF in their endeavour of holding the PM Gold Cup. He said the dates for holding the event will be finalised in consultation with FIH but it likely to be held sometime between November and January.
The PHF secretary said invitations for the event will be sent to 14 nations including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, China, England, Germany, England, France, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands and some other country.
Dawn
Johan Wakkie receives FIH Order of Merit
Executive Director of KNHB honoured by FIH
(Photo: Koen Suyk)
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that Johan Wakkie, the Executive Director of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond (KNHB), has been awarded one of the sport's highest honours - the Order of Merit.
Mr Wakkie - who has been Director of KNHB since 1994 and has played a pivotal role in the organisation of the spectacularly successful Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which is currently taking place in The Hague, Netherlands - was presented with his award by FIH President Leandro Negre at a special gathering at the Kurhaus Hotel in Scheveningen.
The Order of Merit is a medal that recognises exceptional achievements and contributions that are important in the international field. It also acknowledges constructive and positive activity over a period of at least 15 years or a unique personal achievement or contribution which has benefitted international hockey.
"In his role as Executive Director of KNHB, Johan Wakkie has been a remarkable servant to our fine sport for over 20 years and has achieved some truly remarkable things in that time, including the organisation of not one but two joint Men's and Women's World Cups", said FIH President Leandro Negre. "He has been the driving force of so many great projects, but the staggering success of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup here in The Hague really is his crowning achievement and offer him sincere thanks for his tireless work. The Order of Merit is a very special award and is something that Johan fully deserves. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him."
To see a full list of people to have received the FIH Order of Merit, please click here.
FIH site