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All the news for Sunday 25 August 2019

Belfius EuroHockey Championship (Men) 2019
Antwerp, Belgium

Fixtures (GMT +2)

24 Aug 2019 13:30     ENG v SCO (Pool C)     3 - 0
24 Aug 2019 15:45     IRL v WAL (Pool C)     0 - 4
24 Aug 2019 18:00     GER v NED (3rd/4th Place)     0 - 4
24 Aug 2019 20:30     BEL v ESP (Final)    5 - 0

Live streaming via http://www.eurohockeytv.org

Final placings

1. Belgium - Qualifies for Tokyo 2020
2. Spain
3 - Netherlands
4. Germany
5. England
6. Wales
7. Scotland - Relegated
8. Ireland - Releagated

Pool C Standings

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey 2019 final: peerless Belgium men storm to first title, 5-0 over Spain

By Rod Gilmour



On this evidence, only a major Tokyo heatwave stopping players in their tracks will halt Shane Mcleod’s fearsome team of Red Lions from becoming Olympic champions in 2020. Belgium hockey’s 2024 grand slam prediction could even ring true by next year.

Adding to their world title in another ruthless display of rapid, front-foot hockey, coupled with simplistic passing at pace, Belgium forged a first European title on another boisterous night inside the compact stadium here as Spain were put to the sword five times.

Of Belgium’s 22 goals across six matches, 10 players were on target, led by five apiece from Alexander Hendrickx and Tom Boon. Vincent Vanasch shone again in goal. It’s not hard to pick a tournament standout either: Victor Wegnez. This time, there was no need for his wonderful emotion and passion. Naturally the pair won goalkeeper and player of the tournament respectively.

Wegnez had helped Belgium reach the final following an epic comeback in the late stages of perhaps the sport’s best ever match of recent times, scoring three times in seven minutes.

And they were seemingly intent to carry on the onslaught within the first 90 seconds of the final, Quico Cortes forced into action with a timely stick save off Belgium’s first PC.

Cortes had to be in tune twice further inside eight minutes, first with a second Lions’ PC and then low down to his right.

Finally, Belgium found a way, John-John Dohmen tapping home from a three-pronged move down the right. Vanasch’s right boot then kept away Spain’s equaliser as a full throttle first quarter ended.

Belgium’s second, less than a minute into the second half, was as easy as it was delicate finishing by Florent Van Aubel, who angled past Cortes as if glancing to third man in cricket.



Amid the football-style atmosphere, a cricket score loomed two minutes later when Boon launched a flick and Belgium’s frenzied fans were ready to party.

A fourth before half-time from Emmanuel Stockbroekx sealed gloss and the Europop music ushered in welcome respite for the beleaguered Spanish.

Spain, whose tactics couldn’t dent this Belgian side, briefly rallied after the break but Vanasch was immovable. A fifth soon came via Hendrickx’s stick.

The MC asked for a slow Mexican wave ahead of the final quarter, totally in contrast to Belgium’s frantic pace on the field. The speed and flow naturally slowed in the final 15 minutes. And with 60 seconds left, the sell out crowd was on its feet ready to see their stars make European history for the first time.

Earlier, Holland were too good for Germany in the bronze medal match. Only a few years ago these two would have played the Euro final.

But the world and European finals have been Belgium’s hour – and they are fast turning their domination into potentially several years.

For the time being, they will have several months off. No need for the Olympic qualifiers for this brilliant outfit.

We will have full reports, colour and analysis in our September issue. Subscribe now!

The Hockey Paper

TOKYO 2020: Red Lions seal Olympic spot

s2h Team

Belgium decimated Spain's challenge with a 5-0 win in the EuroHockey men's final in Antwerp on Saturday. The World Cup champions thereby clinched their first ever continental title along with the huge bonus of a direct berth in next year's Tokyo Olympics.

The Red Lions erased the disappointment of two previous finals (2013 and 2017) and added to their maiden World Cup title won last year in Bhubaneswar.

Belgium repeated the scoreline of the pool match and walked out deserving winners by far, sending the home fans into raptures.

They stormed to a 4-0 lead by halftime and went through the motions in the second half to seal a one-sided contest.

Belgium were precise in whatever they did while the Spaniards were not given that luxury. Belgium got one penalty corner less than Spain's six but put on two goals, one apiece by Tom Boon and Alexander Hendrickx, while the losers could not make any headway in this department.

Besides the above, John-John Dohmen, Florent van Aubel and Emmanuel Stockbroekx struck a goal apiece for the Belgium.

In the semifinals, Belgium overturned a 0-2 deficit to defeat oft-crowned champions Germany 4-2.

Spain shocked The Netherlands, the defending champions, 4-3 to enter the final.

Netherlands blanked Germany 4-0 for third place.

The Olympic qualifiers are scheduled for October.

Belgium join hosts Japan, Argentina and South Africa who have qualified directly for Tokyo.

Stick2Hockey.com

Wales stun Ireland, England finish fifth, Scotland relegated



Wales stun Ireland, England finish fifth, Scotland relegated

Wales produced a stunning performance to beat Ireland 4-0 and retain their place in the EuroHockey Championships for 2021.

Knowing they needed to win by at least two clear goals to avoid finishing in the bottom two, they thrashed Ireland 4-0 with Gareth Furlong (2), Dale Hutchinson and Ben Francis all scoring.

England’s men also confirmed their place earlier in the day with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland as Sam Ward scored a double and Ashley Jackson fired in a corner.

That meant they were guaranteed to finish fifth no matter what the result in the Wales game, while it left Scotland peering over their shoulders.

The Blue Sticks would have been hoping for a draw between Ireland and Wales to secure their status but such a heavy victory for the Welsh meant it was Derek Forsyth’s team who were relegated on goal difference, with Ireland propping up the table.

England 3 (3)
Ward (15’, PC; 29’, PC), Jackson (27’, PC)

Scotland 0 (0)

With these two teams beating Ireland and Wales respectively two days before, both knew a draw in this match would have been enough to cement their top flight statuses.

But England had other ideas and began this game on fire, with Tommy Alexander forced into a double save in the first minute.

There was no stopping Ward just 11 seconds from the end of the first quarter though as he controlled a brilliant pass from Ian Sloan before turning and firing into the net.

A yellow card for Tim Atkins then saw Scotland concede twice while reduced to 10 players in the second quarter as Jackson fired a corner into the top corner before Ward snuck another past Alexander.

England had further chances to extend their lead in the second half but couldn’t find their way past Alexander or his defenders as Scotland held firm.

They then had three corners of their own in the final moments but Harry Gibson stood tall to secure the clean sheet.

Ireland 0 (0)

Wales 4 (2)
G. Furlong (4’, PC; 20’, PC), Hutchinson (39’, FG), Francis (51’, FG)

Following the earlier result, Wales knew they had to win by at least two clear goals in order to cement their place in the top tier for a second consecutive year for the first time this century.

However they were faced with an Ireland side ranked 14 places above them in the world rankings that hadn’t lost to Wales for more than five years.

None of that mattered to Furlong though as he produced two stunning corners in the first half to give his side a clear advantage at half-time, with Ieuan Tranter also on fine form in the Welsh goal.

They knew though that one Irish goal could quickly turn the tables so went on the attack in the third quarter and scored another thanks to a fine solo effort from Hutchinson.

Ireland then took off their ‘keeper at the start of the third quarter in a desperate attempt to salvage something but it backfired as Francis did well to control an aerial before racing into the circle and firing into the empty goal.

Those results mean England and Wales will head to The Netherlands for the next instalment of the EuroHockey Championships in 2021, while Scotland will line up in the EuroHockey Championships II.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Ireland v Wales, Men's Euro Hockey Champs Match Report



A tough day in Antwerp at the Euro Hockey Championships saw the Irish Men relegated in eighth place after a 4-0 defeat to Wales.

Wales took an early lead with a goal by Gareth Furlong in the 4th minute from a penalty corner. O’Donoghue was wide of the goal when Ireland were given a penalty corner shortly afterwards, while Welsh keeper Tranter was on form to deny him an equaliser when a cross from Magee provided him the opportunity to take another shot.

Furlong made it two from two early in the second quarter from another penalty corner. A yellow card for Dolan Grey provided Ireland with some hope ahead of half time, but both opportunities from Walker and Murray were defended and sent out wide before the half time whistle blew.

Ireland were awarded a penalty corner to kick start their second half, but again Tranter denied the shot from Shane O’Donoghue. Ireland began threatening the Welsh circle to no avail. A shot from Walsh was deflected above the goal, while a cross from O’Donoghue found Shimmins in front of the goal, he just missed the deflection and the opportunity was gone. Walsh found Cole with an aerial from across the goal, but Tranter was well placed and prevented a goal.

Wales moved back down the pitch, with Hutchinson getting a short solo run, slipping past Irish defence and sliding the ball past Ingram to bring the score to Ireland 0 – 3 Wales.

Ireland came agonisingly close to adding to getting on the score board on more than one occasion in the final quarter. An aerial to Ben Francis provided him a final opportunity for Wales when Ingram had been brought off to increase outfield players. Bell and Gleghorne chased well to defend but Francis managed to bring the score to Ireland 0 – 4 Wales.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Alexander Cox said, “We didn’t perform how we could have performed at this tournament. We need to assess what happened, we need to assess with the group because the Olympic Qualifier is coming up so it’s important for the group that we know exactly why we didn’t perform, especially today, there was still a chance and we under performed.

“In the end, we failed as a group, including coaching staff, otherwise we would have played better. There were some good moments in this tournament but most of the time we didn’t perform the way we could perform and that’s a hard learning.

“I’m obviously very disappoint, and I’m disappointed for the players because they always give it their all and I feel for the group.”

The result sees the Irish men relegated from the competition and will now compete in Euro Hockey II Championships in 2021.

Ireland 0, Wales 4 (G Furlong 2, D Hutchinson, B Francis)

Ireland: J Jackson, J Bell, E Magee, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, M Robson, B Walker, D Walsh, P Gleghorne, C Harte, M Ingram
Subs: J Carr, T Cross, S Murray, J Duncan, L Cole, S Loughrey, S Cole

Wales: D Kyriakides, J Draper, R Shipperley, R Furlong, S Kelly, R Bradshaw, G Furlong, O Dolan-Gray, J Gooch, L Hawker, I Tranter
Subs: J Fortnam, J Naughalty, L Prosser, J Carson, D Hutchinson, H Jones, B Francis

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ireland relegated from European hockey's top tier after 10 year stay


Irish head coach Alexander Cox

Ireland have been relegated from the top tier of European Hockey as a 4-0 defeat to Wales saw Alexander Cox's men finish eighth at the EuroHockey Championships.

Wales took an early lead with a goal by Gareth Furlong in the 4th minute from a penalty corner. O’Donoghue was wide of the goal when Ireland were given a penalty corner shortly afterwards, while Welsh keeper Tranter was on form to deny him an equaliser when a cross from Magee provided him the opportunity to take another shot.

Furlong made it two from two early in the second quarter from another penalty corner. A yellow card for Dolan Grey provided Ireland with some hope ahead of half time, but both opportunities from Walker and Murray were defended and sent out wide before the half time whistle blew.

Ireland were awarded a penalty corner to kick start their second half, but again Tranter denied the shot from Shane O’Donoghue. Ireland began threatening the Welsh circle to no avail. A shot from Walsh was deflected above the goal, while a cross from O’Donoghue found Shimmins in front of the goal, he just missed the deflection and the opportunity was gone. Walsh found Cole with an aerial from across the goal, but Tranter was well placed and prevented a goal.

Wales moved back down the pitch, with Hutchinson getting a short solo run, slipping past Irish defence and sliding the ball past Ingram to bring the score to Ireland 0 – 3 Wales.

Ireland came agonisingly close to adding to getting on the score board on more than one occasion in the final quarter. An aerial to Ben Francis provided him a final opportunity for Wales when Ingram had been brought off to increase outfield players. Bell and Gleghorne chased well to defend but Francis managed to bring the score to Ireland 0 – 4 Wales.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Alexander Cox said: “We didn’t perform how we could have performed at this tournament. We need to assess what happened, we need to assess with the group because the Olympic Qualifier is coming up so it’s important for the group that we know exactly why we didn’t perform, especially today, there was still a chance and we under performed.

“In the end, we failed as a group, including coaching staff, otherwise we would have played better. There were some good moments in this tournament but most of the time we didn’t perform the way we could perform and that’s a hard learning.

“I’m obviously very disappointed, and I’m disappointed for the players because they always give it their all and I feel for the group.”

The result sees the Irish men relegated from the competition and will now compete in Euro Hockey II Championships in 2021.

Ireland: J Jackson, J Bell, E Magee, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, M Robson, B Walker, D Walsh, P Gleghorne, C Harte, M Ingram
Subs: J Carr, T Cross, S Murray, J Duncan, L Cole, S Loughrey, S Cole

Wales: D Kyriakides, J Draper, R Shipperley, R Furlong, S Kelly, R Bradshaw, G Furlong, O Dolan-Gray, J Gooch, L Hawker, I Tranter
Subs: J Fortnam, J Naughalty, L Prosser, J Carson, D Hutchinson, H Jones, B Francis

Belfast Telegraph Digital

Wales beat Ireland 4-0 in relegation battle


Alexander Cox's Ireland will feature in the second tier of European hockey next season

Wales retained their top-flight status as they condemned Ireland to the second tier of European hockey with a 4-0 win in the EuroHockey Championships.

The result also sends Scotland down, after they were beaten by England earlier on Saturday in Antwerp.

A Gareth Furlong double put Wales 2-0 up at the break before Dale Hutchinson's solo effort.

Ben Francis struck the final blow in the last quarter as a torrid campaign ended for Ireland.

After putting Wales ahead with a fine strike, the influential Furlong put his side firmly in the ascendancy from a penalty corner.

Shortly after the break Hutchinson weaved his way through a tired Irish defence before finishing with aplomb to end any hopes of a second-half revival.

Francis' late effort was the final nail in Ireland's coffin, with Alexander Cox's side relegated for the first time in a decade.

"We didn't perform how we could have performed at this tournament," said Cox.

"We need to assess what happened, we need to assess with the group because the Olympic qualifier is coming up so it's important for the group that we know exactly why we didn't perform, especially today. There was still a chance and we underperformed."

BBC Sport

England's men retain top flight Euro status after beating Scotland


Sam Ward and Zach Wallace for England at the EuroHockey Championships

England's men retained their position in the top tier of European hockey after a 3-0 win over Scotland.

Danny Kerry's men were the driving force in the game against a Scotland side who put on a good show, only to be undone by two goals from Sam Ward and another from Ashley Jackson.

Having been very disappointed not to make the semi finals, England's men did what was required by beating Ireland and Scotland to finish fifth overall. So while it was not the tournament the team wanted, they finished in a satisfactory fashion.

Later in the year, athletes from both of today's teams will come together for Great Britain's men as they play in a two-legged Olympic qualifier on home soil in late October / early November. The British women also face the same route to Tokyo, and the draw is anticipated to be made in the second week of September.

Match report

Scotland were grateful to goalkeeper Tommy Alexander for a very good triple save in the first couple of minutes. Then with the quarter coming to a close, Phil Roper had a good sight of goal from a penalty corner but put it just past the upright. There was still time for a moment of key quality from Sam Ward to break the deadlock, taking a good Ian Sloan pass under control before slapping it past Alexander on the turn.

England continued to have the territorial advantage in the second quarter, and that converted to a second goal on 26 minutes when Ashley Jackson ripped home a trademark penalty corner. Just moments later it was Ward who made it 3-0 with another good corner, England taking advantage of their opponents being down to ten men temporarily.

Into the second half and Ward was denied a brilliant goal on the slide, Will Calnan rightly penalised for a back stick as Ward poked home. Henry Weir and Tom Sorsby also had sights of goal as England looked to press on.

Scotland came close with a corner of their own in the final quarter but Adam Dixon defended well on the line. England's corner count was almost into double figures but Alexander made a couple of good saves up high to his left.

With two minutes to go Alan Forsyth worked into a very dangerous position inside the D but James Gall was in the right place to clear his lines. Then right at the end of the game Scotland had a couple of corners in quick succession but England stood firm for a deserved 3-0 win.

England 3
Ward (15', FG), (29', PC)
Jackson (27', FG)

Scotland 0

England: Gibson (GK), Weir, Dixon (C), Creed, Ames, Sloan, Wallace, Jackson, Griffiths, Roper, Ward
Subs: Willars, Waller, Gall, Martin, Sorsby, Calnan
Unused: Pinner

England Hockey Board Media release

Defeat for Scotland men against England in Antwerp



Scotland men were defeated 3-0 by England in their final match of the Belfius EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp. The result along with Wales’ win over Ireland means Scotland are relegated from the elite division of European hockey with the Irish.

On the day that Scotland’s Nicky Parkes won his 100th cap it was a full blooded encounter right from the first whistle, with both sides battling for their EuroHockey Championships survival.

The first chance of the match went to England and a triple save by Tommy Alexander denied an early lead.

England enjoyed more possession as the quarter progressed but Scotland matched them well to cancel out any real threat on goal. The danger signs began to emerge when Phil Roper’s effort at a penalty corner routine zipped just wide of the right post.


Thomas Sorsby and Duncan Riddell ©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

The opening goal for England came just before the end of the quarter, Sam Ward turned Aidan McQuade in the D and launched a low shot into the bottom left corner.

In the second quarter Lee Morton and Cammy Golden began to show some good skills and technique as Scotland began to force themselves back into the contest, but they weren’t able to create a clean chance.

Then a Tim Atkins yellow card made for Scottish backs to the wall for the last five minutes of the quarter, it was a time in which England bagged a couple of goals.

First Ashley Jackson pinged a drag flick into the top right corner for 2-0, then it went to 3-0 from another penalty corner, this time Ward flicked it low into the net for his second.

Scotland made a bright start to the second half and some excellent skill by Lee Morton saw him working his way into the D from the right, before smashing towards goal on the reverse, but his shot was deflected over the bar.

The match slowed down and Scotland showed moments of quality through Golden. Then Andy Bull forced a good save from Scotland’s first penalty corner and a stick tackle on the rebound let England escape.

In the final quarter a great aerial ball by Alan Forsyth found Kenny Bain in acres of space in the D but he was unable to control the ball and the chance escaped him.

Scotland kept trying to find a goal and Forsyth showed some excellent skill on the left baseline but his pullback across goal evaded all Scottish sticks.

Late in the match Scotland had a series of penalty corner opportunities that saw Bull denied again and again as Scotland went searching for a vital goal. A late Scottish onslaught couldn’t find a goal to help their goal difference, and then the result between Ireland and Wales eventually decided Scotland’s future in the elite division of European hockey.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Belfius EuroHockey Championship (Women) 2019 = Finals
Antwerp, Belgium

Fixtures (GMT +2)

25 Aug 2019 09:00     IRL v RUS (Pool C)
25 Aug 2019 11:15     BEL v BLR (Pool C)
25 Aug 2019 13:30     ESP v ENG (3rd/4th Place)
25 Aug 2019 16:00     GER v NED (Final)

Live streaming via http://www.eurohockeytv.org

Pool C Standings

FIH Match Centre

England women play for bronze after ‘inexcusable’ defeat

By The Hockey Paper


Dejected England leave the field after Dutch defeat PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS

England coach Mark Hager said that he would ‘look deep’ into how to get his bruised side back up and running and fight for EuroHockey Championships bronze on Sunday.

England’s hammering was one of their worst performances in recent memory – a record women’s Euro semi-final defeat by any side – as Holland ran riot, scoring eight times in 43 minutes.

With seven Olympic champions in the side, they will now aim to summon all their grit, resolve and muscle to finish with a medal.

There was no hiding from this performance. England ventured into the Dutch circle just five times and couldn’t find a shot on goal. There was no PC either, and England’s plight was further scuppered by a video referral which didn’t go their way.

Holland, after two below-par opening games, didn’t break sweat and will now play Germany for gold. The Dutch will be going for their 10th European title.

Hager said: “I just thought they stepped it up another level, a free hit and they were off. We were reacting to that rather than proactive and got punished. We were poor.

“It’s a mindset thing. The speed of the game they played at we couldn’t match and eventually our one-on-one defence was poor. I can’t remember us making a clean elimination in the final third.”

Time after time, Maddie Hinch was left helpless and never had time to set herself up given the space afforded to the Dutch in the circle.

“I felt sorry for Maddie, we left her isolated one-on-one and for me it’s inexcusable the stuff we did,” said Hager.

After such a dispiriting defeat, England will surely be up to finish with a medal here. But so will Spain, after they fell short of a semi-final shoot-out when Germany scored a last-gasp PC with 50 seconds left.


England players can’t hide their disappointment PIC:  WORLDSPORTPICS

“If this isn’t motivation [for bronze], I don’t know what is,” added Hager. “We should be embarrassed by that score line. I have to look deep to what to do to get them up.

“We started okay and let them score an easy goal running from the middle of the field and no one making a tackle. That’s just sacrilege.”

England have faced Spain four times in the last seven bronze medal matches at the Euros – and won all of them. This, however, will be the biggest test against a tough, resolute side.

England women last failed to medal at the Euros in 2003, a year when they also last beat Holland in normal time, without the aid of shoot-outs.

We will bring you full reports, colour and analysis of the 2019 Euros in our September issue. Subscribe now ahead of the season.

The Hockey Paper

Malaysian Women's team may get to play in qualifier if South Africa withdraw

By Jugjet Singh

THE national women’s team could earn a late entry into the final round of the Olympic qualifiers in October at South Africa’s expense.

As expected, South Africa recently won the men and women’s continental events to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

However, their women’s team may have to forgo their Olympic dreams as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) have strict qualification criteria.

In 2016, SASCOC barred their men and women’s hockey teams together with their women’s rugby sevens squad from competing in the 2016 Rio Games, despite them qualifying on merit.

“SASCOC’s strict guidelines might see the South African women’s team withdrawing from the Olympic women’s competition in Tokyo.

“If this happens, the final qualifier could become a 16-team event with eight playoffs.

“And Malaysia will be among the 16 teams and will play England, Germany, New Zealand or Spain,” said national coach K. Dharmaraj yesterday.

The national women’s team finished third in the Hockey Series Finals in Ireland in June but due to their World No 20 ranking, Dharmaraj's charges will have to wait for the outcomes of all the continental championships before knowing their fate.

An ‘Inside the Games’ article disclosed that SASCOC have additional conditions for their hockey teams to fulfil before they can play in the Tokyo edition.

“Under the regulations, the continental qualification ‘will only be considered if the team win the continental qualification event and attain a top-two finish in the Hockey Series Finals or (if it is) attained directly through an Olympic Qualification Event.”

South Africa finished second in the men’s Hockey Series Finals while their ladies finished fourth.

“It could be enough for their men’s squad, but the women appear set to miss out,” Dharmaraj added.

South African Hockey Association (SAHA) chief executive Marissa Langeni said on website https://www.insidethegames.biz/: “We have met the FIH criteria and specifically in the men’s, we’ve met the additional criteria set by SASCOC.

“The opportunity to attend an Olympic Games is massive for South African hockey on the world stage.

“Over the years, both teams have shown that they have the competitiveness to play against the best,” she added.

SASCOC, however, appear to be firm at this stage, with Debbie Alexander, chairperson of the SASCOC high-performance commission, disclosing to Sport24 recently that they would not send “athletes who cannot hold their own on the international stage.”

New Straits Times

Perak grab fifth Malaysian Under-18 title

By Jugjet Singh


Penang players celebrate winning the women’s Under-18 title at the Wisma Belia Stadium in Kuantan yesterday. (NSTP/ FARIZUL HAFIZ AWANG)

PERAK thrashed Selangor 5-0 to win their fifth national Under-18 title at the Wisma Belia Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.

Amirul Haniff Mamat was the toast for Perak with four goals in the 16th, 26th, 32nd and 40th minutes before Danish Aiman Khairul Anuar added a fifth in the 52nd minute.

Amirul and Sabah’s Izaz Afdhaal finished joint top-scorer with 10 goals each.

In the women’s final, Penang edged Terengganu 2-1 through goals by Nur Iman Adawiyah Suhaimi (24th) and Nur Irdina Alia Saffiya (53rd).

Nurul Erna Fariesha Faizal netted for Terengganu in the 31st minute.

Melaka’s Norshafiqha Ishak emerged top-scorer with 11 goals.

New Straits Times