News for 20 June 2016
All the news for Monday 20 June 2016
Argentina, Netherlands and Australia pick up wins on 'rivals day'
Day two of the women's Hockey Champions Trophy in London, Great Britain, saw six rivals go head to head, with Argentina, Netherlands and Australia earning the bragging rights against their continental rivals.
The first match of the day saw 2015 Hockey World League champions Argentina defeat Pan American champions USA 4-1.
Shortly afterwards Netherlands won 2-0 against European rivals Great Britain to the disapointment of a huge home crowd at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
The final match of the day provided plenty of goals as Australia emerged 3-1 victors in the Oceania derby against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Match 1: Argentina 4, USA 1
Argentina picked up their first win of the women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 as they defeated Pan American rivals USA 4-1 in the opening match of day two.
An inspirational performance from captain Carla Rebecchi produced a hat-trick for Las Leonas, however it was a spectacular reverse shot from Maria Granatto which proved to be the goal of the match.
USA's sole reply came from a penalty corner as Emily Wold slotted past Belen Succi in the Argentina goal.
For Argentina's Las Leonas, this proved perfect revenge following their loss to the USA in last year's Pan American Games.
Following their win, player of the match, Argentina's Carla Rebecchi, said: "Today it was very important to get the win after we tied yesterday. USA are a different rival for us - we always play them in the Pan American Games, usually in the final. We lost to them last year so it was good to get the win."
Match 2: Netherlands 2, Great Britain 0
The Netherlands showed why they are the world's number one team as they battled their way to a 2-0 win against hosts Great Britain in front of a bumper crowd at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Goals from two penalty corners, Lidewij Welten after 17 minutes and captain Maartje Paumen in the 53rd minute, were enough to see off Team GB, but it wasn't easy for the World and Olympic champions.
Whilst GB goalkeeper Maddie Hinch made a number of outstanding saves, Dutch keeper Joyce Sombroek showed why she was voted FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015 as she kept a clean sheet for her team.
Following their win, Netherlands star Eva de Goede said: "GB is a very strong team, their defence is great and they are very good at counter-attacking. Our strongest point is our combination hockey - that was the difference today. It was important for us that we ended this game differently to how we ended the Euros here (in 2015). We're doing great - the first two games we've got two wins, so we are going strong."
Match 3: Australia 3, New Zealand 1
Australia picked up their first win of the women's Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 as they earned a 3-1 victory against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
The Oceania champions got off to a flying start as Emily Smith capitalised on a failed interception to put the Hockeyroos 1-0 ahead.
New Zealand hit back immediately from a penalty corner as Anita McLaren (formerly Punt) lifted the ball into the top of Australian goalkeeper Rachel Lynch's goal.
Free scoring Hockeyroo Jodie Kenny then put Australia ahead again in the 18th minute before the girls in gold edged further in front after a brilliant pass from Georgie Parker helped Grace Stewart beat Black Sticks goalkeeper Kayla Whitelock to make it 3-1.
After the game, Australia captain Madonna Blyth said: "We speak about scoring early in these matches especially when there's a lot of fire and both teams are going hard at the ball. You want to get that upper advantage pretty early on and we got that. They got back into it as you'd expect but then our dominance showed and we got a couple of goals ahead which we were happy about.
#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest
FIH site
Classy Dutch sink Great Britain in Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy
Alex Danson takes on the Dutch defence. Credit Simon Parker
Goals from Lidewij Welten and Maartje Paumen either side of half time fired the Netherlands to a 2-0 win over Great Britain in the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy. The Dutch made it two wins from two with a superb display, keeping the hosts at bay to take the win.
The first real threat of the match came from a Netherlands penalty corner. Paumen who helped herself to four goals yesterday, took the shot but Maddie Hinch turned it over the bar with a fine save. The Great Britain goalkeeper was called upon again moments later, making a good smothering block to deny Maria Verschoor. The Dutch weren’t having it all their own way and Great Britain created a good chance with five minutes left in the quarter. Lily Owsley broke through and lifted the ball over Joyce Sombroek only to see it hit the crossbar and bounce away to safety. Owsley then thudded another ball into the goalkeeper’s pads but neither side could break the deadlock in the first quarter and it was 0-0 after 15 minutes.
At the start of the second quarter Alyson Annan’s side won another penalty corner. Eva De Goede played a pinpoint pass to the back post for Welten to touch in and give the visitors the lead. Danny Kerry’s team immediately hit back and won a corner at the other end. Giselle Ansley unleashed a rocket strike but Sombroek got everything behind it to save. Great Britain employed a high press, pushing the Dutch backwards but their solid defence held firm and it remained 1-0 at the interval.
In the third quarter some determined work by Georgie Twigg earned Great Britain a penalty corner. Crista Cullen flicked the ball towards the bottom corner but Sombroek made a superb save, stretching out a right leg to keep it out. With three minutes left in the third period it was the Netherlands’ turn to shoot from a set piece. De Goede went direct to goal but Hinch made the stop, clearing the danger with a big boot. Great Britain went into the final quarter still trailing but very much in the hunt for an equaliser.
The Dutch immediately took the sting out of the contest in the final quarter, keeping the ball and holding Great Britain off. They earned a penalty corner after a few minutes had elapsed. Paumen went high but her effort flashed wide of the target. Undeterred, Great Britain hit back and thought they’d won a penalty corner. The Netherlands asked for a video referral which was upheld and the corner overturned. The Oranje used their referral to good effect again just minutes later, gaining a penalty corner thanks to the video umpire. After the first effort was charged down the corner was re-awarded. This time Paumen got the better of Hinch with a low shot to make it 2-0. Cullen fired a drag flick wide of the target for Great Britain in the closing stages and Kitty van Male stung Hinch’s pads after a good solo run but there was to be no late twist and the points went the way of the Netherlands.
In the day’s early match, Argentina beat USA 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Carla Rebecchi and another from Maria Granatto.
There is a rest day tomorrow before the action resumes on Tuesday.
Alex Danson told Great Britain Hockey afterwards:
“We are disappointed with the result. We weren't good enough with our core skills today, but we'll debrief thoroughly and make sure we come back stronger for the next game. The tournament has only just begun and there's a long way to go yet.”
“We train for tough tournaments like this, so we're physically in very good shape. The Netherlands played very well today, so all credit to them, but we're fit enough, strong enough and good enough to bounce back from tough games, so we'll come out fighting for the next match.”
“Some of the positives from the game are that when we're nice and connected, when we play through the lines, we look very good and very attacking. We were quick on the counter today, so that's a positive we'll take, too. We'll tidy up in a few areas, and hopefully that'll give us the result from the next game.
“Tomorrow is a day to recover, to make sure we're in the best shape mentally that we can be for the next match, and then we've got an evening game [against New Zealand] on Tuesday.”
Great Britain 0 (0)
Netherlands 2 (1)
Lidewij Welten 17 (PC)
Maartje Paumen 53 (PC)
Great Britain Hockey media release
GB lose second match to Netherlands
By Mike Haymonds
GREAT BRITAIN lost 2-0 to the world and Olympic champions Holland in their second match at the Investec Champions Trophy in the Olympic Park.
It was revenge for the Dutch for their defeat by England in last year's European championship final at the same venue and was their 22nd win in 40 meetings with GB.
Holland were always in control as the penalty corner count - 6-4 in their favour - underlined. GB's first corner came 76 minutes into the tournament after they won none in their 2-2 draw with Argentina on Saturday.
Both Dutch goals came from penalty corners - the first by Lidewij Welten in the 17th minute and the second from skipper Maartje Paumen with seven minutes remaining.
GB's best chances came from three of their corners with Dutch keeper Joyce Sombroek denying Giselle Ansley and Crista Cullen twice.
GB coach Danny Kerry said: "We were better at the start but the Dutch kept taking the ball off us so we had to defend for long periods. Holland were the better side."
Alex Danson said: “We train for tough tournaments like this so we’re physically in good shape.
“The Netherlands played very well so all credit to them but we’re fit enough, strong enough and good enough to bounce back from tough games so we’ll come out fighting for the next match.”
GB's meeting with New Zealand on Tuesday is a must-win game if they are to maintain a realistic hope of a place in the final.
Daily Express
GB women lose to Olympic champions
By Nick Hope
Britain's women remain without a win after two matches of the Hockey Champions Trophy after losing 2-0 to the Netherlands.
After a draw with Argentina, GB started brightly against the 2012 Olympic champions, with Lily Owsley striking the bar in the first quarter.
But the momentum shifted with Lidewij Welten and Maartje Paumen scoring to give the Netherlands' all three points.
"We were outclassed today," head coach Danny Kerry told BBC Sport.
"We lost possession too often and found ourselves chasing a lot of the time which is really energy sapping."
The women's Champions Trophy features six of the world's top seven nations and is the final major international competition ahead of the Rio Olympics.
Standings
Team, P, W, D, L, F, A, GD, Pts
Netherlands, 2, 2, 0, 0, 8, 2, 6, 6
Argentina, 2, 1, 1, 0, 6, 3, 3, 4
Australia, 1, 0, 1, 0, 2, 2, 0, 1
Great Britain, 2, 0, 1, 1, 2, 4, -2, 1
United States, 2, 0, 1, 1, 3, 6, -3, 1
New Zealand, 1, 0, 0, 1, 2, 6, -4, 0
The top nations after the pool stage is completed next Saturday will face-off for the gold medal, whilst third and fourth will battle for bronze.
The Dutch won their opening fixture 6-2, but delivered a more disciplined display to deny GB few real goal scoring opportunities.
Crista Cullen came perhaps closest with penalty corner routines in each of the final two quarters, whilst keeper Maddie Hinch was in top form.
"It was a tough game but we know we can do much better and that's what's so disappointing because we weren't at the races for a while," Hinch told BBC Sport.
"We're still very much in this tournament because teams will take points off one another and we'll get our heads together and come back stronger on Tuesday."
Great Britain's women will be looking to bounce back in their next game against New Zealand on Tuesday
GB can take encouragement from having now faced the tournaments two highest ranked teams and will have a rest day on Monday before taking on New Zealand.
"We believe that we can and are determined to beat all of these sides," captain Kate Richardson-Walsh told BBC Sport.
"It's good to be disappointed with today and now we'll move on to thinking about the next one."
The Team GB hockey squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics will be revealed on 28 June.
BBC Sport
Hockeyroos beat Kiwi rivals in London
Goals from Smith, Kenny & Stewart
By Holly MacNeil
New Zealand's Gemma Flynn and Anita Maclaren try and stop Emily Smith
The Hockeyroos have won convincingly over New Zealand with a 3 – 1 victory at the Champions Trophy in London with goals from Emily Smith, Jodie Kenny and Grace Stewart.
The first quarter began with a superb field goal from Emily Smith three minutes into the game, with the ball flying high over goalkeeper Sally Rutherford’s head and bouncing into the net.
New Zealand were quick to fight back scoring the chance for the first penalty corner of the game, followed in quick succession by the second. Captain Anita McLaren flicked the ball straight past Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch’s outstretched arm to score for the Black Sticks.
Australia were up for the first penalty corner opportunity going into the second quarter, giving them the chance to take the lead back from New Zealand. Jodie Kenny took the opportunity and smacked the ball into goal following the injection from Casey Sablowski and trap from Emily Smith. Australia were up by a goal going into the half time break.
With the first penalty corner of the third quarter going Australia’s way, the Hockeyroos were on track to extend their lead further. After an injection from Dwyer, and flick from Kenny it wasn’t to be and the ball ended up back in the NZ circle giving them the option to equalise the score. The flick went high and over the net maintaining the Hockeyroos 2 – 1 lead.
Forty minutes into the game and Grace Stewart broke free from the pack and raced down to the Hockeyroos circle. After the initial shot was deflected by the New Zealand goalkeeper, Stewart’s second shot went sailing over the keeper’s head and into the net giving Australia a 3 – 1 lead.
With a minute to go in the final quarter, and after some great attacking work by Karri McMahon celebrating her 100th game, Australia were up for one last chance at a penalty corner. The flick from Jodie Kenny just missed the net, however the Hockeyroos still took away the game in a convincing 3 – 1 win over New Zealand.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said: “It was a fantastic performance, I was very pleased with how the girls went about their business and how they improved from game one to game two. I thought our defence was far more consistent today. We were just a little bit loose against the USA, it’s something we addressed and I thought we were much better today.
“New Zealand are a high class team and they still got a number of opportunities, we’ll have a look at those and see if we can tighten up for our upcoming match.”
Celebrating her 100th game Karri McMahon said: “It feels very, very special to celebrate 100 games for the Hockeyroos. It was an amazing atmosphere against New Zealand and what a wonderful way to top it off with a win today.”
The Hockeyroos next play Argentina on Tuesday at 2.30pm BST / 9.30pm AWST / 11.30pm AEST.
Results today
USA 1 – 4 ARG
NED 2 – 0 GBR
AUS 3 – 1 NZL
HOCKEYROOS 3 (2)
Emily Smith 3 (FG)
Jodie Kenny 18 (PC)
Grace Stewart (FG)
NEW ZEALAND 1 (1)
Anita McLaren 3 (PC)
Hockeyroos’ squad v New Zealand
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 332/70
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 98/9
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 176/97
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 148/0
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 100/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 42/8
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA), 98/31
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 91/13
Casey Sablowski (Albion Park, NSW) 248/44
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 153/62
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 46/5
Used Substitute
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 111/2
Kirsten Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 104/2
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, SA) 36/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 179/35
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 52/14
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 18/9
Unused Substitute
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 75/0
Hockeyroos’ Fixtures
Tuesday 21 June: AUS v ARG | 2.30pm BST / 9.30pm AWST / 11.30pm AEST
Thursday 23 June: AUS v NED | 6pm BST / 1am AWST (Friday 24) / 3am AEST (Friday 24)
Saturday 25 June: GBR v AUS | 4pm BST / 11pm AWST / 1am AEST (Sunday 26)
Sunday 26 June: Finals TBC
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks out-scrapped by Australia
Anita Maclaren strikes. Photo: Planet Hockey
It was a frustrating day for the Black Sticks Women who were beaten 3-1 by Australia at the Hockey Champions Trophy in London.
The Black Sticks were rattled by an early goal and struggled to convert attack into scoring chances, with Anita McLaren scoring her side’s only goal from a penalty corner.
Trailing by one goal at halftime, the Kiwis were well in the game but suffered from two yellow cards awarded in the final 15 minutes.
Kelsey Smith was marched for five minutes in the 45th minute before Pippa Hayward copped a 10 minute sit down in the 47th minute for a foul she didn’t commit – video replays showing the card was given on a seemingly clean slide tackle from Olivia Merry.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was a frustrating result and they need to improve going into a must-win match against Great Britain on Wednesday.
“At the end of the day you’re not going to win with nine or 10 players, and we had a few cards in that game which really stopped us building momentum,” he said.
“It’s our fault, we had chances up front but weren’t clinical in our finishing and then didn’t stop the Aussies well enough in defence.
“Our girls fought to the end, but again if you’re not clinical in the attacking circle it makes it hard to win games. We’ve got to be better so we will go away and improve ahead of our next match.”
Australia opened the scoring in just the second minute when Emily Smith pounced on a long crash ball into the circle, slipping a shot over the head of goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
The Black Sticks responded immediately winning a penalty corner from the restart with McLaren firing a rocket into the top left of the net.
A lapse in concentration early in the second quarter gifted the Hockeyroos a penalty corner of their own which Jodie Kenny put low and left past Rutherford’s foot, giving them the lead once more.
Grace Stewart extended the lead for Australia in the 40th minute after receiving a great pass from Georgie Parker and remaining composed to beat Rutherford one-on-one in her second attempt.
Tomorrow is a rest day at the Hockey Champions Trophy before the Black Sticks take on Great Britain at 7am on Wednesday (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 2.
In other day two results in London, Argentina secured an emphatic 4-1 win over USA and the Netherlands defeated Great Britain 2-0.
BLACK STICKS 1: (Anita McLaren)
AUSTRALIA 3: (Emily Smith, Jodie Kenny, Grace Stewart)
Halftime: Australia 2-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Umpires send off wrong player in Black Sticks defeat
By David Leggat
New Zealand are now 0-from-2 at the women's Champions Trophy after they were beaten 3-1 by Australia in London.
The fourth-ranked Black Sticks were left fuming after having four players given spells on the sideline, including 10 minutes for midfielder Pippa Hayward when the umpires wrongly identified her as the culprit in a tackle.
The punishment was for a tackle by attacker Olivia Merry, after she'd won a ball but the Australian player had tumbled to the ground at the start of the final quarter.
Hayward received her Canterbury team mate Merry's punishment.
''You're not going to win games with 10 players for such a long period of time," Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said.
''We were playing with 10 players for one quarter basically."
Young attacker Kelsey Smith had been sin binned for five minutes right at the end of the third quarter and for a time New Zealand had two players side by side cooling on the bench.
Hager confirmed the umpires sent the wrong player off for the second yellow card.
''They got it wrong by a mile. We were trying to tell them you've got the wrong person but they wouldn't change it."
There were also green cards for Anita McLaren and Petrea Webster in the first half.
That said, Hager admitted New Zealand had failed to take half chances and Australia took theirs to leave the fourth-ranked Black Sticks rooted to the foot of the table, after their 6-2 loss to world No 1 the Netherlands on Sunday.
Emily Smith put Australia in front in the third minute, after goalkeeper Sally Rutherford partially blocked the shot but the ball ballooned up and back over the keeper into the goal.
New Zealand equalised within a minute from Anita McLaren's crisply-struck drag flick from a penalty corner.
Australia regained the lead early in the second corner with a fine penalty corner strike, low past Rutherford's right leg, by experienced Jodie Kenny.
When Grace Stewart ended a quick counter attack by beating Rutherford at the second attempt shortly before three-quarter time it was all uphill for New Zealand.
In other results today, the Dutch beat Britain 2-0 and Argentina beat the United States 4-1, results which leave the New Zealanders rooted to the foot of the table.
New Zealand play Britain in their third game early on Wednesday.
The New Zealand Herald
Black Sticks frustrated in loss to Australia at Hockey Champions Trophy
New Zealand's Anita McLaren clashes with Australia's Georgina Morgan. JOEL FORD/GETTY IMAGES
The New Zealand women's hockey team was left frustrated in a 3-1 loss to Australia at the Hockey Champions Trophy in London on Sunday, with their defeat compounded by an undeserved yellow card.
The Black Sticks were rattled by an early goal and struggled to convert attack into scoring chances, with Anita McLaren scoring her side's only goal from a penalty corner.
Trailing by one goal at halftime, the Black Sticks were well in the game but suffered from two yellow cards awarded in the final 15 minutes.
Kelsey Smith was marched for five minutes in the 45th minute before Pippa Hayward copped a 10 minute sit-down in the 47th minute for a foul she didn't commit, with video replays showing the card was given on a seemingly clean slide tackle from Olivia Merry.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was a frustrating result and they need to improve going into a must-win match against Great Britain on Wednesday.
"At the end of the day, you're not going to win with nine or 10 players, and we had a few cards in that game which really stopped us building momentum," he said.
"It's our fault, we had chances up front but weren't clinical in our finishing and then didn't stop the Aussies well enough in defence.
"Our girls fought to the end, but again if you're not clinical in the attacking circle it makes it hard to win games. We've got to be better so we will go away and improve ahead of our next match."
Australia opened the scoring in just the second minute when Emily Smith pounced on a long crash ball into the circle, slipping a shot over the head of goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
The Black Sticks responded immediately winning a penalty corner from the restart with McLaren firing a rocket into the top left of the net.
A lapse in concentration early in the second quarter gifted the Hockeyroos a penalty corner of their own which Jodie Kenny put low and left past Rutherford's foot, giving them the lead once more.
Grace Stewart extended the lead for Australia in the 40th minute after receiving a great pass from Georgie Parker and remaining composed to beat Rutherford one-on-one in her second attempt.
Black Sticks 1 (Anita McLaren)
Australia 3 (Emily Smith, Jodie Kenny, Grace Stewart) Halftime: Australia 2-1
Stuff
Despite Second Half Surge of Attack, USWNT falls to Argentina
STRATFORD, London – Pan American rivals jumped the Atlantic Ocean to meet at the painted white midfield line in London, engines fired up and ready to bolt on cue of the umpire's opening whistle at women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2016. The U.S. Women's National Team battled 2nd FIH World Ranked Argentina to a score of USA 1, Argentina 4.
The match began with Argentina finding entry into their attacking half with a display of persistent charges into their circle; which gave way to a penalty corner in Argentina’s favor in the 3rd minute of play. USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) swiftly redirected Argentina’s threatening drag flick to keep the scoreboard at zeroes. Team USA’s opposition was awarded their second penalty corner of the match shortly after, but Briggs absorbed the direct low, blow on target. USA was able to force the game’s movement into their attacking end when Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) served the ball to Katie Bam (Blue Bell, Pa.) at the top of the circle for Bam to launch a hard backhanded shot that grazed the past the left post, nearly changing the score.
At the beginning of the second quarter at the 17th minute mark, an Argentina midfielder maneuvered past USA defenders at the left baseline to pass to Argentina’s Carla Rebecchi waiting at stroke. Rebecchi's one-touch shot gave way to Argentina’s first goal. The USA responded with their first penalty corner of the match. Rachel Dawson's (Berlin, N.J.) sharp drag flick was denied by Argentina’s keeper. In the 22nd minute, a scramble in front of USA's defensive cage permitted Argentina’s Rebecchi to release a sharp strike at close range changing the score to USA 0, Argentina 2. Two minutes later, off of their second PC of the match, USA’s Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) located Emily Wold (Freehold, N.J.) at the right post to tip the ball into the cage to recreate the scoreboard to USA 1, Argentina 2. Despite efforts to fend off the Argentina’s fast runs into the their defending end, inside of the left channel in USA's backfield, Argentina’s Maria Granatto sent a reverse hit into the mesh above Briggs' reach making the halftime score USA 1, Argentina 3.
USA came in the second half strong, blazing into their offensive end. Vittese's backhanded hit tested Argentina's keeper but without result. Continuing to display a front-foot lead, Bam challenged Argentina’s goalkeeper near the left baseline. The keeper took a risk, coming out of the cage, ultimately denying the scoring chance. In the 38th minute, Kat Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) earned Team USA a penalty corner opportunity. Vittese cranked a fast, direct sweep but Argentina’s stick was able to redirect the ball's route. Again with an attempt, Sharkey flicked the ball from the baseline to the stroke of USA's attacking circle but the ball went unanswered by another USA stick. Not hitting a lull, USA continued to deliver consistent, dominant attack pressure. USA won five corners in the fourth quarter. Despite slick, straight drag flicks sent from the USA, the ball did not connect to the backboard.
"We did pretty well during the second half of the match," said Craig Parnham, USWNT Head Coach. “During the first half we took a bit to get going and we're a little unsettled. Argentina pressed well during this time frame, which is an area we looked at. We created eight corners throughout the match and we need to convert those at this level to compete. The encouraging thing is we're creating those chances.”
A brilliant redirection from the stroke found its way to Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) who tried to volley the ball from the left baseline. At the 57th minute mark, Argentina’s Rebecchi intercepted a USA pass near the midfield to steal the ball and release a shot from the top of the team’s attack circle for a goal. Until the very last minute of play, USA’s forward line penetrated the circle handling the ball with care and sending shot after shot on target. The final match report noted a final score of USA 1, Argentina 4.
"We fought the entire game," said Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.). "This match only adds fuel to our fire. We're putting in the energy and effort and will continue to do so for the remainder of the event."
The red, white and blue recorded a 2-2 draw against Australia at the conclusion of the opening match of the tournament.
The USA will play again Tuesday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m. EST against The Netherlands
USFHA media release
Canadian men end European tour with 2-2 draw in Spain
Shaheed Devji
Canada’s men’s field hockey team is headed home after finishing a seven-game European tour with a 2-2 draw against Spain in Madrid on Sunday.
With Sunday’s result, the Canadians earned two draws in three games against Spain and finished with three draws in their last four games of the European trip. Overall, the Canadian men finished the Ireland and Spain series with a combined record of 0W-4L-3D.
While the Canadians would’ve have like to pick a win, consistent play, the creation of many scoring opportunities throughout the seven games, and finishing strong against the 13th ranked (Ireland) and 11th ranked (Spain) teams in the world – both of which are headed to the 2016 Olympics – will likely be encouraging as Canada heads into the final stage of its Olympic preparation.
The Canadian coaching staff will now confer to choose sixteen athletes who will represent Canada at the Olympics this August in Brazil. Those sixteen players will then compete one final time at the Summer Games Sendoff presented by London Drugs, during which Canada’s men will host the United States in four games in British Columbia from July 6-10.
After picking up a 0-0 tie despite myriad scoring chances in Friday’s match with Spain, Canada was able to convert early on Sunday.
Matthew Guest earned a penalty corner in the opening moments of the match and Scott Tupper unleashed a draglifck past the Spanish keeper to give Canada the 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute.
Spanish immediately went back the other way searching for the equalizer but Canadian keeper David Carter made an athletic save to get himself in the game early.
In the 7th minute, however, the Spanish were able to beat Carter on a Alvara Iglesias backhand from his right.
Spain then took the lead late in the first when Pau Quemada converted on a penalty corner in the 11th.
Canada had a couple opportunities to tie in the second half, but were not able to break through until the 26th minute when a ball from Richard Hildreth was played toward Brenden Bissett at the top of the circle, where it was deflected towards the goal for an onrushing Matthew Sarmento to put it in and tie the game.
The Canadians had a chance to go ahead when Keegan Pereira found a moment alone in front of the Spanish goal and took a quick wrist shot that beat the Spanish keeper but hit the post.
While both teams continued to push for the deciding goal, neither could break the deadlock and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Field Hockey Canada media release
GB Under-23 Women battle hard against Australia
GBW v AUS, June 19 2016
A battling display from Great Britain Under-23 Women was not enough as they narrowly lost out 4-3 to Australia in the opening match of the Futures 2020 International Tournament in Nottingham on Sunday.
Head coach Colin Clarke praised his side’s character as they battled back from two goals down to level the score, only to concede a late goal.
“We’re disappointed to lose the game but I’m really pleased with the character of the girls to fight back,” said Clarke. “We’ve got focus on the decision making under pressure and stick to the structures for longer periods of the game which will allow us to reduce the number of momentum swings.”
Grace Balsdon scored from a penalty corner after just three minutes, her drag flick being just reward for a great opening period of play from GB.
But Australia levelled the game with Madison Fitzpatrick scoring on 16 minutes as GB lost some of their structure and momentum swung away. Madeleine Murphy doubled their score to put the Aussies into a 2-1 lead at half time.
GB came out fighting for the second half, but Australia added further to their score early in the half through a penalty corner from Savannah Fitzpatrick which gave them a 3-1 lead.
But Great Britain didn’t give in, and battled back in style.
A cross from the right was deflected into the top of the net by Hannah Martin on 47 minutes, and she scored similarly – this time from the left hand side – on 64 minutes to make it 3-3.
Australia retook the lead two minutes later through Michaela Spano, prompting GB to take off their goalkeeper and go in search of a final goal. They created several scoring opportunities, but Australia held out against the onslaught.
Great Britain are back in action on Monday with a match against the Netherlands at 1.30pm at the Nottingham Hockey Centre, while GB Men will take on the Netherlands at 4pm.
Great Britain U23 Women 3 (1)
Australia U23 Women 4 (2)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Junior women draw with GB
Jillaroos' UK tour begins with 2-2 draw
By Lawrence West
Madison Fitzpatrick scored for the Jillaroos
Australia's Jillaroos began their UK tour with a 2-2 draw against Great Britain. Australia started the match well, applying good pressure to the opposition and creating some good opportunities to score. This was rewarded when Madison Fitzpatrick scored from a penalty corner in the 14th minute. With the score remaining 1-0 at half time Great Britain began the second half with more intensity and leveled the scores in the 48th minute. Australia responded to take control of the match again and regained the lead courtesy of a well-taken penalty corner from Renee Taylor. Despite Australia having more chances to seal the match, Great Britain found an equaliser in the 67th minute.
National Junior Coach Craig Victory said, “It was a solid foundation to begin the tour with. Press wins were at a premium and our situational outletting structures proved very effective. We need to sharpen the details in both circles before our tournament in Nottingham begins.”
Jillaroos' UK Tour - June 2016
Match 1 v Great Britain
Great Britain 2-2 Jillaroos
AUS scorers: Madison Fizpatrick 14 (PC), Renee Taylor 61 (PC)
Started: Laura Barden, Jocelyn Bartram, Jacqui Day, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Greta Hayes, Jordyn Holzberger, Madi Ratcliffe, Penny Squibb, Renee Taylor, Georgia Wilson.
Used Subs: Rebecca Greiner, Kate Hanna, Madeline Murphy, Aleisha Power, Michaela Spano, Sophie Taylor
Unused Subs: Kaitlin Nobbs
Hockey Australia media release
How India start doing well nowadays
K. Arumugam
Performance against Australian men’s hockey team is unofficial standard testing method for every field hockey playing nation on the globe.
Australians were often described as playing on different planet.
It was not without reason.
Six years ago, Australians were fuming over the Commonwealth Games Final schedule. They said the midday, temperature hovering around 38-40 degree Celsius is unfair to them. The final should have been under floodlights, they argued.
undefined Hockey’s powerhouse teams are allergic to hot summer. Many thought India has advantage, more so when it reached final at the cost of England.
In the presence of who is who of Indian politics, much like a 1982 Asian Games environment, Australia did not get roasted instead blew away Indian hopes with a 8-1 cakewalk.
This to date is biggest margin of defeat by India to Australia.
A year later, India played a Test Series in suburbs of Perth in Western Australia.
Indian team had its best core of 22 players while the local legends likes of Jamie Dwyer was not in the team. He was kept for a 3-Nation to take place a week later.
At Rockingham, Burnbury (where local lad Aran Zalewski made debut) and Busselton, India was beaten comprehensively.
After leading 8-0, it led India to strike for a 8-3 final scoreline.
Indian coach Michael Nobbs could not offer any explanation moments later.
All he could murmur was ‘They are very good, very very good.’
In the three nation held in Perth proper, India could not reach the final, yet an unofficial third place match was hurriedly planned and Australia A team played.
Full team India with Sardar, Sandeep, Rupinder in its line, lost even the bronze match 2-1.
Simply put, Australians were a mind block for Indians.
What then transformed India since then? The question assumes importance as India holds the Aussies 0-0 in London Champions Trophy Final, top rated FIH event.
First is, frequency of meetings.
Aussies always avoided India. Perhaps felt there is nothing they will get out of it.
Indian teams used to all the way to New Zealand, but Australia wont grant any matches. This is the scenario of last two decades.
Like the FIH, the Australian administration too started underlined the importance of India from the global perspectives. As India hosted major tournaments in trove, their contact with Australia increased.
The coming of Hockey India League further added the much needed pep.
India on its part got the services of good coaches. Paragat Singh led selection Committee was totally wrong to pin down Michael Nobbs ahead of Roelant Oltmans and Jac Brinkmann.
Oltmans came into picture as HPD and then circumstances led him to take over the coaching too.
Since then, Hockey India could put in a system (core group, support staff, exclusivity of core group) on the advice of Roelant, with generous help coming from Sports Authority of India.
Core group players were not fielded even in National Championships, not to speak of All India ones.
The coincidence of Hockey India League turned out to be the game changer for Indian players.
The intensity of HIL matches not only threw up a few hitherto unknown talents, but the proximity it provided to our players with world’s top players started working wonders.
Australians are the major contributor of players to HIL. Our players rubbed shoulder to shoulder with them.
Days of Australia shunning India were gone. Both Federations even signed a MoU by which more bilateral exchanges started flowing.
India went there last year to play first of the Series, and then months later Australians were here in Rajnandgaon and Raipur.
Indians were no longer overawed by the Aussie players. One-sided scores, if not matches, have become a thing of past.
Whenever the Australians lowered the guard, giving chance to new comers or taken India lately, India got it chance and punished, as it happened in Azlan Shah this year. Nikkin struck a hat-trick in that glorious win that took India to medal matches.
Continuous camps, coordinated coaching with adequate scientific support, helped even out the levels among 33 players.
With every importance to fitness, naturally gifted Indian lads picked up modern traits.
Their mindset was also changed. The present lot is disciplined. For instance, none of them complain, directly or to media, they are not in the first eleven or not utilized properly.
They were made to understand the importance of coaching.
After winning Asian Games Indian morale any case was on up. First team to qualify for the Rio, they had ample time to plan and prepare.
Coaching continuity, despite Paul van Ass exit, helped. Whatever the designations Oltmans survived, monitoring and mentoring players for almost three years now.
Being in the elite company --thanks to Hockey India bidding many major tournaments and the FIH obliging -- core group concept (energy management, fitness)and lastly healthy environment helped players remain motivated (motivation is also due to millions they earn as rewards, HIL Auctions, good employment opportunities).
If the same system is continued, India can look forward to rich harvest in home World Cup which is just two years away.
Stick2Hockey.com
Indian hockey’s new stride
Four years after the Indian hockey team finished last at the London Olympics, the men stood on the same turf with their heads held high, silver medals at the elite Champions Trophy gleaming around their necks. It was a historic win, the second podium finish at a major international competition in six months and, going into the Olympics, an indicator of how much India has advanced. The team lost in a shootout, but holding world champion Australia goalless for 60 minutes was in itself commendable, given that no one except the players believed it could be done. That it came a day after losing 4-2 to the same opposition makes it more impressive. It is the culmination of a long process that often threatened to derail. The process began with Spanish coach Jose Brasa and trainer Jesus Garcia Pallares in 2009 soon after the team missed the Olympic bus for the first time. Pallares was the man who brought science into training despite a very brief stay. It continued with David John who assisted Michael Nobbs and then Jason Konrath and now Matthew Eyles. Despite the exit of several coaches in this period, the team always had a good trainer to ensure that fitness did not suffer.
India’s performance was notable in a number of ways. It had the least experienced side with an average of 79.27 games per player (compared to 140 for Britain and 160 for Belgium). Despite resting many key players, the young side held its own against experienced opponents. The team’s improved fitness is noticeable. Till recently, it was difficult for an Indian player to keep pace with an Australian. In the final, the Australians struggled to break free. There is also a belief in the team that they belong in the top order. There is hurt at not being able to put one across Australia, and that pain is critical. A team without the hunger to win cannot be expected to strive for it. There is a lot to do still. India conceded too many penalty corners and earned too few. There is too much dependence on P.R. Sreejesh in goal-keeping, and when he has an off-day, India struggles. But these issues can be resolved. Once Indian teams played with five in attack. In the final, it had the same number in defence. The team not only changed its entire gameplan but also stifled Australia by sheer dint of stamina and willpower within 24 hours of looking ragged. That deserves to be appreciated.
The Hindu
India’s decline in hockey started over 30 years ago
By SAMBEET DASH
Last time India won a major hockey tournament was the 1975 World Cup, in Kuala Lumpur, under the captainship of Ajit Pal Singh.
India did win Moscow Olympics gold in 1980, however it the games were boycotted by hockey powerhouses West Germany, Australia, Pakistan and the Netherlands.
India hosted the World Cup tournament in 1981-82. In perhaps the last World Cup played on grass, fiery finisher Hassan Sardar led Pakistan to a 5-3 victory over West Germany in the finals.
Pakistan continued its good form, whereas India’s started declining. The difference between the traditional rivals was the finishing inside the D, from where you are allowed to score goals. Pakistani forwards Sardar and later Shahbaz Ahmed would create havoc inside the opponents’ D, while India’s fast forwards fumbled way too often.
Another weak link was India’s inability to convert penalty corners into goals.
Talented Pakistani PC expert Shoail Abbas, though not as fast as Europeans, was an outstanding drag-and-flick specialist. He would hold his nerve inside the D and wait for that split second to drag and flick into the goal.
As hockey shifted to synthetic turf, so too did the advantage to the Europeans and the Australians, although Pakistan continued their good form. Led by the indomitable Sardar, they won hockey gold in 1984, where all major powers participated.
Pakistan, with players like Shahbaz Ahmed, Wasim Feroze and Shohail Abbas, continued to give the Europeans and Australians a run for money. They went to the finals of World Cup in 1989-90 and won a bronze at the ’92 Olympics in Barcelona.
But in spite of having world-class players, India continued to decline.
This is where Indian Hockey Federation failed spectacularly. Known for its inefficiency, it failed to resuscitate Indian hockey.
The Roar
Five takeaways from India's silver-medal winning performance
Akarsh Sharma
The Indian men’s hockey team created history on Friday by winning the silver medal at the 2016 FIH Champions Trophy held in London. This was India's first medal at the prestigious tournament since the bronze in 1982 as well as their best finish in any major tournament since the gold medal at the Olympics back in 1980.
Coach Roelant Oltmans’ side's brilliant display of both measured and attacking hockey throughout the week has has certainly raised Olympic medal-winning hopes back home. While India’s campaign was decorated with tremendous individual performers – SV Sunil, Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh, Manpreet Singh to name a few – all of them were overshadowed by the collective.
Keeping that in mind, here are five takeaways from India’s performance.
The Indian men’s hockey team created history by winning the silver at the Champions Trophy. Image Credit: Twitter @TheHockeyIndia
Performing without key seniors
If the events in London are anything to go by, this Indian team remains a formidable unit, even without its skipper and main man Sardar Singh. That’s refreshing to learn. Over the past few years, the team had been heavily dependent on senior individuals like Sardar and Sandeep Singh. In a way, the Champions Trophy saw the emergence of a new India, with emphasis on team over individuals (although the over-reliance on goalkeeper PR Sreejesh continues to exist).
Sardar, the skipper of the team, and Rupinder Pal Singh, a drag-flicker, were among the regulars who were rested for the tournament with a view towards the Olympics. Birendra Lakra, a major defensive stalwart, has been out with injury since February. But India rarely felt their absence, with the likes of Sunil, Manpreet and youngsters Harmanpreet and Mandeep Singh stepping up to the plate. The squad will only be stronger in Rio, as will likely be the case with all other teams.
Solid defensive structure
India’s traditional strength lies in defending relatively deep and hitting the opponents via swift counter-attacks. During the tournament, the team displayed a largely solid and impressive defensive structure, impressing experts and opposition coaches. It was characterised by tight marking at the back and pressure from forwards upfront who diligently closed down spaces.
Consistency, though, remains elusive. A good defensive performance, such as the one in the 3-3 draw versus Germany or another in the 1-2 defeat to Belgium, was often let down by individual errors and cheaply conceded goals. Against the top teams, unless you’re hogging possession, you’re likely to concede several shots on goal and penalty corners. And the ability to defend these shots, often control your destiny.
In this regard at least, India has the comfort of Sreejesh, one of the game’s best shot stoppers, in the goal. It’s a tag he justified with an incredible performance in the final against Australia, thwarting the world champions over and over again. India were ranked third, behind Australia and Great Britain, in denying teams from penalty corners – opponents had a mere 13 percent conversion rate against Sreejesh and Co.
India's final dominance of Australia came only a day after a comprehensive 2-4 defeat. Image Credit: @TheHockeyIndia
Resilience and character
The Champions Trophy performance also showed how the mental side of India’s game has improved by leaps and bounds. It ended with a stunning and unexpected dominance of Australia, a team for which India had become cannon fodder over the last decade, and came only a day after suffering a comprehensive 2-4 defeat at the hands of the same opponent.
Even in that earlier loss, when India were abysmal in the first half – which Oltmans called their worst display in two years – they did not fall apart. A few months ago, India may have capitulated and ended up with a six-nil, or worse, defeat. But on this occasion, the players regrouped, made a fist of things and narrowed the margin of defeat. Those second-half goals proved to be decisive too as they left Belgium with an uphill task to qualify for the final.
Against Great Britain, India held firm in the face of immense pressure to protect a 2-1 lead. Against South Korea, the team showed maturity in sticking to its game plan before finally breaking the opposition down in the third quarter. When the Koreans equalised against the run of play with only four minutes left on the clock, India did not panic. Instead, the team responded with a goal of its own a few seconds later to seal an important win.
Soft concessions
India conceded the most number of penalty corners – 39, same as Great Britain. There is no doubt that coach Oltmans will pay special attention to this figure. It’s a troubling statistic for a team currently thriving on its defensive structure.
Soft fouls and careless errors lie at the heart of this concern. In two of India’s opening three matches, the team conceded soft and avoidable penalty corners within only 90 seconds of the push back and were immediately on the back foot. In the first match against Germany, for instance, when the team was 3-1 up, silly fouls by midfielders Manpreet Singh and Harjeet Singh gifted the Germans the penalty corners from which they earned a 3-3 draw.
If you put aside the match against Korea, the only team ranked lower than India in the competition, India conceded an average of nearly eight penalty corners per match while it earned a little over three per game – a difference Oltmans would want to reduce before Rio.
Impressive fitness
It was heartening to see India finish matches on a strong note. In the past, the Indian players wouldn’t always be able to cope with the fitness levels of higher-ranked opponents. They would tire and gradually fade away by the fourth quarter. In London, however, the final two quarters proved to be the most productive. Most notably, India finished on the front foot against the Aussies twice, who in the past have edged ahead in the first half of matches against India before running away with big-margin wins in the latter half.
This is backed up by numbers. On virtually all major statistical parameters, i.e. possession, shots on goal, penalty corners, circle entries and goals, India’s best figures – both offensively and defensively – were achieved either in the third or the fourth quarter.
It certainly helps that before taking over as the coach of the national team last year, Oltmans was the team’s High Performance Director for two years, specialising in planning the calendar and training programmes of junior and senior teams. In SV Sunil’s recent column for Sports Illustrated India, the forward mentioned how the fitness levels of players “are constantly monitored to ensure we are peaking at the right time”. He also revealed that during their off-time, players monitor their fitness and form based on charts which are especially prepared for them. It certainly appears to be paying off for the team at the moment.
Firstpost
We have a great chance in Rio Olympics, says SV Sunil
NEW DELHI: Fresh from their best-ever showing at the Champions Trophy hockey tournament, star striker SV Sunil says India stand a very good chance of finishing on the podium in the upcoming Rio Olympics owing to new-found mental toughness.
The Indian team settled for a silver medal in its best-ever Champions Trophy performance after it went down fighting to world champions Australia 1-3 in a controversy-marred summit clash penalty shootout in London on Friday.
"After our Champions Trophy performance, especially the way we played the final, we have a great chance in Rio and we are very optimistic about a podium finish there. We will give our best and this silver medal will work like a tonic for us," Sunil said.
He said that this Indian side is not prone to succumbing against the big teams anymore and is capable of beating any side in the world.
"Earlier, we used to get scared about all top teams but now we all know that we can beat any team in the world. So, mentally, we have changed a lot, toughened up, and all the credit goes to chief coach Roelant (Oltmans), who always infuse the much needed self belief in us," he said.
Asked if there was any specific preparation to get rid of the mental block, he said that it's all about self motivation.
"This new found mental toughness is a result of self motivation. There is no other secret formula," he added.
Seventh-ranked India defeated bigger teams like Britain and drew the opening match against Olympic champions Germany in the prestigious tournament recently.
Despite the morale-boosting result, Sunil identified certain areas where the team needs to work harder.
"We need to improve more on striking zone. We have to work on perfect finish after entering D circle. With improvement in our attack we can repeat this performance in upcoming tournaments," said the ace forward.
He is disappointed with the standard of umpiring in the final but is happy with India's overall performance in the tournament.
"In penalty shootout umpires should have been more aware of timings, they made a mistake that cost us. Otherwise we were extremely happy as it was a total team effort. It's an awesome feeling that our hard work paid off. We could have won the final in regulation time but we missed some easy chances. Still I am very happy with the overall performance," said Sunil.
"We had no time to celebrate as we had to move to Spain immediately," he said when asked about how the team celebrated this historic win.
The Times of India
'No pressure for the team going into Rio,' says Indian hockey star VR Raghunath
By Rutvick Mehta
VR Raghunath (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Germany in Champions Trophy (PTI)
India dragflicker Raghunath says finishing second in Champions Trophy will add to self-belief and that the team needs to focus on the processes.
VR Raghunath has been part of the Indian hockey team for more than a decade. By his own admission, he has rarely witnessed an Indian team matching Australia blow to blow the way the current lot did in the final of the Champions Trophy (CT), which India lost 1-3 in the shootouts.
"It was a great final," Raghunath told dna on Sunday from Valencia, where the team will take part in the Six Nations Invitational Tournament from June 27. "I've not played in a game where we have held Australia to 0-0 in a very long time. So, I think it was a good experience for us and the entire team to perform better in the lead up to Rio Olympics."
The 27-year-old, who was one of the few seniors among the many youngsters for the tournament, said the team landed in London for the event with one sole aim. "We had a task to do, a target to achieve in the Champions Trophy. That was to finish in the top three. We have achieved that," Raghunath said.
A major aspect that led to the target being achieved was the consistency shown by the team throughout the tournament, something that Indian hockey lacked in the previous years in major events like the CT.
"All the boys played exceedingly well, and we performed as a compact team. We had tasks outlined for every match, and we completed it in every game as a team. Even as individuals, we executed what our coach told us in every outing. It was a complete team performance," Raghunath said.
A first-ever silver in a tournament like CT just before the 2016 Rio Olympics is bound to instil a lot of self-belief within the team, but Raghunath felt there was never shortage of one among the group even before the tournament.
"Yes, this does add to our self-belief, but we always had the belief. Before this tournament also, we were trying to improve as a team in each and every game and practice session during our national camps in Bengaluru.
"But we have to continue working hard. We have tried to hurt the higher-ranked teams as much as we can, and are trying to prove that we are coming closer and closer to them," Raghunath said.
They, indeed are. Despite going down 2-4 to the world champions just a day before the final, coach Roelant Oltmans ensured that the players weren't defeated in the mind even before they stepped on to the field for the title clash.
"We knew what was coming at us in the final, what we would be staring at," Raghunath said. "So we were completely prepared to go all out and give our best shot against the heavyweights of the Australian team. As for the game, we had our chances which we could've utilised, and even they had their chances. I think the goalkeepers of both teams did an extraordinary job in a pressure match."
One flipside of this outcome is that it would raise the expectations and pressure from the fans for a medal in Rio, something that might affect the players as the mega event nears. "Giving our best is the only priority for us. We don't take any pressure. So, there's no pressure for the team going into Rio. We're very clear that the focus has to be on the process and the things we do in the build-up to Rio Olympics," Raghunath said.
As for the dragflicker personally, Raghunath converted two penalty corners in the tournament. However, it was the way he led youngsters in the defensive unit, which is usually India's weak link, that was impressive from the senior pro, especially in the final.
"I tried to give my best to the team, tried to instil as much positivity into the team as possible, and tried to contribute to the team in every penalty corner. Even in terms of defending and attacking, I tried to contribute in terms of organisation and communication. I feel if the three departments work in tandem as much as possible, then the results will continue to come in our favour," he said.
DNA
A loss that tastes as good as victory
It’s the first time in recent times that India gave world champs Aussies a run for their money in a final
Indervir Grewal
The Indian team after the medal presentation ceremony. FIH
Chandigarh: For a few minutes after the match ended, the Indian bench bore a pensive and anxious look. As the players waited for the technical committee’s decision on the Indian team’s formal complaint, their long faces suggested they were musing over the heartbreaking defeat.
India had come so close to winning a gold, but ended up winning a historic silver. The controversy surrounding the penalty shootout, which led to an outburst from coach Roelant Oltmans, would have made the players nervous and unsure of how to react.
While the Australians laughed about, spread around in groups, the Indians were confined to their bench. However, as the realisation of what they had achieved overcame the disappointment of what they had missed out on, the smiles returned. The Indian players went for a lap to cool down but it might as well have been a victory lap. Even if the stadium was empty, the praise they earned back home has been overwhelming and unprecedented in recent times.
Missing gold, not settling for silver
The praise, not undeserving, was more for the way they won the silver than the medal itself. For the Indian fans, who watched their team lose 8-0 in the 2010 Commonwealth Games final, 4-0 in the 2014 CWG final and 4-0 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final in April to Australia, the 3-1 shootout loss was a big surprise.
For the first time in a final against the world champs, India did not settle for the silver but actually lost the gold medal. India holding Australia 0-0 in regulation time was unimaginable, especially after the 4-2 loss a day earlier.
Though Australia missed many chances in the first half, including a penalty stroke, to say that India were simply lucky to not concede a goal would be unfair.
Despite the chances Australia created, India kept their nerve. They did not let the Australians push them back into their third. Instead, they defended high and wide, putting a lot of pressure on the ball-carrier. They broke the Australians’ rhythm and did not allow them to easily rotate the ball.
This was the reason they were able to dominate possession in the midfield — India’s possession percentage in the four quarters was 69, 49, 56 and 79. When under pressure, India used the aerial ball brilliantly, the forwards creating space in the corner pockets.
India’s strategy worked; not being able to score for so long, Australia started getting anxious. The frustration led to cards. Being a man down for most part of the second-half meant they went into survival mode. The momentum shifted in India’s favour and they created many chances.
In fact, India failed to exploit this advantage. However, it was Australia’s strategy in this scenario that showed their class. They did not sit back. They expanded their defence so that the Indians could not attack from the flanks, and closed the gaps in the middle to block the long balls into the circle. And by then both the teams had run each other ragged, both physically and mentally.
Tournament no surprise
Though India’s performance in the final was a surprise, their overall show in the tournament wasn’t. For the second tournament in a row, India’s performance improved as the tournament progressed.
“By all yardsticks, their performance in the final was outstanding,” Oltmans said after the match.
“I am proud of what we’ve been doing as a team. Our performance is getting better with every tournament. Any coach would be absolutely pleased with this show.”
The Indian hockey team’s rise started three years ago and it has shown huge improvement in the last one year. The silver in London was their third medal in seven months after the bronze at the World League Final and the silver at the Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup.
They have rarely lost to a lower-ranked team. Their progression over the last six months, especially their performance in the Azlan Shah Cup, suggested they were ready to consistently challenge higher-ranked teams.
And they did just that in the Champions Trophy. If they played only one higher-ranked team in Malaysia, India faced four in London.
They beat England, drew against Germany, held Australia 0-0 for 60 minutes and lost a tight match to Belgium.
Rio different ball game
“We’ll use the confidence gained here to give a better display in the Olympics,” Oltmans said.
However, India’s performance in London suggests nothing about how they will perform in the Rio Olympics.
Every team, including India, was resting some players, while testing others at the Champions Trophy. At the Olympics, the tactics will be different. Teams wouldn’t have revealed certain set-plays, which include penalty corners. That’s the reason the penalty-corner conversion was so poor in London.
Though these factors don’t demean India’s achievement, they raise questions about India’s chances at Rio.
Most importantly, the pressure level at the Olympics will be of a completely different level. The Indian players still don’t know how to adjust to different match situations; the pressure of a pool match is different from a knockout game; so are the tactics and the level of intensity required.
India’s 4-2 loss in their last league match is a perfect example. The pressure of needing a win showed and India played a horrible first half. The next day, already assured of a silver medal, India played without fear.
At the Rio Olympics, India have to play with the confidence they showed in the Champions Trophy final. However, it is easier said than done.
The Tribune
Sardar Singh to lead high-spirited squad for 6-nations tournament
Sardar Singh said, "The brilliant display of tactical hockey during Champions Trophy by the squad has positively elevated our Olympic medal-winning hopes." (Getty Images)
Sardar Singh said, "The brilliant display of tactical hockey during Champions Trophy by the squad has positively elevated our Olympic medal-winning hopes."
Rested from India's silver medal winning Champions Trophy campaign, Sardar Singh was on Monday named captain of the 18-man squad for the 6 Nations Invitational hockey tournament to be held in Valencia from June 27.
Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh also made a return with Sardar, and so did Birender Lakra. Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh captained the Champions Trophy side in London where India won their maiden silver in the competition history. The squad features a strong defensive line up, with experienced campaigners VR Raghunath and Kothajit Singh joined by the returning Lakra and Rupinder Pal. Vikas Dahiya remains a back up to custodian Sreejesh.
The other teams in the tournament are Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland and hosts Spain. "After winning our first medal at the prestigious Champions Trophy tournament over the weekend, we are confident to deliver our best at the 6 Nations Tournament as well. All these matches are stepping stones towards the ultimate goal - Rio Olympics 2016," said Sardar. "The brilliant display of tactical hockey during Champions Trophy by the squad has positively elevated our Olympic medal-winning hopes. Three of the teams we face in Valencia are in our Pool at the Olympic Games, so that will help us assess and analyse our tactics better too," he added.
Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans said the squad is building up nicely for the Rio Olympics. "I am really impressed by the boys with their recent performances, especially at the Champions Trophy. They are implementing the learnings of the training well into action at the tournaments. I hope we keep up the spirit and continue to deliver performances like this. "The key to the tournament will be to use it almost as a host of friendlies, before the Games. We will try to maximise on our squad rotations, tactical experiments and analyse our opponents there," he said. "Most teams, will come with what resembles their full strength squad and so it will give us a good indication of our strengths and weaknesses, prior to Rio."
India take on Germany in the opener on June 27.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (VC) Vikas Dahiya; Defenders: Rupinderpal Singh, VR Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra; Midfielders: Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh (Captain), SK Uthappa, Devindar, Sunil Walmiki, Harjeet Singh; Forwards: Talwinder Singh SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.
DNA
Official Statement on Andy Halliday
Andy Halliday, Great Britain Men's Hockey Team Manager, was formerly a specialist firearms officer in the Metropolitan Police. He was a member of the team that entered Stockwell Underground Station in 2005, playing a peripheral role in the incident, in which a Brazilian national was fatally wounded.
The British Olympic Association and Great Britain Hockey have been aware of the sensitivities of this matter in relation to Team GB competing in the Rio Olympics. Following advice, it was agreed with Andy that he would not travel to Brazil as a member of hockey’s management team. Andy has continued in his role as Team Manager and will be working with the rest of the management team to help prepare the athletes for the event.
Sally Munday, Great Britain Hockey Chief Operating Officer, stated:
“I would like to place on record our thanks to Andy for the dignity and professionalism which he has shown throughout this process. Andy is a highly valued member of our team, although he won’t be travelling to the Olympics with the team, he will continue to play a very valuable role in their preparations”
Andy Halliday added:
“Whilst I am obviously disappointed not to be going to the Olympic Games, I have known of this decision since last November and respect the process that has been followed and the decision itself. The performance interests of the team continue to be of paramount importance and I am focussed purely on helping the team prepare for Rio 2016.”
There will be no further comment on this.
England Hockey Board Media release
Men’s National Junior Squad
Squad named in preparation for Junior World Cup 2016
By Lawrence West
Hockey Australia has listed a 25-athlete men’s National Junior Squad as the national junior program moves into its next phase of preparation for the Junior World Cup, which takes place in Lucknow, India, in December.
The next six months also include the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia in October, the junior equivalent of the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which provides Australia’s young athletes with a high quality international competition.
Australia’s preparation for the Junior World Cup is significantly boosted through the support of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association through its NextGEN AUSComGames program, which is helping the team compete at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
The National Junior Squad comprises athletes in the under 21 age group, in preparation for the Junior World Cup. In addition to those named in the squad, a number of junior players currently participating in the senior and development high performance programs remain eligible for Junior World Cup selection.
Hockey Australia men’s National Junior Coach Ben Bishop said, “It has been a difficult task to refine our Junior World Cup squad, which is a testament to the hard work that players and coaches have been undertaking in their home environments.
“In addition to their home state and territory institutes and academies, we have been able to assess our players on an international stage at last year’s Sultan of Johor Cup and the Junior World Cup Qualifier in January, and domestically in the U21 Australian Championships and the NTC Challenge.
“Over the next six months, we will continue to work with the athletes on their development in becoming the next Kookaburras, while also preparing through training and competition opportunities for the Junior World Cup in December which we are very much looking forward to.
“We are immensely grateful to the Australian Commonwealth Games Association for its support of our program and in helping us to fund high quality competition exposure for our young athletes.”
At the Junior World Cup, Australia join 15 other top nations to compete for the biggest prize in junior hockey. Competing alongside the Burras in Lucknow will be Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Spain.
National Junior Squad 2016
Athlete (Hometown / suburb) [Representative state/territory]
Jacob Anderson (Stafford, QLD) [Queensland]
Tim Brand (Chatswood, NSW) [New South Wales]
Matthew Bird (Coolbellup, WA) [Western Australia]
Jonathon Bretherton (Brighton, VIC) [Victoria]
Joshua Bretherton (Brighton, VIC) [Victoria]
Oliver Crane (Casuarina, NSW) [Queensland]
Isaac Farmilo (Tamworth, NSW) [New South Wales]
Matthew Finn (Paddington, QLD) [Queensland]
Stephen Gale (Bulleen, VIC) [Victoria]
Frazer Gerrard (Cottesloe, WA) [Western Australia]
Max Harris (Glen Iris, VIC) [Victoria]
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA) [Western Australia]
Max Hendry (Camberwell, VIC) [Victoria]
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD) [Queensland]
Sam Liles (Tamworth, NSW) [New South Wales]
Kurt Lovett (Parkes, NSW) [New South Wales]
Ryan Proctor (Engadine, NSW) [New South Wales]
Alec Rasmussen (Stirling, WA) [Western Australia]
Andrew Scanlon (Werribee, VIC) [Victoria]
Joshua Simmonds (Ringwood North, VIC) [Victoria]
Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW) [New South Wales]
Ashley Thomas (Baulkam Hills, NSW) [New South Wales]
Jack Welch (Hobart, TAS) [Tasmania]
Corey Weyer (Biggera Waters, QLD) [Queensland]
Blake Wotherspoon (Bulimba, QLD) [Queensland]
Additional athletes eligible for JWC 2016
Kiran Arunasalam^ (Doncaster East, VIC) [Victoria]
Josh Beltz* (Hobart, TAS) [Tasmania]
Tom Craig* (Lane Cove, NSW) [New South Wales]
Blake Govers* (Wollongong, NSW) [New South Wales]
Ash Bingle (Sandringham, VIC) [Victoria]
Joel Rintala (Carina, QLD) [Queensland]
JWC Shadow Squad
Coby Green (Waterloo, WA) [Western Australia]
Hayden Walker (Nedlands, WA) [Western Australia]
^National Development Squad
*National Senior Squad
Hockey Australia media release
Arminen hold off AHTC to win back Austrian title
SV Arminen won back the Austrian title this weekend as they saw off NAVAX AHTC in the final having eliminated reigning champions HC Wien on Friday afternoon.
In today’s final, they saw off AHTC 3-2, holding off a big comeback to be the country’s top seeds in European club competition in 2017 in the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy.
They started well and hit the front when player-coach Dariusz Rachwalski put the ball dangerously into the circle to Robert Bele who squeezed the ball over the line for 1-0.
Florian Steyrer made it 2-0 with an irresistible solo and lob over the keeper for the second goal and he was at the heart of their third strike. His strong individual run down the right led to the ball hitting the bar but Lucas Loser tucked the ensuing ball away.
The comeback started hen Lennard Gehrmann got a deserved goal back for his efforts over the weekend and Dominik Monghy’s goal brought the game back into the mix with eight minutes to go.
Arminen held on, however, and earned their national title to go with topping the regular season and winning the national cup.
HC Wien’s Leon Thörnblom was named as player of the tournament in his last game before switching to German second division side Polo Hamburg.
AHTC’s Laurenzo Rizzi, the Austrian U-18 National Team keeper, was named best goalkeeper while Wien’s Andy Wellan was top scorer.
HG Mödling won promotion to the Bundesliga with a 3-1 win over HC Wels in their playoff game. SV Post stay up thanks to an 8-1 win over Westend.
Euro Hockey League media release