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News for 10 August 2017

All the news for Thursday 10 August 2017


Semifinal stage set with Argentina playing Canada, USA against Chile

2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13


2017 Pan American Cup - Chile vs. Uruguay   

The final round of pool-play action confirms the semifinals for the 2017 women's Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA. Chile secured their spot as second in Pool A to Argentina and will play the first-placed team in Pool B, likely Canada, USA or Mexico. Uruguay will crossover with Brazil and play for 7th place, while Pool B will be battling it out for the last two spots in the semifinals.

Pool A WOMEN: Chile vs. Uruguay (2-0)

Outside of two Chilean penalty corners in the opening minutes of the game the opening quarters involved a lot of possession trading in midfield. Uruguay had a few attacking runs sparked by the strength of Maria Teresa Viana Ache up front but Chilean captain Caram and defender Sofia Walbaum seemed impenetrable. Chile did earn several circle entries with speedy runs from Urroz and Denise Krimerman but Uruguay captain Agustina Nieto’s strong presence denied any real chances at goal.

In the 26th minute a right-side attack with Micaela Astigarraga and Matilde Kliche earned Uruguay their first penalty corner. Nieto’s hard sweep shot zipped just past the far post with no Uruguay tipper in site. Only a minute later and Chile had an opportunity on a set piece but Krimerman’s sweep shot was also well wide of her team mate’s reach. Neither keeper was forced to make any saves as the two South American rivals both performed well defensively to deny any clear opportunities.

Chile finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute from none-other than their captain Caram. A penalty corner strike was initially blocked but as advantage played Caram was able to blast the ball through Uruguay keeper Rosanna Paselle for a 1-0 Chile lead.

Uruguay’s pressure to push for the three points was evident but their urgency caused them three green cards in the second half. Chile had three penalty corners in the fourth quarter but Caram was denied by a gritty Uruguay defence. In the 55th minute Chiel extended their lead when Urroz was left unmarked in the circle. Krimerman sent a hard sweep pass into the circle and Urroz was there to deflect in for a 2-0 lead. Uruguay had an open chance on a shot by Paula Carvalho but Chile keeper Claudia Schuler’s challenge secured her shutout and ultimately booked Chile in to the semifinals. Uruguay will now play for 7th place against Brazil.

Pool B WOMEN: Mexico vs. Canada (0-4)

Perhaps recovering from the energy spent in their draw with USA, Canada’s promising attack was flat for the opening 30 minutes of their game with Mexico. On the other hand, Mexico’s defence looked poised to steal points, doing what was necessary to disrupt any chance of Canadian momentum. Mexican keeper Jesus Castillo was more than up to the task, denying chances by Stephanie Norlander in the 5th minute and a quick deflection by Amanda Woodcroft in the 22nd minute.

Canada had their share of opportunity including a penalty corner in the 10th minute, which was flicked wide by Danielle Hennig, and a clear take at goal in the 24th minute by Maddie Secco, again blasted wide. Mexico’s chances were minimal though promising as Fernanda Oviedo batted a bouncing ball from the top of the circle to force net-minder Kaitlyn Williams to make a save in front of the Canadian goal in the 20th minute. Maria Correa and Karen Orozco were thorns to the Canadians, doing just enough to keep minimize circle entries. The game remained scoreless at half.

Canada finally broke the dead lock in the 37th minute when Brienne Stairs effortlessly deflected a Kate Wright cross in to the top of the Mexican goal. With the pressure relieved Canada started to connect on their passes and in the 40th minute Secco cut through the Mexican midfield and set up Norlander whose back-hand shot hit traffic and beat Castillo for a 2-0 Canada lead.

Stairs scored her second of the game showcasing her skills on a solo run through the circle and flipping the ball over the out-stretched kicker of Castillo to lift Canada 3-0. An errant pass by the Mexican defence went right to the stick of Stairs who walked it in to the circle and rippled the mesh to score her third goal of the game. Canada kept on the pressure to secure the 4-0 victory and a spot in the semifinals. Their cross-over opponent, Argentina or Chile, depends on the USA vs. Brazil game.  .

Pool B WOMEN: USA vs. Brazil (9-0)

A hat trick for Taylor West helped USA eliminate Brazil 9-0 in an important pool-play match up that required an eight-goal differential in order to take the top of Pool B away from Canada. USA had two goals from each of Jill Witmer, Loren Healy and Kat Sharkey in the win.

The women’s teams will have a rest day on Aug. 10 and resume play on Aug. 11 with the first round of the 5-7th place game (Brazil vs. Uruguay) taking place at 13:45, while the semifinals will happen at 16:00 (Argentina vs. Canada) and 18:00 (USA vs. Chile). All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



USWNT Finishes Top of Pool B Following Strong Scoring Performance Over Brazil


Image courtesy of Mark Palczewski

LANCASTER, Pa. –Following a 4-0 win for Canada over Mexico in the previous 2017 women’s Pan American Cup game, the U.S. Women’s National Team knew coming into the match they needed to have a strong scoring performance over No. 41 Brazil to place themselves at the top of Pool B. Packed stands at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. witnessed four different goal scorers, featuring a hat trick, contribute as USA went on to earn a 9-0 victory over Brazil.

    “We came into this match not thinking about how many we had to score,” said Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.). “Our focus was more on ourselves and to improve our play from the previous game against Canada. It felt good to get our connecting passes back on the field and to be able to convert on the chances we were given.”

Taking possession from the opening minute, USA controlled the pace from the start. Trying not to force passes, they patiently swung the ball around the backfield looking to go forward. A few circle entries and shots were present before, in the 6th minute, Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) dodged around her defender and slipped it past Brazil’s goalkeeper Teska Tuijt for the first goal. A glimpse of hope came for Brazil when they worked it the other way, but USA cleared it out of danger. Closing out the quarter, USA continued to see the goal front and extended the lead by two off penalty corners. The first came in the 12th minute after Witmer followed up on the rebound. USA added another two minutes later when Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) tallied one to make the first quarter score USA 3, Brazil 0.

Play continued in favor of USA in the second quarter as various shots and penalty corner attempts narrowly missed the goal. Determination to add to the scoreboard showed when quick passing led to Loren Shealy (Charlotte, N.C.) finding the back of the goal in the 25th minute. USA kept knocking at the door as the half closed but the score stood at 4-0 for USA.

As the third quarter began, Brazil worked it behind USA’s defense for a backhand shot that Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) denied as the foul was called against the shooter. Play transitioned the other way and after skillful, quick passing Sharkey added another goal to her name to make it USA 5, Brazil 0. Brazil continued to play in a half field press but USA remained strong and determined to have the ball break the goal line. Persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Witmer deflected a well-execute penalty corner into the net. Just before the close, West extended the margin on a solo run when she skillfully took it into the circle and made it 7-0.

Heading into the final fifteen minutes, USA was in search of one more goal to seal the top placement in Pool B. Continuing to showcase dominant play, USA found the back of the goal two more times. In the 55th minute a penalty corner attempt hit a Brazil defender's foot behind the goalkeeper giving USA a penalty stroke. Set to take the attempt, West placed it into the net, recording the hat trick. The final goal came with two minutes remaining as Gonzalez used speed into the circle and dumped it to Shealy who put it in and make the final score USA 9, Brazil 0.

"We now have a familiar opponent in the semifinal having just played them at Hockey World League in South Africa," commented Witmer. "They are a really good team that is very skilled. We will go back and look at our notes and follow the game plan that the coaching staff puts together for us."

The U.S. Women’s National Team advances to the semifinal round on Friday, August 11 against Chile at 6:15 p.m. ET. For more information about the 2017 Pan American Cups, including event schedule, results, ticket information and live stream, visit the PAC Event Page on usafieldhockey.com. All Team USA games are broadcast on PCN. #PAC2017 #CaptureTheCup

USFHA media release



Canada’s Women book their spot to the Pan American Cup Semi-Finals with 4-0 win over Mexico

Kori Sidaway


Brienne Stairs celebrates one of her three goals in the Women’s National team’s game versus Mexico, where Canada won 4-0 for a Semi Final spot in the 2017 Pan American Cup. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)

The Women’s National team made it through to the Semi-Finals of the 2017 Pan American Cup today with a 4-0 victory over Mexico.

The tilt with Mexico got off to a slower start that the women would have liked, as Canada’s women kicked off the game with deliberate possession, but saw a few missed passes, low circle entries, and only one penalty corner opportunity in the first half.

“I mean it was a little bit frustrating to start, but I think we stuck to our game plan, we battled it out, and we were able to get the result, and that’s what matters,” said forward Stephanie Norlander following the tilt.

Mexico played a solid defensive game which kept Canada to the outside, and capitalized on interceptions in the midfield.

“Credit to [Mexico],” Norlander said, “they played a solid game of defence. We managed to get by in the end, but it was a tough-go in the beginning.”

The switch that flipped it all was captain Kate Wright who, driving the baseline, set up Brienne Stairs for a deflection into the back of the net, lifting Canada up 1-0 over Mexico in the 36th minute of play.

Three minutes later, Norlander followed up with a diving backhander to deflect off a Mexican stick, and doubled Canada’s lead 2-0. The two-goal lead allowed the team to seemingly relax and focus on playing their game.

Stairs stepped up in a big way, scoring two more goals for the Women’s team, working to create her own channels of opportunity in between Mexican defensemen with smart stick work, earning herself a hat trick.

This matchup was unique in that it had a bit more on the line, other than just a Semi-Final spot. Canada’s women, having tied the United States in pool play, set themselves up to rely on a goal differential to determine who was on top of Pool B.

The Women’s National team forced the U.S. into the position of needing to put up eight goals in their following matchup with Brazil, to beat the goal difference Canada had set up.

The United States won the following matchup with Brazil 9-0, leaving the Women’s National team to take second place in their Pool B, and off to face Pool A winner Argentina, Friday August 11th at 1:00 pm PT/4:00pm ET in the Pan Am Cup Semi Finals.

Photos: Canada vs Mexico – August 9/17

Select photos from Canada’s 4-0 victory over Mexico on August 9, 2017 at the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)

Field Hockey Canada media release



Calypso Stickmen tangle with Argentina in semis

Nigel Simon


T&T’s Brian Garcia, left, attempts a pass while guarded by Brazil’s Fabio Assis Bruno during their Pool B match of the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Spooky Nook, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, on Tuesday.. T&T won 2-1. Photo by:Yan Huckendubler

T&T “Calypso Stickmen” will go into their clash with pre-tournament favourites and Olympic champions Argentina as heavy underdogs in the first of two main draw semifinals at the 2017 Pan American Cup Men’s Championship at USA Field Hockey Sports, Spooky Nook, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA from 5pm today.

The clash between T&T and the Argentines will be a repeat of their meeting at the same stage of the competition when it was held in Brampton, Canada four years ago, which the South Americans won en route to claiming a second title by beating the host in the final.

Back then, T&T had to settle for the bronze medals and based on current form and make-up of rosters, the Glen Francis-coached T&T will be again fighting for the bronze on Saturday from 3.30pm against the loser of tonight’s second semifinal between Canada and USA from 7.15pm

Led by Australian-based Akim Toussaint, T&T went under to Canada 6-0 in its opening Pool B round-robin matchlast Friday before edging past Mexico (3-2) and Brazil (2-1) for the runner-up spot in the pool with six points, three behind Canada.

The Argentines enter the match with a perfect 3-0 record and the most potent attack in the competition, having scored 27 goals with two against.

This after the South Americans crushed USA 6-0 in their opener on Friday and followed up with a 9-2 hammering of Chile and yesterday’s 12-0 mauling of Venezuela.

Canada topped Pool B with maximum nine points after it trashed Mexico 6-0 in their final round-robin match on Tuesday night while USA took second spot in Pool with six points, three behind Argentina, after outplaying Chile 3-1 in a clash of teams with 1-1 records.

The Trinidad Guardian



Men's Pan American Cup enters semi-final stages



After three days of pool action, the semi-final places in the Pan American Cup have been decided. In the first match, to be played at 5:00pm on 10 August, the world number one team Argentina takes on Trinidad and Tobago (WR: 33), while in the later match, played at 7:15pm, Canada (WR:11) play USA (WR:26). This means that both USA and Trinidad and Tobago are still in with a chance to qualify for the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018, were they to triumph in the semi-finals and go all the way to the top of the podium.

Let’s take a look at how the four teams qualified for the semi-finals.

Argentina made short work of USA in their opening match as they struck six goals past their north American rivals. Gonzalo Merino and Matias Paredes both struck twice with Gonzalo Peillat and Juan Gilardi adding a goal apiece. Peillat then proved why he is the world’s best from the top of the circle, scoring four goals from penalty corners as Argentina beat their South American rivals Chile 9-2 in the second round of pool matches. A hat trick for Agustin Mazzilli was the icing on the cake for Los Leones in their 12-0 rout of Venezuela as they won their third and final pool game.

Trinidad and Tobago’s campaign got off to a faltering start as they lost 4-0 to Canada but they got back on track in their second match against Mexico. It was probably the tightest match of tournament so far, as Trinidad and Tobago edged Mexico 3-2 thanks to a late goal from captain Akim Toussaint. Their third match was also a close encounter, this time with Brazil. The team from the Caribbean edged it 2-1 with goals from Marcus Pascal and Teague Marcano. Trinidad and Tobago are looking to better their 2013 Pan Am Cup performance where they finished third.

Canada have made every final of this competition and will be hoping to maintain that record. They got off to the best of starts with a 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, the goals coming from Scott Tupper, Matthew Sarmento, Gordon Johnston and Iain Smythe. In their second match Canada came away with a 2-0 victory over Brazil with Floris van Son and Keegan Pereira each getting on the scoreboard. The third match was the most convincing – a 6-0 win over Mexico. Again the goals were shared around with Johnston scoring twice and van Son, Tupper, Pereira and Balraj Panesar all finding the net.

Completing the quartet of semi-finalists are USA. After losing to Argentina in their opening match, USA rallied and scored five to beat Venezuela and then came through a tougher test against Chile to win 3-1. The goals against Venezuela came from Tyler Sundeen, Alexander Grassi, Amardeep Khokhar, Sean Cicchi and Aki Kaeppeler. The heroes in the match against Chile were: Grassi, Kaeppeler and Deegan Huisman.

On 11 August, in the 5-8 place matches, Chile will play Mexico (9:15am) and Brazil face Venezuela (11:30am).

All times are in Eastern Standard Time.

All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.

FIH site



Women's Pan American Cup enters semi-final stages



The heavyweights of PAHF hockey will fight it out for the top honours in the Women’s Pan Am Cup semi-finals on Friday 11 August. Still at stake is a qualification spot at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London next year. In the semi-finals, the current cup holders and world number three side, Argentina will face Canada (World ranking 19), while in the other match, USA (WR:4) will play Chile (WR:20).

If Canada and/or Chile were to win this competition, they would join Argentina and USA at the Women’s World Cup, as both the higher ranked teams have already achieved qualification via the Hockey World League series.

The final round of pool-play action confirmed the semifinals for the 2017 women's Pan American Cup. Chile beat Uruguay to come second in Pool A, behind Argentina. Canada and USA both won their matches but USA moves to the top of Pool B on goal differential. Brazil will play Uruguay for seventh place.

Argentina’s route to the semi-finals involved a 2-1 win over Chile and a 6-0 win over Uruguay. The seven goals Las Leonas have scored in the tournament so far have been shared around the team. Goals in the first match came from Maria Campoy and Maria Granatto, while Noel Barrionuevo scored twice against Uruguay and was joined on the scoresheet by Julieta Jankunas, Delfina Merino, Agostina Alonso and Martina Cavallero.

Canada made a great start to the event with a 9-0 win over Brazil. Karl Johansen, Stehanie Norlander and Nikki Woodcraft all struck twice and were joined by Karli Johansen, Kate Wright and Sara McManus on the scoresheet. It was a special day for captain Kate Wright as she became Canada’s highest capped player with 169 internationals. A 1-1 draw with higher-ranked USA was a good result from the second match, with Rachel Donohoe finding the target. In the third pool game against Mexico a scoreless first half was broken thanks to a hat trick performance from midfielder Brienne Stairs. Norlander added a fourth.

Chile’s route to the semi-finals came down to a must-win match against close rivals Uruguay. Goals from Camila Caram and Manuela Urroz lifted Chile 2-0 over their South American rivals. Going into the semi-finals, Chile will be heartened by their performance against Argentina earlier in the pool rounds, when they only lost 2-1.

USA opened their campaign with a 6-0 win over Mexico, with Kathleen Sharkey scoring a hat trick, Ali Froede scoring twice and Jill Witmer also getting on target. A 1-1 draw with north American rivals Canada momentarily stopped the USA in their tracks but they bounced back with a 9-0 win over Brazil. USA needed an 8-0 goal differential to top the pool ahead of Canada, so this was an important result. A hat trick for Taylor West and two goals each from Jill Witmer, Loren Healy and Kat Sharkey sealed the win.

The 7th place game between Uruguay and Brazil will take place at 13:45, while the semifinals take place at 16:00 (Argentina vs Canada) and 18:00 (USA vs Chile). All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.

FIH site



Day 4 - Men's EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow



Russia 2-2 Wales

Russia and Wales played out an entertaining 2-2 draw which saw the Welsh top Pool B and both sides securing qualification for the semi-finals.

Wales started the game very strongly and put pressure on the Russian defence. Despite the Welsh pressure there were no clear cut opportunities in the first quarter. The best chance for a goal came from a snap shot from the top of the D straight at Marat Gafarov on the Russian goal.

Gafarov was called into action early in the second quarter when he leapt to his left to save a penalty corner which was arrowing towards the bottom right corner. The score remained 0-0 at half-time.

Early in the second half Wales got the break through. Gareth Furlong slammed the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0.

Furlong scored his and Wales’ second goal when he sailed a penalty corner into the top corner to make it 2-0.

It prompted Russia to kick into action and they stepped up their performance in the third quarter. Anton Kornilov made it 2-1 with an exceptional finish on 37 minutes.

The goal spurred the Russians on and they made it 2-2 a short while later. The tore into the Welsh D and Marat Khairullin slotted the ball low into the net to equalise.

A tense ending to the match found neither side able to grab a winner and the match ended a 2-2 draw with Wales winning the group.



Switzerland 1-2 Czech Republic

Czech Republic ran out 2-1 winners over Switzerland in their last Pool B match in Glasgow.

It was a stunning opening quarter for the Czechs scoring two goals to surge into an early lead.

Thomas Vohnicki opened the scoring in just three minutes when he rammed the ball home from close range.

It was 2-0 when Thomas Pauer scored a very similar goal to the opener on seven minutes. Pauer arrived to the right of the goal and finished neatly to give his side a comfortable early lead.

Switzerland pulled one back towards the end of the third quarter. Gael Wyss-Chodat popped up to tap the ball home after it was forced under the goalkeeper to give the opportunity.

A late Swiss onslaught was not enough to prise open the Czech defence and the match ended in well-earned Czech victory.



France 7-1 Portugal

France won their final Pool match when they ran out 7-1 winners against Portugal.

Portugal flew up the pitch from the whistle and very nearly scored in just 12 seconds, but the effort skidded just wide of the target.

It was the French however who took the game by the scruff of the neck and started to play some excellent hockey.

The opening goal came on 18 minutes when Pieter Van Straaten scored with a reverse stick shop to make it 1-0.

Francois Goyet made it 2-0 a few minutes later when he scored to double the French advantage.

It was 3-0 when Hugo Genestet sent a drag flick from a penalty corner into the right corner of the net.

Etienne Tynevez scored a fourth before half time to make for a comfortable score line at the break.

France went 5-0 up towards the end of the third quarter when Jean Laurent-Kieffer deflected the ball past the keeper after some good build up on the left.

Genestet hit the net again when he launched the ball against the backboard from a penalty corner to make it 6-0. Genestet completed his hat-trick as the match came to a close then Portugal retaliated at the death with a well-earned strike through David Franco.



Scotland 2-1 Ukraine

Scotland won their final match of Pool A with a 2-1 win over Ukraine to qualify top of the table and set up a semi-final meeting with Russia.

On the day we saw the 100th Scotland cap for Chris Grassick Scotland left it late to clock up the victory with two Alan Forsyth goals.

Ukraine enjoyed some good possession in the early stages without particularly hurting the Scots. Oleksandr Diachenko had their only real shot on goal but it was easily blocked by Tommy Alexander.

Scotland settled into the match in the second quarter and nearly opened the scoring. A quick break found Kenny Bain in space on the right, he picked out Lee Morton sliding in at the near post but the goalkeeper made a solid save to deny the strike.

Later in the quarter Scotland fashioned another good opportunity down the right. The ball found its way to Alan Forsyth in the D, he turned the defender and went searching for the bottom corner with a reverse stick shot, but was denied by another good save.

Ukraine began the third quarter with a goal. They broke into the Scots D from the left and the ball found its way to Oleh Polishchuk who turned and squeezed the ball past Alexander from close range to make it 1-0.

Scotland set about retaliating when they ploughed through the Ukraine defence and Cammy Fraser, on the turn, cracked the ball toward goal but it was well saved.

Into the fourth quarter and Scotland fashioned the best chance of the match. Grassick found Bain on the left who slid the ball across goal but Ben Cosgrove couldn’t connect for the goal.

Then Cosgrove came close again when another slick passing move found Cosgrove sliding towards goal but his deflection went wide.

Scotland eventually equalised and the goal came via a penalty flick. Alan Forsyth stepped up to strike it and found the bottom right corner to make it 1-1.

Forysth struck again toward the end of the match from a powerful and precise penalty corner to make for a 2-1 victory for Scotland.

Photos by Duncan Gray and Mark Pugh

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Scotland finish top of Euros Pool A with victory over Ukraine



Scotland won their final match of Pool A with a 2-1 win over Ukraine to qualify top of the table and set up a semi-final meeting with Russia.

On the day we saw the 100th Scotland cap for Chris Grassick Scotland left it late to clock up the victory with two Alan Forsyth goals.

Ukraine enjoyed some good possession in the early stages without particularly hurting the Scots. Oleksandr Diachenko had their only real shot on goal but it was easily blocked by Tommy Alexander.

Scotland settled into the match in the second quarter and nearly opened the scoring. A quick break found Kenny Bain in space on the right, he picked out Lee Morton sliding in at the near post but the goalkeeper made a solid save to deny the strike.

Later in the quarter Scotland fashioned another good opportunity down the right. The ball found its way to Alan Forsyth in the D, he turned the defender and went searching for the bottom corner with a reverse stick shot, but was denied by another good save.

Ukraine began the third quarter with a goal. They broke into the Scots D from the left and the ball found its way to Oleh Polishchuk who turned and squeezed the ball past Alexander from close range to make it 1-0.



Scotland set about retaliating when they ploughed through the Ukraine defence and Cammy Fraser, on the turn, cracked the ball toward goal but it was well saved.

Into the fourth quarter and Scotland fashioned the best chance of the match. Grassick found Bain on the left who slid the ball across goal but Ben Cosgrove couldn’t connect for the goal.

Then Cosgrove came close again when another slick passing move found Cosgrove sliding towards goal but his deflection went wide.

Scotland eventually equalised and the goal came via a penalty flick. Alan Forsyth stepped up to strike it and found the bottom right corner to make it 1-1.

Forysth struck again toward the end of the match from a powerful and precise penalty corner to make for a 2-1 victory for Scotland.

Photos by Duncan Gray and Mark Pugh

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Scotland, France, Wales and Russia advance in Glasgow


©: Duncan Gray

Hosts Scotland, France, Wales and Russia all advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s EuroHockey Championships II following completion of the group stages with Ukraine, Portugal, Czech Republic and Switzerland in the relegation pool.

Russia and Wales played out an entertaining 2-2 draw which saw the Welsh top Pool B and both sides securing qualification for the semi-finals.

Gareth Furlong scored twice in the the early stages of the second half to put Wales 2-0 up before Anton Kornilov and Marat Khairullin slotted the ball low into the net to equalise. It meant Wales top the group with the Russians second, a point ahead of the Czechs who edged out Switzerland 2-1.

In Pool A, France swept to a 7-1 win over Portugal with Hugo Genestet scoring a hat trick, confirming their place in the semi-finals where they will meet Wales.

Scotland completed a third successive win to top the group and earn a semi-final date against Russia. On the day we saw the 100th Scotland cap for Chris Grassick Scotland left it late to clock up the victory with two Alan Forsyth goals.

Ukraine took the lead via Oleh Polishchuk who turned and squeezed the ball past Tommmy Alexander from close range to make it 1-0.

Scotland eventually equalised and the goal came via a penalty flick. Alan Forsyth stepped up to strike it and found the bottom right corner to make it 1-1.

Forysth struck again toward the end of the match from a powerful and precise penalty corner to make for a 2-1 victory for Scotland.

Euro Hockey League media release



Netherlands magnificent seven lands Terrassa IV Nations title


©: Frank Uijlenbroek

The Netherlands made a big statement as they won the 25th anniversary celebration IV Nations tournament in Terrassa as they added a 7-1 win over Germany to go with a 9-1 success against England and a 2-2 draw with Spain.

After a scoreless first quarter, Max Caldas’s side cut loose in the second period with goals from Bob de Voogd and Robbert Kemperman for 2-0 at half-time.

Further strikes from Thierry Brinkman, Bjorn Kellerman, Kemperman and two late goals from Billy Bakker eased out the victory.

It meant they led the way with Spain taking second place ahead of England as they finished their tournament unbeaten with one win and two draws.

They led from the third minute when Diego Arana shot home on the rebound against the English in their final game. England levelled in the 37th minute before Albert Beltran restored the advantage for the Red Sticks with seven minutes remaining.

Mark Gleghorne, however, turned the tables in the last minute to earn the draw and third place for England. Germany finished with three losses from three outings.

Euro Hockey League media release



4 Nations: England draw with Spain

A last minute penalty stroke from Mark Gleghorne saw England rescue a draw against hosts Spain at the Four Nations.

England dominated the contest for large spells but twice fell behind to the hosts, but goals from David Goodfield and Gleghorne saw them fight back.

The squad bounced back from a 9-1 defeat to the dutch in their 4 Nations opener before beating Germany 3-0 and ending the campaign with a draw against Spain.

Attentions now turn to the Rabo EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam as England’s men return to the Wagener Stadium where they won gold at the 2009 tournament. 

The hosts were quick to put England on the back foot winning a flurry of penalty corners inside the opening minutes. It proved to be third time lucky for Spain who converted at their third corner, Arana’s strike beating goalkeeper George Pinner.

However England responded immediately with a number of circle penetrations of their own and David Ames firing over. From here on England began to control the game in terms of possession and attacking intent, pushing Spain deep into their own half but they held their lead as the teams entered the first break.

England continued to press and when Liam Sanford was brought down after a fine run, Spain were reduced to 10 players. It looked like England would make this advantage count immediately when they won a penalty stroke but Gleghorne’s high flick was tipped over the bar by the Spanish keeper.

After the half time break England’s dominance was unwavering as they piled on more pressure. Sam Ward’s drag flick was well saved before the keeper repeated the feat to turn Gleghorne’s smashed volley over the bar once again.

England’s tenacity eventually paid off after 37 minutes when they won another penalty corner. This time Ward slipped the ball right to Barry Middleton who crossed back to Goodfield who rolled home to level the scores.

Mid way through the final quarter though Spain were able to restore their lead against the run of play as Beltran’s drag flick flew into the net.

However England stuck to their task and attacking game plan, electing for a kicking back and they were rewarded in the final minute when they were given a penalty stroke for a push by a Spanish defender.

Despite his earlier miss Gleghorne stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to level the scores and save England from defeat.

Starting XI: George Pinner (GK), Liam Sanford, Ollie Willars, Brendan Creed, David Ames, Ian Sloan, Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper (C), Barry Middleton, Jonathan Griffiths, David Condon

Subs (Used): Harry Gibson (GK), Henry Weir, Michael Hoare, Sam Ward, Adam Dixon, David Goodfield, James Gall

England Hockey Board Media release



India lose 0-1 against Belgium

NEW DELHI: Indian men's hockey team lost 0-1 against hosts Belgium in Boom on Wednesday in the opening match of their five-match tour of Europe, in which they will play matches against Belgium, Netherlands and Austria.

India conceded the solitary goal in the dying minutes of the fourth and final quarter, after both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the first three quarters. Tom Boon scored the winning goal for Belgium.

India will play their second game of the tour on Thursday against the same opposition at 10:30 pm IST.

Indian team has included six uncapped players for the tour with Manpreet Singh as skipper and Chinglensana Singh as his deputy, while some of the key players who featured in the World League Semifinal have been rested.

Unfortunately for the Indian viewers, the tour of Europe will not be telecast in India.

The Times of India



Shaw Reveals Irish Squad For European Championships



Coach Graham Shaw has announced his 18-woman squad that will compete at the Rabo Eurohockey Championships in Amsterdam this August (18th- 27th).

The Rabo Eurohockey Championships offers a welcome return to the top table of European hockey for the Green Army who earned promotion 2 years ago following an undefeated run in Prague. There are no easy matches in international hockey and that is particularly true of the European Championships where Ireland will face the world number 2 England and bronze medallists Germany, as well as a talented Scottish side, in Pool B.

Ahead of the tournament the side will travel to Belgium to play a training match against Belgium in Victory HC on August 14th. Shaw’s side has few changes from that which finished 7th at World League in South Africa and he’ll be hoping they can find the flare that led them to the position of joint third highest scoring team in the tournament.

Speaking about the tournament and squad Shaw said “Following on from our performances at the World League 3 in South Africa, we are looking forward to the challenge ahead in the upcoming Europeans Championships. We are very keen to improve upon our performances from South Africa and we are very excited with the challenges that present ahead. Squad selection is always difficult around major competitions and this was no different.

We are in a very difficult group with England, Germany and Scotland and we will prepare for each game accordingly. We must work hard as a group in our preparation and the detail going into each game.

Any International tournament in Holland is always brilliantly run and we can’t wait to get over there and get started”.

Squad:
Name, Club
Grace O’Flanagan, Railway Union
Hannah Matthews, Loreto
Zoe Wilson, Harvestehuder
Shirley McCay, Ulster Elks
Ali Meeke, Loreto
Elena Tice, UCD
Chloe Watkins, Hermes/Monkstown
Katie Mullan, UCD
Gillian Pinder, UCD
Anna O’Flanagan, Hermes/Monkstown
Sinead Loughran, Hermes/Monkstown
Nikki Evans, Hermes/Monkstown
Nicci Daly, Muckross
Deirdre Duke, UCD
Emily Beatty, KHC Dragons
Roisin Upton, Cork Harlequins
Yvonne O’Byrne, Cork Harlequins
Clodagh Cassin, UCD

August 19th- Ireland vs England 14:45
August 20th- Ireland vs Scotland 13:15
August 22nd- Ireland vs Germany 14:45
Crossover/classification matches to be played on 24th & 26th

NB. All times listed are local

Irish Hockey Association media release



O’Flanagan set to don number one smock at Euros


Ireland celebrate Lizzie Colvin’s winning goal against India. Pic: Getty Images/FIH

The heroine of Johannesburg, Grace O’Flanagan, is set to don the number one goalkeeper smock for the Irish women’s hockey team at the European Championships which get under way next week in Amsterdam.

The Railway Union keeper crucially came off the bench to replace the sin-binned Ayeisha McFerran in their World League seventh place playoff 2-1 win against India last month.

With her first touch, O’Flanagan denied India a second goal from a penalty stroke with her very first touch of the tournament before keeping out a series of second half penalty corners, giving the green army a big boost in the World Cup qualification stakes.

For the Euros, McFerran is unavailable as she heads back to her base at the University of Louisville, meaning O’Flanagan gets the chance to be the number one for the first time at a major tournament.

Captain Katie Mullan has no doubt O’Flanagan – who will now be backed up by Clodagh Cassin – will make a key impact.

“Not only did she save a stroke with her first touch but she also brought a real element of calm and belief onto the pitch,” Mullan said of the Railway woman.

Mullan added that the Irish comeback against India, scoring twice in the last 12 minutes was borne out of numerous last-ditch winners in recent times that have given the side real belief in tough situations.

“I have no doubt that our many last minute comebacks over the past 18 months stood to us in that game but most important thing was that we stuck to the game plan and didn’t force the game.”

Cassin’s inclusion is one of two changes from the World League panel with Ali Meeke coming into the side in place of Lizzie Colvin – who scored the crucial winner against India – but, otherwise, the remaining 16 players are back once again in a settled looking side.

Ireland will contest a tricky group, facing the guts of the Great Britain’s Olympic gold medal winning side first on August 18th before meeting Scotland and then closing out the group against Germany.

Graham Shaw’s side will feel there is a little bit of unfinished business against the Germans, the Rio bronze medalists, whom they led with seven seconds to go before drawing 2-2 in Johannesburg.

Should they nick a win, it could put Ireland in line for a first ever shot at a medal with their best ever previous finish a fifth place, last achieved in the same stadium back in 2009.

For striker Nikki Evans, the German tie will be a first time coming up against some new team mates as she has been signed up by UHC Hamburg for the upcoming club season. It means she leaves for the continent along with fellow Hermes-Monkstown players Chloe Watkins and Anna O’Flanagan who are destined for the Dutch league with HC Bloemendaal.

Speaking about the tournament and squad, Shaw said: “We are very keen to improve upon our performances from South Africa and we are very excited about the challenges ahead.

“We are in a very difficult group and and we will prepare for each game accordingly. We must work hard as a group in our preparation and the detail going into each game. Any International tournament in Holland is always brilliantly run and we can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

Ireland women’s squad for EuroHockey Nations Championships (August 18th to 27th, Amsterdam): Grace O’Flanagan (Railway Union), Hannah Matthews (Loreto), Zoe Wilson (Harvestehuder THC), Shirley McCay (Ulster Elks), Ali Meeke (Loreto), Lena Tice (UCD), Chloe Watkins (Hermes-Monkstown), Katie Mullan (UCD), Gillian Pinder (UCD), Anna O’Flanagan (Hermes-Monkstown), Sinead Loughran (Hermes-Monkstown), Nikki Evans (Hermes-Monkstown), Nicci Daly (Muckross), Deirdre Duke (UCD), Emily Beatty (KHC Dragons), Roisin Upton (Cork Harlequins), Yvonne O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins), Clodagh Cassin (UCD)

The Hook



Riverside triumph at hockey challenge

Both the men’s and women’s teams triumphed at the annual club competition.


Riverside Hockey Club player Jonty Robinson in the final of the Club Belgotex Sport Elite Club Challenge. PHOTO: Steve Haag

WHEN planning for this year’s Belgotex Sport Elite Club Challenge hockey tournament, Riverside Hockey Club in Durban, South Africa set themselves three goals: firstly for their men’s team to match their 2016 performance and reach the finals; then for their women’s team to defend the title they won last year; and finally for the tournament to be a success from an organisational point of view.

The Riverside based club managed to do that and then some by winning both the men’s and women’s competition this year. The finals, which took place on Saturday saw the Riverside men outplay and out-think Wanderers as they overturned the result of the 2016 final with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

The Riverside men never looked in trouble throughout the tournament and the fact they scored 19 goals from their four matches is testament to how dominant they were in notching up a perfect four wins from four matches.

The women were only slightly less impressive. A 4-2 loss to the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) in their final pool match spoiled their perfect record, but they can be forgiven for that lapse seeing as that game was played when a place in the final was already guaranteed – and they managed to overturn that loss by beating WPCC 1-0 when it mattered in the final.

Both team coaches highlighted the importance of this tournament to the club.

“What a weekend for Riverside,” said women’s coach Mike Baker. “Riverside is doing big things and this just shows what this club is all about.”

Men’s head coach, Mark Hopkins added, “With both the men and women winning, and with Raiders winning the IPT, we are really putting Durban hockey back on the map.”

Northglen News



Disgruntled Junaid wants formation of independent body to probe WHL disaster

LAHORE: Slamming the way he was dismissed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), sacked head coach of national team Khawaja Junaid has urged the government to constitute an independent committee to probe the real reasons behind the team’s pathetic performance in the World Hockey League.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, Junaid said though he had supported the inclusion of senior players in the national squad for the WHL staged in London in June, then chief selector Rashid Junior and PHF president retired Brig Sajjad Khokhar differed with him, urging him (Junaid) it was better to give the youngsters the chance to help them polish their skills.

“After our series in Ireland [which Pakistan lost 0-2] before the WHL I rang up the PHF president urging him to include the senior players [in the team], but he refused,” Junaid said.

“The way I was sacked, without taking into account my views, was indecent; if the same practice continues the game of hockey would not improve even in the next 35 years,” he lamented.
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“A neutral probe committee should meet the national team management, PHF officials and the players and then it should determine who were responsible for the team’s [poor] performance at the WHL,” proposed Junaid.

While the world had gone to adopt modern techniques and tactics in field hockey, in Pakistan a dictator had been taking important hockey decisions, Junaid regretted.

“I will not criticise the next team management for the sake of change, but I will only criticise the way the team management is being removed without giving them a chance to explain their position.”

He said the PHF had given him the target of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, which he had achieved with junior players, though the team finished a dismal seventh place in the ten-nation WHL.

Junaid said when the PHF president offered him the post of head coach he had given him (Junaid) time to work till 2020 (the current PHF is to work till 2019). “But just after one assignment I have been sacked without respect,” said a disgruntled Junaid.

He added, “Now the PHF is holding its executive committee meeting in Islamabad on Aug 10 [Thursday] with one-point agenda — to evaluate the national team’s performance in the WHL.

“But it [PHF executive committee] will definitely take a one-sided decision because I will not get a chance to explain my position.”

A perturbed-looking Junaid also condemned the PHF for appointing those former players on different positions, who, he said, had given statements against him.

“It seems first the PHF prepared those players to give the statements against me and in reward it appointed them on different posts,” Junaid alleged.

Dawn



Only technocrats can save Pakistan hockey, Olympian Samiullah to PM

Mohsin Ali

islamabad -  Olympian Samiullah has refused to accept Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) offer of becoming chairman of PHF talent hunt programme.

Talking to The Nation, Samiullah, who is also known as flying horse, said: “Why should I become part of the PHF setup, which lacks wisdom and direction and full of failures. The federation didn’t even bother to first inform me before announcing the decision. They just want to pass on the burden of their massive blunders on my shoulders. They have done nothing for hockey, rather Pakistan hockey is going down with each passing day under their flopped leadership.”

He said according to his knowledge and sources, former hockey greats, Olympians and all those, who had pain for hockey, had supported present management in quite numbers hoping that Pakistan hockey might revived, but they failed. “The current PHF setup has done zero work for hockey in general and players in particular. Appointing all those, who raised their voice for hockey, is the best solution in their eyes and mind, but they don’t know that we have given our lives to hockey and unlike of them, it is quite obvious that it hurts watching the team reaching new lows.

“Before Brig (r) Khokhar and Shahbaz Senior, Pakistan team was lying at 8 or 9 in the FIH rankings, but now we are at our lowest ebb. What a downfall but nobody from the government and the federation felt the pain. If I was the PHF president, I would have long tendered my resignation. According to my knowledge, Brig (r) Khokhar had promised that if he failed to deliver, he would have stepped down, but I am sure, he wouldn’t do so.

“I am sure the results under his command are highly shameful and more than enough to accept failure and let the right leadership to step forward to stand any chance of reviving Pakistan hockey. They are non-serious and I don’t feel they can bring golden days of Pakistan hockey back as two years are more than enough to at least show direction and put the team on right path. I can easily claim that the prime minister never took hockey seriously. Had he felt the pain, we Olympians and former greats would have been given the task of reviving hockey,” he added.

Samiullah said what was the logic of starting training camp at Naseer Bunda Stadium, when the condition of the astroturf was in shambles. “If the players were just given lectures, it could have been done anywhere else, video conference could have been arranged for that purpose. The basic objective of conducting training camps is to groom the players mentally and physically and ensure to rectify their mistakes. I want to know what the federation and coaches have been achieved so far?

“Why players were invited in such a numbers first and then many of them were dropped without watching their physical skills. How can one rely on fitness tests without playing competitive hockey? I once again request the prime minister to have some mercy on fast declining fortunes of Pakistan hockey and spare some time and invite true well-wishers, who are sincere with the game and want in flourish again,” he added.

“It is my sincere advice and suggestion to the present management to step aside and let genuine stakeholders steady the sinking ship of Pakistan hockey and let them make tough and bitter decisions, as it is the one and only viable solution,” Samiullah concluded.

The Nation



The Glory Days


Hockey gold for independent India London, Aug 1948

In the run-up to India's 70th Independence anniversary, The Tribune brings you the country's most notable sporting achievements over the last seven decades. The first part of the series features feats accomplished in the first decade (1947-57) after Independence...

Hockey gold for independent India

London, Aug 1948
Exactly a year after Independence, India scored a symbolic victory over Great Britain in the Olympic Games. India had thrashed the field to reach the final, to earn a shot at Great Britain for the first time in the Olympics. The final was played in a charged atmosphere, for the match had acquired greater significance than just a hockey game. Balbir Singh Sr scored twice in the first half, Pat Jansen and Trilochan Singh added two in the second as India won 4-0 to earn free India's first sporting success.

Fifth in a row

Helsinki, July 1952
Balbir Singh Sr, the star of the London Olympics final, was the man of the moment four years later at Helsinki as well, scoring nine of India's 13 goals in the tournament. Captained by KD Singh 'Babu', with the charge led by Balbir Singh, India easily dismissed Austria and Great Britain on the way to the final. The Netherlands awaited India there, but it was again a cakewalk for India as Balbir smashed in five goals as India won 6-1.

Football's finest hour

Melbourne, Dec 1956
Melbourne provided the zenith in the history of Indian football — India became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals in the Olympic Games. Neville D'Souza scored the most famous hat-trick in Indian football against Australia to take India to the semifinals, where India lost 1-4 to Yugoslavia. D'Souza scored the goal, and was unlucky to hit the bar once. India got beaten to the bronze by Bulgaria, who won 3-0.

First Asian Games

New Delhi, March 1951
The inaugural Asian Games were originally scheduled to be held in 1950, but a young nation, free for less than four years, was not ready until March 1951. The intent was to put India on the world map, and India's athletes rose to the challenge. Around 490 athletes from 11 nations participated in athletics, aquatics, basketball, cycling, football and weightlifting in the eight-day competition, and India finished second on the table with 52 medals, 15 of them gold.

First Test win

Madras, Feb 1952
India's first Test win, coming 20 years after their Test debut, caused jubilation among fans of cricket — India had, after all, beaten colonial masters England by an innings and eight runs. Vinoo Mankad was the star with 12 wickets in the match, while Pankaj Roy and Polly Umrigar scored 100s that set up India’s 457/9 declared.

Jadhav's first

Helsinki, July 1952
In 1952, Khashaba Jadhav, a low-profile wrestler, went to the then Maharashtra Chief Minister, Morarji Desai, to seek Rs 4,000 he needed to travel to Helsinki for the Olympics, but was turned down. Then the principal of Jadhav's college did something extraordinary — he mortgaged his home for Rs 7,000 to send his former student to the Olympics. Jadhav came back with a bronze, and Desai was among the men who honoured Jadhav. Until 2008, Helsinki was the only Olympics in which India won more than one medal.

A world title

France, 1957
The first decade after Independence ended with another world title when the Indian polo team won the World Polo Championship in France. Sawai Man Singh led the team to wins over Argentina, England, Spain and France. The team included players who became legends, such as Rao Raja Hamut Singh, Kanwar Bijey Singh and Lt. Col. Thakur Kishen Singh.

Third for Balbir

Melbourne, Dec 1956
It was tougher this time, but no one expected India to take anything but gold from their third Olympics as an independent nation. Balbir Singh Sr won his third gold in row, this time as captain, though he missed the later stages of the tournament due to an injury. India had thrashed everyone in the group stage, racking up 36 goals without conceding any. The last two games were difficult — a 1-0 victory took them past Germany into the final, where India clashed with Pakistan for the first time in the Olympics. After a goalless first half, India scored off a penalty-corner in the second through Randhir Singh Gentle.

Dhyan Chand's last bow

East Africa, 1947-48
Dhyan Chand, the greatest hockey player of all time, had won the last of his three Olympics gold medals 11 years before Indian became independent. When independence dawned, at 42 he was well past his prime. There was nothing left for him to achieve, except for glory in free India — the three Olympics gold medals were won under the British flag. Then he led a young bunch of players to a tour of East Africa — the organisers had insisted: “No Dhyan Chand, no team”. In 22 games, the old master scored 61 goals, the second-highest tally on the tour, before bowing away from the sport.

India on tour

Australia, 1947-48
Just months after a bloody Partition, India's cricket team went on its first overseas tour, to Australia in 1947-48. India, led by Lala Amarnath, took on Don Bradman's Invincibles. It was a mismatch and there could have been only one result — a hammering for India. Bradman, nearing 40, punished the Indian bowlers with 715 runs at an average of 178.75. Vijay Hazare scored two hundreds at Adelaide and Mankad also got two in the Tests, but those were the only consolations as India lost 0-4.

The Tribune



‘Orphaned’ hockey turf used as doormats, carpets in Rajasthan village

The turf in Dausa village now serves as doormats outside classrooms after lying for a year in a cleared ground where it was meant to be laid.

Salik Ahmad


Pieces of the turf serve as doormats outside rooms in a private school in Jatwara, a village in Rajasthan’s Dausa.(HT Photo)

Pieces of what would have been Rajasthan’s third hockey turf — usually known as Astro Turf after the name of the brand that makes the synthetic turfs — are being used as doormats and carpets in Jatwara, a village in Rajasthan’s Dausa.

Jaipur and Ajmer are the only other places with hockey turfs in the state.

The turf in the village has been lying for a year in a cleared ground, set in the foothills among lush green fields, where it was meant to be laid. The half-cemented ground, secured by a broken fence, is dotted with rusting goalposts and littered with dung.

The field was orphaned recently after Andrea Thumshirn, a primary league hockey player from Germany who bought the field and was teaching the kids in the village for three years, left Rajasthan. The 42-year-old Thumshirn, who also taught in another village for three years, said she was cheated in both cases.

Thumshirn was working with a travel agency and her adventure with village kids started when she stopped at Garh Himmat Singh village in 2010 with some other German tourists on the route from Jaipur to Agra.

She left the village in 2014 and shifted to Jatwara after she discovered that her local partner was siphoning off the money meant for the children.

In a private school in Jatwara, where Thumshirn stayed, pieces of the turf serve as doormats outside rooms. Varsha Sharma, the hockey player’s once close friend and wife of the school owner, said the pieces came as samples when Thumshirn was living there. But Thumshirn denied the claim, saying there were no samples as the turf was an old one.

“It lay behind their house for a long time. They must have cut the pieces from there,” she said. The second-hand turf came from Germany in 2013 and was initially to be laid out at a government school in Mandawar, near Jatwara. The day the work was to begin, about 300 people gathered at the spot and sang “freedom-fighter songs”, stalling the work, Thumshirn said.

“They gave a 14-page objection letter too. One of the reasons was that their annual fair was held in the school ground,” she said.

The turf was then shifted to Garh Himmat Singh village and later to the Sharmas’ house, where it lay for two-and-a-half years. It was later sent to the hockey ground in the village a year ago, following Thumshirn’s falling out with the Sharmas.

Once the turf was out in the ground, people cut pieces from it and used it as doormats and carpets in their houses. “If you asked them why they cut it, they would say others were doing the same,” Thumshirn added.

Manohar Meena, a resident of the village and former owner of the hockey ground, too said the villagers had taken pieces of the turf.

Meanwhile, Thumshirn has moved to Coorg in Karnataka to start a new chapter in her hockey training files.

Hindustan Times

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