News for 14 August 2017
All the news for Monday 14 August 2017
Argentina win fifth Pan American Cup after beating brave Chile. USA overcome Canada's challenge
Argentina won their fifth consecutive Pan American Cup after beating Chile 4-1 in the final. The result has wider implications as it means that Italy have now qualified for the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London next year. For Chile, the silver medal was their highest finish at a PAHF event. USA, the host nation, delighted the fans in the earlier game as they defeated fellow north American rivals Canada in a tense match to take bronze. It is certainly not the colour the world number four team had hoped for at the beginning of the competition, but the 2-1 win over Canada reinforced the USA’s reputation as a team of resilience.
(Reports courtesy Candela Diaz Bustos/Ali Baggott/PAHF)
Argentina vs Chile 4-1
In the final, Las Leonas were made to work hard for the gold medal. Claudia Schuler, Chile’s goalkeeper, made save after save during the opening passage of play, stopping several clear scoring opportunties. The Chilean barrier was finally breached towards the end of the second quarter when first Julia Gomes and then Julieta Jankunas managed to get past Schuler. Maria Granatto made it 3-0 and then Noel Barrionuevo scored from a penalty stroke. Chile’s consolation goal came from Sofia Walbaum.
USA vs Canada 2-1
Earlier in the day USA and Canada had played out a tense match for the bronze medal. USA took a while to get going and a great performance from Canadian keeper Rowan Harris kept the higher ranked team at bay for the first half of the game. It was the heroics of Taylor West that eventually gave USA the go-ahead goal to finish with a 2-1 win for the bronze medal.
Canada (WR: 19) proved a worthy opponent in both match ups having tied USA 1-1 in pool play, despite being 15 ranking places lower than USA. It was Canada who opened the scoring, Karli Johansen’s penalty corner shooting past the USA defence. USA responded with an increased tempo and Erin Matson started to create some havoc for the Canadian defence. Despite many opportunities however, the scoreline remained in Canada’s favour until the 40th minute when Michelle Vitesse was finally able to make USA persistence pay off. The winning goal came from a goalmouth scramble and Taylor West was on hand to fire a loose ball home and ensure her team finished on the podium.
2017 Pan American Cup Women's Awards:
Best Player: Denise Krimerman Chile
Best Goalkeeper: Claudia Scholar Chile
Best U21 Player: María Paula Ortiz Argentina
Top Goalscorer: Kathleen Sharkey USA and Noel Barrionuevo Argentina, both with 5 goals
Final Positions
Argentina
Chile
USA
Canada
Uruguay
México
FIH site
Leonas capitalize late on Chile to take fifth-straight Pan American Cup title
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Patrick Espejo
Pan American Champions: Argentina. Photo: Ali Lee
Argentina won their fifth Pan American Cup this afternoon as they beat Chile 4-1 in the final game of the tournament that took place in Lancaster, United States. Las Leonas started pushing the game in the third period of the match and in five minutes they scored the goals that allowed them to beat chile and stay with the 2017 championship.
In first quarter of the game, Claudia Schuler, Chile’s Goalkeeper, did an amazing job, and was able to save four clear chances for Argentina to open the score. She stopped three drag flicks from Julia Gomes ands a shot by Magdalena Fernandez. Starting the second quarter Schuler also saved a powerful shot by Martina Cavallero and in the 29th minute she saved a hard blast from Maria Granatto, with the tip of her glove .
In the 19th minute a shot by Carolina Garcia was the first test of Argentina keeper Belen Succi. The crowd chants of "Chi-Chi-Chi ... le-le-le" and "Ar-gen-tina, Ar-gen-tina" were heard firmly in the Lancaster stadium that was packed.
Julia Gomes and Julieta Jankunas scored Argentina’s first two goals, while Maria Jose Granatto scored a third in the 45th minute after she buried a rebound that came off Schuler. Noel Barrionuevo had her chance and scored after a penalty stroke in the 46th minute. These goals atfirmed the score of the Argentine side. Chile, had their own opportunity to score when Sofia Walbaum, after a penalty corner rebound got a consolation goal.
This victory gives Argentina another title to which it is added also the one obtained yesterday by Los Leones.
Argentina won the Pan American Cup, Chile was second with a historical result. The United States were third, Canada fourth, Uruguay fifth, Mexico sixth and Brazil seventh.
2017 Pan American Cup Women's Awards:
Best Player: Denise Krimerman (#5 CHI)
Best Goalkeeper: Claudia Schüler (#1 CHI)
Best U21 Player: María Paula Ortiz (#26 ARG)
Top Goalscorer: Kathleen Sharkey (#24 USA) and Noel Barrionuevo (#27 ARG), both with 5 goals
Final Positions
1. Argentina
2. Chile
3. USA
4. Canadá
5. Uruguay
6. México
7. Brazil
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
American resilience pays off as USA drop Canada for bronze
2017 Pan American Cups - August 4-13
Ali Baggott
Joint tournament top goalscorer, Kat Sharkey in 2017 Pan American Cup - 3rd place - Canada vs. USA
Reluctance of being in a bronze-medal match seemed to draw a different level of intensity in the matchup between Canada and USA. Both teams played the game only with their second keepers, Rowan Harris for Canada and Alesha Widdall for USA, while there were few promising chances in either end through the beginning of the game. USA had three penalty corners in the first quarter, the first going wide and the other two being chased down and blocked by Canadian Rachel Donohoe. Kat Sharkey and Jill Witmer picked up where they left off in their semi-final match up creating the majority of USA’s attack but not really testing Harris.
Canada struggled to make anything happen in USA’s end but a free hit outside the circle was taken quickly by Stephanie Norlander and forced a penalty corner. Canada was able to grab the lead, 1-0, when Johansen’s flick echoed off the back boards for her fourth penalty corner goal of the tournament.
USA responded with an increased tempo and Erin Matson started to create some havoc for the Canadian defence. The speedy striker blasted a shot just wide of the goal in the 19th minute, while another penalty corner flick from Ashley Hoffman in the 28th minute was steered away by the glove of Harris. The game remained 1-0 for Canada at half time.
Minutes into the third quarter Nicole Woods had a back-hander that rang off the Canadian cross bar and the resulting play resulted in the first of three sequential USA penalty corners. The Americans needed all three corners to finally convert as the first two were denied well by Harris. The third attempt was a straight sweep from Michelle Vittese into the bottom right corner to tie the game 1-1 in the 40th minute.
Canada earned a penalty corner in the 50th minute but Melissa Gonzalez was quick off the line to block Johansen’s flick. Straight back the other way and USA perfectly executed a layoff fake to Gonzalez who slipped it down to Matson. A scramble ensued and Taylor West was there to beat Harris short side for a 2-1 USA lead.
In desperation Canada went to 11 field players. Hannah Haughn earned Canada a penalty corner with three minutes on the clock but the Canadians were unable to capitalize. West’s finish was enough to give the No. 4 USA team the 2-1 victory over the No. 19 Canadians to seal the bronze medal.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Come from Behind Win Earns USWNT PAC Bronze Medal
Image courtesy of Mark Palczewski
LANCASTER, Pa. – August 13, 2017 – More than 1,600 fans gathered at Spook Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. to witness the bronze medal matchup of the 2017 women’s Pan American Cup between the U.S. Women’s National Team and northern foes Canada. Finishing in a draw in pool play, USA came from behind to tally a penalty corner goal to earn the 2-1 bronze victory.
“There was a huge difference in our performance from the first game versus this one,” said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. “I think this one we dominated and it was very unfortunate to give up that one corner they scored on. It put us on our back foot but this team has shown time and time again they can fight.”
With a medal on the line, both teams hit the field determined to take care of every possession and make the most of every opportunity. Shots were shared early in the quarter as well as some circle entries but neither team could find a result. In the 10th minute, a close chance came for USA as Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) dispossessed Canada’s backfield transfer and earned a penalty corner. Another chance would follow but similarly had no outcome. The quarter ended with action going back and forth.
Canada started out strong in the second quarter using short, rapid passing to work it down field but USA’s defense stood poised and shut down the threat. USA quickly attacked the other direction gathering a few chances of their own. Play alternated hands and continued until the 20th minute when USA was called for not being five yards away on a free hit resulting in a Canada penalty corner. Off the attempt, Karli Johanese’s low placed drag flick found the back of the goal to give Canada a 1-0 lead. Determined to add one of their own, USA immediately countered the other way. Circle entries were found and so was a penalty corner for USA but no result was found as the halftime score stood at USA 0, Canada 1.
USA started the third quarter applying pressure to Canada. A close chance came just a minute in when Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.) stole the ball from a Canada defender and headed toward goal. She dumped it off to Kat Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) who had a diving attempt that dribbled over the end line. Just following, Sharkey ripped a backhand shot that dinged off the crossbar. Persistent, USA didn’t let up on the attack maintaining possession and earning multiple circle entries. A smart decision by USA to take a free hit inside the 25-yard line quickly translated into a penalty corner chance. In the 40th minute, Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) found the equalizer off a sweep to make it 1-1. The quarter finished with USA in possession trying to break Canada’s compact defense.
With the final 15 minutes to determine the winner, willpower continued for both teams. The opening minutes saw shared possession before Canada earned a penalty corner. The attempt was blocked on the shot by flyer Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) and cleared by USA’s defense. Moments later, Witmer used a crafty lift move to get inside the circle and earn a USA penalty corner. On the attempt, USA moved the ball around Canada’s static defense where Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) finished the play giving USA a 2-1 lead. The action continued to be packed as Canada opted to pull their goalkeeper for a kicking back with 3:35 remaining. USA stayed defensive sound holding off a determined Canada attack as the final score stood at USA 2, Canada 1.
“We created a lot of opportunities, a lot of good opportunities and unfortunate didn’t make it easy on ourselves today,” said Schopman, talking about the number of penalty corner chances and shots. "I am very proud of how we came out today and the crowd was super helpful as well. I am proud of how they kept fighting and pulled it out.”
A career milestone was reached in today’s contest as USA goalkeeper Alesha Widdall earned her 50th international cap wearing the red, white and blue.
The next major competition for the U.S. Women’s National Team is the FIH Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand from November 17-26, 2017. Continue to follow usafieldhockey.com for all things related to field hockey in the United States.
USFHA media release
Canada’s Women cap off 2017 Pan American Cup strongly in 4th place
Kori Sidaway
Brienne Stairs carries the ball in the 2017 Pan American Cup bronze medal game versus the United States. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)
The 2017 Pan American Cup Women’s bronze medal game stoked a familiar North American rivalry as Canada and United States faced one another, in a rematch following their recent tie in pool play, and game which broke the United States’ 26 game win streak.
The United States came out on top, taking the game with a tight score of 2-1. But Canada, ranked 19th in the world, showed a valiant effort to challenge the world’s ranked number four, U.S.A.
The first quarter was filled with exciting & tiring, end to end hockey. Canada maintained their share of possession and both sides saw their chances, but it was the USA who earned their fair share of penalty corner opportunities.
Goalkeeper Rowan Harris strongly defended the Canadian Women’s net with bold saves on penalty corners and near breakaways. Through the back and forth play, in the 19th minute, a near perfect drag click from Karli Johansen hit the back of the net to light up the scoreboard 1-0 for Canada.
Following the goal, the USA went on the counter attack and Canada’s defence stepped up accordingly, to stop all USA advances in a terrific coordinated defensive effort.
Coming out of halftime, team U.S.A. came out to dominate. They kept Canada on their heels defending, stripped any opportunity for Canada to maintain possession, and earned numerous penalty corner calls.
Harris came out strong on a barrage of U.S.A. opportunities, but in the 40th minute a drag flick off a penalty corner slipped by her pads to tie the game at 1.
Following their disappointing third quarter, The Women’s National team came out early to knock at the doorstep of the U.S.A. net and earned a penalty corner. The Canadian Women missed their opportunity and the USA ran it right back to earn a penalty corner of their own, which they executed strongly to see their second goal of the game, and take the lead 2-1.
In the following minutes of the fourth quarter, Canada found themselves bogged down by strong U.S. checking and a high rate of turnovers that kept the ball of of the Canadian hands.
With three minutes to go, Head Coach Ian Rutledge pulled goalkeeper Harris for the extra attacker. With the additional stick on the turf, Brienne Stairs marched down the pitch, teammates in tow, to earn a penalty corner for Canada.
Canada put the ball in that back of the net, but not before an early call from the umpire for a foot in the circle. The goal was disallowed because the whistle had been blown already, and after on-field complaints from the players, the short corner was then waved off as well.
This would be the last real chance Canada would see in the dying seconds of the game, and team USA took the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over Canada.
In the 2017 Pan Am Cup final match up, Argentina’s Women beat Chile 4-1, to set up gold and silver, respectively – the first time in history that the Pan American Cup was not contested by Argentina and the U.S.A.
Walking away from the competition, successfully challenging higher ranking teams, and coming out with a fourth place standing, the Women’s National team was proud of the playing level they brought to the table.
“There’s a lot of positives to take out of the match. We came out really hard and we knew what we needed to do, and I think that for the most part we did that,” Canadian defender Shanlee Johnston said. “There were a couple lapses here and there that hurt us, but we know we can keep up with a team in the top 5 in the world.”
As for what’s next, Johnston and the rest of the Women’s National team are looking forwards toward winter training and their next big international tournament.
“We’re just focusing on the next big competition, we go to the Commonwealth Games in April. We’re just keeping our heads up and working hard for the next period.”
You can catch Canada’s Women play their next international game April 4-15, 2018 during those Commonwealth Games held this year, in Queensland, Australia (broadcast TBA).
Photos: Canada vs United States – August 13/17
Select photos from Canada’s 2-1 bronze medal loss to the United States on August 13, 2017 at the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, USA. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)FHC
Field Hockey Canada media release
Italy qualify for Women's Hockey World Cup, London 2018
Italy women’s hockey team are on their way to London after they became the latest team to qualify for the Women’s Hockey World Cup, which will take place at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park next July and August.
Italy, ranked 15th in the world, finished in sixth position in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Brussels, meaning they faced an anxious wait to see if that was good enough to earn them qualification to the blue riband event that takes place in London next year from 21 July to 5 August.
The results at the Pan American Cup, which took place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have gone in favour of Italy as the tournament winners – Argentina – have already qualified for the World Cup via the Hockey World League route. Had their opponents Chile won the tournament, then they would have taken the next qualification place.
Under FIH regulations, the team that wins its continental qualifier automatically qualifies for the World Cup. If that team has already qualified by finishing in the top five of the Hockey World League Semi-Finals – as Argentina did by finishing fourth at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg – then the place is offered to the next highest finisher in the competition, in this case, Italy.
The Women's Hockey World Cup 2018 will be Italy's second appearance at the World Cup. The last time Italy qualifed was in 1976 when they finished 10th.
There are still four more continental qualifiers to be played so four more places remain up for grabs.
The continental qualifiers are: Women’s Rabobank EuroHockey Championships 18-26 August 2017, Oceania Cup 9-15 October (final dates to be confirmed); Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 19 / 29 October (final dates to be confirmed. Hero Women’s Asia Cup 28 October - 5 November 2017..
FIH site
Hockey Makers trio volunteer in Lancaster for Pan Am Cup
Ali Baggott
Hockey Makers at the PanAms. Photo: Yan Huckendubler
Every event that happens, big or small, would not happen without the heart and dedication of volunteers. For the Hockey Makers this is taken to an unparalleled level. Although their involvement stems as far back as 2007, it wasn’t until the London 2012 Olympics that the Hockey Makers and the idea of volunteers being a mainstay of events really took off.
The Hockey Makers are an open group of volunteers, tied closely to England Hockey, that support indoor, outdoor and international hockey events. Their motto is charged around “being part of the Hockey Family” and of course the benefits at a minimum include having fun, meeting people, learning new skills and building your CV. Since the London Olympics their volunteers have extended their experience internationally. Three Hockey Makers brought their expertise to Lancaster for the 2017 men’s and women’s Pan American Cup in the USA – Katie Bent, Chris Wardale and Alex Bandurak,
Bent is an “original” so-to-speak, having been a part of the first event the Hockey Makers were born from at the European Championships in Manchester in 2007. Now, Bent enters her 10th year of volunteering and her resume includes two European Championships, two Champions Trophies, the Men’s World League Semi-finals, the 2012 Olympics and now the Pan American Cup.
“The Hockey Makers is such a diverse group of people,” said Bent, who is involved with the teams as a liaison at the Pan American Cup. “No matter ages or experience in the sport there is a role for everyone. Having such a diverse group is what makes it so great. I've grown up with the Hockey Makers in the UK and its helped me learn different life skills over the years that have supported me in my career and the group grows at each event which adds more diversity each time. It's fantastic to see people of all ages involved at any event as each individual brings something different to the group and event.”
For Wardale, his first event was with the 2010 Women’s Champion’s Trophy in Nottingham, England. His aspirations of working at an Olympic Games came true when he was selected to work at the 2012 London Games and has been able to work a major competition each year since including the Champions Challenge 1, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2016 men’s and women’s Champions trophy and the men’s Hockey World League Semi-final.
“For some people, just going to watch would have been enough but I have been fortunate enough to receive some great coaching and support growing up so wanted to give something extra back to the sport that has taught me so much,” added Wardale, who is in Lancaster working with USA Field Hockey team’s operations around the field of play. “I have been around a hockey environment since I can remember and it's a huge part of my life, so having the opportunity to be involved in the highest level of hockey is great from a development point of view but it's also amazing to be working with so many people who are just as passionate and interested in the sport as I am.”
Bandurak has been involved with the Hockey Makers for eight years now but involved in hockey for over 20. Bandurak, like Bent, is working with the teams and the Team Liaison officers in Lancaster.
“The Pan Am Cup had been an amazing experience for us to come to out here,” said Bandurak who has done a variety of international level events but is still waiting to tick a Commonwealth Games and World Cup off his bucket list. “Every tournament is different, and so seeing the way the tournament is run out here, by both USA Field Hockey and PAHF, has been beneficial because we can see how things may differ slightly to back (in England). We can observe that, compare it to things we have done back (in England), that have either worked better or not quite as well, and then feed that back, either here or to our own governing body. This sharing of experiences would benefit both future tournaments here, and those we hold in the UK.”
The Hockey Makers boast a diverse age mix as well as a wide range of skills and talents. Skills from day jobs can be benefit in specific volunteer roles, but the learnings at events are also easily transferable to a volunteer’s day job or activities.
Bent works in soccer in the UK working with athletes on match days and behind the scenes preparations for competitions. Those skills have transferred over to her volunteer roles, while in her experiences she has done a variety of work ranging from mascot services to spectator service and working with the competing teams.
“Most of the skills that have helped me move forward with my education and now career have been learnt by working with such a diverse group of volunteers at events,” adds Bent, who started volunteering at age 17 and also plays and coaches throughout the hockey season.
This is the first involvement of the Hockey Makers in a Pan American event and while volunteers are not unfamiliar, the concept of a cultured volunteer club branching their skills and efforts internationally can hopefully be spread to this side of the world.
“What makes volunteering so special is that you are there to facilitate the athletes event, with a group of like-minded, passionate volunteers,” adds Bandurak. “People come from all walks of life, with varying degrees of involvement with, and knowledge of, hockey. What they share (and develop) is a love of the sport. Being with such passionate and hardworking people, with a common interest, means everyone comes together and gets on amazingly well on events, even if they haven't met before. They also all chip in and help each other, providing additional help, filling in, or just being on hand in case anything is needed.”
When you meet a Hockey Maker you won’t be surprised to find common traits amongst them. All three in Lancaster agreed that communication and team work are essential to being effective Hockey Makers. From language barriers to problem solving, these volunteers have strived for the necessary experiences and events to continually improve themselves both as people and professionals.
As far as the Pan American Cup goes, this trio of Hockey Makers has been committed to 35 games over 10 days at the remarkable Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Pennsylvania, USA. This is just one more event and country for them to add to their impressively growing CV. Their local hockey seasons begin in September where they will be involved in all capacities from playing to coaching, mentoring or umpiring. Aspirations are high for all Hockey Makers for the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia, the 2018 World Cup in London and the 2018 England National Indoor Finals and while not everyone can be at every big event, that doesn’t seem to stop them from being a part of any and all domestic competitions that they can.
“It's an incredible venue here at Spooky Nook Sports and it's great see there are people just as passionate about the sport as there is back at home,” adds Wardale. “I am very thankful to the staff at USA field hockey who allowed us to come out and also to the volunteers who have all made us feel very welcome.”
For more on the Hockey Makers visit hockeymaker.co.uk .
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Scotland add gold to Euro promotion with Wales also going up
©: Duncan Gray/scottish Hockey
Scotland added gold at the EuroHockey Championship II to their famous promotion to the top tier of European Championships hockey with a 2-1 over Wales – also promoted for 2019 – in the final at Glasgow.
The Scots earned their promotion as they held on for victory over Russia while Wales produced one of their finest ever performances, beating top ranks France 4-3 in their semi-final tie.
It was a nervy opening from both sides in the final, and a highly tactical one. Jamie Wong was picking up good positions for the Scots and Lee Morton looked dangerous on the ball.
The first opportunity fell for Wales and it came at a penalty corner – an area where Wales can be deadly. This time Tommy Alexander got down low to his right to save before blocking the rebound.
In the second quarter the match swung in Wales’ favour. A penalty corner was awarded and James Carson slammed it low into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0. Wales were playing great hockey and the Scots were struggling to break them down.
It looked like Wales had struck a second when a crash ball into the D was deflected into the net but it was chopped off and Scotland survived.
Within seconds Scotland went on the offensive and won their first penalty corner but Kenny Bain`s powerful strike unfortunately cannoned off the bar. In the resulting scramble another set piece was awarded, this time Bain`s flick was saved on the line by Daniel Kyriakides to prevent the equaliser.
The dramatic comeback started only three minutes into the final quarter, at another penalty corner Willie Marshall`s low drag flick was half stopped by a defender but the ball still found its way into the back of the net.
The Scots` tails were now up, Forsyth had a chance for the lead but his reverse stick effort flew just wide of the target.
But the Scots were not to be denied the ultimate reward, Forsyth was again given the ball in space in the Welsh circle, he needed no further invitation and the Surbiton striker lashed the ball into the net for a 2-1 lead.
A hero now emerged at the other end of the pitch as the Welsh now pressed to get back into the contest, Scots keeper David Forrester, on at half time, produced several telling saves to keep his side in front.
In a desperate attempt to save the contest the Welsh coach replaced his goalkeeper with an additional outfield player but the Scots held on. In the final seconds Bain almost made it 3-1 with a breakaway but he was blocked at the top of the circle.
Fittingly Alan Forsyth won both the top goal scorer and player of the tournament while Tommy Alexander took the top goalkeeper award.
Scotland’s winning goal scorer Alan Forsyth said, “We made it hard for ourselves again but we knew if we played our game we would win the match. When the ball came to me I just decided to hit it as hard as I could. It was one of the best feeling of my life when it went in. Amazing.”
Scotland Captain Chris Grassick said, “This is an amazing feeling. We got what we came for but to get five wins from five is really special. We have a great squad and a great team behind us, and today’s crowd was absolutely amazing.”
Euro Hockey League media release
India beat World No.4 Netherlands 4-3
s2h team
Indian Men’s Hockey team beat home side Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Robo Super Series in Waalwijk (Netherlands), part of India’s tour of Europe on Sunday.
It was double goals by Manpreet Singh in the 30th and 44th minute of the match, Varun Kumar's 17th minute goal and Harjeet Singh's 49th minute brace that helped India beat the Dutch who had a great build-up to the series with a 7-1 win over Germany last week.
Though India made a strong start with forward Ramandeep Singh finding an early chance to score, his attempt went slightly wide. Soon after, Netherlands drew first blood when they won a PC in the fifth minute. The drag flick, however, found the foot of skipper Manpreet Singh resulting in a re-award which subsequently went into a penalty stroke. Mink van der Weerden broke no sweat in putting the ball past India goalkeeper Akash Chikte to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead.
The attacking approach of India led to a PC opportunity in the 17th minute. Junior World Cup hero Varun Kumar successfully beat Dutch goalkeeper to equalize the score.
Manpreet Singh brilliantly deflected Armaan Qureshi’s cross pass in the 30th minute to give India a 2-1 lead. India controlled the first half with better ball possession and opportunities created in the striking circle.
The contest intensified in the third quarter with Manpreet taking a brilliant shot on goal but the Dutch keeper came up with a class act to pad it away. The following minutes saw the Dutch being awarded back to back PC but comeback man Amit Rohidas was effective as first runner to deny Dutch successful conversion.
The third quarter however ended with India skipper Manpreet scoring another goal in the 44th minute to give India a 3-1 lead and take charge of the game. A good buildup in the midfield followed by a quick-thinking effort by forward Lalit Upadhyay earning the PC. Though Dutch earned a PC with little less than two minutes left for the quarter to end, it was saved by Chikte.
India stayed on course to a win with Harjeet Singh taking the lead to a formidable 4-2 with a well-struck field goal in the 49th minute.
The final minutes were thrilling with Nilakanta Sharma making a strong attempt on goal but it was saved by Dutch defender. Though Bob de Voogd scored two goals for the Dutch, India sealed the match 4-3 and walked away with winning point.
On August 14, the Indian Men's Hockey team will take on Netherlands at 23.30 hours.
Stick2Hockey.com
India stuns Netherlands 4-3 in Rabo Super Series
India came back from a goal down, thanks mainly to Manpreet Singh's two goals
Manpreet Singh scored twice as Indian men's hockey team came back from a goal down to stun World No. 4 Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Rabo Super Series, here today.
Manpreet (30th minute, 44th) was the star for sixth- ranked India, while Varun Kumar (17th) and Harjeet Singh (49th) also sounded the board.
Bob de Voogd scored two goals for World No. 4 Netherlands, who had a great build-up to the series with a 7-1 win over Germany last week.
Though India made a strong start with forward Ramandeep Singh finding an early chance to score, his attempt went slightly wide. Soon after, Netherlands drew first blood when they won a PC in the fifth minute.
The drag flick, however, found the foot of skipper Manpreet Singh resulting in a re-award which subsequently went into a penalty stroke. Mink van der Weerden broke no sweat in putting the ball past India goalkeeper Akash Chikte to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead.
India got over the early jitters with a strong display, largely controlling the midfield led by Manpreet who showcased top quality skill and stick work. The attacking approach helped with India finding a PC opportunity in the 17th minute.
Junior World Cup hero Varun Kumar then successfully beat Dutch goalkeeper to equalize the score. Though the Netherlands earned a PC soon after, the effort was tactfully saved by India goalkeeper.
India pushed the World no.4 team further when Manpreet brilliantly deflected Armaan Qureshi's cross pass in the 30th minute to give India a 2-1 lead.
India controlled the first half with better ball possession and opportunities created in the striking circle.
The contest intensified in the third quarter with Manpreet taking a brilliant shot on goal but the Dutch keeper came up with a class act to pad it away.
The following minutes saw the Dutch being awarded back to back PC but comeback man Amit Rohidas was effective as first runner to deny Dutch successful conversion.
India then set up a thrilling counter attack to put Netherlands under pressure but the Dutch goalkeeper made a good save again.
The third quarter, however, ended with India skipper Manpreet scoring another goal in the 44th minute to give India a 3-1 lead and take charge of the game.
A good buildup in the midfield followed by a quick- thinking effort by forward Lalit Upadhyay earned the PC.
Though Dutch earned a PC with little less than two minutes left for the quarter to end, it was saved by Chikte.
India stayed on course to a win with Harjeet taking the lead to a formidable 4-2 with a well-struck field goal in the 49th minute.
In the final minutes, Nilakanta Sharma made a strong attempt but it was saved by Dutch defender. Though Bob de Voogd scored two goals for the Dutch, India sealed the match 4-3 and walked away with winning point.
India, who lost both their matches against fifth-ranked Belgium to start the European tour on a dismal note, will play Netherlands again tomorrow.
DNA
Manpreet brace helps India beat Netherlands 4-3
NEW DELHI: Indian men's hockey team registered a stunning 4-3 victory against higher-ranked Netherlands at Waalwijk on Sunday, their first win in three games in their tour of Europe. They began the European tour on wrong note, losing both their matches against fifth-ranked Belgium.
Sixth-ranked India came from a goal down to beat world No. 4 Netherlands in a seven-goal thriller. Skipper Manpreet Singh was the star for the visitors with two fine goals.
The hosts took an early lead in Q1 through a penalty stroke, which was scored by Mink van der Weerden. India then controlled the game in the second quarter and Varun Kumar scored the equaliser with a brilliant drag-flick before Manpreet struck a field goal to give the visitors 2-1 lead at half-time.
Manpreet scored again in the third quarter to extend India's lead to 3-1, which was soon turned into 4-1 with a goal by Harjeet Singh.
In the final quarter, Netherlands increased the tempo and started searching for the goals. Bob de Voogd came up with two stunning goals to reduce the deficit to 3-4, but India managed to hold on to the slender lead and registered a fine win.
India will face the same opponents, Netherlands, in their fourth match of the tour on Monday at 23:30 IST.
The Times of India
Over-40s and 45 women lead way at Masters Euros
The eight Irish Masters sides continued their European Championships campaigns over the weekend in Tilburg with the women's Over-40s and 45s leading the way with two wins from two to date
European Masters Championships – day three round-up
Ireland Over-45s second game against France was a lesson in patience for Ireland as France were well organised and disciplined in defence. The score line at halftime was nil-all despite most of the play being concentrated in the France half.
Ireland began the second half in determined mood, and they found a moment of inspiration when Ashling Schutte took a quick free, leaving French defenders in her wake as she fired past the keeper for the crucial first goal. Ireland immediately settled and now were very much on the front foot, looking for a second goal.
A great steal by Kathryn Henderson on the left side fed JR Fisher who powered down the wing, along the back line and lobbed a delicious ball past the keeper at the near post for 2 nil.
Three minutes later, the win was sealed. Snappy play off a short corner breakdown saw Clodagh McMoreland-Lynch add a third goal. Not the prettiest game for Ireland, but they showed their mettle and found a way to win. Next up is a crucial game against England on Monday.
At Over-40s level, Ireland met an experienced Welsh team and took control early on and the pressure led to an early penalty corner.
Nikki McMullan took the shot which was saved by the keeper, Mary Rose Roche was following up and claimed the first goal of the game. McMullan was also involved in the second goal, she nimbly store the ball from a Welsh stick, drove forward, passed the ball straight into the circle where Gillian Garrett was waiting.
She settled herself and fired the ball into the corner. Two more goals followed in the first half, another pass into the circle, this time Norma Brady fired it in, Garrett touched it past the keeper and slotted in for her second. Brady then got herself a goal, working hard to create space for herself.
The third quarter saw the Welsh apply some pressure but the Irish defence held firm. Ireland had to wait until the final quarter for a fifth goal, this time Fiona Connery got the score from a penalty corner, final score 5-0 to Ireland. It makes it two from two for Ireland ahead of a date with England for top spot in their four-team group.
The Over-50s play their second tie on Monday at 11.30am against Wales. The Over-55s lost 1-0 to England with Pippa Bull’s goal in the 53rd minute the only gap between the sides.
On the men’s side, the Over-40s were locked at 2-2 with Spain at half-time thanks to goals from Julian Costelloe and captain Paudie Carley but fell 4-2 in the final reckoning.
They face England in their third group game following an opening win over Italy, needing a win to leap-frog the English into the top two in their section. The Over-45s had a rest day but are back in action in their group on Monday.
At Over-50s level, Ireland fell to a 7-2 loss this afternoon against England in Pool B to sit fourth place overnight despite finishing the first quarter at 2-2. Table-toppers Netherlands are next on their agenda.
The Over-55s lost a third successive game to an impressive Germany but now face a more inviting tie against Scotland – also yet to win – in their fourth game.
Women Over-40s: Ireland 5 (G Garrett 2, M-R Roche, N Kelleher, F Connery) Wales 0
Standings: 1. Ireland 6pts (+12) 2. England 6pts (+10) 3. Azzure (Italy) 0pts (-11) 4. Wales 0pts (-11)
Women Over 45s: 3 (Ashling Schutte 49, JR Fisher 63, Clodagh McMoreland-Lynch 66) France 0
Standings: 1. Ireland 6pts (+7) 2. Netherlands 6pts (+3) 3. England 3pts (+2) 4. Spain 3pts (-2) 5. France 0pts (-5) 6. Wales 0pts (-5)
Women’s Over-50s
Standings: 1. Netherlands 3pts (+3) 2. Wales 3pts (+2) 3. Ireland 1pt (0) 4. England 1pt (0) 5. Australia 0pts (-2) 6. Scotland 0pts (-3)
Women’s Over-55s: Ireland 0 England 1
Standings: 1. England (1) 3pts (+1) 2. Ireland (2) 3pts (0) 3. Netherlands (2) 2pts (0) 4. Wales (1) 1pt(0) 5. Scotland (2) 1pt (-1)
Men’s Over-40s: Ireland 2 (J Costelloe, P Carley) Spain 4
Standings: 1. Spain 6pts (+3) 2. England 3pts (+10) 3. Ireland 3pts (+3) 4. Italy 0pts (-17)
Men’s Over-45s
Standings: 1. England (2) 6pts (+8) 2. Germany (1) 3pts (+1) 3. Ireland (2) 3pts (0) 4. France (1) 0pts (-4) 5. Wales (2) 0pts (5)
Men’s Over-50s: Ireland 2 (I Getty 2) England 7
Standings: 1. Netherlands (2) 6pts (+6) 2. England (2) 4pts (+5) 3. Spain (3) 3pts (-1) 4. Ireland (2) 3pts (-3) 5. Wales (3) 1pt (-7)
Men’s Over-45s: Germany 6 Ireland 0
Standings: 1. England (3) 9pts (+11) 2. Netherlands (3) 9pts (+9) 3. Germany (2) 6pts (+12) 4. Wales (2) 3pts (-4) 5. Scotland (3) 0pts (-4) 6. Italy (2) 0pts (-10) 7. Ireland (3) 0pts (-14)
The Hook
Stephen positive players will get used to new turf
KUALA LUMPUR: The national men’s hockey team are still struggling to get used to the playing conditions at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Coach Stephen van Huizen’s (pic) side have been training at the venue for the last one week ahead of the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
But Stephen is not fazed by the problem as the new artificial turf was just laid recently.
Said Stephen: “Like all new surfaces you need time to get used to it. It’s a little slippery when overly wet. I think the players will get used to it once we have more training sessions on the pitch.
“Our concern is during the penalty corner execution. The players need to get used to it quickly when pushing out or stopping the balls. Sometimes it gets a bit bumpy and it affects the execution.”
Malaysia will start their campaign against Indonesia on Aug 23.
The other competing teams are Thailand, Singapore and Myanmar.
The top two teams after the round-robin matches will meet in the final. Malaysia, the only South-East Asian country to qualify for next year’s World Cup Finals in India, are expected to cruise to their successive 18th gold.
The Star of Malaysia
Top target for hockey players
Pravin Narain
Heleina Young on attack during a St Joseph's Secondary School hockey training session. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
FIJI hockey coach Hector Smith believes the Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Championship plays an important role in the development of the sport in the country.
He said a national youth team for boys and girls would be selected for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games qualifiers which is scheduled to be held in Papua New Guinea next year.
"The team will compete in the Youth Olympic qualifiers and the top rated teams will be qualifying," he said.
"It is a very good time for the secondary schools hockey players to showcase what they have got and it is the only way to develop hockey in the country where you start at a young age and move from there."
Smith said the players had to give their best.
"Australia and New Zealand are the top hockey countries in the region, but if you do not participate then you do not have any chance.
"If you participate then you stand a chance of qualifying and going to the highest tournament," he said.
"It would be a big achievement if Fiji does go to compete at the Youth Olympic Games. Our women's team have competed in the Olympics in China in the past.
"However, every year, everybody improves so first we have to qualify."
The three-day competition starts today at Nasau Park in Levuka.
The Fiji Times
Experts express concern over hockey stadium project
Karthik Madhavan
Hockey ground under construction at the Coimbatore Corporation Boys’ School, R.S. Puram.M. PeriasamyM_PERIASAMY
The Rs. 6 crore hockey stadium project the Coimbatore Corporation has been constructing at the R.S. Puram Boys’ School ground has the hockey fraternity worried.
The corporation is laying a synthetic turf for around Rs. 75 lakh and building gallery at another Rs. 4 to 6 crore. The move follows a resolution the Coimbatore Corporation Council passed in 2014.
The corporation that began the work sometime ago had now readied the ground for laying the synthetic turf by completing the basic work. Two weeks ago it had laid a rubber-resin surface over a bitumen surface to provide necessary cushion beneath the synthetic turf.
But the rubber-resin surface had started peeling off the bitumen surface and could be strewn around the place. That is not the hockey enthusiasts only worry, though.
Sources, who The Hindu spoke to, said that the dug earth that was next to the under-construction play area too was a cause for concern as strong breeze was carrying dust from the earthen mounds onto the rubber resin surface.
The dust that settled on the rubber-resin surface would impact the way the synthetic turf was glued. There would be air bubbles and the surface would turn uneven.
The hockey fraternity members also said that the glue the corporation had planned to use was also of poor quality and may not be a potent adhesive.
If the synthetic turf were to be a reality, it would benefit budding hockey players in The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Salem and even Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts as none of the districts had a synthetic turf.
It would also help the hockey association host national and international events to help youngsters take up the sport. But the way the corporation was executing the project was like buying and getting ready to paint even before the brick work was complete, they added.
Corporation engineers refused to comment. Senior officials said they would inspect the progress of construction and take remedial action, if necessary.
The Hindu