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News for 26 January 2020

All the news for Sunday 26 January 2020


2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - 26 January

24 Jan 2020    ESP v GER (RR)     2 - 2 (3 - 4 SO)
25 Jan 2020    ESP v GER (RR)     1 - 5
25 Jan 2020    AUS v BEL (RR)      2 - 2 (Shoot out 2/4 - 4/5)
26 Jan 2020    AUS v BEL (RR)     2 - 4

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win Draws SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Germany 2 1 1 0 0 0 7 3 4 5
2 India 2 1 1 0 0 0 8 5 3 5
3 Belgium 2 1 1 0 0 0 6 4 2 5
4 Australia 2 0 0 0 1 1 4 6 -2 1
5 Netherlands 2 0 0 0 1 1 5 8 -3 1
6 Spain 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 7 -4 1
7 Argentina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 New Zealand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Great Britain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FIH Match Centre



2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 26 January

24 Jan 2020     USA v NED (RR) Cancelled in memory of Larry Amar, US Teams Manager who died this week
25 Jan 2020    AUS v BEL     3 - 3 (4 - 2 SO)
26 Jan 2020 14:00 (GMT -5)     USA v NED (RR) Karen Shelton Stadium Chapel Hill, North Carolina   
26 Jan 2020     AUS v BEL (RR)     1 - 1 (1 - 3 SO)

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win Draws SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Netherlands 2 2 0 0 0 0 7 2 5 6
2 Australia 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 4 0 3
2 Belgium 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 4 0 3
4 Great Britain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 United States 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 New Zealand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Argentina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Germany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 China 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 7 -5 0

FIH Match Centre



Belgium Red Lions move top of the rankings; Germany men move top of the table



There was a new name at the top of the men's FIH World Rankings after the day's action in Sydney, Australia as Belgium men overtook the Kookaburras as the number one team in the world. A winning performance in the shoot-out gave the Red Lions a bonus point after they drew 2-2 in a thrilling match.

Later in the day, a 5-1 victory for Germany men against Spain means Germany currently top the FIH Hockey Pro League table by virtue of their goal difference.

The first match of the day was a meeting between Australia and Belgium. Australia women scored twice in the final two minutes of regular time to secure a 3-3 draw against Belgium before winning the shoot-out 4-2 to claim the bonus point at the Sydney Olympic Park.

The Hockeyroos went ahead in the second quarter thanks to Ambrosia Malone’s fine backhand strike, but goals from Louise Versavel, Charlotte Englebert and Barbara Nelen put the visiting Red Panthers 3-1 up with five minutes left to play. Remarkably, late goals from Edwina Bone and Kalindi Commerford salvaged a draw for the home favourites, with Brooke Peris, Amy Lawton, Ambrosia Malone and Jane Claxton on target as Australia claimed two points from a possible three from the contest.

“I guess it was a little inconsistent from us”, Australia’s captain Emily Chalker said after the match. “There were some really good patches of play and stuff we’ve been building towards, but obviously the first game of the year, there was a few lapse moments when we let them score and we’ll have to come out a bit stronger tomorrow.”

Belgium’s Louise Versavel, who was named Player of the Match, said: “Yes of course we are a little bit disappointed, but you have to look at the entire game and I think we played well for a big part of the game. We have to take the good things [from today] and go again tomorrow.”

More information about this match can be found on our live reporting page by clicking here.

The men’s meeting between Australia and Belgium also featured late drama and a shoot-out, with the Red Lions equalising in the final minutes before taking the bonus point in the one-on-ones. The result sees Belgium leap-frog Australia to take top spot in the FIH World Rankings.

An instinctive close-range volley from Thomas Briels put Belgium ahead in the 18th minute, with Australia eventually flipping the score-line on its head as Jeremy Hayward’s penalty corner and a penalty stroke from Tom Craig put the 2019 Pro League champions into a 2-1 lead. However, a late deflection from Belgium’s Felix Denayer levelled the scores at 2-2, triggering a shoot-out that the reigning world champions won 4-2 thanks to successful conversions from Florent van Aubel, Simon Gougnard, Victor Wegnez and Arthur van Doren.

“It was not easy to start in Australia, the number one in the world against the number two, but I think we put on a good game and I think the crowd saw some good actions”, said Belgium’s Nicolas de Kerpel, who was named Player of the Match. “We are really excited to play again tomorrow.”

More information about this match can be found on our live reporting page by clicking here.

In the second encounter between Spain and Germany men's teams, it was the visiting side who took control early on and never really looked like buckling under pressure. Christopher Ruhr added to his two goals from the previous day to open proceedings.

Timur Oruz added another just after the hlf-time break and, although Marc Miralles gave Spain a lifeline, goals from Marco Miltkau, Lukas Windfeder and Constantin Staib were worthy reward for a dominant German performance.

Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Marco Miltkau said: "We played a great defence and a good attacking game. We played as a team, we defended as a team. And our counter attacks were very good. That was our improvement on yesterday's performance."

Before the game and again at half-time, Spain's Head Coach Frederic Soyez had called for more : "Clinical finishing, more aggression and more ambition." With the Netherlands their next opponents, these are all qualities the Spain team will need to find.

Complete information on the match can be found on the live reporting page by clicking here.

On Sunday 27th January Australia and Belgium men and women will be back in action and then USA women will host the Netherlands in a match worth 6 points. The first match between the two sides was cancelled as a mark of respect following the tragic death of USA National Teams Manager Larry Amar. In accordance with the League’s regulations for a cancelled match, the points of this match will count double (6 points for the winning team, no point for the losing team; in case of a shoot-out, the team winning the shoot-out will get 4 points and the losing team 2 points).

The complete match schedule is available by clicking here.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


FIH Hockey Pro League

Match Day 6 - Saturday 25 January 2020

Sydney Olympic Park (AUS)

Women’s result: Australia 3, Belgium 3 - 4-2 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match:Louise Versavel (BEL)
Umpires: Amber Church (NZL), Michelle Joubert (RSA) and Simon Taylor (NZL – Video)

Men’s result: Australia 2, Belgium 2 - 2-4 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Nicolas de Kerpel (BEL)
Umpires: Raghu Prasad (IND), Simon Taylor (NZL) & Michelle Joubert (RSA – Video)

Estadio Betero, Valencia (ESP)

Men’s result: Spain 1, Germany 5 (Match 2 of 2)
Player of the Match: Marco Miltkau (GER)
Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG), Jonas van ‘t Hek (NED) & Coen van Bunge (NED – Video)

Upcoming fixtures

Match Day 7 – Sunday 27 January 2020
Sydney (AUS) – Women: Australia v Belgium (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1500 (GMT/UTC +11)
Sydney (AUS) – Men: Australia v Belgium (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1730 (GMT/UTC +11)
Chapel Hill (USA) – Women: USA v Netherlands (Match 1 of 1)
Time: 1400 (GMT/UTC -5)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Australia pay the penalty against Belgium in Men's FIH Pro League

By Alex Bell


Belgium are back on top of the hockey world rankings ©FIH

Belgium took the shoot-out bonus point against Australia as the latest fixtures in the men's International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League got underway.

At Sydney's Olympic Park, a close-range volley from Thomas Briels put Belgium ahead in the 18th minute, but the hosts hit back with Jeremy Hayward's effort from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke from Tom Craig giving the 2019 Pro League champions a 2-1 lead.

But a late deflection from Belgium's Felix Denayer pulled the scores level at 2-2, forcing a shoot-out.

Successful conversions from Florent van Aubel, Simon Gougnard, Victor Wegnez and Arthur van Doren gave the current world champions a 4-2 shoot-out win and pushed them back to number one in the world.

"It was not easy to start in Australia, the number one in the world against the number two, but I think we put on a good game and I think the crowd saw some good actions," Belgium's Nicolas de Kerpel, who was named player of the match, said.

Australia's Matt Dawson's commented: "We always knew it was going to be tough out here, and it's come down to the last two minutes of the game.

"It's disappointing to lose, but it is something we can build on."

The teams play again tomorrow.

In the second game of the day, Spain failed to back-up their valiant 2-2 draw with Germany in Valencia yesterday, losing 5-1 at Estadio Betero.

Christopher Rühr gave Germany the lead on 13 minutes, with Timur Oruz doubling the advantage.

A strike from Marc Miralles proved to be a false dawn for Spain, with goals from Marco Miltkau, Lukas Windfeder and Constantin Staib rounding out the convincing victory.

"We played a great defence and a good attacking game - we played as a team, we defended as a team," player of the match Marco Miltkau of Germany said.

"And our counter-attacks were very good - that was an improvement on yesterday's performance."

Inside the Games



Kookaburras’ opening FIH Pro League encounter goes down to the wire




The Kookaburras have played out a pulsating contest against fierce rivals Belgium that was decided by a penalty shootout at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre tonight.

The highly anticipated clash between the world’s top two ranked teams did not disappoint in a replay of last year’s FIH Pro League Grand Final as scores were locked 2-2 at full time.

In his 150th Kookaburras appearance, defender Jeremy Hayward thundered home a penalty corner in the 49th minute to cancel out Thomas Briels’ 18th minute opener, the Belgians taking the initial lead after the ball fortuitously came back off the post to allow the Belgian captain to poke it home from chest height.

Then having drawn level and arrested the momentum, Tom Craig converted a penalty stroke after Lachlan Sharp was brought down in the circle two minutes after Hayward’s goal to put the Kookaburras in the box seat.

A top drawer save from Andrew Charter kept the Kookaburras in front as time ticked down, but in a titanic, high quality contest that saw tempers threaten to boil over throughout, Felix Denayer pounced on a goalmouth scramble with a minute remaining to make it 2-2 and send the match to a penalty shootout.

As both sides took a breath, it was Belgium that prevailed 4-2 in the shootout in a classic early Pro League season showdown.

Reflecting on the match, which was the Kookaburras’ first international since September last year, Head Coach Colin Batch found plenty of positives.

“I think both teams were a bit cautious in the first quarter and then Belgium got on top in the second quarter, so we needed to change that at half time and we were able to do that without really hurting them on the scoreboard,” said Batch.

“Full marks to the guys to get in front but it was disappointing that we didn’t finish the game on a positive note when they scored with just over a minute to play and then went on to win the shootout.

“But overall it’s a good start for us. We’re certainly in a better position than this time last year so I think we can go into tomorrow’s game confident.

“There is more belief in the group and for the first game we weren’t sure what level we would be at and we found out tonight…Belgium are a good side and we’ve got to keep coming up with ways to score against them and defend well.”

The teams will return to do it all again tomorrow in what will be Matt Swann’s 200th game.

Tickets for tomorrow’s second match against Belgium and the double headers against Great Britain on 1/2 February are available now through Ticketek.

Match Details
Kookaburras 2 (Hayward 49’, Craig 51’)
Belgium 2 (Briels 18’, Denayer 59’)
Belgium wins 4-2 on penalties
@ Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan SHARP, 2.Tom CRAIG, 5.Tom WICKHAM, 6.Matthew DAWSON. 9.Jacob ANDERSON, 11.Eddie OCKENDEN, 12.Jake WHETTON, 15.Josh SIMMONDS, 16.Tim HOWARD, 17.Aran ZALEWSKI (c), 20.Matthew SWANN, 22.Flynn OGILVIE, 23.Daniel BEALE, 26.Dylan WOTHERSPOON, 29.Tim BRAND, 30.Andrew CHARTER (gk), 32.Jeremy HAYWARD
Unused substitute: 24.Tyler LOVELL (gk)

Belgium: 4.Arthur van DOREN, 7.John-John DOHMEN, 8.Florent van AUBEL, 10.Cedric CHARLIER, 13.Nicolas de KERPEL, 15.Emmanuel STOCKBROEKX, 16.Alexander HENDRICKX, 17.Thomas BRIELS (c), 19.Felix DENAYER, 21.Vincent VANASCH (gk), 22.Simon GOUGNARD, 23.Arthur de SLOOVER, 24.Antoine KINA, 25.Loick LUYPAERT, 26.Victor WEGNEZ, 27.Tom BOON, 32.Tanguy COSYNS
Unused substitute: 2.Loic van DOREN (gk)

FIH Pro League 2020 matches – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre
Sunday 26 January
Kookaburras v Belgium (5:30pm local)

Saturday 1 February
Kookaburras v Great Britain (4:00pm local)

Sunday 2 February
Kookaburras v Great Britain (3:00pm local)

Hockey Australia media release



Hockeyroos produce stunning late comeback to down Belgium



The Hockeyroos have pulled off a Houdini act to secure a thrilling penalty shootout win over Belgium in their first match of the 2020 FIH Pro League season.

Two goals in the final two minutes, from Edwina Bone and then Kalindi Commerford with seconds left on the clock drew the Hockeyroos level after Belgium had earlier turned around a one goal deficit to lead 3-1 with five minutes to go.

The Hockeyroos then held their nerve to prevail 4-2 in the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram coming up with some clutch saves before Jane Claxton scored the penalty to decide the outcome.

Up against a Belgium team that won both of the teams’ Pro League encounters last year, the Hockeyroos had the better of the first half and the home side went ahead in the 21st minute.

Georgia Wilson caused a turnover on the attacking 20 metre line and found Rosie Malone inside the attacking circle. Receiving the pass with her back to goal, Malone took a touch to give herself room and sent a reverse stick shot past Belgian goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe.

The score remained 1-0 at half time but three minutes into the third quarter Belgium equalised courtesy of Louise Versavel.

Brooke Peris went inches from restoring the Hockeyroos’ advantage but instead it was the Belgians that went into the last quarter in front as straight from Peris’ miss, Charlotte Engelbert ghosted totally unchecked into the circle to get on a searching ball from the right to tap home from point blank range.

Belgian captain Barbara Nelen then made it 3-1 in the 55th minute and it looked as though their stranglehold over the Hockeyroos would continue.

But when Bone pulled a goal back with not more than a minute remaining, the Hockeyroos surged forward for one last gasp and Commerford, who has pledged to donate $50 for every goal scored and $100 for every goal she scores this weekend to the bushfire relief in southern NSW, got the slightest deflection with a second to go to make it 3-3.

The subsequent challenge from the Belgians and review of the video umpire who made the decision that the goal would stand just added to the remarkable finish.

“In the second half we almost stopped playing. We weren’t committing to execute things but what was pleasing was finding a way to get back into the game,” Hockeyroos Head Coach Paul Gaudoin said post match.

“That’s something that we’re going to need to build on…there will be times you are going well and times when you aren’t, so it was pleasing to see the girls get something out of the game.

“Whilst we will acknowledge the fightback and finding a way to win, it won’t mask the bigger picture that we have to play better for 60 minutes, take our chances when they come and deny them easy opportunities.

“It was pleasing to find a way to win.”

The teams will meet again tomorrow at the same venue with push back at 3.00pm AEDT. Tickets for the match and next weekend’s double headers against Great Britain are available now through Ticketek.

Match Details
Hockeyroos 3 (Malone 21’, Bone 59’, Commerford 60’)
Belgium 3 (Versavel 33’, Englebert 45’, Nelen 55’)
Hockeyroos win 4-2 on penalties
@ Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Hockeyroos: 1.Sophie TAYLOR, 2.Rosie MALONE, 3.Brooke PERIS, 4.Amy LAWTON, 7.Jodie KENNY, 8.Georgia WILSON, 11.Karri McMAHON, 13.Edwina BONE, 14.Stephanie KERSHAW, 15.Kaitlin NOBBS, 16.Gabrielle NANCE, 18.Jane CLAXTON, 19.Jocelyn BARTRAM (gk), 21.Renee TAYLOR, 22.Kate JENNER, 23.Kalindi COMMERFORD, 26.Emily CHALKER (c), 30 Grace STEWART
Unused substitute: 27.Rachael LYNCH (gk)

Belgium: 2.Sophie LIMAUGE, 3.Abi RAYE, 7.Judith VANDERMEIREN, 8.Emma PUVREZ, 10.Louise VERSAVEL, 11.Joanne PEETERS, 15.Anne-Sophie WEYNS, 16.Tiphanie DUQUESNE, 19.Barbara NELEN (c), 21.Aisling D’HOOGHE (gk), 25.Pauline LECLEF, 26.Lien HILLEWAERT, 28.Justine RASIR, 30.Ambre BALLENGHIEN, 31.Lucie BREYNE, 32.Charlotte ENGLEBERT, 33.Alexia ‘T SERSTEVENS
Unused substitute: 23.Elena SOTGIU (gk)

FIH Pro League 2020 matches – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre
Sunday 26 January
Hockeyroos v Belgium (3:00pm local)

Saturday 1 February
Hockeyroos v Great Britain (6:30pm local)

Sunday 2 February
Hockeyroos v Great Britain (5:30pm local)

Hockey Australia media release



Kershaw makes successful return



It has been a long time coming but the wait was worth it as dynamic Hockeyroos midfielder Steph Kershaw made a successful and long awaited return to the playing arena.

The 24 year old has spent the past 12 months recovering from a second knee reconstruction after she ruptured her Anterior Cruciate Ligament in an innocuous incident at training in January 2019.

Prior to the setback, Kershaw had been in stellar form and she was suddenly starting at another year on the rehabilitation trail after she had suffered a similar injury in December 2015.

But if there was ever evidence that hard work and persistence pays off, Kershaw was living proof of it as she graced the pitch in the dramatic win over Belgium in the Hockeyroos’ opening match of the 2020 FIH Pro League.

It was Kershaw’s first international since November 2018 and it was though she had never been away.

Industrious, energetic and skilful in midfield, Kershaw did not miss a beat, and after Jane Claxton’s successful penalty signalled the end of the shootout and a memorable Hockeyroos win, Kershaw was as excited as anyone and deservedly so.

“It felt so good and I’m very grateful to be back,” said Kershaw after the match.

“It was a very long and tough rehab but I feel 100 per cent confident in my knees, all of the girls have been really supportive today and I had so much fun being back out there.

“I had a few nerves to start with. The first five minutes is always a little bit scary and goes really fast, but once I settled in it was alright.

“I’m so glad we got the win and I’m stoked for the girls that we’ve started the Pro League on a winning note.”

A major feat in anyone’s language, this was a big box ticked for Kershaw as she looks to make up for lost time.

Having successfully come through the first hit out, would there be any hesitancy or concern backing up again for another match less than 24 hours later? No chance.

“I feel super fit, super confident and really excited to get back out there,” said Kershaw.

Bring on match day two!

Tickets for the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras’ FIH Pro League double headers are available now through Ticketek. All of the Australia’s FIH Pro League matches will be broadcast on Kayo and/or Fox Sports.

Hockey Australia media release



FIH Hockey Pro League Scouting Report: USWNT vs. The Netherlands



In anticipation of the U.S. Women's National Team's upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League match, here is a scouting report you’ll want to review before the starting whistle.

Game Day: Sunday, January 26, 2020

Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Location: Karen Shelton Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Live Stream: Don't miss a second of the FIH Hockey Pro League action and watch the USWNT take on No. 1 The Netherlands this Friday. One year ago, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) signed a four-year media rights agreement with B/R Live for the territories of Canada and the United States.

FIH Hockey Pro League single games are available paid per view for $2.99 per match or fans can purchase a Monthly Pass for $9.99 per month or Annual Pass for $79.99 per year. Click here to purchase.

B/R Live is offering two exclusive discount options to USA Field Hockey fans from now until Saturday, February 1, 2020.

    Offer 1: Get 80% off the first month of the B/R Live Monthly Pass with code FIH80
    Offer 2: Get 50% off the B/R Live Annual Pass with the code FIH50

Offer valid through Saturday, February 1, 2020. Cannot be used for any subscription renewal or combined with any other offer. Available to customers located in the United States only. For full B/R Live terms and conditions, go here.

Opponent: The Netherlands

FIH World Ranking: 1

Head to Head: In the 2019 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, USA fell in both meetings and were outscored12 to 1.

Prior to meeting twice last year, the Oranje played in a four-game test series against USA at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. in January, 2018. Victorious in all contests, The Netherlands recorded an impressive 20 goals to USA's four for the sweep. The opening match saw The Netherlands score two goals in each half to disrupt USA’s play as they tried to generate positive attack, but the final score stood 4-0.

Head to Head
(since 2013)




10 Previous Matches
0 Draws

 

1

Won

10
12

Total Goals

 

What You Need to Know: The Netherlands went into last year’s Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 as red-hot favorites and completely justified that status, defending the crown that they won in 2014 with a string of wonderful, record-breaking performances. Their dominance continued throughout 2019, storming to the inaugural FIH Hockey Pro League title before becoming European champions for a record tenth time. Head coach Alyson Annan, the legendary former Australia international and two-time FIH Player of the Year, has created a team very much in her own image: a perfect balance of outrageous talent, discipline and an unbreakable winning mentality.

With such a staggering run of form, it is little surprise that they will be seen as favorites not only to defend their FIH Hockey Pro League title but also for the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. By using 33 different players en route to winning the inaugural FIH Hockey Pro League title, Annan revealed the depth of the talent pool that she has at her disposal. Whilst emerging talent has unquestionably been given the chance to shine, there are certain players who simply cannot be ignored when it comes to their importance within the group. Captain and midfielder Eva de Goede (nominee: 2019 FIH Player of the Year), striker Frederique Matla (nominee: 2019 FIH Player of the Year and FIH Rising Star of the Year) midfielder Xan de Waard and penalty corner ace Caia van Maasakker are all extraordinary talents, while 2015 FIH Women’s Player of the Year Lidewij Welten remains one of the most formidable attacking players on the planet. Can anyone stop the dazzling Dutch?

The Netherlands' Roster: Click Here

USFHA media release



EuroHockey Indoor Championship 2020 (W) - Day 2
Minsk, Belarus

25 Jan 2020     CZE v UKR (Pool A)     5 - 4
25 Jan 2020     GER v BEL (Pool A)         7 - 3
25 Jan 2020      NED v AUT (Pool B)     5 - 0
25 Jan 2020     SUI v BLR (Pool B)         0 - 7
25 Jan 2020     BEL v SUI (Pool C)         3 - 1
25 Jan 2020     UKR v AUT (Pool C)     4 - 1
25 Jan 2020     GER v BLR (SF1)         2 - 5
25 Jan 2020     NED v CZE (SF2)         4 - 2

Pool Standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Germany 3 3 0 0 15 7 8 9
2 Czech Republic 3 2 0 1 10 9 1 6
3 Ukraine 3 1 0 2 11 12 -1 3
4 Belgium 3 0 0 3 7 15 -8 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Netherlands 3 3 0 0 14 1 13 9
2 Belarus 3 2 0 1 15 6 9 6
3 Austria 3 1 0 2 8 14 -6 3
4 Switzerland 3 0 0 3 2 18 -16 0

FIH Match Centre



EuroHockey Indoor Championship II 2020 (W) - Day 2
Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia

25 Jan 2020      TUR v RUS (Pool A)     1 - 14
25 Jan 2020    WAL v LTU (Pool A)     0 - 6
25 Jan 2020      POL v SCO (Pool A)     3 - 4
25 Jan 2020     CRO v TUR (Pool A)     1 - 4
25 Jan 2020     LTU v RUS (Pool A)         5 - 9
25 Jan 2020    SCO v WAL (Pool A)     4 - 3
25 Jan 2020      POL v CRO (Pool A)     3 - 0

26 Jan 2020     SCO v TUR (Pool A)     1 - 3

Pool Standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Russia 4 4 0 0 53 8 45 12
2 Scotland 5 4 0 1 20 15 5 12
3 Turkey 5 3 0 2 15 23 -8 9
4 Poland 4 2 0 2 15 8 7 6
5 Lithuania 4 2 0 2 18 18 0 6
6 Croatia 4 0 0 4 6 20 -14 0
7 Wales 4 0 0 4 3 38 -35 0

FIH Match Centre



Scotland’s 100% winning record continues in Women’s Indoor EuroHockey Championship II

Scotland put in two fine performances on day two of Women’s Indoor EuroHockey Championship II with victories over Poland and Wales.

The results mean Scotland are joint top of the league, with a 100% win ratio going into the final day, and need only one point from their games against Turkey and Russia to secure promotion to the top division of European indoor hockey.

The Tartan Hearts will face Turkey tomorrow morning at 7:15am UK time before meeting fellow table toppers Russia at 11:15am. The top two teams will be promoted.
 
Poland 3-4 Scotland

Scotland continued their 100% record at Women’s Indoor EuroHockey Championship II with a 4-3 win over Poland in their first match of day two. Goals from Rachael Mack; Sarah Jamieson; Emily Dark; and Jess Ross gave Scotland the crucial victory against a team ranked six in the world.

As in the previous two matches Scotland dominated possession from the start and looked comfortable on the ball.

The pressure was rewarded when the Tartan Hearts went 1-0 ahead in the first quarter. Rachael Mack provided the goal – her second of the tournament.

There was nearly a golden opportunity for 2-0 when good interception almost put Sarah Jamieson through on goal, but the ball just evaded the striker.

A sprawling diving save at the start of the second half denied Poland a prompt equaliser, but signalled the attacking intent of the Poles.

It would work to Scotland’s advantage however. Jamieson won the ball in her own half, burst forward at pace, and a quick exchange allowed a superb finish by Jamieson across the goalkeeper to put Scotland 2-0 ahead.

Some good pressure by Poland saw them fight back and Amelia Katerla forced the ball into the back of the Scots net for 2-1 before the end of the quarter.

Into the fourth and the Scots stepped up again when top scorer Emily Dark made it 3-1. Dark’s thunderous drag flick into the top right corner left the Polish keeper with no chance.

Still, World number six Poland battled hard and pulled it back to 3-2 but immediately Scotland came forward and Jess Ross finished off a beautiful move for 4-2. Ross; Jen Eadie; and Jamieson were all involved in the sweeping attack as they carved Poland open for Ross to prod home the goal from close range.

Another goal for Poland came right at the death, but it was too-little-too-late and Scotland clocked up a superb victory against a top-ranked indoor hockey nation.
 
Scotland 4-3 Wales

A battling performance saw Scotland beat Wales 4-3 to continue their winning run in Women’s Indoor EuroHockey Championship II in Croatia. Ruth Blaike; Jen Eadie; and a Sarah Jamieson double gave Scotland the points they needed and puts them in a great position going into the final day of play.

Scotland went 1-0 up after some delightful skills from Ruth Blaikie to score. The young Scot was mesmeric in the shooting circle to spin past defenders and the goalkeeper to walk the ball over the line.

The opener was quickly followed by a strike from Sarah Jamieson to make it 2-0 early doors. Scotland were looking fantastic.

Then Jodie Beddow pulled one back for Wales to make it 2-1. The Welsh press won the ball after some mis-control and Beddow slipped it low into the net from close range.

Early in the second quarter Jen Eadie made it 3-1 with a solid finish from a quick attack down the right.

Then a loose pass allowed Beddow to strike again for Wales when she snuck past the advanced goalkeeper to tap into an open goal.

Wales were battling and making opportunities, but it urged the Scots to step up a notch. A penalty stroke went the way of the Scots and just before half time and Jamieson finished from the spot to make it 4-2.

The third quarter became something of a slog with both sides battling for possession in the middle third of the court, and not giving an inch. Neither side could fashion a clean shot at goal.

A composed start to the final quarter saw Scotland hold onto possession of the ball and make Wales chase the contest. Some good work by Jess Ross won a penalty corner for Scotland but they couldn’t capitalise this time round.

The longer the quarter went on the more slick the Scots became as they stroked the ball around, looking dangerous and in control. Emily Dark had a drag flick cleared off the line as the Tartan Hearts looked to put the game to bed.

Wales then took off their goalkeeper and the extra outfield player gave them an extra push. They pulled one back when Livvy Hoskins squeezed the ball over the line with two minutes to play.

The Welsh went for it late in the day but found a solid Scots wall blocking them and it was Scotland who held on to take the three points.

Scotland women’s Indoor Head Coach Iain Strachan said, “It’s been a very good day and I’m delighted to win the two matches. Two tough games but we’re joint top of the group and have a shot at a gold medal. We’re guaranteed promotion with one point tomorrow, so the next match against Turkey now becomes the most important game of the campaign. It’ll be very tough because they’re a good side, but our focus is completely on getting what we need from that game. After that we’ll focus on Russia.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release



EuroHockey Indoor Championship III 2020 (W) - Day 2
Bratislava, Slovakia

25 Jan 2020     FIN v SLO (Pool A)          1 - 7
25 Jan 2020     DEN v POR (Pool A)     1 - 2
25 Jan 2020     SVK v IRL (Pool A)          3 - 4
25 Jan 2020     ESP v FIN (Pool A)          24 - 0
25 Jan 2020     POR v SLO (Pool A)     5 - 3
25 Jan 2020     IRL v DEN (Pool A)          4 - 0
25 Jan 2020     SVK v ESP (Pool A)          0 - 11

26 Jan 2020     IRL v FIN (Pool A)          15 - 0

Pool Standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Spain 4 4 0 0 58 1 57 12
2 Ireland 5 4 0 1 29 8 21 12
3 Portugal 4 3 0 1 16 9 7 9
4 Slovakia 4 2 0 2 17 16 1 6
5 Denmark 4 1 0 3 7 12 -5 3
6 Slovenia 4 1 0 3 12 29 -17 3
7 Finland 5 0 0 5 1 65 -64 0

FIH Match Centre



Ireland on brink of second place and promotion in Slovakia



Ireland’s indoor women put themselves in a super position to land one of the two promotion spots on offer in Slovakia as they beat the hosts in a thriller before seeing off Denmark.

It means their tournament fate remains in their own hands with Sunday wins over bottom pair Finland (7.15am, Irish time) and Slovenia (11am).

It started with a thrilling 4-3 success against the Slovaks. Amy Benson deflected in Sophie Barnwell’s cross for the only goal of the first quarter but the hosts replied with three goals in almost as many minutes to flip it to a 3-1 scoreline in the second quarter.

Ireland pounced, however, with two goals in the minute before half-time. First, Sarah Patton raced away with a free from right back and going all the way. Moments later, a well-worked platform – when Slovakia were down a player – to the free player Naomi Carroll in the left corner and she flicked in.

It was 3-3 at half-time and Dave Passmore’s side had their chances to eke out a lead but could not convert from their four corners. Nonetheless, Benson popped up with a scrappy fourth just before the end of the third quarter at the second bite for a pivotal lead.

They held on for a the last quarter, breaking Slovakia’s winning streak.

“Delighted with the performance more than the result as we played some super indoor hockey,” Passmore said of the game. “Better than we have before and apart from letting our heads drop after the first goal, which led to three goals in three minutes, we dominated most of the game, breaking fast.

“Our corners didn’t fire so that’s something we need to get right.”

Naomi Carroll says she is loving the high octane indoor experience, adding: “We came over not knowing what to expect and no footage of the other teams but still with the aim of being promoted. We got a really good start against Portugal, seeing some of the things we worked on in training working for us.

“Spain were tough in the evening and we always knew they were going to be good. They were very strong. It meant we had to refocus this morning and got a great 4-3 win. It didn’t all go to plan at the start but showed a lot of determination and grit to comeback and then to hold out to win it.”

The win over Denmark was a composed slow-burner. Sarah Patton finished off the first just before the quarter-time break as Carroll was found in behind and they worked the two-on-one with the goalkeeper perfectly.

Benson was ready in her typical poacher’s position for the second early in the second half, finishing off at the right post for 2-0. Carroll turned in the third and Sophie Barnwell completed the victory in the closing quarter.

Reflecting on this one, Passmore said: “This was a potentially tricky tie against a good, athletic indoor side who have struggled to get the results they deserved.

“I was really pleased with the performance because having been so good with the ball this morning, we defended really well and Denmark struggled to create any open chances throughout and that included Hannah Humphreys mopping up at the back.

“Our understanding of thinking where the next pass needs to go and moving into good positions means we are a real threat in attack but our corners need to improve.

“Tomorrow is a tough day with an early start and little time between matches but the girls have been super professional so I expect that to continue. We have to keep our standards high against Finland and play one quarter at a time.”

The Finns should, on paper, pose few problems having conceded 50 goals in four games thus far. Slovenia have been marginally better but have just one win from four – against Finland.

Spain, meanwhile, are on the road to gold with four wins and 58 goals scored, conceding just once – Orla Patton’s goal for Ireland.

EuroHockey Indoor Championship III (Bratislava, Slovakia) – day two results: Ireland 4 (A Benson 2, S Patton, N Carroll) Slovakia 3 (S Medvikova, N Fondrkova, G Surinova); Ireland 4 (S Patton, A Benson, N Carroll, S Barnwell) Denmark 0

The Hook



2020 Test matches CHI v ARG (M) - 1st test

25 Jan 2020      CHI v ARG     1 - 4

FIH Match Centre



India hockey captain Rani Rampal 'humbled and honoured' after being conferred Padma Shri

New Delhi: Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal on Sunday said she was humbled and honoured to be named for the prestigious Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, by the government.

Rani was one of the eight sports-persons named for the Padma Awards on Saturday on the eve of the country's 71st Republic Day. Rani is one of the six sports persons who will be awarded the Padma Shri.

"I am humbled and honoured to receive one of the highest civilian awards of our country #Padmashree I dedicate this award to my entire team & supporting staff. Elated & thankful to @KirenRijiju sir @TheHockeyIndia, coach Baldev Sir, family, friends & fans for always supporting me," tweeted the 25-year-old Rani.

Rani has played more than 200 matches for India and she recently helped the country secure Tokyo Olympics berth by playing a key role in team's win over the United States in the qualification match.

Replying to a tweet from sports minister Kiren Rijiju, she said, "Thank you @KirenRijiju sir for this recognition and always motivating us to work hard and bring more laurels for our nation."

Rijiju in his tweet said, "Hearty Congratulations to @imranirampal on being conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri! You have inspired the whole young Indian generation. Your efforts have taken Indian hockey to a new level. I'm so proud of your achievements!"

The celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom will be conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian award, while world champion shuttler PV Sindhu will get the third highest award Padma Bhushan.

The other Padma Shri winners are cricketer Zaheer Khan, former men's hockey skipper MP Ganesh, ace shooter Jitu Rai, former Indian women's football team captain Oinam Bembem Devi and archer Tarundeep Rai.

Firstpost



Scottish Men’s Indoor National League 1 semi-final spots become clearer



The semi-final places in this year`s indoor championships have become somewhat clearer after this weekend’s games, certainly in Pool B the Tayside pair Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers are in the driving seat. Inverleith are home and dry in the other pool, but the battle between Grange and Western Wildcats is still live, the former have a single point advantage going into the final pool match.

POOL A

In the opening contest of the day Inverleith moved into a three point lead in the group with a 7-2 victory over Edinburgh rivals Grange.

Inverleith were only 2-1 up at the interval, Derek Salmond scored twice while Grange`s Dan Coultas replied from a penalty corner.

But the second half belonged to Stuart Neave’s charges, Salmond got his hat-trick from a penalty corner just two minutes into the half, Jack Jamieson scored a couple while Ross Ogg picked up one. Then in the final minute Salmond scored again for his own fourth of the contest.

Champions Western Wildcats clawed their way into second spot in the pool after seeing off Clydesdale 5-2.

It took the champions 18 minutes to get their noses in front through Adam Mackenzie and Scott Menzies, Struan Walker getting Clydesdale`s reply.

Western Wildcats added three more in the second half through Andrew McAllister, Rob Harwood and Fraser Moran, again Walker replied for the Titwood club.

However, Wildcats hold on second spot proved to be transient, they were replaced by Grange who won the head-to-head 2-1.

Callum Milne was the catalyst behind Grange`s narrow victory, he found the net from penalty corners in each half for a two goal lead. Andrew McAllister pulled one back for the Wildcats with five minutes left but the Auchenhowie side failed to rescue any points in the end.

In the final pool match of the day it looked at one time if lightning was going to strike twice on Inverleith with a second reversal against Clydesdale.

Only eight minutes into the contest the Titwood-based side were 3-2 in front with a double from Struan Walker and another by David Nairn, John Stephen and Sean Stewart were the Inverleith scorers.

By half -time Ross Ogg levelled and then Stewart again and Stephen Dick giving the pool leaders a 5-3 advantage.

The second half belonged to Inverleith with another three goals from Dick while Kyle Taylor, Alex Wilson and Ewan Mackie also pitched in for an 11-4 victory in the end.

The result means that Inverleith now have a five point lead at the top over Grange in second spot.

POOL B

Grove Menzieshill threw off the biggest threat to their topping the pool with a 6-2 win over Tayside rivals Dundee Wanderers.

Grove Menzieshill were three up in only 11 minutes, Cammy Golden opened followed by a double from Luke Cranney.

Wanderers came back into the fray with penalty corner strikes from Elliott Sandison and Bob Ralph, but a spot conversion by Golden left Grove Menzieshill 4-2 ahead at the interval.

There were only two goals added in the second period – and Golden got both for a total of four in the game.

However, Wanderers` aspiration for second spot in the pool and a place in the semi-finals was not dented that much as Uddingston was held to a 3-3 draw by Dunfermline Carnegie and consequently remain in third spot, two points adrift.

Uddingston would have been even further adrift if Blake Hinton had not levelled the contest at a penalty corner with barely two minutes left.

The Lanarkshire side made the best of starts with Connor Evans and Josh Cairns both finding the net for a two goal lead.   But by the interval Dunfermline had retaliated with a double from Michael Ross and another by Martin Daw to lead 3-2.  And that is how the score stood until Hinton`s late leveller.

In the second matches of the day both Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers advanced their case for a semi-final spot.

Grove Menzieshill were always in control against Uddingston although the final scoreline wss 7-5.

The Taysiders were 4-1 up at the interval, Euan Cuthill, Luke Cranney and a double from Cammy Golden did the damage, Josh Cairns penalty corner strike replied for the Lanarkshire side.

The second half score advanced to 7-3, Golden got another two and Cuthill was on target again, but in the final minute Cairns at another penalty corner and Laurie McKelvie reduced the deficit in the end.

Dundee Wanderers` encounter with Dunfermline had some interesting aspects to it, on the positive side Bob Ralph scored five goals in the 6-1 victory.   On the other side Dunfermline`s Jamie Stewart picked up a red card.

In the end both Tayside rivals Grove Menzieshill and Wanderers would appear to be well-placed for a semi-final spot with one game remaining.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

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