News for 23 June 2018
All the news for Saturday 23 June 2018
Canada draws 1 - 1 against Germany in Velbert.
By Tristan Urry
Photo: Tristan Urry
Velbert, Germany - Led by some outstanding goal tending by Kaitlyn Williams, Canada ties the 2016 Olympic bronze medal team Germany 1-1 during a Friday afternoon game.
Germany scored five minutes into the second quarter with a well-executed drag flick by Nike Lorenz.
Canada quickly responded, scoring within the sixth minute of Q2. A well-worked penalty corner resulted in a deflection off the left post by Shanlee Johnston.
“Scoring against one of the top teams feels as if we deserve it, it’s not like it’s a shot in the dark anymore, we’ve put hard work in and this shows that we are right there with them.” Johnston said after the game.
“Playing teams of this caliber shows us what we need to work on,,, there are still a lot of things that we aren’t getting right, but there is a lot that we are and I think the 1 - 1 against Germany and the 0 - 1 against the Netherlands the other day shows that improvement.” Canada’s Midfield Natalie Sourisseau said.
Canada plays Ireland in Velbert this afternoon at 5:00pm.
Field Hockey Canada Women's Team media release
Great Britain hockey men draw 5-5 with Germany to end European tour
By The Hockey Paper
Luke Taylor, centre, has risen through the England Hockey age ranks
Luke Taylor, who joined the centralised programme in 2017, nearly capped a superb individual end to his European tour as Great Britain drew 5-5 with Germany.
Without a full-time coach at the helm, the draw was the third in four games for GB men at the end of a promising tour – which also saw GB debuts for Scotland’s Lee Morton and England’s Will Calnan – following 1-1 finishes against the same opponents on Tuesday and Belgium, who they also narrowly lost 3-2 against last week.
Taylor thought he had secured a dramatic victory with his third goal in as many games five minutes from the end, but the Germans equalised in the final moments of the game through a Mathias Muller corner.
Seven goals were scored in the first half, with GB taking a 4-3 lead into the break thanks to Alan Forsyth, Chris Griffiths and a double from Liam Ansell. Niklas Bruns levelled the scores moments into the third quarter.
The game started with Forsyth netting in the first minute, before Christopher Ruhr levelled the scores for the first time halfway through the first quarter.
Griffiths then restored the lead in the 20th minute before the Germans struck twice through Bruns and Mats Grambusch.
But their lead didn’t last long as Ansell struck in consecutive minutes to give his side the advantage heading into the break.
Bruns then continued the frenzy with another equaliser just moments after the restart, and it wasn’t until the 55th minute when another goal was scored as Taylor converted a corner.
The drama wasn’t to end there as, with less than 45 seconds remaining, Muller repaid the favour through a corner of his own to ensure the spoils.
The Hockey Paper
Liam Ansell scores twice as Great Britain men draw with Germany
Alan Forsyth won his 150th combined international cap against Germany
Liam Ansell scored twice as Great Britain finished off their European tour with a thrilling 5-5 draw against Germany.
Team-mate Luke Taylor looked to have grabbed a winner for GB before Germany equalised in the final seconds.
Alan Forsyth marked his 150th combined international game with the opening goal while Chris Griffiths also scored.
It was GB's second draw with Germany in as many days following a 1-1 scoreline on Thursday.
They had previously drawn and lost against Belgium before playing an uncapped match with the Netherlands on the tour.
BBC Sport
Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018
Breda (NED)
23 Jun - 1 Jul 2018
Fixtures 23 Jun 2018 (GMT+2)
14:00 IND v PAK (RR)
16:00 NED v ARG (RR)
18:00 AUS v BEL (RR)
FIH Match Centre
FIH Champions Trophy rolls into action in Netherlands today
Pakistan take on archrivals India in opener at Breda
Muhammad Ali
LAHORE: The 37th and last edition of the elite FIH Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament will kick off when Pakistan take on arch-rivals India in their opener in Breda, Netherlands on Saturday (today). Led by the experienced Muhammad Rizwan, the team members have been in the Netherlands for the past three weeks in order to get used to the conditions and are confident of a podium finish as the participating teams look to bid farewell to the prestigious tournament, which ends on July 1, in style. The competition in Breda is notable for many reasons, not least for the fact that it will be the last ever men’s edition of an event with an illustrious history. This heritage is reflected in the opening match which features one of the biggest rivalries in the sport: Pakistan vs India. It is the fixture that is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the venue as well as millions of fans tuning in from across the world, eagerly anticipating the latest episode of this long-running battle between two of the sport’s most successful nations.
It is unfortunate that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to scrap one of the toughest events of the calendar and the 37th edition marks the end of a glorious era. A brainchild of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president, the late retired Air Marshal Nur Khan, it was launched on the grassy field at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in 1978.
Pakistan won the Champions Trophy thrice: 1978, 1980 and 1994, all at home, besides securing seven silver and as many bronze medals. Keeping in view their immense contribution to the game, the 13th ranked Pakistan have been awarded special entry in the last event by the FIH. The other five nations who will compete for top honours are Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Holland and India. In line with the event qualification criteria, hosts Netherlands, Olympic champions Argentina plus World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy winners Australia qualified for this event automatically whilst the other three nations — Belgium, Asian champions India and Pakistan – have been invited by the FIH executive board.
National carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) used to be the sponsor whenever the Champions Trophy took place in Pakistan. Presently, the greenshirts are going through rebuilding process and no miracles are expected from them. Pakistan held their last phase of training camp in the Netherlands, playing two practice matches and winning both of them. The final 18-member squad was announced on June 19 after the two-week training camp had ended. “It is the final edition of the Champions Trophy and I am sure every team would want to make it memorable. Pakistan have the inaugural title of the competition to their name and we want the last edition to be ours too,” Rizwan was quoted as saying Friday. “It will be a challenging tournament with back-to-back matches and picking up those three points from every game will be the only thing on our minds in Breda,” he said. “The energy in the boys is at its peak and we are all optimistic about our chances of winning the tournament.”
Pakistan finished as runners-up in the last edition they participated in 2014. Pakistan made it into the final of the 2014 edition with a historic 4-3 win over India courtesy a last-minute goal by Arslan Qadir. With hosts Netherlands, defending champions Australia and other traditional giants Argentina, India and Belgium also in the fray, Pakistan know they will have to be at their very best if they are to emerge from the tournament with any sort of credit. Over nine days of action, which includes a rest day on Monday (25 June), all teams will be focused on reaching the final, which will be played on Sunday (July 1), with the other classification matches being played earlier in the day. This will be one of the last opportunities for these teams to play against one another competitively before the end of this year’s Hockey Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India (November 28 – December 16).
Schedule:
June 23: India vs Pakistan, Netherlands vs Argentina, Australia vs Belgium
June 24: India vs Argentina, Netherlands vs Belgium, Australia vs Pakistan
June 25: REST DAY
June 26: Argentina vs Belgium, Netherlands vs Pakistan
June 27: India vs Australia
June 28: Argentina vs Pakistan, India vs Belgium, Netherlands vs Australia
June 29: Belgium vs Pakistan
June 30: Argentina vs Australia, Netherlands vs India
July 1: 5th-6th place classification match, 3rd-4th place classification match
and FINAL.
The Daily Times
Kookaburras Chase Champions Trophy History
Alexie Beovich
The Kookaburras’ bid to claim a record 15th Champions Trophy in the final-ever edition of the tournament begins this weekend in the Netherlands.
Australia are the defending winners of the six-nation Champions Trophy which will be played from 23 June to 1 July in Breda, the Netherlands.
This year’s Champions Trophy represents the last time the famous tournament will be played, to be replaced by the new FIH Pro League in 2019.
The world number one Kookaburras will face Belgium first-up from 2am AEST on Sunday 24 June.
Across the tournament, Australia will come up against the Netherlands (ranked fourth), Argentina (2016 Olympic gold medallists and ranked second), Belgium (ranked third), India (ranked sixth) and Pakistan (ranked 13th).
Australia have been dominant in the men’s Champions Trophy, winning 14 titles overall, including six of the past seven.
The Kookaburras won in a penalty shootout over India in London in 2016.
All Champions Trophy matches will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports.
For regular updates, follow @Kookaburras on Twitter.
Kookaburras team for Champions Trophy:
Athlete (City, State)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Timothy Brand (Chatswood, NSW)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Johan Durst (Melbourne, VIC)
Jeremy Edwards (Hobart, TAS)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) (cc)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) (cc)
Hockey Australia media release
Coach Harendra Singh's tactics in focus as PR Sreejesh-led India hope to improve dismal record
Sundeep Misra
India finished a disappointing fourth at the Gold Coast CWG 2018. AFP/File
Getting off the block for the Champions Trophy, the 37th edition and India’s 16th, the team and its newly-appointed hockey coach Harendra Singh would be hoping the display is not akin to a lit matchstick thrown across a dark room. Rather at the Hockey Club BH & BC, India would be wishing to light up the Champions Trophy — in its last edition — with some exemplary display that not only brings back the verve and confidence, but also clearly defines the path for the remaining two big-ticket tournaments — Asian Games and the 2018 World Cup.
It couldn’t have been a better setting for the Champions Trophy. Breda, a small town of just under two lakh inhabitants breathes history with its stunning castles and even a well-preserved 18th century city hall and a Church of our Lady in Gothic style. India, in contrast, have been struggling to preserve its history in the sport that once made them Olympic giants. In desperation to try and speed up a process of once again being counted among the top teams, over the years, a menu prepared by different chefs has led to calamitous results. There have been positive outcomes too, such as the 2016 Champions Trophy in London when India reached the final, their first ever in 15 attempts. London gave a glimpse of attacking, aggressive but fluid and graceful hockey. But such displays are like rain in the Atacama Desert.
Even though the Champions Trophy is a stop on the journey to the Asian Games and World Cup, the importance of the tournament is not lost on Harendra. In 15 attempts, India have two medals, silver (2016) and a bronze (1982). Compare it to Australia’s 14 gold, 10 silver and 5 bronze in 35 appearances!
“It’s not fair to compare at the moment,” Harendra said. “For us, this year is about reaching the podium and the journey begins at Breda. I have not come here to make up the numbers. Yes, most teams will be experimenting, working out combinations but to stand on the podium is also giving the team that boost which should help later in the year.”
Whatever plots and sub-plots that Harendra would have built for the Champions would have been slightly upset by the late injuries to Akashdeep and Sumit Kumar. That the team decided to rest Akashdeep, a vital cog in India’s aspirations, also gives credence to the belief that winning the Asian Games is crucial; qualifying for the 2020 Olympics top priority.
"We will rest Akashdeep who has an injury scare but though he has recovered, we did not want to risk him ahead of the Asian Games,” said Harendra.
With three players holding the experience of 200 internationals — Manpreet Singh (216), Sardar Singh (298) and SV Sunil (234) — there is well-acquired knowledge in the ranks to hold this Indian team together in attack, midfield and defence. It is in the processes and tactical play that Harendra would be scrutinised. Coming on the heels of the fourth-place show at the Commonwealth Games, it is not only the players, but how Harendra copes with top-level international hockey that would define the way forward.
Harendra will be under pressure, but it’s time the players soak that in and ensure they give their hundred percent as results are equally important than just the dominant statistical bit of ‘shots on goal’. Even after Sjoerd Marijne was removed after the Gold Coast debacle, there were murmurs of players not building momentum together or acknowledging that it’s not just up to the coach to turn around results.
Manpreet Singh, who lost his captaincy after the CWG, does surprisingly say that change in the coach’s structure doesn’t affect the players.
“It doesn’t matter, if the coach gets changed because the players' main focus is on the ground. We have to perform well. We take lessons from every coach. Personally, I don’t feel anything if a coach gets changed.” With 34 coach substitutions since 1980, it is understandably difficult to be emotional about it.
On the tactical bits employed by Harendra in the training sessions, Manpreet said, “Harendra sir’s philosophy is to give less of a chance to the opponent. It will be best for the team if a man-to-man defence is employed. We are also focusing on attack. Our performance was not good at the Commonwealth Games. We are also focusing on scoring otherwise; we will try and make penalty corners for the team.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once said, “The best moment to win the ball is immediately after your team just lost it. The opponent is still looking for orientation where to pass the ball. He will have taken his eyes off the game to make his tackle or interception and he will have expended energy. Both make him vulnerable.”
Harendra believes in Klopp’s theory. “Disruption yields results,” says Harendra. “And the switching of momentum throws the other team off balance. There is a lot we learn from football and other sport. Look up, I tell the midfielders when you have space in front, make the pass count. Don’t waste the moment.”
India have played 85 matches in the Champions Trophy, winning 25 and losing 48. For these stats to change, India needs to win more matches at Breda starting with the one against Pakistan and then Olympic champions Argentina, World Champions Australia, Olympic silver medallists Belgium and hosts The Netherlands. There are no easy games for the Indians, and Manpreet insists the team is looking forward to it. “There is no pressure on me or the players. We enjoy every challenge. And at the Champion’s Trophy, the top six teams are there. This will be one of the good tournaments. We are going to enjoy ourselves.”
India have a potentially podium-finishing team that plays with style, offensive manoeuvres, good defensive structure and some solid goalkeeping at the back. One may say that penalty corners need to be improved and with Rupinder Pal Singh being dropped, the PC cupboard may look slightly bare. Yet the team believes that they have Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas, the last two being part of the team that Harendra coached to gold at the 2016 Junior World Cup. But it’s the midfield that will be the soul of the team with Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, Vivek Prasad and a constantly overlapping Chinglensana. There is solidity in the defensive lines with the comeback of Birendra Lakra and Surendra Kumar.
Jarmanpreet Singh makes his debut and reports suggest he is a player making his way up from the domestic circuit. Eyes will be on Dilpreet Singh too, the young forward who has always impressed and also on how Mandeep Singh converts the chances with Ramandeep Singh hoping to prove to his detractors that dropping him from the CWG was a rash decision.
The Champions Trophy will also see deep defenders converting themselves into midfield players. With movement so fast now and rapid pressing happening from the midfield, seeing Lakra moving forward from the right and transforming himself into an attacking winger, for example, will be a sight. Or for that matter, Harmanpreet Singh, like he did at the Rio Olympics, constantly using his skills to dodge, dribble and move into the opponents half. With Lalit Upadhyay coming into the team as Sumit was injured, Harendra will have an extra option even though in the original selection, Lalit was not the automatic choice. But the man’s finesse, dexterity and the craft that he employs could be a surprise against teams like Pakistan, Belgium and Argentina. Harendra, of course, would keep an eye on Lalit’s, at times, over-emphasizing the dribble.
Sardar’s comeback into the team after missing the Hockey World League Semi-finals, the Four-Nation Tour to New Zealand and the CWG also gives options in the midfield and defence. His subtle skills and vision when releasing the ball makes him a better free-man or a midfielder, the perfect foil to a younger Manpreet and a mentor to the precociously talented 18-year-old Vivek Prasad. Sardar also plays his 300th match against Argentina on 24 June, an opportunity for the former Indian captain to make his presence and try and claim a place for the year-ending World Cup.
For India, the six matches in Breda are all about matching expectations in a year when hope and expectancy from the team are extremely high. More than just pointing fingers to a bewildered past, it’s time for the players to build off each other, seamlessly melting the three zones of attack, midfield and defence into one singular unit. Call it what you may, India’s presence at Breda is a redemption mission.
Firstpost
India aim to continue recent dominance over Pakistan as Roelant Oltmans' threat looms
Sundeep Misra
India and Pakistan last met at this year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where they played a 2-2 draw. FILE/ AFP
Amidst the dark clouds rolling in from the East, trucks driving in with hospitality equipment, beer and food stalls being set up — such an integral part of Dutch hockey — the main and second pitch are also seeing signs of frenetic activity. On the main pitch, Pakistan assistant coach Rehan Butt is screaming at someone: “Roelant bula raha hai” (Roelant is calling for you). The concerned team support staff is seen hurrying down the stadium steps. Just for the record, Rehan Butt was the main tormentor at the 2002 Champions Trophy bronze medal match where India seemed to be cruising at 3-1 in the end half before Rehan created magic with an equaliser and then the stunning match-winner.
On pitch 2, there are no stands. Hundred metres to the right and left, dense foliage provides a stunning backdrop. India, after a brief warm-up, are focusing on penalty corners (PC). Coach Harendra Singh and former Aussie superstar Chris Ciriello are doing direct and indirect sessions. There is a feeling that PCs would come India’s way. Traditionally it has, except against opponents like Germany who play extremely tight, masters of the striking circle zone where they defend even inches of space like seasoned property sharks.
Since Roelant Oltmans crossed the border, there is a feeling that Pakistan have found a semblance of structure. In the past two years, apart from few close games, the gap was widening as India dominated. But at the Commonwealth Games, even after taking a 2-0 lead, Pakistan came back and got the equaliser with hardly ten seconds left.
The 2-2 scoreline was a defeat for India and the repercussions of that match were felt through the tournament. Pakistan impressed, refused to break their line and were never in disarray, despite a scoreline against them. Oltmans had succeeded in getting into their minds. It’s no state secret that Pakistan hired him simply to stop the huge gap developing between them and India; the other teams would come later. In a year of the Asian Games, it was important to run India close.
Oltmans looks bedraggled. He has just finished an intensive training session with Pakistan. At 64, he has already invested 40 years into the sport. But the enthusiasm is intact; he is still the kid loving every moment, talking to the players, laughing and back slapping them. Pakistan players look relaxed and happy. But they are wary of him too. There is immense respect for a coach who already has a World Championship Gold (1998 Utrecht) and an Olympic Gold (1996 Atlanta) to his name as coach. Not to mention the 1994 World Championship silver when Pakistan beat Holland at Sydney. He looks forward to the opening match against India.
“I know it’s a sentimental issue,” he says, head shaking. “I have seen it from your (India) side too, and now again, I am seeing it from here. But there is a tournament too. More matches where we have to improve as a team.”
When India were beating Pakistan regularly with margins of six plus, Oltmans had always spoken about the lack of structure in the Pakistan side. “We have worked on those deficiencies,” he explains. “But apart from that we have brought in tactical awareness and a higher fitness regime.”
A fitter Pakistan team can last longer, conserving energy through each quarter. Earlier, India would explode out of the blocks like an Olympic sprinter, stretch Pakistan, score few goals and then slowly take them apart. Pakistan didn’t lack skill; they lacked staying power and mentally withered away. Not anymore.
For the last month, they have stationed themselves in Holland, playing local matches at the Leiden Hockey Club. There is quiet confidence. And they believe Oltmans would have enough inner knowledge of the Indians to somehow crack them open.
Harendra Singh has lost weight. He looks fit, trim and exudes that earthy confidence that sets him apart from the other Indian coaches. He has been at this game for a long time, learning every step of the way. “Why do we only think that Oltmans had knowledge of the Indian team,” he asks. “All the 18 players who played under him also have knowledge on how Oltmans works and which way his mind ticks. Isn’t that to our advantage?”
Speaking on PCs, Harendra feels that anything between 28 and 32 per cent should do the trick. “Teams that convert 35 percent of the chances have a good shot at winning.” He says. “It’s not something that changes overnight. But we are reaching there.”
India have Ciriello on their bench, the Aussie who smacked home a hat-trick in the 2014 World Cup final, smashing the Dutch 6-1 in front of their despondent fans. Harendra is relying on Ciriello to deliver in terms of angles and tactics.
Oltmans has brought in Bram Lomans, the man with two Olympic gold and World Championship gold medals. Lomans was the star when Spain led 2-0 in the 98’ World Cup final and the Dutchman, with an immaculate flick, tied the scores at 2-2 before Holland clinched it in extra time. Oltmans is guarded about Lomans training sessions with Pakistan. “Everything takes time,” he says. “It’s never about suddenly firing. That is an area where it will take more than just a few sessions.”
Oltmans is clear that the Champions Trophy is merely a stepping stone towards the Asian Games. For Pakistan’s Dutch coach, Asian Games gold is the target. “Of course, we want to win at the Champions Trophy but the target is the Asian Games,” he explains. “Qualifying for the 2020 Olympics is priority.”
In 31 editions, Pakistan have played 177 matches in the Champions Trophy, winning 78 and losing 70. Both play their 19th match in the Champions Trophy today with India winning six and losing 12. In their last meeting at the Bhubaneswar 2014 CT, Pakistan won 4-3.
SV Sunil, whose pace and speed will be a handful against Pakistan, believes numbers are okay as pieces of stats as they are insightful but once the match begins, it simply comes down to performance. “I think the main focus is on playing as a unit,” he says. “In the six weeks of training, we have seen the mistakes that happened in Gold Coast. And as a unit, we have to ensure that the forwards, midfield and defenders come into the match as one team.”
Sunil isn’t perturbed on seeing Oltmans on the other side. He does agree that Oltmans will bring something to the table for Pakistan. “Obviously, he knows us in and out,” explains Sunil. “But it will be a good challenge and a good match.”
Both teams have finished training. As India file out, Oltmans walks in from the other direction. He smiles at a few players, has a word with a few and then pats Sardar on the back, has a short conversation, laughs throwing his head back and walks away.
In matches against Pakistan, there is always an extra dimension of history and politics. On the pitch, it’s not just skills, artistry, stubbornness, determination that sets both these teams apart. It’s also the baggage that they carry. Victory is a release, while a defeat at the hands of arch-rivals affects the mind, and rest of the tournament. At the moment, when the sun rises over Breda, Harendra will be hoping that his team has the ability to deliver the sucker-punch.
Firstpost
India aim for maiden title, face Pakistan in opening match
Hockey Indian men's hockey team coach Harendra Singh during a training session ahead of their match against Pakistan in the opening match at Rabobank Mens Hockey Champions Trophy, in Breda, Netherlands on Friday. , PTI
The Indian hockey team would be aiming for a fresh start, putting behind the disappointment of a poor Commonwealth Games campaign, when it begins its pursuit of a maiden Champions Trophy title, taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening clash in Breda on Saturday.
Asian champions India have never won the Champions Trophy in its last 36 editions but will be hoping to claim the feat in the tournament's last edition here.
The best India has fared in the tournament was the runners-up finish at the 2016 event in London, losing to Australia in a shoot-out.
Claiming the title would be easier said than done for the eight-time Olympic champions as they come into the tournament on the back of a disastrous campaign at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where they finished fourth. The disappointing finish triggered a change in head coach's position with Harendra Singh taking charge from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who moved back to his old position as coach of the Indian women's team.
World's best six teams compete in the Champions Trophy and this year's line-up include reigning Olympic champions Argentina, world no.1 Australia, Belgium, hosts Netherlands, Pakistan besides India.
India will open against Pakistan before taking on Argentina (on June 24), Australia (June 27), Belgium (June 28) and Netherlands (June 30).Even though India (6th) are way ahead of Pakistan (13th) in the world rankings, but there is hardly any gap between the two teams when it comes to the head-to-head contests.
India-Pakistan encounters on the hockey turf have always been full of drama and controversies with adrenaline running high on both the sides.And come tomorrow it won't be any different as both the neighbours would be eager to prove the other wrong.
Going by ranking and results of late, India will start favourites.
Over the past year, India had enjoyed convincing victories over Pakistan right from the final of Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 followed by a dominant double victory in the Hockey World League Semi-Final in London 2017 and the Asia Cup in Dhaka where India lifted the title after 10 years.
But under former India coach and High Performance Manager, Roelant Oltmans, Pakistan surprised India by scoring a late equaliser to earn a draw in the Commonwealth Games this year.
Incidentally, it was the first match of the tournament and penalty corners will be Pakistan's preferred weapon yet again.
For Harendra, who took over coaching of the senior team for a third time following his last stint in 2009, it will be his first real test ahead of important tournaments like the Asian Games and the season-ending World Cup in Bhubaneswar later this year.
"Getting off to a winning start is vital because it sets the momentum for the rest of the tournament. There will be no room for emotions when we take on Pakistan. The team will play against them like any other team where we go for three points," a strict Harendra said on the eve of the match.
"We have prepared well for this tournament and are confident of a good performance. Our focus will be on playing according to our structure and executing our strategies against each opponent without making any errors." In Gold Coast, India fielded a lot of youngsters dropping a senior like Sardar Singh, but Harendra is in no mood to continue with the experimentation and has selected a strong squad purely on the basis of form in the recent national camp.
Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has got the captaincy from Manpreet Singh, while SV Sunil and Sardar, who is just two games away from reaching 300 international caps, has been recalled to the side.
The 2014 Champions Trophy silver medallists Pakistan may have finished seventh at the CWG, but that result hides the fact that they went through the event completely unbeaten.
Four draws in the pool phase -- against Wales, India, England and Malaysia respectively -- saw Pakistan finish fourth in their five-team pool, putting them in the 7-8 classification match where they defeated Canada 3-1.
But the founding nation of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will be determined to add to the titles that they claimed in 1978, 1980 and 1994 -- victories that all came on home soil, in Lahore (1978 / 1994) and Karachi (1980) respectively.
Pakistan's squad selected by Oltmans is a blend of experience and youth, with captain Muhammad Rizwan Sr being one of eight players to have surpassed the 100 international appearances milestone.
Shafqat Rasool is the most capped player in the group with 190 senior international appearances.
In other matches of the opening day, home favourites and European champions Netherlands will play Olympic and Pan American champions Argentina, while reigning champions Australia will take on Olympic silver-medallists Belgium.
Daily News & Analysis
Winning opening match at Hockey Champions Trophy is vital: India coach
Breda [Netherlands]: With solid ground work after two back-to-back national training camps at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru, the Indian men's hockey team look upbeat and well-prepared for this week's Champions Trophy.
Taking on 13th ranked arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match on Saturday, India ranked much higher at world number six should have no qualms in overcoming the challenge albeit they keep their emotions in check and stick to the game plan.
Reflecting on the same, chief coach Harendra Singh said that kicking off a campaign with a win is vital to set the momentum for the rest of the tournament.
"Getting off to a winning start is vital because it sets the momentum for the rest of the tournament. There will be no room for emotions when we take on Pakistan. The team will play against them like any other team where we go for the three points. We have prepared well for this tournament and are confident of a good performance. Our focus will be on playing to the structure and executing our strategies against each opponent without making any errors," asserted the experienced Indian coach.
Over the past year, India had enjoyed convincing victories over their nemesis right from the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, when they had beaten Pakistan in the final.
This performance was followed by a dominant double victory against Pakistan in the Hockey World League Semi Final in London 2017 and the Asia Cup in Dhaka where India lifted the title after 10 years.
But at the recent Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games, the unpredictable Pakistan with most of their senior players back in the fold scored an equalizer through a penalty corner in the 60th minute through Mubashar Ali to split the points.
Incidentally, it was the first match of the tournament and penalty corners will be Pakistan's preferred weapon yet again when they take on India on Saturday at the BH & BC Stadium in Breda.
"There is no doubt we need to be smart in our defence, not allow easy penetration into the striking circle. We must avoid conceding PCs against Pakistan or Argentina who we play in the second match," stated Harendra categorically.
On Sunday, India will take on Olympic Champions Argentina. India has played Argentina twice in the past six months.
At Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017, though India held sway, they lost to Argentina by a goal (0-1) conceded through a penalty corner in the sem-final while at the 2018 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup India had lost 2-3 in a close encounter.
"The conditions and the team was different in both these tournaments. Argentina's biggest strength is their PC conversion and we must be careful in our defence when we play against them," added a confident Harendra.
Outlook India
When and where to watch India vs Pakistan in India, coverage on TV and live streaming on Hotstar
File image of Indian hockey team. AFP
India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday at Breda, Netherlands. Asian champions India have never won the Champions Trophy in its last 36 editions but will be hoping to claim the feat in the tournament's last edition.
The best India have fared in the tournament was the runners-up finish at the 2016 event in London, losing to Australia in a penalty shoot-out.
Even though India (6th) are way ahead of Pakistan (13th) in the world rankings, there is hardly any gap between the two teams when it comes to the head-to-head contests.
India-Pakistan encounters on the hockey turf have always been full of drama and controversies with adrenaline running high on both the sides.
And come Friday it won't be any different as both the neighbours would be eager to prove the other wrong.
Here's everything you want to know about watching the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match on TV and Hotstar:
When and where will the matches be played?
The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy hockey match will take place on Saturday, 23 June at Breda, Netherlands.
How do I watch the matches live?
The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy hockey match will be shown on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports HD1.
What time will the live coverage start?
The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy hockey match begins at 5:30 pm (IST).
Where can I follow the match online?
India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy hockey match live streaming will be available on Hotstar. You can also catch the live updates on firstpost.com
Firstpost
Pakistan take on India in Champions Trophy opener
By Nabil Tahir
Skipper Rizwan has insisted Pakistan will be taking their game against India as just another game. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI : The 37th and last edition of the Hockey Champions Trophy will kick off in grand manner as Pakistan take on arch-rivals India on Saturday at the BH & BC Breda in Breda, Netherlands.
Led by the experienced Muhammad Rizwan, the team has been in Netherlands for the past three weeks in order to get used to the conditions and is confident of at least a podium finish as teams look to bid farewell to the prestigious tournament in style.
The team held their last phase of training camp in Netherlands, playing two practice matches and winning both of them. The final 18-member squad was announced on June 19 after the two-week training camp had ended.
“It is the final edition of the Champions Trophy and I am sure every team would want to make it memorable. Pakistan have the inaugural title of the competition to their name and we want the last edition to be ours too,” said Rizwan, while talking to The Express Tribune.
“It will be a challenging tournament with back-to-back matches and picking up those three points from every game will be the only thing on our minds in Breda,” he said. “The energy in the boys is at its peak and we are all optimistic about our chances of winning the tournament.”
Pakistan finished as runners-up in the last edition they participated in back in 2014, and have won three titles. However, all three of them came at home and the most recent one was back in 1994, with the other two being even further back in 1978 and 1980.
Pakistan made it into the final of the 2014 edition with a historic 4-3 win over India courtesy a last-minute goal by Arslan Qadir.
“I have very good memories of the last time we played in this tournament and would love to repeat my heroics from four years ago,” said Qadir. “Hopefully we can go one better this time around and win the tournament. We are fitter now than what we were four years ago so we can surprise our opponents once again.”
With hosts Netherlands, defending champions Australia and other traditional giants Argentina, India and Belgium also in the fray, Pakistan know they will have to be at their very best if they are to emerge from the tournament with any sort of credit.
“Our immediate goal is to do well in this tournament and there is no doubt that it will serve as a test for us to gauge where we stand as compared to the best teams in the world, especially with the World Cup coming soon,” added Rizwan. “We would love to prepare for the World Cup by doing well in this tournament.”
While the match between the two traditional heavyweights invariably garners added attention from fans from both sides of the Wagah border, skipper Rizwan insists the players will be treating it like any other game.
“We are looking forward to claiming three points against them and begin the campaign well,” he added. “Every match is crucial and we have to do everything we can to ensure we finish in the top two and qualify for the final.”
The Express Tribune
Kookaburra Tim Brand mixes hockey and exams ahead of Champions Trophy
By Richard Bright
UNSW student Tim Brand, right, made his senior debut for Australia at the weekend
Mixing off-field activities alongside elite sport is not an uncommon sight for hockey players. In 2014, England’s Nick Catlin sat a three-hour legal exam before taking on Australia in the afternoon for a crucial World Cup encounter.
Now student Tim Brand has been praised after a rollercoaster few days in which he made his international hockey debut for the Kookaburras, scored his first senior international goal – and found time to sit his exams abroad.
Brand, studying commerce at the University of New South Wales, is currently in Europe preparing for the Champions Trophy.
He has been studying remotely in Perth due to his hockey commitments and sat one exam before he jetted off with the Australian team, but is having to sit two others while on the continent – in between training and playing.
Brand, 19, made his Kookaburras debut on Saturday against Germany in Moers and featured against the same opposition the following day – this time scoring a goal in a 2-2 draw.
Australia’s head coach Colin Batch said of Brand and fellow debutant goalkeeper Johan Durst: “For them to come in and play against such a good team like Germany is a good experience first up. It’s a tough debut but it’s also a very good one to play against such a top ranked team.
“It’s one thing to prepare in the training environment but to come away and play in these two Test matches has been very good preparation for us.”
Australia are defending their Champions Trophy title in the competition’s last event.
The Kookaburras begin their defence against Belgium on Sunday, before facing Holland, Argentina, India and Pakistan. The top two teams from the round-robin stage will progress to the final on July 1 in Breda.
It won’t stop there for Brand should he feature in Breda and will still need to sit another supplementary exam when he returns to Australia.
Meanwhile, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed a five-year partnership with Fox Sports Australia, giving fans access to live coverage of the Hockey Pro League, Hockey World Cups, Champions Trophies and Olympic Qualification Events until 2022
The Hockey Paper
Dharmaraj: Go for gold, with due respect
By Jugjet Singh
Kirandeep Kaur (left) playing against boys at the recent Matador HC tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian women's coach K.Dharmaraj wants nothing but gold in the Hockey Series Open starting in Singapore today.
Malaysia, at world n 22, will open accounts against Indonesia (no ranking) while the other teams are Hong Kong (world no 43), Kazakhstan (34th), Thailand (28th) and Singapore (35th).
Not one to boast without a reason, Dharmaraj cautioned his charges to be confident, but at the same time respect their opponents.
"We are the highest ranked team here and are expected to win the tournament even though the top-two qualify for the next round," said Dharmaraj.
"But then again, we need to respect every team as overconfidence can cause many problems."
Hockey Series Open is a rebranding exercse by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and was known as World League Round One. It serves an an Olympic qualifier.
For the record, Malaysia hosted the World League Round Two last year and won a silver medal against much higher ranked teams.
And on Indonesia: "Our opening match will be very interesting as Indonesia is coached by Malaysian (M.) Mahendran. Although they are not ranked by the FIH, we will not underestimate them."
Dharmaraj also included 15-year-old Kirandeep Kaur in the squad, a player who will earn her first international cap.
"Kiran proved during training she is no pushover even though she is only 15, and she is not here for a holiday. She can expect to be utilised when a game situation warrants," said Dharmaraj.
Whatever the outcome in Singapore, Kirandeep has made history for herself as becoming the youngest player to be selected for Malaysia's senior side.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Croatia's Hockey Series Open gets underway Monday
The third of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Series Open events takes place from 25-30 June at the Sports Park Mladost in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
With the prospect of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification a distant ambition, teams will be aiming for the top spots in the knowledge that 15 nations from the Hockey Series Open events will qualify for next year's Hockey Series Finals. Add in the opportunity to win vital FIH Hero World Ranking points, fans can expect fierce competition between these European rivals.
This will be an intriguing encounter between five men’s teams who will be familiar to each other through continental competition.
This will be an intriguing encounter between five men’s teams who will be familiar to each other through continental competition.
At 19, Austria are this event's top ranked team in the FIH Hero World Rankings and have players with a wealth of experience under their belt. Michael Korper is the talismanic goal-scorer and, along with Benjamin Stanzl, was one of the standout players for Austria’s indoor squad who claimed the Indoor Hockey World Cup earlier this year. Austria finished seventh in the 2017 Rabo EuroHockey Championship, drawing with Spain and Ireland, both of who are ranked several places higher in the world rankings. Their experience at the top level of European competition will stand them in good stead for this challenge.
Wales (WR:24) are a team with big ambitions. They finished a respectable ninth at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, beating higher ranked South Africa in the 9-10th place play-off. This was after they had narrowly lost out in the last minutes to the world number seven team England in a 3-2 thriller. Recent preparations for the Hockey Series Open has seen Wales play Poland in a three match series. Although they lost the series, Head Coach Zak Jones said the experience was a “hugely positive one, which had readied his team for the challenge ahead.”
Switzerland are ranked four places below Wales and their biggest challenge will be the lack of experience in the squad. Captain Sebastian Schneider is approaching 50 caps for his country but, with 13 teenagers in the squad, this is a team for who each match will present a huge learning curve.
Host nation Croatia and Slovakia are the other two teams contesting this round-robin competition. Croatia are currently ranked 41st in the world, and Slovakia are ranked 50th, but both teams will be determined to use this competition to enhance their global status. Fans can look forward to an energetic display from Slovakian captain Michal Romanec who, with 14 caps, is the most experienced international in the side. Like Switzerland, these are two teams with players who are inexperienced at international level but both Croatia and Slovakia have players who ply their trade at some of the top clubs in Europe, so expect some competitive matches as the players seek to continue their journey towards Tokyo 2020.
The round-robin competition opens with an encounter between Wales and Slovakia. Full a full match schedule, click here.
Fans can watch all the action from the Hockey Series Open Croatia on FIH Youtube. For further information about the Hockey Series Open, click here. You can also view more content on the Hockey Series channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Further Info:
#HockeySeries2018
FIH site
Japan confirm World Cup squad
Japan announced their squad for the World Cup earlier today Photo: FIH/Getty Images
Japan have announced their squad who will compete for the Vitality Hockey World Cup London 2018 title.
The World Cup squad will also participate in a crucial warm-up event involving Netherlands, Spain and China which is taking place in alongside the Men's Rabobank Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 between 26-30 June.
The squad includes Rio 2016 participants Ono Mayumi, Nagai Hazuki, Mano Yukari, Yuda Hazuki, Tomonari Nagai, Minami Shimizu and Motohiro Kawamura.
The youngest in the squad is 21 year-old Makoto Segawa whilst the oldest is 33 year-year-old Ono Mayumi.
Japan face Australia, Belgium and New Zealand in their pool, with their opening match against 2014 runners-up Australia on the opening day of play, 21 July, at 20:00. To see their full schedule, click here.
Japan Women’s Hockey Team for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018:
Name
GK Megumi Kiseyama
GK Akaya Oka
DF Natsuki Naito
DF Hoshiga Mika
DF Akiko Ota
DF Ono Mayumi
DF Kana Nomura
DF Shiori Oikawa
DF Miki Otsuka
DF Yuu Asai
MF Makoto Segawa
MF Nagai Hazuki
MF Mano Yukari
MF Ishibashi Ryo
MF Matsumoto Natsunami
MF Yuda Hazuki
FW Mami Kano
FW Tomonari Nagai
FW Kato Akiko
FW Aki Yamada
FW Minami Shimizu
FW Motohiro Kawamura
Courtesy of the Japan Hockey Association
#HWC2018
FIH site
Welsh Masters goalkeeper, 77, picked for over-60s hockey World Cup
By The Hockey Paper
The Grand Masters opened in traditional and spectacular style PIC: Nacho Olano
“I haven’t got another keeper in the Welsh squad to pick over 70 – so I picked myself.”
So said an ever-smiling Glyn Thomas in a brilliant BBC interview this week ahead of the ninth Grand Masters Hockey World Cup, which takes place at the famous Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, Spain.
Thomas is a 77-year-old from Wolverhampton but has Welsh blood thanks to his parents.
He has also been made captain of Wales’ over-75 team. The only problem is that he is the only player. So he will have to be content with playing for one Welsh side in sultry Barcelona.
Umpiring, he says, gives him a chance of doing some running as he claims not to have much to do in goal. And if he does go down for a save, he joked that he “has to be picked back up again at my age”.
The stalwart Welsh ‘keeper says he is “really chuffed” to be playing for his country at this weekend’s tournament. He also wants to play at the next Grand Masters event in Japan, even though “I will be a bit old”.
The Grand Masters competition involves over 40 teams and 200 matches and opened this week.
The 60+ tournament started in the Netherlands back in 1988, meaning that this will be the 20th anniversary since the popular – and social – event was first staged.
The Hockey Paper