News for 04 July 2011
Monday, 04 July 2011 09:10 | 
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All the news for Monday 4 July 2011
Penalty drama as Netherlands win Rabo FIH Champions Trophy
Gold Medal Match: Netherlands 3-3 Argentina (3-2 PSO)
Rabo FIH Champions Trophy - Day 7 - Netherlands v Argentina (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)
The Netherlands produced one of the most memorable fight-backs in memory to win the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy by defeating world Champions Argentina in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Maartje Paumen scored a hat-trick to help her team recover from a 3-0 deficit to tie the match, before two goal-less periods of extra time lead to the first penalty shoot-out in Champions Trophy history. Carla Rebecchi, Luciana Aymar and Daniela Sruoga were all denied by Dutch shot-stopper Joyce Sombroek, which proved to be enough to give The Netherlands their first Champions Trophy since 2007, denying Argentina a fourth title in a row.
It was a brilliant day for The Netherlands, who also collected three of the six additional prizes in the closing ceremony. Team captain Maartje Paumen collected the Rabo Cup for the Best Player of the Tournament as well as the Shell Top Scorer awards, while Willemijn Bos was named as the Volvo Most Promising Player of the tournament.
Argentina’s Belen Succi was given the Heineken Cup for Best Goalkeeper, while Zhao Yudiao was given the Adidas Goal of the Tournament Award. The England team was named as the winners of the BDO Trophy for Fair Play.
Delighted Netherland coach Max Caldas said in the post match Press Conference: “They scored three goals with their first three chances, but the girls stayed cool. The 3-1 goal turned the game around for us, it was the difference … I think the public was the winner in this match they got to see a fantastic game. Luckily we won.”
“When we went down 3-1 we also went down mentally”, said Argentina’s world cup winning coach Carlos Retegui. “That will happen, especially since we had a very young team here in Holland.”
Argentina captain Luciana Aymar was obviously disappointed with the outcome. “We had a good start in the first half, but when they put in the 3-1 goal it was hard for us. In the second half they played well, ran us hard and we got tired.”
The match itself was an absolute cracker, with a huge crowd and vocal packing the Wagener Stadium to watch the action. The home crowd were silenced after just 17 seconds when Carla Rebecchi took advantage of a sleepy Dutch defence and scored with ease, before a penalty corner tap in from Luciana Aymar gave the Netherlands plenty to worry about. When Argentina hit a third through Daniela Sruoga it was clear that the loyal fans feared the worst, but Netherlands captain Maartje Paumen became an inspirational force both to her team-mates and supporter with a wonderful penalty corner flick just before half time.
With Argentina taking a 3-1 lead into the second half, it seemed that they had some breathing space. However, The Netherland were determined to salvage the match and soon pulled another goal back. Paumen was again the scorer, deceiving Succi with a stunning penalty corner flick which generated a huge roar of excitement from the stands. However, an even bigger cheer arrived when Paumen slammed home the equalizer in the 48th minute, completing a fight-back of truly epic proportions.
Argentina spent most of the last 20 minutes of the game on the back foot, but thanks largely to the excellent goalkeeping of Belen Succi, full time came with the scores locked at 2-2. Two periods of Golden Goal Extra Time also finished goal-less, although Paumen went close to sealing victory with two penalty corner attempts.
The penalty shoot-out competition was started by Argentina’s Agustina Soledad Garcia, who made no mistake before Willemijn Bos levelled things up for The Netherlands. However, a miss from Carla Rebecchi was punished by Eva de Goede’s stunning strike from the top of the circle. When Argentina’s Luciana Aymar also missed, Maartje Paumen had the chance to create a 3-1 advantage in the shoot-out, and showed a cool head to do just that. Delfina Merino kept her side in the competition by scoring from her chance, and miss from Carlijn Dirkse van den Heuvel gave Argentina a glimmer of hope. However, the match was won when Joyce Sombroek saved the effort of Daniela Sruoga, giving The Netherlands their first Champions Trophy title since 2007.
Awards
BDO Trophy for Fair Play: England
Heineken Cup (Best Goalkeeper): Belen Succi (ARG)
Shell Topscorer: Maartje Paumen (NED)
Volvo Most Promising Player of the Tournament: Willemijn Bos (NED)
Adidas Goal of the Tournament: Zhao Yudiao (CHN)
Rabo Cup for the Best Player of the Tournament: Maartje Paumen (NED)
Review 24. Final 1-2 Netherlands vs Argentina (3-3, 6-5 apo) - Rabo FIH Champions Trophy 2011
> The Netherlands collect a record equalling sixth Champions Trophy title and their first since 2007.
> Australia are also 6-time Champions Trophy winners.
> The Dutch are now on a record 17 CT medals (6 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze).
> Las Leonas collected their 8th Champions Trophy medal and their 5th in a row. They last failed to win a CT medal at Amstelveen 2006, finishing 4th.
> The Netherland have beaten Argentina twice in one tournament, for the fist time since the 2007 Champions Trophy.
> Maartje Paumen scored a hat-trick to lift her CT career total to 21 goals. She joins Jackie Pereira (AUS) in second place on the all-time top scorer list. Nadine Ernsting-Krienke (GER) holds record with 22 CT goals.
> Paumen is the top goal scorer at Amstelveen 2011 on 6 goals.
> Luciana Aymar scored once, Paumen scored 3 goals, making this the first CT match with 4 goals scored by captains.
> Kim Lammers collected her 9th CT medal, equalling Fatima Moreira de Melo and Janneke Schopman. Only Minke Smeets-Smabers has won more CT medals (11).
> Carla Rebecchi (ARG) scored the fastest goal of the tournament, by netting after only 17 seconds.
> Argentina have converted 4 of 19 penalty corners awarded so far at Amstelveen 2011.
> The Dutch have converted 6 of 29 penalty corners awarded at the 2011 Champions Trophy.
FIH site
Harrison hits late winner to give Black Sticks Bronze
Bronze Medal Match: Korea 3-2 New Zealand
New Zealand celebrate Harrison's winning goal. (Photo: FIH / Grant Treeby)
New Zealand have won the Bronze medal at the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy in dramatic fashion thanks to a last gasp strike from Charlotte Harrison. The team defeated Korea 3-2, with Harrison’s strike arriving with less than 40 seconds of the match remaining. The win gave New Zealand their first ever medal at an FIH Champions Trophy, a fact that was not lost on Black Sticks coach Mark Hagar.
“Whenever we looked at the statistics it always says that New Zealand has never won a medal at a Champions Trophy, so it is nice to change it”, said the delighted coach. “It was probably a match we were lucky to come away with in the end, but I’m so pleased for players like Kayla (Sharland) and Krystal (Forgesson). They are stalwarts of New Zealand hockey and have been in the team for a long, long time. They deserve this.”
The Black Sticks – who today wore all white – took a 1-0 lead in the contest thanks to a ripper of a penalty corner from Katie Glynn, who rattled the back-board with a fearsome strike in the 15th minute. Less than 60 seconds later Krystal Forgesson doubled the advantage from close range following a typically slick attacking move from New Zealand.
Although 2-0 down, Korea competed well but struggled to create any meaningful chances. Eventually though, their incredible work-rate and persistence won them a penalty corner and a chance to get back in the medal hunt. Cho Eun Ji sent a powerful flick towards the left of the goal, but Sally Rutherford dived at full stretch to pad the ball away to safety.
It proved to be their only decent chance of the first half, but the Koreans came out fighting at the start of the second period, clearly determined to get their hands on that bronze medal. Kim Jong Eun made space for herself before chipping the ball over the diving Rutherford with a reverse stick shot, but Emily Naylor intercepted the chance and cleared the danger.
However, Kim Jong Eun got the goal that she deserved in the 42nd minute, receiving the ball on the right of the circle before crashing a thunderous strike through the legs of the goalkeeper to drag her team back into the match.
Korea were in the ascendency, pressing the Black Sticks deep into their own half and looking increasingly confident going forward, although they were thwarted on various occasions by excellent defensive work from New Zealand.
The pressure told when Stacey Michelsen was shown a yellow card for a poor challenge outside the circle, with umpire Stella Bartlema doubling the punishment by awarding a penalty corner. Korea took full advantage of the opportunity, slamming a drag flick into the bottom corner to tie the scores.
With the prospect of extra time looming large, both sides went in search of a winner in the final ten minutes of the match. New Zealand forward Katie Glynn won a penalty corner for her team with just over one minute remaining, but Clarissa Eshuis could find the back of the net with her flick.
However, a goalmouth scramble in the dying seconds of the match was bundled over the line by Charlotte Harrison, sparking wild celebrations from her team mates who knew that they had just claimed their first ever Champions Trophy medal.
Korea played in the Bronze medal match following a successful protest and appeal by Argentina team late on Saturday evening. For more information about this, please click here.
Review 23. Final 3-4 Korea vs New Zealand (2-3) - Rabo FIH Champions Trophy 2011
> Charlotte Harrison scored the winning goal for New Zealand in the last minute of the match to hand the Black Sticks their first CT medal ever.
> New Zealand are the ninth team ever to collect a medal in the Women's Champions Trophy.
> Korea finished 4th, having won just 1 of their 6 matches at the 2011 Champions Trophy.
> Korea scored their first penalty corner goal of the tournament to finish Amstelveen 2011 on 1 from 22.
> New Zealand’s penalty corner success rate for the tournament is 3 for 14.
> Katie Glynn and Charlotte Harrison are New Zealand's top goalscorer at Amstelveen 2011 on 3 goals.
> Charlotte Harrison and Katie Glynn also became New Zealand's all-time top scorers in CT competition on 5 CT career goals.
> Korea’s Kim Jong-Hee finishes the tournament on 4 goals.
> Korea have scored 12 goals at Amstelveen 2012. New Zealand and China have scored 11 times.
> Korea have netted most field goals (11).
FIH site
England take fifth with defeat of Australia
5th – 6th Classification: England 2-0 Australia
Rabo FIH Champions Trophy - Day 7 - England v Australia. (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)
England finished their Rabo FIH Champions Trophy campaign on a high with a second successive victory over Australia to take fifth place here in Amstelveen.
Beckie Herbert put England into a deserving lead in the first half when she fired into an open goal after great work from Anna Bennett, before Chloe Rogers touched home a second following a penalty corner strike from Laura Unsworth. The result means that England have qualified for next year’s Champions Trophy tournament, which takes place in Rosario, Argentina.
England needed just eight minutes to open the match scoring when a Helen Richardson pass found Anna Bennett in front of goal. The 35-year-old showed a sharp mind and a cool touch to flick the ball past Australia keeper Rachael Lynch to the waiting Beckie Herbert who slapped the ball into an open goal.
The lead was no more than they deserved, and Danny Kerry’s women continued to dominate in the contest throughout the first half. The great speed of Herbert, Bennett, Alex Danson and Chloe Rogers was a potent weapon for England, but The Hockeyroo were excellent in defence.
England had the chance to double the lead on the stroke of half time, but the Australian defence coped well with the attempted drag flick from Kate Walsh.
Australia hammered away at the England defence early in the second half, and were given the opportunity to draw level when they won a penalty corner. However, the flick from Jodie Shultz was bravely charged down by onrushing England captain Kate Walsh. A second Australian penalty corner arrived moments later courtesy of a video umpire referral, but the flick from Schulz was comfortably saved by England keeper Beth Storry.
England soaked up the pressure before eventually winning a penalty corner in the 50th minute thanks to excellent work in the circle from Nicola White. The initial penalty corner routine broke down, but Laura Unsworth cracked a shot from the top of the circle that was touched into the net by Chloe Rogers to make the score 2-0. It was a heartbreaking moment for Australia, with the strike coming very much against the run of play.
Australia continued their assault on the England goal for the remainder of the match, but could find no way past the ever impressive Beth Storry.
England finished the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy having not conceded a single penalty corner goal - a remarkable achievement.
Review 22. Final 5-6 England vs Australia (2-0) - Rabo FIH Champions Trophy 2011
> This is the first time England beat Australia twice at a world level tournament.
> England finish 5th to secure a spot in the 2012 Champions Torphy. England have finished 5th (2003, 2011) or 6th (2002 and 2009) at all CT tournaments on foreign turf.
> Australia record their worst CT result by finishing 6th. The only previous times Australia were not ranked in the top 4 in the Champions Trophy was in Amstelveen 2006 (5th) and in Mönchengladbach 2008 (5th).
> England have not conceded a single penalty corner goal this tournament (0 for 19).
> England scored 2 from 12 penalty corners at Amstelveen 2011.
> Australia’s PC success rate at Amstelveen 2011 is 3 for 27.
> Rebecca Herbert became England’s top goalscorer at Amstelveen 2011 on 3 goals.
> Rebecca Herbert is also England’s all-time Champions Trophy top scorer on 5 CT goals in 11 CT matches.
> The British record of 6 CT goals is held by Karen Brown, who played 16 CT matches.
> Marnie Hudson, Casey Eastham and Jodie Schulz became Australia's top goalscorers at Amstelveen 2011 on 2 goals.
FIH site
Zhao hits hat-trick as China take Seventh
7th – 8th Classification: Germany 3-5 China
Rabo FIH Champions Trophy - Day 7 - Germany v China. (Photo: FIH / Grant Treeby)
Reigning FIH Young Player of the Year Zhao Yudiao scored a brilliant hat-trick to help China grab seventh place at the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy in a thrilling early morning match here in Amstelveen.
A breathtaking, free-flowing game saw China surge into a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Sun Sinan, two from Zhao and a beauty from Song Qingling. Germany got back to within one goal of their opponents with Marie Mävers, Janine Beermann and Julia Müller contributing, before Zhao completed her hat-trick in the 54th minute to effectively win the game.
The result condemned Germany women to an eighth place finish, their lowest ever ranking in an FIH Champions Trophy event.
Although the early morning match started slowly, it burst into life in the 20th minute when China opened the scoring the 20th minute through Sun Sinan’s low penalty corner flick.
Moments later the team from Asia doubled their advantage through 2010 FIH Young Player of the Year Zhao Yudiao, although Germany were guilty of some pretty slack marking. Zhao received a pass from the left in acres of space, which gave her more than enough time to pick her spot and unleash a reverse stick shot beyond despairing Germany keeper Barbara Vogel.
Zhao put her name on the score-sheet for the second time with ten minutes of the half remaining when she guided a penalty corner strike into the net on the right. Three soon became four thanks to a stunning strike from Song Qingling who fired into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles to give China a 4-0 lead.
Germany were in pieces, but regained their composure to pull a goal back just before half time when Marie Mävers slapped into the net shortly before the break.
Germany made things very interesting shortly after the break with two goals in quick succession, bringing them to within one strike of their opponents. Janine Beermann crashed home a blistering strike from the top of the circle before Julia Müller’s penalty corner strike flew into the net courtesy of a wicked deflection.
Zhao gave China some breathing space once again with third goal of the match, turning inside her marker before firing a tomahawk shot into the roof of the Germany goal.
Germany dominated the last ten minutes of the match and even resorted to bringing on an extra outfield player in place of their goal-keeper. However, they failed to find a way through as China finished their tournament on a high.
Review 21. Final 7-8 Germany vs China (3-5) - Rabo FIH Champions Trophy 2011
> China recorded their first win of the tournament to finish 7th.
> Germany finish bottom of the ranking for the first time. Their lowest rank so far was 5th in 2005.
> China recorded only their 2nd CT win over Germany in 10 CT matches.
> Zhao Yudiao became the first Chinese player ever to score a CT hat-trick and the 2nd player to do so at Amstelveen 2011 after Korea’s Kim Jong-Hee.
> Zhao Yudiao is now top of the goalscoring table on 5 goals, leading Korea’s Kim Jong-Hee (4) and Maartje Paumen (3).
> China have now conceded most goals so far at Amstelveen 2011 (15).
> Germany doubled their goals conceded in this match from 5 to 10.
> China lifted their penalty corner goal tally to 6 PC goals. They finish Amstelveen 2011 on 6 from 19 (32%).
> Germany have converted 3 of 29 penalty corners awarded at Amstelveen 2011 (10%).
> Marie Mävers, Julia Müller and Céline Wilde became Germany’s top goalscorers at Amstelveen 2011 on 2 goals each.
FIH site
Netherlands win women's Champions Trophy
AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands won the women's field hockey Champions Trophy 6-5 on penalties on Sunday, after regular time and 15 minutes of extra time failed to break the 3-3 deadlock with Argentina.
Argentina made the final by winning a protest against South Korea's inclusion in the final, pushing South Korea out of the final and into the bronze medal game against New Zealand.
Argentina stunned Netherlands when Carla Rebecchi scored in the first half minute.
Netherlands pressed in the South Americans' defensive quarter for long periods until Argentina broke out late in the first half to convert two penalty corners.
Luciana Aymar took a rebound off Joyce Sombroek, Netherlands goalkeeper, and made a backstick flick over Sombroek into goal.
Daniela Sruoga put Argentina 3-0 ahead three minutes later, a minute before the break.
Maartje Paumen started Netherlands long road back, converting a penalty corner high inside the right post after the hooter for the break.
The Maartje Paumen scoring machine continued early in the second, relying on Netherlands high press on Argentina to earn three more penalty corners.
Maartje Paumen converting two penalty corners early in the second half to equal the score at 3-3.
The game opened immediately and became free flowing in the midfield as both teams went for the winning goal.
Netherlands held more possession as both teams failed to break the deadlock.
Extra time of 15 minutes of golden goal play also failed to break the deadlock and the match was decided by a penalty shoot out.
For the first time at a Champions Trophy, the penalty shoot out took the form of a competition between a player at the 23 metre line having 8 seconds to score or the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.
Willemijn Bos, Eva de Goede, and Maartje Paumen scored for Netherlands and Carlien Dirske van den Heuvel missed her chance to score.
Soledad Garcia, and Delfina Marino scored for Argentina and misses were made by Carla Rebecchi, Luciana Aymar and Daniela Sruoga.
As Daniela Sruoga missed her shot, Netherlands team and support staff rushed onto the pitch and celebrated.
Carlos Retegui was pleased with the performance of his young team.
"The team has changed a lot since we won the World Cup in Argentina (September 2010) so I am happy that we could get a result with such a young team and that we are still one of the top teams in the world," Retegui said.
Max Caldas, Netherlands coach, admitted Argentina surprised Netherlands early in the game.
"The jumped on us by scoring three goals with the first three chances they had in the game and we found ourselves down 3-0," Caldas said.
"The team remained calm and we worked our way back into the game," Caldas said.
"We made a fantastic game of it for the public," Caldas added.
New Zealand won the bronze medal 3-2 over South Korea for its first Champions Trophy medal.
England beat Australia 2-0 to take fifth place and China won 5-3 over Germany for seventh place.
The Times of India
Kiwis claim bronze against brooding Koreans
AMSTERDAM: New Zealand won their first Champions Trophy medal by beating South Korea 3-2 for the bronze medal at the women's Champions Trophy field hockey tournament on Sunday.
South Korea had been scheduled to face hosts the Netherlands in the final, but a sensational overnight protest from Argentina saw the South Americans awarded a berth in the decider at South Korea's expense.
Korea started each half of the bronze medal match with a silent protest, refusing to play for 10 seconds after the starting whistle.
"They told us a minute before the match what they were going to do, so I told our players to give them the ball and Korea could then make their own decision what to do as we respect their feelings," said Mark Hager, the New Zealand coach.
Korean officials did not make themselves available for comment.
Katie Glynn scored inside the right post to convert New Zealand's second penalty corner, followed a minute later by Krystal Forgesson's field goal to give New Zealand a 2-0 lead mid-way through the first half.
"Our first 20 minutes were good but after that Korea pressured us," Hager said.
Korea established their ascendancy in the second half, pressing New Zealand in defence and spending long periods camped in the Kiwis' defensive quarter.
Korea's Kim Jong-eun scored a field goal early in the second half followed by a penalty corner conversion to equalise at 2-2.
New Zealand broke out of Korea's press in the last minutes to earn a penalty corner, but Clarissa Eshuis could not convert.
Finally, in the last half-minute Samantha Harrison made a pass into the circle for Cathryn Finlayson to push towards goal and Charlotte Harrison edged the ball over the line for the winning goal.
Premature celebrations by New Zealand nearly cost them the match, however, as Korea had a shot on goal as the final siren sounded.
"Korea showed a lot of heart on the pitch today and of course I am disappointed for them not to be in the final as they are a quality team," Hager said.
"We know we still have a long way to go to be at the level of the skills of the top teams."
Earlier, England beat Australia 2-0 to take fifth place and China won 5-3 over Germany for seventh place.
The Times of India
Last minute goal for Black Sticks Women earns them bronze medal
The Black Sticks Women have beaten Korea 3-2 to win the bronze medal at the Champions Trophy in Amsterdam today thanks to a last minute goal from Charlotte Harrison, as well as goals in the first half from Katie Glynn and Krystal Forgesson. It is the first medal that the Black Sticks Women have ever won at a Champions Trophy.
“It was probably a match we were lucky to come away with in the end, but I’m so pleased for players like Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor. They are stalwarts of New Zealand hockey and have been in the team for a long, long time. The team deserves this,” says Black Sticks Women’s coach Mark Hager.
The Black Sticks had the majority of the possession in the opening ten minutes of the game, they were settled and considered on attack and turned over the ball well on defence.
In the 13th minute, the Black Sticks were awarded two penalty corners in quick succession and Katie Glynn scored off the second one with a cracking direct shot that went straight to the back of the net.
Less than a minute later, the Black Sticks were celebrating again when Krystal Forgesson showed her skill with a good attacking move in the circle that earned her the space she needed to score and stretch the lead to 2-0.
In the 28th minute the Koreans were awarded a penalty corner but goal keeper Sally Rutherford made a superb save and the defenders cleared the ball.
The score at half time was 2-0 to the Black Sticks but the second half proved challenging for the Kiwis with few opportunities to score. From the opening moments of the second half, Korea had a few cracking shots at goal, but they either went high or wide.
However, Korea continued to apply the pressure and they eventually had success in the 42nd minute when Kim Jong Eun weaved her way along the baseline and struck the ball through the legs of goal keeper Rutherford.
Black Stick Stacey Michelsen poorly challenged the ball outside the circle and the consequence was a yellow card as well as Korea being awarded a penalty corner. Kim Jong Eun took full advantage and took a punishing hit which saw the ball go straight to the back of the net.
With the game was all tied up with 14 minutes remaining, Korea continued to be the dominant team in this half, creating numerous opportunities but struggling to convert.
The Black Sticks had few opportunities, and the one that ultimately became the most crucial was in the dying seconds of the game when there was a scramble in front of the goal and Charlotte Harrison saw the chance, diving to get to the ball, and tapping it over the line. With the Black Sticks Men’s team in the stands supporting the team and good local support from the crowd, there was no shortage of celebration.
The Black Sticks depart Amsterdam tomorrow with all team members returning home to play in the National Hockey League.
RESULTS
Half time: 2-0 (Black Sticks lead)
Full time: 3-2 (Black Sticks win)
Goal scorers: Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson, Charlotte Harrison.
Game facts
- It is the Black Sticks Women’s first ever medal at a Champions Trophy.
- The Black Sticks are the ninth team ever to collect a medal in the Women's Champions Trophy.
- Korea finished fourth, having won just one of their six matches at the 2011 Champions Trophy.
- Katie Glynn and Charlotte Harrison are New Zealand's top goal scorers at Amstelveen 2011 on three goals.
- Charlotte Harrison and Katie Glynn also became New Zealand's all-time top scorers in Champions Trophy competition on five Champions Trophy career goals.
- Korea’s Kim Jong-Hee finishes the tournament on four goals.
- Korea played in the bronze medal match following a successful protest and appeal by the Argentina team late on Saturday evening.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks claim bronze at Champions Trophy
KEVIN TUTTY
YOU BEAUTY: Charlotte Harrison (L) is congratulated by Black Sticks teammates after scoring the late winning goal to beat Korea in the Champions Trophy playoff for third place. Reuters
The hard work is just starting for the Black Sticks says their coach Mark Hager.
The women's team won their first medal at a major international competition by beating South Korea 3-2 in the Champions Trophy play off for third in Amsterdam, scoring in the last minute after squandering a 2-0 halftime lead.
Hager said the inconsistency that has hampered the team in this tournament is one of the major aspects they will have to work on in the next year as they prepare for the London Olympics.
"That will come from playing and training together more often,'' Hager said.
The Olympic squad will be named after the national hockey league finishes next month and it will be centralised in Auckland from early next year, where Hager and his assistants will be able to fine tune the squad.
Captain Kayla Sharland said the bronze medal was "up there'' with the silver medal they won last year at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
"Here it's the top teams in the world and this is probably a high for the girls in their careers," Sharland said.
"Our goal coming into the tournament was to win a medal. You never really know but we felt coming in we were going in the right direction and obviously we put in some good performances and have come away with a medal.''
The team will have plenty of games between now and the Olympics to fine tune their teamwork and skills. They has a tour to the United States and the Oceania Cup left this year, and next year Hager estimates the team will have 20-25 internationals, many against the top ranked teams, in the build up to London.
Hager said the team had set a medal as their goal at the Champions Trophy and the result showed the talent and the tenacity of the group which has an average age of 23.
The Black Sticks entered the tournament ranked seventh in the world and finished ahead of Germany, England, China and Australia, teams ranked ahead of them.
"Today wasn't one of our better games,'' Hager said.
"We had a good patch where we scored two goals and then had a flat spot for most of the second half until the death when we scored the winner with about 40 seconds to go. Then we let them get a chance in the last five seconds.
"We've always had the ability to come back and chase games. They've got the heart to do that and it's great to be able to do it in a bronze medal game.''
Katie Glynn put New Zealand ahead after 15min from a penalty corner and less than a minute later Krystal Forgesson scored after a sweeping New Zealand attack.
But the Koreans, denied a place in the final by a successful protest by Argentina on Saturday night, were determined to emerge from the game with some reward and lifted their work rate.
Sally Rutherford denied them with two good saves in the first half but 7min after the break Kim Jong Eun scored. She scored again to tie the scores at 2-2 with 14min left, but the Black Sticks defended stoically.
A minute from full time Glynn forced a penalty corner for the Black Sticks. They did not score from it but in a goalmouth scramble seconds later Charlotte Harrison nudged the ball into the net.
Result:
New Zealand 3 (Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson, Charlotte Harrison) Korea 2. Halftime: 2-0.
Stuff
Black Sticks earn bronze
Katie Glynn of New Zealand, center, celebrates her goal against Korea with teammates. Photo / AP
The Black Sticks Women have won the bronze medal at the Champions Trophy in Amsterdam today helped by a last minute goal from Charlotte Harrison.
Playing Korea in the bronze medal match, the Black Sticks won 3-2 thanks to goals in the first half from Katie Glynn and Krystal Forgesson and a last minute goal from Charlotte Harrison. It is the first medal the Black Sticks Women have won at a Champions Trophy.
"It was probably a match we were lucky to come away with in the end, but I'm so pleased for players like Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor. They are stalwarts of New Zealand hockey and have been in the team for a long, long time. The team deserves this," says Black Sticks Women's coach Mark Hager.
The Black Sticks had the majority of the possession in the opening ten minutes of the game, they were settled and considered on attack and turned over the ball well on defence.
In the 13th minute, the Black Sticks were awarded two penalty corners in quick succession and Katie Glynn scored off the second one with a cracking direct shot that went straight to the back of the net.
Less than a minute later, the Black Sticks were celebrating again when Krystal Forgesson showed her skill with a good attacking move in the circle that earned her the space she needed to score and stretch the lead to 2-0.
In the 28th minute the Koreans were awarded a penalty corner but goal keeper Sally Rutherford made a superb save and the defenders cleared the ball.
The score at half time was 2-0 to the Black Sticks but the second half proved challenging for the Kiwis with few opportunities to score. From the opening moments of the second half, Korea had a few cracking shots at goal, but they either went high or wide.
However, Korea continued to apply the pressure and they eventually had success in the 42nd minute when Kim Jong Eun weaved her way along the baseline and struck the ball through the legs of goal keeper Rutherford.
Black Stick Stacey Michelsen poorly challenged the ball outside the circle and the consequence was a yellow card as well as Korea being awarded a penalty corner. Kim Jong Eun took full advantage and took a punishing hit which saw the ball go straight to the back of the net.
With the game was all tied up with 14 minutes remaining, Korea continued to be the dominant team in this half, creating numerous opportunities but struggling to convert.
The Black Sticks had few opportunities, and the one that ultimately became the most crucial was in the dying seconds of the game when there was a scramble in front of the goal and Charlotte Harrison saw the chance, diving to get to the ball, and tapping it over the line. With the Black Sticks Men's team in the stands supporting the team and good local support from the crowd, there was no shortage of celebration.
The Black Sticks depart Amsterdam tomorrow with all team members returning home to play in the National Hockey League.
The New Zealand Herald
England trump Australians for fifth spot
AMSTERDAM: England beat Australia 2-0 to take fifth place in the women's field hockey Champions Trophy on Sunday.
Fresh from beating Australia 3-2 in the last pool match Friday, the English had Beckie Herbert and Chloe Rogers to thank for their goals while goalkeeper Beth Storry played a stormer to keep a clean sheet.
Helen Richardson set up England's first goal early in the game with a self-pass free hit near the top of Australia's circle, pushed to the left post for Herbert to rebound off the pads of Australian keeper Rachael Lynch into the left of goal.
Rogers then got the last touch on a Laura Unsworth drive at the top of the circle to score from England's second penalty corner in the middle of the second half.
Australia's second half pressure yielded four penalty corner chances, all saved by Storry.
"Beth kept us in the game in the second half with great saves of Australia's penalty corners and showed why she is a world-class keeper," said England coach Danny Kerry.
"I go away from this tournament feeling okay, knowing that we are in next year's Champions Trophy and knowing that we are competitive with the top teams here."
Australia coach Adam Commens said the game really was one of two halves.
"England pressed us effectively in the first half and we struggled to get out of it and in the second half we pressed England and they had trouble getting out of it," he said.
"We brought a team to this tournament which we thought could play for fifth place and we have done that.
"The positives that we take away from this tournament include having exposed young and inexperienced players to the top world ranked teams and they will learn from this experience that our skills levels and our physical condition are not as good as the top countries like Netherlands and Germany and even England."
Earlier China reversed its 4-1 loss to Germany in the pool match to take seventh place with a 5-3 goalfest win over the Germans.
China took a 4-0 lead after 30 minutes with one goal by Sun Sinan, two by Zhao Yudiao and another by Song Qingling.
Marie Maevers started Germany's comeback, scoring before the break.
Janine Beermann and Julia Mueller added goals for Germany early in the second half to claw back to 4-3 in favour of China.
Zhao Yudiao gave China a two goal advantage in the middle of the second half and recovery proved to be a bridge too far for Germany.
"We came close to equalising at 4-4 but when China scored to go ahead 5-3, it was too hard for us to come back," German coach Michael Behrman said.
Chinese counterpart Kim Sang-ryul added: "I am happy we scored more goals than in the previous matches, we had a better organized defence and our young players showed improvement."
South Korea, replaced overnight in the final by Argentina, play New Zealand later for the bronze medal. The Argentinians will face the Netherlands in the final.
The Times of India
Mission accomplished as England qualifies GB for 2012 tournament
England's women achieved their pre-tournament target of qualifying Great Britain for the 2012 Champions Trophy as they beat Australia 2-0 on Sunday thanks to goals from Leicester pair Rebecca Herbert and Chloe Rogers.
England's second win over the Hockeyroos in three days meant they finish fifth in the 2011 edition, a position that guarantees entry to next year's tournament, which will provide teams with a significant opportunity to prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Herbert’s early goal from close range gave England the lead in a first half in which they enjoyed the better of things. And having survived sustained pressure from the Australians for a long spell in the second half, Rogers’ slight touch on Laura Unsworth’s shot at a 53rd minute penalty corner sealed the result for England.
Following the match, Head Coach Danny Kerry was pleased with how his side had finished the tournament: “Looking back we’ve had quite a good week. We lost to Argentina but only 1-0, we drew twice early in the week against two good sides and then we’ve come through with three wins in the last few days. That’s a pretty strong performance when you look at it like that.”
Having met in a ‘dead rubber’ on Friday, England and Australia clashed again on Sunday morning knowing that a substantial prize was on offer: entry to the 2012 Champions Trophy, offering top tournament preparation ahead of the London Olympic Games.
England recalled two experienced players in Beth Storry and Crista Cullen, both of who sat out Friday’s 3-2 win over Australia in the pool stage. Leicester pair Maddie Hinch and Kerry Williams stepped out.
England enjoyed the best of the first half with Reading forward Alex Danson going close in the early stages before Leicester’s Rebecca Herbert gave England the lead in the eighth minute. Having just come off the bench, the 25 year old knocked the ball home from close range after quick thinking from Helen Richardson, who took a free hit to herself before playing in Anna Bennett who set up Herbert.
Australia came close to taking advantage of Hannah Macleod’s green card suspension when Marnie Hudson found herself through on goal but Storry was equal to her, saving the one-on-one to preserve England’s lead. Crista Cullen then made a well-timed tackle in the circle as Australia pressed for a quick equalizer.
As the half progressed Slough’s Nicola White had a couple of chances to extend the lead but she saw her first cleared while the second hit the outside of the side board. And England finished the half on top when Kate Walsh saw her penalty corner shot blocked in the 34th minute.
Knowing what was at stake, Australia pushed England deep into their own territory at the start of the second half and the English defence was put to the test as the Hockeyroos won a series of penalty corners. But England held firm through a combination of brave running and good goalkeeping from Storry and it was to pay off as they worked their way back into control.
Midway through the half England began to find their feet again and with 17 minutes remaining were awarded a penalty corner. Kate Walsh and Alex Danson combined to feed Slough’s Nicola White and the young forward found the foot of the Australian defender. From the corner the ball found its way back to the injector, Laura Unsworth, whose shot at goal looked to be heading in before Rogers made sure with a slight touch to take it over the line. The goal was Rogers’ tenth for England.
That England breathing space as the match entered its final stages although Slough’s Ashleigh Ball did well to keep England’s clean sheet intact with a goal line clearance after Casey Eastham had beaten Storry. The Reading goalkeeper was called upon twice more in the last ten minutes, saving from Australian penalty corners as England held on to record a 2-0 win and qualify Great Britain for the 2012 Champions Trophy.
After the match, Danny Kerry said, “We had a good first half. We played very well and put the Australians under pressure. In the second half we had to grit it out under pressure but that’s life at this level.”
Earlier in the day, China beat Germany in a thrilling 5-3 victory to finish seventh.
ENGLAND 2 (1)
Rebecca Herbert 8 (F)
Chloe Rogers 53 (PC)
AUSTRALIA 0 (0)
-
Squad v Australia
England Squad for Rabo Champions Trophy, 25 June – 3 July
Name (Club) Position
Started
Beth Storry (Reading) Goalkeeper
Crista Cullen (Leicester) Defender
Laura Unsworth (Leicester) Defender
Kate Walsh (C) (Reading) Defender
Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown) Defender
Ashleigh Ball (Slough) Midfield
Helen Richardson (Reading) Midfield
Chloe Rogers (Leicester) Midfield
Hannah Macleod (Leicester) Forward
Alex Danson (Reading) Forward
Nicola White (Slough) Forward
Substitutes Used
Sam Quek (Reading) Defender
Anne Panter (Leicester) Midfield
Georgie Twigg (Clifton) Midfield
Anna Bennett (Reading) Forward
Rebecca Herbert (Leicester) Forward
Did Not Play
Madeleine Hinch (Leicester) Goalkeeper
Kerry Williams (Leicester) Forward
FINAL RABO FIH CHAMPIONS TROPHY STANDINGS
Gold Medal: Netherlands or Argentina
Silver Medal: Netherlands or Argentina
Bronze Medal: Korea or New Zealand
Fourth: Korea or New Zealand
Fifth: England
Sixth: Australia
Seventh: China
Eighth: Germany
England Hockey Board Media release
Hockeyroos finish 6th at Champions Trophy and in relegation danger
The Hockeyroos are in danger of being relegated from the vital 2012 Champions Trophy after losing 2-0 to England tonight and finishing in 6th place at the 2011 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Australia needed to finish in 5th position to guarantee a place at the 2012 Champions Trophy after the International Hockey Federation (FIH)revealed on Wednesday the selection criteria for the 2012 Champions Trophy would include teams who finish 1-5 at the current Champions Trophy, the winner of the 2011 Champions Challenge (Japan) and two other teams who will be nominated by the FIH Board.
Australia will now be vying to be one of the two teams nominated by the FIH along with the likes of China and Germany, who finished seventh and eighth at the Champions Trophy and also missed out on an assured place at the 2012 Champions Trophy.
Despite Australia finishing higher at the current Champions Trophy than both China and Germany, the FIH have stated that their decision on who they will nominate will be based on commercial advantage to the sport, world ranking and development of the game. This leaves Australia in a delicate position given that both China (world rank 4) and Germany (world rank 3) are ranked higher than Australia (world rank 6).
The 2012 Champions Trophy will be played in Argentina in January 2012, just over six months until the 2012 London Olympics. It is a vital stepping stone for all teams heading towards the Olympics as it will be the last major international tournament involving the best teams in the world before the Games.
Tonight’s loss to England followed a similar theme for the Hockeyroos for the entire Champions Trophy, with Australia generating more shots on goals, circle penetrations and penalty corners, but failing to convert their chances.
With England recording a 3-2 win over the Hockeyroos on Friday, their first win against Australia at a major tournament since the 2002 Commonwealth Games, England entered the match full of confidence and played that way in the first half.
The Hockeyroos had their chances in the first half including a one on one chance with Marnie Hudson with the goalkeeper. Some great skill from Jade Close gave Georgie Parker a chance after working the ball into the circle, but some great defence denied the chance to get a shot away.
However it was England who struck first, taking the lead early in the first half.
England continued to have the best of the first half, and almost added to their lead just before half time from a penalty corner in the 34th minute, however the shot from England captain Kate Walsh was well run down.
Australia took to the pitch a rejuvenated team after half time, with the ball spending the majority of the opening ten minutes of the half near their circle.
However despite two penalty corner shots and several other circle penetrations, the Hockeyroos failed to get on the scoreboard and make the most of their momentum.
After controlling the play in the second half the Hockeyroos were dealt a big blow when England took it down the other end of the pitch for the first time in the half, drawing a penalty corner and converting to make it 2-0 with only 17 minutes remaining.
Australia battled hard throughout the rest of the half and continued to generate good scoring opportunities, however again failed to transfer their good play onto the scoreboard.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said the results from the Champions Trophy show exactly where the Hockeyroos are at in their development, and showed areas that they need to improve ahead of the London Olympics.
“I thought we dominated the second half. It was a game of two halves where they controlled the first half and we turned it around in the second half. Once again we had more circle penetrations, more shots on goal and more penalty corners but again we were unable to score which has been a common theme,” said Commens.
Commens said the fact that the team can generate some many shots on goal shows that they are on the right track and is something that can be worked on.
“We are getting our chances which is a positive, but I think this showed that we are the 6th ranked team in the world. We need to be able to sustain our efforts and in 12 months we will be more experienced and ready for international hockey. We have some improving to do and we found that out here,” said Commens.
Commens said he is hopeful the Hockeyroos will be given an opportunity to compete at the 2012 Champions Trophy.
“The 2012 Champinos Trophy is obviously a really important tournament and Im hoping we get an invitation as it will give us another indication of where we are at against the worlds best teams.
England 2 Hockeyroos 0 (1-0 half time)
Hockey Australia media release
China the only unbeaten team at CC2
France and Ireland top Pool B
(Photo: Stanislas Brochier)
China, the highest ranked side in Lille, remain the only side left with a perfect record as three second half goals swept them to a comfortable victory over the USA to head Group A going into Tuesday’s final round-robin games.
Indeed, just a point against Austria will confirm their place at the head of the table as they belatedly made their superiority count
A lively first half saw both sides have goals disallowed while the US also soaked up a series of sin-binnings. China were enjoying the best of the play and they finally broke their rivals defensive resolve a couple of minutes into the second half.
There was a stroke of fortune to it, a right wing cross squeezing between the post and Tom Sheridan’s path, leaving the ball spinning on the goal line and open for Yubo Na to mop up.
Xiantang Liu extended the margin from a narrow angle, picking a gap at the near post through Sheridan’s defences and Liguang E completed the scoring six minutes from time. USA will be the basement side overnight and will need a big win against Austria on Tuesday to avoid staying there.
Earlier, Austria celebrated a 4-3 Eastern European derby win over neighbours the Czech Republic to begin day two, one which their bench greeted with some relish, to get right back into contention.
The Czechs had taken the initiative through David Vacek in the eighth minute, neatly turning on a loose ball and popping it behind Philippe Thiltges.
Michael Korper responded with his second direct drag-flick of the tournament before Robert Bele got his first of the game early in the second half for 2-1.
Vacek again got a close range touch to Martin Babicky excellent left-wing charge with eight minutes to go as the Czechs raised their game considerably.
But they were stung amid a goal rush in the closing ten minutes. Georg Jelinek’s scrambled effort from the floor restored the lead and Bele’s second was the killer blow, controlling a right-wing cross before calmly flicking home. Tomas Prochazka netted at the second attempt from a final hooter but it proved academic as Austria got off the mark.
On the other side of the competition, France and Ireland share top spot following their 2-2 draw. In the day’s closing match, Eugene Magee salvaged a late point with a penalty corner rebound on the final hooter to break France’s – and particularly that of immaculate Henri-Julien Lhomme – resistance.
The goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves but was deceived by Gareth Watkins in the 17th minute, his reverse daisy-cutter skipping across his bows and it felt like the floodgates might open.
But France withdrew from their shell and incredibly hit back twice in the closing two minutes of the half for a 2-1 interval lead. First, Matthieu Catonnet flipped one over David Harte after Paul Gleghorne was robbed at right-back.
In the second half, Ireland laid siege to the French goal, winning a string of penalty corners but could not convert until Magee’s last second intervention.
Russia put down a second half Scottish uprising to claim their first win of the competition and get back into the race for first place in Group B. After a few initial wobbles, they built a 2-0 lead early in the second half only for two Scottish goals in 100 seconds to tie up the game.
But a sweetly taken Nikolay Komarov effort, rounding Phil Carr to roll home, and a dead-eye penalty stroke from Dimitry Azarov with five minutes to go saw the Scottish toil end in vain.
The Scots had made much of the early running, driving hard at the central defensive pairing of Azarov and Ilya Larikov, earning a pair of corners before Russia got a foothold in the tie.
Golubev gave them the lead in the 22nd minute with a superbly taken rebound to Aleksandr Platonov’s reverse stick shot which ballooned high into Golubev’s path.
One became two a minute into the second half before Scotland fought back in style, Christie rebounding a corner and Forsyth finishing when found all alone in the Russian D.
It was not enough, though, to break down the resolute Russians who regrouped and strode home even with skipper Platonov sin-binned for the last seven minutes.
FIH site
Scots rue missed chances against Russians in Lille
Scotland lost their second pool match of the Champions Challenge in Lille when they went down 4-2 to Russia, in a game that they dominated for long periods, but were victims of clinical finishing by the Russians.
The Scots dominated the opening exchanges, penalty corner opportunities were spurned when Willie Marshall shot wide and then Fergus Dunn should have done better from a rebound after Can Coultas` initial drag flick was well blocked by the Russian keeper. The Scots were running the game, but ironically it was the Russians who took the lead when Pavel Golubev volleyed a shot high into the net after Phil Carr had stopped the initial shot. The Scots continued to press and the best chance before the interval fell to a diving Kenny Bain but he failed to make contact with a John Harris square pass.
The Scots were caught cold 40 seconds into the second as the Russians doubled their lead. Then the comeback started, in 44 minutes a Dan Coultas penalty corner strike was saved by the Russian goalkeeper and an agile Michael Christie flicked the rebound into the net. Within a minute the Scots were level, Bain created the opening down the left and his pass to Alan Forsyth was drilled into the net. The Scots were now rampant and almost took the lead for the first time, but Gavin Byers` effort hit the side net.
Garcia`s charges then proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot, a poor defensive hit-out was picked up by the Russians and Evgeny Mokrousov gratefully rounded Carr and rolled the ball home. The Scots now started to push up for the equaliser and were caught on the rebound, to his credit Forsyth chased back almost 60 yards only to mistimed his tackle in the circle, and Dmitry Azarov scored from the spot with a low shot past Carr to seal the result.
"I felt we were the better side, but after totally dominating the first 20 minutes we found ourselves a goal down. Then we did very well to get back to level terms at 2-2, but conceded a very poor third goal. To the players` credit we played a lot of good hockey, but didn`t take our chances when it mattered," said Eugene Connolly, Scotland`s manager.
Scotland`s final pool match is against hosts France on Tuesday, only a win will take Garcia`s charges off the foot of the table.
Scotland lost their second pool match of the Champions Challenge in Lille when they went down 4-2 to Russia, in a game that they dominated for long periods, but were victims of clinical finishing by the Russians.
The Scots dominated the opening exchanges with a number of penalty corner opportunities. Willie Marshall shot wide and then Fergus Dunn should have done better from a rebound after Dan Coultas` initial drag flick was well blocked by the Russian keeper.
Russia then took the lead when Pavel Golubev volleyed a shot high into the net after Phil Carr had stopped the initial shot. The Scots continued to press and the best chance before the interval fell to a diving Kenny Bain, stretching to make contact with a John Harris square pass. Scotland were caught cold 40 seconds into the second half as their opponents doubled their lead to make it 2-0.
However, in 44 minutes a Dan Coultas penalty corner strike was saved by the Russian goalkeeper and an agile Michael Christie flicked the rebound into the net. Within a minute, they were level; Bain created the opening down the left and his pass to Alan Forsyth was drilled into the net. The Scots were now rampant and almost took the lead for the first time, but Gavin Byers` effort hit the side net.
Unfortunately, Russia went ahead again for the third time in the match when a defensive hit-out was picked up by Evgeny Mokrousov and he rounded Carr to roll the ball home.
The national side started to push for the equaliser and were caught on the break for the fourth Russian goal. To his credit Forsyth chased back almost 60 yards only to mistime his tackle in the circle, and Dmitry Azarov scored from the spot with a low shot past Carr to seal the result.
"I felt we were the better side, but after totally dominating the first 20 minutes we found ourselves a goal down. Then we did very well to get back to level terms at 2-2, but conceded a very poor third goal. To the players` credit we played a lot of good hockey, but didn`t take our chances when it mattered," said Eugene Connolly, Scotland`s manager.
Scotland`s final pool match is against hosts France on Tuesday.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Ireland 2-2 France (men) Champions Challenge II
Ireland drew their second match against France in a pulsating game which flowed end to end. Ireland dominated the opening minutes and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Watkins scored with a hard driven reverse shot from the left hand side.
France did not make their first serious foray into the Irish circle until the 22nd minute but grew in confidence towards the end of the first half. A defensive error in the 33rd minute left France with a two on one with Harte and Catonnet neatly tucked the ball home. France got their second goal for a two one lead from a disputed penalty corner on the half time hooter, with Catonnet deflecting in.
Ireland battled hard in the second half but failed to make the most of their penalty corner opportunities, Caruth hit the post in the 57th minute but Ireland were persistent to the end. Ireland scored finally from a second penalty corner after the final hooter, Magee on target for a rebound shot that Caruth slotted home to level the sides at full time.
Ireland will enjoy a rest day tomorrow before they face Russia on Tuesday.
Ireland 2 (1)Gareth Watkins 15m (pc); Eugene Magee 70m (pc)
France 2 (2) Catonnet 34m (op); 35m (pc)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Second Half Goals Sink US Men
Joe Wagstaffe
LILLE, France – For the second day in a row, a promising first half was soured by a tough second half as the US men fell to China today by a 3-0 margin.
Throughout the first half both teams showed a very high intensity but were unable to take advantage of multiple scoring opportunities. Though the US could not capitalize on the composure and crisp stick-to-stick passing they exhibited, US goalkeeper Tom Sheridan kept the game scoreless with numerous saves. The US defense assisted in the effort as they thwarted a strong attack from the Chinese offense in the later minutes of the first half including 3 penalty corners.
The second half opened with the Chinese continuing to put on the pressure and it quickly resulted in a goal from the field in the 38th minute by Na Yubo. Though the Americans fought back, they continued to have trouble when given scoring opportunities. The Chinese, however, did not have the same trouble as they converted two more goals from the field in the 57th minute from Liu Xiantang and 64th minute from E Liguang to seal the 3-0 victory. Though the disparity in penalty corner chances was only 4-2 to the Chinese, it would be their effectiveness on the field coupled with the Americans’ inability to score that would be the difference in the game.
“Despite the loss the team is progressing. We’re moving forward with the amount of time that we can compete with high-level teams, “said Pat Cota. “In order to make the final push we need to convert chances, keep attacking the 25 [meter line], and get penalty corners. That’s what will help us as we move on to our next game versus Austria.”
The US will take a much needed rest day on July 4th and intends to celebrate American Independence during the time off. Play resumes Tuesday, July 5th with a game against Austria as Team USA closes out pool play.
USFHA media release
Netherlands outclass Pakistan 4-0 to lift Four-Nation title
AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands continued their build-up for the European Championship with a 4-0 victory over Pakistan that saw them claim the Four Nations tournament, which also included England and Germany. The English, who are the current European champions, came back twice to beat the Germans 3-2 and take second spot, while reigning Olympic champions Germany came third ahead of the winless Pakistanis. Holland, who came third behind Australia and Germany at last year’s World Cup, were out of the blocks early with Jeroen Hertzberger putting them ahead in the 10th minute.
Pakistan, though, were angered by the quickly taken sideline injection by Floris Evers that led to the goal. Roderick Weusthof grabbed a second on 27 minutes with a penalty flick but there was more controversy ahead of the Netherlands’ third, which came on the stroke of half-time. The game was held up as the Pakistanis protested against a Dutch penalty corner as the half-time hooter sounded. Weusthof converted to make it 3-0 at the break. “Our target was to score three more goals in the second half but the energy went out of the game and I think Pakistan gave up on the game a little,” said Netherlands coach Paul van As.
Dutch keeper Klass Veering saved two penalty corners in the second half, Hertzberger adding a fourth in the 57th minute with a rebound off the pads of Salman Sakbar. “We managed to hurt them with our early goal and they did not hurt us in any way in the match,” added van As.
“We did a tremendous job in the first half and I was very pleased with our performance there.” Pakistan manager Khawaja Junaid said his team lost heart after the first goal. “That was the time when it became difficult to implement our plan,” he said. “But we played well in patches and had many chances in the second half which we could not put away.”
Earlier, England produced a gutsy performance to come back twice from a goal down to beat Germany 3-2. “It was a big game for us, a high quality game in which we were competitive for long periods,” said England coach Jason Lee. Thilo Stralkowski converted Germany’s first penalty corner only for Alastair Brogden to level three minutes before half-time.
Just after the break Oliver Korn restored the lead for the Olympic champions but once again England came bouncing back, with Iain Mackay’s push across goal deflecting in off the stick of goalkeeper Max Weinhold. Two minutes from time, Mark Pearn’s cross was deflected by Rob Moore over the diving Weinholt to give England victory. “We need a lot more firepower and our defence was not good enough,” said Germany coach Markus Weisse.
“Before the European Championship it is a positive thing to learn from the losses we have suffered against England and Netherlands.” Germany will be hosts for the European Championship, which will take place in Moenchengladbach in August. England and the Netherlands will also be among the eight teams taking part.
The Daily Times
Malaysia notch fourth straight win in tour of Europe
By S. RAMAGURU
On target: Kelvinder Singh scored the second goal in Malaysia’s 3-0 win over Spain’s Under-21 side on Saturday.
PETALING JAYA: The national hockey team continued their winning streak in their playing tour of Spain when they won their fourth straight match on Saturday.
This time they defeated the Spanish Under-21 side 3-0 in Barcelona. Last week they beat three Spanish Division One clubs – Real Polo Club (4-2), Atletic Terassa HC (6-2) and Egara HC (2-0).
But before coming to Spain the team were thrashed by Holland in Amsterdam, losing 1-5 and 1-9.
National coach Tai Beng Hai said that the match against the Spanish juniors was good as it offered a close game against a highly disciplined side.
“It was a tight match considering the tactical discipline and ability of the young Spaniards. It also offered the chance to test our defensive resolve and I am glad the players followed instructions well,” said Beng Hai.
“We were good in our counter attacks and was discipline in our marking and formed a tight structure around the 60m area,” he added in a telephone interview.
“The defenders were discipline and did not to allow many circle penetration or goal shots by our opponents.
“We also ensured that the Spanish players did not get possession easily and that limited their attacking options.”
The Malaysians took the lead in the fourth minute.
It was set up by Azammi Adabi from a counter attack and an interchange between Nabil Fiqri and Baljit Singh saw the ball being relayed to Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin at the top D.
The forward took a shot at goal which was duly deflected in by Izwan Firdaus.
The second goal came in the 31st minute through Kelvinder Singh.
Once again it was a long ball into the D by the Malaysians which allowed Tengku Ahmad to slip the ball past a Spanish defender for Kelvinder to slot home.
Mohamed Amin Rahim then added the third goal from a low penalty corner hit in the 69th minute.
Malaysia and the Spanish Under-21 side each had three penalty corners.
The two teams are scheduled to play a second Test match last night.
The remaining two matches are against the Spanish national team tomorrow and on Wednesday.
The Star of Malaysia
BC Blue Sweeps Canadian Senior Nationals Gold
It was a BC Blue day today as both the Men's and Women's BC Blue teams earned bragging rights at the 2011 Senior National tournament. Earlier in the day, the Ontario Red women defeated the BC White women for the bronze. That 2-1 win came off a series of shots and a bit of chaos in front of the BC White net but nonetheless, sealed the deal in the first over-time. The Bronze medal match for the men also went to over-time with the Canadian Junior boys defeating the BC White men's team 1-0.
The highly anticipated Gold medal matches began with the women's games: BC Blue vs the Canadian Junior Women. The game was packed with action with the speed and skill of the juniors matched up against the strength and experience of the BC Blue women. It appeared almost as if Canada was about to get on the board first as Hannah Haughn rang a reverse stick shot underneath of the cross bar and down near the goal line. The umpire decisively said, "play on" as the ball did not cross the line. Later, the BC Blue team was able to settle in and a goal by Nicky Graham got BC Blue on the board. The 1-0 score at half-time was enough for the Juniors to come out firing. BC Blue managed to capitalize on a free play goal by Crystal Poland and a Penalty Corner goal by Stephanie Jameson. The final score was 3-0 for BC Blue but the action was end to end!
The final match of the day was a face-off between BC Blue and Ontario. In pool play, Ontario convincingly defeated BC Blue thanks to a hat trick from Gabbar Singh. It was not the case today as the teams played a close game with the score remaining at 2-1 for Ontario fro the majority of the game. Mark Pearson was able to put a low reverse stick shot in the back of the net to tie it up at 2-2. Later, a great individual effort by Gordie Johnson down the right side saw the ball lifted effortlessly into the back of the net. The final score remained a 3-2 for BC Blue to close out a BC gold medal sweep at the 2011 Senior National Championships.
Field Hockey Canada media release
New coach Nobbs gears up for first hockey camp
BANGALORE: Chief coach Michael Jack Nobbs and camp in-charge SS Grewal arrived here in the evening, paving the way for a Monday that will see the first few steps taken towards streamlining the activities at the national hockey camp.
Nobbs, who had a lengthy meeting with the coaches and officials soon after his arrival, will meet the players on Monday morning.
Three groups will be formed and basic tests on speed and explosive strength conducted in the next few days. Personal interaction between the chief coach and players too has been planned.
"We will see a lot of hockey in the next 3-4 days," said camp co-ordinator and in-charge SS Grewal.
"The coach wants to see the boys in action, ascertain their standard so that he can assign roles to them. We are awaiting the arrival of exercise physiologist David John, who has applied for visa.
"Once he reaches Bangalore, more tests will be done. We are looking at an eight-month plan, which will tell us how well the boys can peak during the Olympic qualifiers in February next year." Once the performance levels are recorded, the think-tank will put in place a system specifying the roles of each player. "Then comes the formation which will suit the team. We expect everything to be done by 15 days," Grewal said.
The Times of India
Aussie Joseph to join Nobbs at camp
New Indian hockey coach Michael Nobbs and his assistant SS Grewal will touch base at the Sports Authority of India, South Centre campus here on Sunday evening before hitting the turf on Monday for a gruelling two-month long camp.
Nobbs will stay in the Garden City for only a week before returning later in the month to assume total charge. During his absence, Grewal will preside over the camp and will be assisted by Mohd Riaz, Jugraj Singh, Clarence Lobo, Baljit Singh Saini and BJ Cariappa.
More than 80 of the 91 probables have already hit their straps while Gurbaj Singh, Baljit Singh and Prabhjot Singh are scheduled to arrive on Sunday. Bharat Chikkara, Shivendra Singh and Dhanajay Mahadik are awaiting medical clearance. Coach Jugraj has taken a one-week leave and is expected to reach by the second week of July.
Nobbs, who has been offered a contract along with exercise physiologist David John, will also bring in Walter Joseph to structure the entire programme. Joseph, who will fly down from Perth on Sunday evening, will work with the coaches for a fortnight before returning home.
“While making his presentation to Hockey India, Nobbs had clearly asked for Joseph’s expertise,” said HI executive director Anupam Gulati. “The two work in tandem and Joseph will be around for a fortnight, making the blueprint for the training programme.
“While Nobbs and John have been offered long contracts, Joseph will only work for a short duration. He will return home after detailing the plans,”?added Gulati.
Deccan Herald
Freak injury puts Shivendra out of action
V Narayan Swamy
BANGALORE: A freak collarbone injury has put India's striker Shivendra Singh out of action for a few months. But what has emerged after the surgery he underwent four days back is that the injury could have been life-threatening had he delayed going under the knife.
The air of confidence was unmistakable as Shivendra, 28, turned out for Air India in the quarterfinal against Karnataka in the National hockey championship at Bhopal a few days ago. But a violent collision with Vikramkanth changed all that, with the left collarbone being ripped out of its socket and positioned dangerously enough to wreak damage on his food and wind pipes.
Groggy after the collision, Shivendra was substituted by his team for a breather and icing. The pain didn't subside but the Air India player made light of the discomfiture as he took the field again. His stint didn't last long as he could hardly hold the stick. It was then that he sensed something was wrong.
Preliminary treatment at Bhopal followed by x-rays and MRI scans revealed the dislocation. Despite the pain cramping his mobility, Shivendra spent around 10 days consulting doctors but according to him, not many were ready to perform the surgery.
Eventually, Dhanraj Pillay, Shivendra's senior in the team, took him to renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi. With Air India footing the bill, the surgery was performed on Thursday.
"The doctors told me that had I delayed the surgery, the collarbone could have destroyed my food and wind pipes. They said the dislocation was so bad that the bone was touching the food pipe. I can only thank God that I got timely help," Shivendra told TOI from Mumbai.
The fighter that he is, Shivendra is keen on turning out for India in the Champions Trophy in December and the Olympic qualifiers next year. With no Olympic appearance under his belt - he has played two World Cups and as many Asian Games (both 2006 and 2010) - he is keen on helping India qualify for London 2012.
"The doctors said I would require at least four months to recover. But I am confident of making the team for the big tournaments. I am in touch with the team support staff and it is only a matter of time before I get into rehab," he said.
Indian team physio Srikanth Iyengar did not commit to any time frame as the reports of Shivendra's injury and surgery were yet to reach him. "It all depends on how quickly Shivendra recovers. I am in touch with him and will be advising him as to what to do in the coming weeks," he said.
The Times of India