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All the news for Wednesday 1 February 2012

Quarterfinals are set at the Argentina FIH Champions Trophy

Argentina FIH Champions Trophy - Day 3


Argentina FIH Champions Trophy – Day 3 – Netherlands v Japan. (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)

Day 3 at the Argentina FIH Champions Trophy in Rosario started with Netherlands taking a 4-1 win over Japan claiming the top of Pool A. Despite defeating China 3-1 Great Britain finished second due to their goal difference. Germany surprised by winning Pool B after beating New Zealand 3-1 while Argentina had to settle for 2nd place in their pool after a 2-2 draw with Korea. The World Champions face China in Thursday’s quarterfinal, Netherlands play New Zealand, Germany take on Japan and Great Britain meet Korea.

Full reports on all the matches can be found below, with extensive tournament information available by clicking here.

Two strikes make Paumen all-time top scorer in Champions Trophy history
Pool A – NED 4-1 JPN

Dutch Maartje Paumen contributed two goals to Netherlands’s 4-1 win over Japan at the Argentina FIH Champions Trophy and became all-time leading scorer in Champions Trophy history on 23 goals. The Netherlands extended their unbeaten streak in Champions Trophy competition to nine matches after defeating Japan in their last match in Pool A. This victory is their longest run without defeat since a nine-match streak between 2006-2008. Having lost all three pool matches in Rosario, Japan finish last in the table.

It took the Dutch not even six minutes to open the scoring. Kim Lammers (6’) picked up a pass coming from Sabine Mol and sored her 2nd goal of the tournament to lift her career to 20 Champions Trophy goals. Two minutes later the Dutch won a penalty corner which was converted by flicker Paumen (8’) scoring her first goal at Rosario 2012 and equaling German Nadine Ernsting-Krienke as all-time top scorer on 22 Champions Trophy goals. After Japan failed to score from three penalty corners, Akane Shibata (32’) finally put her team on the score-board. It was Japan's first goal against the Dutch in Champions Trophy history as well as their first field goal since Kaori Fujio scored in a 3-3 draw versus China in 2008.

Paumen broke the record in the 44th minute when she flicked in the Dutch’s third penalty corner in this match. Afterwards Lammers (61’) collected her 2nd goal to lift her total to three at Rosario 2012. Japan won another three penalty corners towards the end of the match but couldn't convert.

For more information on NED v JPN click here.

Great Britain finish second in Pool A after defeating China
Pool A –CHN 1-3 GBR

Great Britain finish second in their group behind Netherlands on goal difference and will play the 3rd ranked team from Pool B. China finish third and will play Korea in the quarterfinal.

Despite of heavy rainfall Great Britain started off with great pace. Their pressure on China led to an early penalty corner which was converted by specialist Crista Cullen (5’). Her drag flick caught the Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Lei’s pad and deflected into the goal. It was Cullen’s fourth goal in this competition making her top scorer. The 26 year old also breaks a record as she becomes the first player to score more than three goals at a single Champions Trophy tournament for Great Britain. After China’s first promising attack, they used their team-referral because they were convinced that Tung Chunling had touched the ball inside the circle and scored. The video umpire could not make a decision on this. China kept their referral however the score of  0-1 stayed. The end of the first half did not see much action in either the circles.

Great Britain started into the second half with real fire and it was not long before Cullen (42’) put her name on the score sheet again. By converting another penalty corner she broke another record. Being on seven Champions Trophy career goals, she has overtaken staff-member Karen Brown who has scored six Champions Trophy goals in her career. China struck back when Fu Barong scored her first Champions Trophy goal since netting against Argentina in 2010. She is now on a competition total of 16 goals.

Great Britain maintained the pressure as they needed to beat China by at least three goals to top Pool A. Ashley Ball (54’) extended the lead to 3-1 before China created some opportunities but they failed to score from these.

For more information on CHN v GBR click here.

Germany impress with win over New Zealand
Pool B – NZL 1-3 GER

Germany seemed to have recovered well from Sunday’s defeat against Argentina. In their last pool match against New Zealand they were on fire from the first minute of the match. After Celine Wilde had won an early penalty corner Nina Hasselmann (5’) was the one who scored to give Germany the early lead. The attempt was close to failing after the Germans were unable to control the ball at the circle, however, Katharina Otte picked it up and managed to shoot on goal. The shot was saved by the diving New Zealand keeper Sally Rutherford but Nina Hasselmann smashed in the deflection.

Germany stayed the dominating side winning another penalty corner soon after. The Black Sticks took their team-referral because they were sure that there was no foot in the circle. Their call was denied by the video umpire and the corner stayed. Hasselmann was successful again but this time the umpires used their referral to check whether there has any obstruction occurred. The goal was finally denied by the video umpire. Germany continued to keep the pressure on. Hasselmann (9’) who was particularly on fire converted another penalty corner when she net from a short angle. The 25 year old is the second German player ever to score two penalty corner goals in a Champions Trophy match.

New Zealand penetrated the German circle in the middle of the first half for the first time. They failed to score from three penalty corners as German keeper Yvonne Frank saved brilliantly. Lisa Hahn’s counter-attack goal resulted in a 3-0 halftime score, the same result as in 2011’s Champions Trophy encounter when Germany won 5-2 after a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Play got hectic in the second half as the Black Sticks were urgent to score. New Zealand stretched the German defence and used their speed to penetrate into the circle for a number of promising attacks. One of these let to New Zealand’s goal through Anita Punt (61’) to make the 3-1. German coach Michael Behrmann was really busy in trying to keep his team well-structured. The German team responded to his advice and kept the Black Sticks from scoring further.

For more information on NZL v GER click here.

Aymar’s late goal saves point against Korea
Pool B – ARG 2-2 KOR

Despite of being winless against Argentina in four successive Champions Trophy matches Korea went with a lot of enthusiasm into this encounter with the home team. The underdogs could be very confident as they just have beaten the World Champions at Cordoba’s Four Nations Tournament. Korea were the team who created the better chances and kept the Argentine defence busy. Team-captain Lee Seon-Ok converted Korea’s first penalty corner in the 21st minute. This goal against seemed to be a wake up call for Las Leonas who suddenly started attacking. It took them two more minutes until they won their first penalty corner which succeeded. Noel Barrionuevo’s (23’) drag-flick went directly into the net leaving the Korean goalie Moon Younghui no chance. The score was 1-1 at halftime.

The beginning of the second half did not see much action in the circles either until Korea won another penalty corner which went wide. Afterwards the match could have gone either side. Moon had a spectacular save against a penalty corner flick from Barrionuevo before Lee Seon-Ok (67’) took the lead or Korea. Her direct shot at a penalty corner was smashed into Belen Succi’s goal. Argentina were urgent to reclaim pride and gained a penalty corner. Korea used their referral on this decision but their request was denied. After a great variation Argentina’s star Luciana Aymar (69’) scored the equalizing goal much to delight of the home crowd.

For more information on ARG v KOR click here.

Flash quotes on Day 3

Zenjiro Yasuda (JPN coach)
“We knew that this match was going to be hard. Netherlands are the number one and although we knew that we were likely to lose it, I am very happy with all the players’ performance.”

Max Caldas (NED coach)
“It was a good game for us. We could control the match and could create many plays. I am happy to see the progress of the team. It was a very good match.”

Maartje Paumen (NED team-captain)
“It was a nice game and we were able to create many opportunities to score. I am happy because I was able to score twice in penalty corners. The previous two days, I couldn’t convert any and our penalty corners were not so good. I hope to keep on scoring.”

Kate Walsh (GBR team-captain)
”We had a good start but we also had some bad moments. We have to work on this aspect of our play. We could have scored more goals and because we didn’t we are now 2nd in the pool.”

Danny Kerry (GBR coach)
“I agree with Kate. We must work on the players’ concentration to play in the same level all the match. Anyway, I think we were fairly consistent today and the two previous days playing under hot conditions.”

Sang Ryul Kim (CHN coach)
“Great Britain played a great match. They are a strong team. We have learned a lot from them today.”

Kayla Sharland (NZL team-captain)
“We played a bad 1st half. We were not enough concentrated and Germany took advantage. In the second half we played better, but we couldn’t revert the final score. We are not playing at the level we were used to, as we had only two weeks preparation. I hope we can get back to our level in the next matches”.

Michael Behrmann (GER coach)
“Except for the first half against Argentina, I am happy with the team’s performance. Today we played a good match. Anyway, the tournament is beginning now. So, we start on Thursday again.

Fanny Rinne (GER team-captain)
“We had a very good start and played very well all match. We could control the game and had the concentration to win this time and add three points. I think that we played good games. Before coming to Argentina to play this tournament I was not sure about the level we could reach. We played test matches in Chile against Chile and Italy, we made a long way to be here. But we are satisfied.

Carlos Retegui (ARG Coach)
“I want to congratulate all the teams players on their level at this early moment of the year. It seems as any team can beat any other. The most important match is the one we play on Thursday because only the winners pass. China are as difficult as Korea to play. That’s why I want to congratulate my players. They were patient enough to wait for the moment to attack. They played in a very intelligent way”.

Luciana Aymar (ARG team-captain)
“Both teams played very well tonight. We did what the coach asked us to do. We had to slow down the pace as they run a lot. And I think we did that and played a good match.”

Jung Woo Lim (KOR coach)
“Apart from the final result, we played a good match. I’m satisfied with the team’s performance today. Now I know that Korea can play and win any match and we feel respect for all the teams but we don’t feel fear any more. We can compete on the same level with any team.  Although we come from a harsh winter and the players need more training, we haven’t prepared for this match in particular. We have prepared for the entire tournament.”

FIH site

Great Britain beat Olympic silver medallists to finish second in Pool B

A penalty corner double from Crista Cullen and a goal from Slough’s Ashleigh Ball helped Great Britain to a 3-1 victory over China, the Olympic silver medallists, at the Champions Trophy in Rosario.

The result, coupled with the Netherlands’ earlier 4-1 defeat of Japan, leaves Great Britain second in Pool A, behind the Dutch on goals scored.  Great Britain’s quarter final opponents on Thursday will be the side finishing third in Pool B, to be determined on Tuesday evening.

Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry returned to the starting line-up, as did EuroCanterbury’s Natalie Seymour; Abi Walker and Bowdon Hightown’s Sally Walton sat the match out.

As early as the fifth minute, Leicester defender Cullen showed her penalty corner prowess once again as she converted from Great Britain’s first opportunity, although Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Liu would have been disappointed to see the ball go through her legs en route.

Great Britain survived a slight scare in the tenth minute when the ball ended up in the back of the British goal after Tang Chunling tried to latch on to a cross into the circle.  Although no goal was given Tang appealed to the video umpire claiming she had touched the ball inside the circle on its way through.  The video umpire however declared that no decision was possible from the replay and it remained 1-0.

As the half progressed Great Britain won two penalty corners but Zhang was up to the task and it remained 1-0 at the break.

In the 42nd minute, Cullen netted her second.  This time striking the ball from a penalty corner, her effort came up off the stick of an onrushing defender, who could only deflect the ball towards goal.  Although Reading forward Alex Danson did her best to flick the ball on its way, she failed to connect and it was Cullen’s effort that carried on towards the goal, trickling over the line off the foot of a defender.

Experienced China forward Baorong Fu halved the deficit shortly after, remaining cool to finish confidently from close range after being the recipient of a bobbling ball inside the Great Britain circle.  The four times World All Star’s shot left Beth Storry with no chance.

But just as China looked to have found a way back into contention, a moment of excellence from Chloe Rogers at the other end set up Ashleigh Ball for Great Britain’s third goal.  Carrying the ball in along the right baseline, Leicester midfielder Rogers drew the goalkeeper before confidently flicking it over her.  As it came down, the audacious chip looked to be heading over the line until the intervention of Yibo Ma.  However, Ma’s clearance was momentary as Ball followed up to strike an upright reverse stick shot home to make it 3-1.

Both sides created further set piece opportunities from penalty corners but neither could fully capitalise and it finished 3-1.  With her brace, Crista Cullen remains the tournament’s top goal scorer with five goals.

Speaking afterwards, Great Britain Head Coach Danny Kerry said, “It was a very, very tough game.  We covered a lot of distance out there.  I know we can play better but it’s a good result against the Olympic silver medallists.

“I think we have been consistent over the first three matches, especially in hot conditions.  Today was better and we could attack more.  I’m reasonably happy with the three matches.

“Today, we should have scored more and equally China could scored more. It was close. Where we came in the group was always up to us and not reliant on anyone else.”

Captain Kate Walsh also admitted Great Britain have more to come, adding, “We know we can play better and hopefully we can show this as the tournament progresses.”

Having finished second in Pool A, Great Britain will play against the team finishing third in the other pool, Pool B.  The quarter finals take place on Thursday.

CHINA 1 (0)

Fu Baorong 47 (F)                   

GREAT BRITAIN 3 (1)

Crista Cullen 5,42 (PC,PC)                   
Ashleigh Ball 53 (F)

GREAT BRITAIN SQUAD v CHINA

Started

Beth Storry (Reading) Goalkeeper
Crista Cullen (Leicester) Defender
Emily Maguire (Reading) Defender
Anne Panter (Leicester) Defender
Natalie Seymour (EuroCanterbury) Defender
Kate Walsh (Reading) Defender
Helen Richardson (Reading) Midfielder
Chloe Rogers (Leicester) Midfielder
George Twigg (Clifton) Midfielder
Alex Danson (Reading) Forward
Sarah Thomas (No Club) Forward

Used Substitute

Laura Unsworth (Loughborough Students) Defender
Ashleigh Ball (Slough) Midfielder
Laura Bartlett (Reading) Forward
Hannah Macleod (Leicester) Forward
Nicola White (Slough) Forward

Did Not Play

Abi Walker (EuroCanterbury) Goalkeeper
Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown) Defender

CHAMPIONS TROPHY STANDINGS

Pool A

1. Netherlands (7 pts)
2. Great Britain (7 pts)
3. China (3 pts)
4. Japan (0 pts)

Pool B

1. Germany (6 pts)
2. Argentina (5 pts)
3. New Zealand (2 pts)
4. Korea (2 pt)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Black Sticks improve performance but lose 3-1 to Germany

It was not the score line that the Black Sticks were hoping for today at the FIH Champions Trophy, but coach Mark Hager said that it was a much better team performance with the kiwis putting pressure on a clinical German side and forcing turnovers in the second half.

Today’s result means the Black Sticks will either face the Netherlands or Great Britain, the top two teams in pool A, this Friday (NZ time) in Rosario, Argentina.

The step up in tempo in the second spell helped Capital’s Anita Punt to score after a goal mouth scramble saw her sweep the ball from the edge of the circle into the back of the net.

The third ranked German side had a strong start scoring all three goals in the first 20 minutes, which differed from the games against both Argentina and Korea where the Black Sticks came out firing and were the first to score.

“It was an improved team effort today, it was a much better second half performance and the way we played gives us confidence going into the quarter finals,” says Hager.

Defender Emily Naylor was a standout player in today’s game.

In the day's earlier matches Great Britain beat China 3-1 while the Netherlands beat the Japanese 4-1. Argentina is still to play Korea in the final pool match.

Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.

All Black Sticks games are live on Sky Sport. An updated schedule will be posted on http://www.hockeynz.co.nz/hockeyontv/.

RESULTS
Full time: 3-1 (Germany win)
Half time: 3-0 (Germany lead)
NZ goal scorer: Anita Punt

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks' fight back not enough

FRED WOODCOCK

A spirited second half performance from New Zealand prevented a mauling but they were still well beaten 3-1 by Germany at the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament in Argentina today.

The sixth-ranked Black Sticks faced the prospect of a hiding at halftime, having been ripped to shreds in the first half by the world's third-ranked team, but they fought hard to win the second stanza 1-0 courtesy of Anita Punt's first goal of the tournament.

The Germans virtually wrapped the result up in the first 10 minutes of the match after they made the hottest of starts in Rosario.

Nina Hasselmann scored twice, both from penalty corner deflections, and almost had a hat-trick inside the opening 10 minutes but a another penalty corner deflection was ruled out by the television umpire because Hasselmann's teammate, Natascha Keller, was adjudged to have obstructed a Kiwi defender.

Germany also hit the post and fluffed an open goal as they laid siege on New Zealand's goal, with the Kiwis almost powerless to halt the onslaught.

Lisa Hahn made it 3-0 after 20 minutes with a great finish under the advancing New Zealand goalkeeper, Sally Rutherford, following a speedy German attack.

New Zealand managed to win a couple of penalty corners of their own and Clarissa Eshuis came close to scoring when her flick hit the woodwork, but otherwise opportunities for the Kiwis were few and far between in the face of a resolute German defence.

No doubt after some concise words from coach Mark Hager at the break, the Black Sticks were much better defensively in the second half and although they still gave Germany too much space, the scrambling defence prevented any damage.

Punt struck with 11 minutes remaining to give the Kiwis a glimmer of hope, but the Germans closed the match out well to secure a top-two finish in pool B.

New Zealand, who had 2-2 draws with Argentina and South Korea in their opening two matches, will finish third or fourth in the pool depending on the result of the Argentina-Korea match later today.

They will either play the Netherlands or Great Britain in Friday's quarterfinals, with all eight teams progressing to the knockout stages.

The Netherlands topped pool A after a 4-1 win over Japan earlier today, while Great Britain secured second spot with a 3-1 win over China.

Result: Germany 3 (Nina Hasselmann 2, Lisa Hahn) New Zealand 1 (Anita Punt). Halftime: 3-0.

Stuff

Black Sticks fall to Germany

By Michael Burgess at Estadio Mundialista


The Black Sticks conceded three goals in the first 20 minutes. Photo / Supplied

The Black Sticks' unbeaten run at the Champions Trophy came to an abrupt end today, as they were convincingly beaten by a clinical German side 3-1.

New Zealand suffered a nightmare start, conceding three goals in the first 20 minutes.

After an incredibly flat first half there was a drastic improvement in the second half but time was always against them, and Anita Punt's goal proved only a consolation.

The loss gives New Zealand the toughest possible assignment in the quarter-finals on Friday; they will face either the Netherlands or Great Britain, both unbeaten and in top form.

Coach Mark Hager will be pleased with the spirit shown in the second half but scratching his head over the collective collapse in the first 35 minutes.

New Zealand had the better of the opening exchanges but for the first time in the tournament failed to open the scoring. In the fourth minute a rare mistake from Stacey Michelsen in midfield saw her forgo possession and Germany forced a penalty corner.

They made a hash of their first attempt but when the Black Sticks failed to clear Nina Hasselmann netted from close range.

If that was bad, even more crucially, the defenders decided to use their team referral to appeal the goal, despite Hager clearly yelling from the dugout not to. It has been a feature of this tournament so far, that the defensive unit, perhaps because of their youth, tend to be trigger happy with appealing.

Almost immediately, New Zealand were in penalty trouble again. They conceded two penalty corners in succession, with the Germans scoring from the second, only to have it annulled by the video referee for obstruction.

Still, the New Zealand defence seemed all at sea and when they cleared straight to a German attacker, found themselves in penalty trouble again in just the ninth minute. In a carbon copy of their first, Nina Hasselmann swept home from near the post.

There was some doubt over the awarding of that corner but New Zealand were unlucky to have Chinese umpire Lin Mao officiating at their end. Perhaps it is a lack of feel for the game, perhaps it is the sun visor she insists on wearing, even at night, that obstructs her view but the Chinese official has so far been the least competent official at the tournament.

While there were some half chances to the Black Sticks, it was no surprise when the Germans scored their third goal in the 20th minute and from Hager's point of view surely the worst of the lot.

The Germans cut them open up the middle and the energetic Lisa Hahn, who has been one of the best performers in this tournament, slotted home at the far post.

New Zealand created chances before the break - with Clarissa Eshuis hitting the post from a penalty corner - but Germany looked more dangerous. The Black Sticks were always under pressure in possession.

Germany was always one step ahead while the Black Sticks were plagued by poor passing, often of the 'hit and hope' variety. No one wanted to take the initiative and it showed in a disjointed, flat display.

After a stern halftime address, New Zealand lifted the tempo, accuracy and talk in the second half and their effort in pressing the German defenders was particularly impressive.

They put together some of their best passing movements of the tournament so far and were unlucky not to create more than a couple of half chances, though it was always going to be difficult as Germany often had the entire team in the defensive third.

Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 60th minute, when Anita Punt slashed home a rebound from the edge of the circle.

In the day's earlier matches, Great Britain beat China 3-1 while the Netherlands disposed of the hapless Japanese 4-1 (Argentina will play Korea in the final pool match.)

New Zealand 1 (A. Punt) Germany 3 (N. Hasselmann 2, L. Hahn)
Halftime: 3-0

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks face daunting task against Holland

By Michael Burgess


New Zealand's Charlotte Harrison saw the bright side in their loss to Germany. Photo / NZPA file

It might be a case of putting on a brave face, but the Black Sticks are claiming plenty of positives out of today's comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Germany.

They were also upbeat about their quarter-final, despite drawing the daunting Dutch.

"It will be an awesome challenge and hopefully we rise to it," said striker Charlotte Harrison. "We haven't beaten them for a while and they are the benchmark."

"They are the world's top team and it is a chance to find out whether we are good enough," said coach Mark Hager. "We need to play to our potential to at least give ourselves a chance."

The Black Sticks face the Oranje Machine after finishing last in Pool B, although it was by some distance the stronger of the two groups. The Dutch have been the best team all week; solid across the park, a great blend of youth and experience and, as one Argentine journalist put it, every penalty corner they receive is "half a goal", such is their efficiency from the edge of the circle.

One glimmer of hope is that the match will be played at 12.30pm local time (4.30am NZT), and the Dutch melted a little in the afternoon heat in their group game against England.

There will also be less expectation on the Black Sticks, which takes off some pressure, but it will take a massive effort across the park to get close to Holland.

Today's match was virtually over after 20 minutes. The disciplined Germans were never going to let slip a 3-0 halftime lead, despite a massive lift in effort and execution from the Black Sticks in the second stanza.

It all came down to the first 20 minutes when they conceded three goals, two from penalty corners and all with a soft tinge about them.

"It was strange," Harrison said. "We didn't feel like we were playing that badly. It wasn't like we were terrible but somehow we were three behind."

The Black Sticks appeared flat from the start. Compared to the vocal Germans, the Kiwis were quiet and couldn't get any flow. There was some elements of bad luck, and more strange calls from Chinese umpire Lin Mao, who is the least competent at the tournament.

Nevertheless, the Black Sticks were always under pressure in possession, struggling to find space and time from the suffocating German defence.

"They are always hard to play against," said Harrison. "They are physical and always well positioned and maybe we didn't adjust."

As they have been at various times during this tournament, they were also plagued by poor passing, often of the 'hit and hope' variety.

"Turnovers are killing us but we all know that," said Anita Punt, who scored in the second half. "Sometimes it is just not clicking out there."

After a stern halftime address from Hager, New Zealand lifted the tempo, accuracy and talk in the second half and their effort in maintaining pressure on the German defenders was particularly impressive.

"We still didn't create that much but the effort was there and our pressing was excellent," said Hager "We are still getting isolated at the back and making basic errors of judgement. But at least we responded."

New Zealand also put together some of their best passing movements of their tournament and were unlucky not to create more than a couple of half-chances, although it was always going to be difficult as Germany often had the entire team in the defensive third and are ruthlessly efficient defenders.

In the day's earlier matches, Great Britain beat China 3-1 and the Netherlands disposed of Japan 4-1, who became the first team since Korea in 2005 to lose all of their first-round matches at a Champions Trophy.

There was high drama in the day's final game as Argentina were less than two minutes away from losing to Korea (and a unwanted match up with Great Britain) before Luciana Aymar conjured a late equaliser.

New Zealand 1 (A. Punt) Germany 3 (N. Hasselmann 2, L. Hahn). HT: 0-3.

The New Zealand Herald

Coach less than impressed with Black Sticks' second draw

By Michael Burgess


New Zealand's Samantha Harrison, left, is chased by South Korea's Cheon Eun Bi during their Women's Champions Trophy field hockey match in Rosario, Argentina. Photo / AP

Capitulation. It is a word coaches tend to avoid but Mark Hager wasn't holding back after the Black Sticks dramatic 2-2 draw with Korea today.

For the second successive day the New Zealanders failed to close out a match after a two goal cushion at halftime.

Indeed, it was a fortunate point as the Koreans almost completely dominated the second half and it was only a stroke of luck at the death that saw New Zealand avoid defeat; Korea cleanly converted a 70th minute penalty corner, only to have the goal rubbed out by the video referee as the ball had been struck from marginally inside the circle.

If Hager was frustrated after the Argentinian result, today he was just plain angry.

"The second half just wasn't good enough," he said. "We capitulated - I guess you could call it that - for the second day in a row. There were players that went missing and put enormous pressure on our defence. They didn't want the ball and didn't really contribute in the second half."

As the players filed toward the bus after their post match icebaths, Hager promised there was a little more pain to come.

"We will have a team meeting tonight and there might be a few home truths. I don't think the review of the match will be too pretty."

After the promise of the first 35 minutes and well taken goals to Cathryn Finlayson (10th minute) and Katie Glynn (26th minute), the second spell was a disappointment.

It wasn't capitulation; there was real fight to stop the waves of Korean attack but there was a lack of irresponsibility, a sense that too many were looking for courage from a team mate instead of within.

Hager was reluctant to use the sweltering conditions as an excuse, though it was a factor. The heat was oppressive; even the locals were running for any shaded areas.

At halftime during the preceding match (England versus Holland), tournament doctors were called in to assess if they was any player safety issues as the temperature had exceeded 40degC and there was briefly a prospect of extra drinks breaks.

By the time New Zealand's match had kicked off at 5.30pm local time the mercury was still touching 37, with a heavy layer of humidity.

After coping in the first spell, the Black Sticks visibly wilted in the second period.

The team had upped their intake of iced water throughout the day, and consumed their frozen slushies at every opportunity during the match.

"I think most people had finished theirs by halftime," striker Krystal Forgesson said. "Whereas often you don't get through half of it in an entire match."

"The heat was quite incredible," Gemma Flynn said. "It just sucked all the energy out of you. You want to run but your body struggles to move. I guess we didn't cope so well - mainly because of turnovers."

The Black Sticks were again lax with possession at an almost suicidal rate. It was hard to fault the effort in extreme conditions but the lack of care in possession was alarming.

"We have got to learn to respect the ball," Hager said. "At this level we need to maintain concentration but we were often careless."

Hager's message at halftime was simple.

"It's bloody hot out there so you have to make good decisions," he exhorted in the dugout. "Our challenge is to go out there and put them out of the match."

Goalkeeper Bianca Russell was magnificent in front of a defensive line that mostly held strong while Stacey Michelsen came up with a late goalline clearance that seemed to defy the laws of physics, the ball being virtually over the line before she managed to sweep it away from danger.

In the 44th minute Korea scored from a penalty corner, and grabbed a looping equaliser 12 minutes later.

They forced two more penalty corners in the last two minutes, converting the second to create the late drama.

New Zealand's final pool match is against Germany on Wednesday at 9.30am (NZT).

After two matches in less than 48 hours the team have been given tomorrow (Tues) off training and will spend the afternoon by the pool at a local country club.

In other matches today, Great Britain held the fancied Netherlands side to a 2-2 draw while China beat Japan 2-1. In the late match hosts Argentina overcome Germany 4-2.

New Zealand 2 (Finlayson, Glynn) Korea 2 (Jong-Eun, Ok-Ju (PC)). HT: 2-0.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks shed kilos in Argentine heat

By Michael Burgess

It wouldn't be a method advocated by health professionals, but playing hockey at the height of the Argentine summer is certainly an effective weight-loss tool.

Several members of the Black Sticks team lost more than 2kg during Monday's dramatic Champions Trophy clash with Korea, which was played in sweltering temperatures of almost 40C.

Long-time team manager Debbie Balme struggled to remember conditions as tough, saying that only a couple of matches played in the tropical hot beds of Hong Kong and Singapore came close.

The players certainly did it tough.

"It was mentally and physically exhausting," said midfielder Gemma Flynn. "Sometimes it felt like your legs didn't want to move and everything was an extra effort."

If it was tough for the Kiwis, spare a thought for the British. Our commonwealth cousins are never short of a reason to grumble but this one seemed justified. For the second successive day, the British team had the 3pm kickoff, the hottest part of the day in this city 300km northwest of Buenos Aires.

"It is ridiculous that two of the best teams in the world [Holland and Great Britain] had to play in these conditions," said British coach Danny Kerry. "It is wrong. The people who have made these decisions should go out on to the field and run around to see what it feels like."

Kerry's team have been victims of a certain hometown bias in the draw, which has seen all Pool A matches scheduled for either 12.30pm or 3pm, while Pool B games are at 5.30pm or 8pm. It is unfair but there are solid reasons; Argentina is the drawcard for the vast majority of fans here and hence play at 8pm every night. Any earlier and the crowds would be sparse in a country where dinner is served from 9pm and a Boca Juniors v River Plate football match on Monday night didn't kick off until after 10pm.

Still, the heat on Monday was almost indescribable.

Between matches and at halftime spectators abandoned their seats to seek shade below the grandstand while television production workers could be seen lying under their broadcast trucks.

Thankfully respite is on its way. On the street today the locals were adamant "Vay a lluviar manana" (It's going to rain tomorrow) and here it becomes a talking point; it has only rained three days since the beginning of December.

It will mean cooler temperatures and should help the New Zealanders.

"I'm not sure - maybe the rain will make it muggier," said Black Sticks coach Mark Hager. "But yes we have struggled to acclimatise this time."

After New Zealand's less than glorious summer, it was difficult for the team to arrive into sauna-like temperatures in mid January and they have not adapted well. It can't be an excuse but it is one of the reasons for the constant second-half struggles on this tour.

"In the first half we have been competitive most of the time before falling away in the second," said Hager. "It is a factor but there are other ones - like attitude, basic skills and cohesion - that have been much more important."

Those are the areas that need to improve today if the Black Sticks want to compete against Germany. The Europeans were smashed 4-2 by a rampant Argentina on Monday but showed plenty of courage to come back from a 4-0 deficit and with a bit of luck could have snatched a draw.

Though Hager is reluctant to specify his preferred quarter-final opponent, logic would have it that they would want to avoid both Great Britain and Holland, currently the top two in Pool A.

This would most likely require a Black Sticks win today which would guarantee them (at least) second place in Pool B and a probable match-up with China or Japan.

The New Zealand Herald

SA Hockey Women do everything but beat Ireland

JONATHAN COOK in Randburg

Gutsy Ireland weathered an assault on their goalline by the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team to draw the Investec Tri-Nations match 1-1 at Randburg Tuesday night.

In the 70 minutes, SA had 20 shots at goal including eight penalty corners, while Ireland had five shots including three corners.

Head coach Giles Bonnet’s SA team meet Belgium at 7 pm Wednesday.

From the first whistle, SA went through 12 passes before Ireland gained possession but the green and whites got the first opportunity when a neat touch-on by Lisa Jacob to Aine Connery won the first penalty corner after five minutes.

SA Player of the Year in 2011, centre midfielder Tarryn Bright, returned for SA while world record goalscorer Pietie Coetzee was rested.

In the ninth, Kate Woods fired a pass into the strike zone and Jade Mayne got in back-to-back shots before Dirkie Chamberlain deflected over the crossbar, but Ireland won a hotly disputed second PC at the other end awarded by Belgian umpire Laurine Delforge and Michelle Harvey evaded goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa’s outstretched left leg (1-0).

At 1-0 down after 13 minutes, the South Africans went back onto the attack from the re-start and a super roundabout run by Bernadette Coston earned the girls in green and gold’s first PC.

Play swung from goalmouth to goalmouth at pace and Chamberlain shot on the turn but goalkeeper Emma Gray saved - and saved again from Kathleen Taylor. Good work by SA captain Marsha Marescia and Chamberlain won a second PC and Woods’s shot was turned away near the post by Sinead McCarthy. Marescia won a third PC and SA then won a fourth, which hit the post after Woods’s powerful shot. A fifth PC came soon after and Ireland survived despite shots from Marescia and Lenise Marais.

Seconds into the second half Chamberlain forced SA’s sixth PC, which Gray saved . A defence-splitting Bright pass and Marescia layoff saw Ireland escape the goalmouth scramble. A stick-check on Shelley Russell brought SA’s seventh PC and Gray stick-saved diving low to her right from Marescia. Mayne won SA’s eighth PC as Ireland struggled to contain the waves of attacks – but Woods’s shot went wide. Then Lesle-Ann George lined up her shot but again the effort went wide.

A superb Chamberlain reverse-stick strike was brilliant saved by Gray before Cliodhna Sargent set up Jacob whose effort slipped past the post.

SA’s opportunity-creating hockey was finally rewarded in the 64th minute when Nicolene Terblanche took advantage of a backing off defence to slide the ball home (1-1).

Ireland came back hard with a field shot and a third PC, both superbly saved by Mangisa, while Taylor brought another remarkable save from Gray before Sulette Damons broke free but shot wide.

SA Hockey Association media release

Terblanche secures draw for SA

By Michael Sherman

Johannesburg - A late goal from Nicolene Terblanche enabled South Africa to salvage a 1-1 draw with Ireland in their Tri-Nations match at the Randburg Hockey stadium on Tuesday.

South Africa went a goal down early in the match, despite dominating the encounter throughout.

The home side moved the ball quickly and the Irish women were always under pressure.

To their credit, the Irish did not concede before half-time and South Africa wasted countless chances in front of goal.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 12th minute when they were awarded a penalty corner, which Michelle Harvey tucked away into the back of the net.

From the outset, the home side looked menacing on attack and were ruthless with possession often stealing the ball off the visitors with ease.

The best chances of the first period fell to South Africa's striker Dirkie Chamberlain.

In the 19th minute, Chamberlain was on hand in the area and a strike from close range brought the best out of the Irish keeper Emma Gray.

Despite all their possession the home team failed to convert five penalty corners in the first half.

Tarryn Bright made a start for South Africa after being hit in the face in Saturday's game against Ireland.

Record goal-scorer Pietie Coetzee was rested for the match.

Thirteen minutes into the second period, Bright made a bustling run up the middle releasing captain Marsha Marescia in the area, but the final shot was off target.

Kate Woods came close in the 59th minute from a penalty corner, but her powerful strike was just wide.

A minute later, Leslie-Ann George saw her shot from point-blank range drift centimetres from goal as South Africa went in desperate search of an equaliser.

Independent Online

Ireland 1-1 South Africa, Women.

Ireland played South Africa this evening in the Investec Tri-Nations Tournament currently taking place in South Africa. Ireland, sponsored by Electric Ireland, finished up level at one a piece with the hosts.

The early moments opened with chances for both sides including an Audrey O'Flynn drag flick which was blocked down by a solid looking defence. Emma Gray in goals for Ireland was also called into duty early on with a double save from Jade Mayne's shot and rebound.

Ireland capitalised when South Africa were reduced to ten when Kathleen Taylor was shown green. The resulting penalty corner gave Michelle Harvey the chance to prove her drag flicking ability when she rattled the back board to give Ireland a 1-0 lead.

South Africa pushed it up a gear looking for the equaliser and applied some serious pressure to the Irish defence including four penalty corners and some open play shots but Ireland held strong marshalled by an on form Emma Gray in goals.

Half Time Ireland 1-0 South Africa

The hosts came out all guns blazing in the second half securing a penalty corner in the first minute of play, but the girls in green dealt ably with the efforts and immediately counter through the skills of Lisa Jacob but to no avail. The play ensued between the two twenty fives with both midfields keeping very busy but it was the hosts who got the next real break through forcing Gray into a superb stick save from Masha's shot.

South Africa's persistence finally paid off with just five left on the clock thanks to Tarryn Bright's long pass picking out Nicolene Terblance who found space to level the sides.

Final Score Ireland 1-1 South Africa.

Commeting after the game Coach Gene Muller said "It was a solid defensive performance and we were dangerous in attack. These matches haev been good for us, challenging all the way and ideal for our Olympic Qualifier preparations"

Ireland have one more match left which takes place on Thursday 2nd February at 3pm (Irish Time)

Ireland 1 (1) Michelle Harvey pc 11minute

South Africa 1(0) Nicolene Terblance op 65 minutes

Ireland Starting XI:

Emma Gray (GK); Nikki Symmons; Sinead McCarthy; Cliodhna Sargent; Audrey OFlynn; Lizzie Colvin; Emma Smyth; Nicci Daly; Aine Connery; Lisa Jacob; Nikki Evans

Reserves: Michelle Harvey; Miriam Crowley; Megan Frazer; Chloe Watkins; Emma Clarke

Irish Hockey Association media release

Black Sticks Men win fifth consecutive practice match 2-0 to Japan

The Black Sticks Men although winning their fifth consecutive practice match 2-0 vs Japan tonight, struggled to come together.

"It was a messy match tonight. Both teams struggled to use the ball with any cohesion. I'm sure our next match will see a vast improvement", says assistant coach Darren Smith.

Smith also commented that although the team worked hard tonight, they were still to put in a performance which reflected their Champions Trophy finish.

The Black Sticks Men will play their final practice match against Japan on Thursday 2 February at 7.30pm at Westlake Girls High School in Auckland. They will then begin a five test match series against Korea, starting Saturday 4 February at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga.

You can find out more about this series here.

Results
Half time: 1-0 (NZ)
Full time: 2-0 (NZ)

Goal Scorers
First half
Simon Child - FG
Second half:
Andy Hayward - PC

Hockey New Zealand Media release

It will be tough to beat India at home: Pereira

NEW DELHI: Canada hockey captain Ken Pereira has admitted that it will be extremely tough to beat India at their own backyard in the upcoming Olympic qualifiers to be held next month.

"Indian side is always a strong team, they always play well at home, we saw them play in the recent Champions challenge and they looked very good. Few new players and a new coach but I am sure they are adjusting well," Pereira said.

"I am sure they will be ready to play at home, and after missing out on the last Olympics they are very motivated and ready to play," he added.

The two-time Olympian Pereira also said though Indian team is a good mix of youth and experience, his side was all prepared to face the hosts.

"Whenever you get to play at home it's great and there may be a small advantage, but it does not mean other teams don't have a chance. I do love the crowd in India as they really get into the games. It makes it very exciting and coming from Canada where the crowds are significantly smaller, its always fun," said the 39-year-old midfielder.

London Olympic qualifiers will be held at Major Dhyanchand stadium from February 18 to 26 and feature hosts India, Canada, Italy, Poland, Singapore and France in the men's category.

Captain of Canadian team in World Cup 2010 and Delhi Commonwealth Games, Pereira is hoping for a better performance this time.

"Last time we were in India was for the Commonwealth Games, our record was 2-2-1, we were 2 mins or so away from making the semis, which would have been great for us. Unfortunately it was not the case and we were placed 7th. Just like any team you are always looking to improve on previous results," said the player of the Indian origin.

Elaborating on his team, Pereira said, "We have experienced midfielders in Rob Short and Sukhwinder Singh Gabbar. Scott Tupper is our drag flicker, while Scott Sandison is experienced defender.

"There are also some experienced players in forward line who have been in Delhi during World Cup and CWG."

Stating that weather has been a spoilsport for Canadian team, Pereira said they could not go abroad for preparations.

"Weather is always a bit of a struggle with snow and the freezing temperatures. We are making the best of it though, you get use to it. We have no tours planned or Test matches before we go to India.

"The financial situation is always tough for us, it's always a battle. There is some relief from government organisations -- Own the Podium, Sport Canada -- and charitable organisation that helps national team athletes called CanFund," he said.

The Times of India

Rajpal Singh slams exclusion from squad

NEW DELHI: In September last year, he led the Indian team to the title in the first Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. Four months later, star striker Rajpal Singh has been left wondering over the reasons for his omission from the national squad for next month's all-important Olympic qualifiers.

"I don't know if it's because of performance or fitness. I have no idea as to why I have been left out," Rajpal told TOI a day after an 18-member squad for the qualifiers was announced.

During the series against South Africa earlier this month, coach Michael Nobbs had suggested that Rajpal was unlikely to make the cut on fitness ground. "If fitness is the case, how come I was training with other probables and played a match against an international side (the first 'test' against South Africa)," he asked. "I was neither told to work on my fitness nor was asked to undergo a fitness test. Even now I am ready to undergo a fitness test."

Rajpal had underwent a surgery for appendicitis in October last year and subsequently joined the national camp after recovering.

Hockey India's contention that the team was selected on the basis of performance in the five-match India-SA series did not go down well with Rajpal. "If people are saying that performance in the series was the criteria, then there are players who did not play in the series and are straightaway picked for the qualifiers," he said in an obvious reference to fellow forward Gurvinder Singh Chandi who served out his five-match ban during the series and did not play a single match.

Chandi was banned for his role in an ill-tempered match against Pakistan in Australia in October. Arjun Halappa and VS Vinay who were picked in the main team and kept as standbys, are reportedly mulling retirement over the 'snub'.

The Times of India

Nobbs places faith in youth

S. Thyagarajan

Michael Nobbs deserves a generous measure of plaudits. His option to garner young talent and ease out ageing stars is bold, innovative and imaginative.

This is mirrored well in the selection of the team for the Olympic hockey qualifier starting in Delhi on February 18.

Effecting a radical change is no easy task. The Aussie coach must have realised it by now. Those ensconced merely on history are being counted out.

Not anti-veteran

Nobbs is not against veterans. If true, then there is no place for players like Ignace Tirkey, Tushar Khandekar or Shivendra Singh.

Nobbs is pragmatic without being sentimental. For everyone there comes a time to call it quits or fade away. Quite inexplicably, a section of the media continues to be on the side of the veterans.

There is an element of regret over the exclusion of Rajpal Singh, Vikram Pillay, Gurbaj and the allotment of a standby slot for Arjun Halappa.

To some extent, Halappa's position is a bit of a humiliation for a stalwart with over 300 caps. The rationale behind sidelining the rest is not worthy of debate at all; they did nothing to prompt that.

The road ahead for Nobbs, tasked to steering the team back into the Olympics fold in London 2012, is unenviable. He has to justify every move.

Fair composition

Even a superficial glimpse over the composition reveals the veneer of fairness. Everyone is of proven merit. The series against South Africa laid the platform for them.

The trump card for Nobbs is Sardara Singh. A midfielder who fulfils every parameter to be described as world class, his value requires no over play.

If 50 per cent of his proficiency is capitalised, the squad is in line for a rewarding time. It is difficult to identify a more under-rated player in the world than Sardara.

Sandeep Singh and Raghunath are stars in their own right when it comes to conversion of penalty corners. Their performances against South Africa and in the Champions Challenge are worthy of introspection. But their success rate lies on the ability of the frontline to create the penalty corners.

The midfield, led by Sardara along with Ignace, Birendra Lakra and newcomer Kothajit Singh, is formidable.

So does the frontline, where S.V. Sunil is in great form. Some of the goals, he netted or the passes he engineered in South Africa are etched in memory.

Yuvaraj Walmiki has earned loads of accolades since the Champions Trophy at Ordos. He, along with Danish Mujtaba, is a striking force with astute touches coming from seasoned artistes Khandekar and Shivendra Singh.

Doughty warrior

Bharat Chetri retains the role of captain. Apart from showing the skills under the bar, he is mandated to motivate the rest to reach the summit. History awaits this doughty warrior.

If Chetri manages to pilot the team back to London 2012 then his place in the pages of Indian hockey will doubtlessly be etched.

The Hindu

'Change is difficult'

Principal Correspondent

Michael Nobbs has strongly backed the Indian team selected for next month's Olympic qualifier.

Facing some tough questions relating to the selection of the side, chief coach Nobbs said the players were chosen on the basis of their form and fitness, and not reputation.

“We have spent months to pick the team. In the series against South Africa, we assessed the weaknesses and strengths and the selection committee unanimously decided the team,” said Nobbs, here on Tuesday.

He insisted that only the in-form players had been selected.. A few senior players like Rajpal Singh and Vikram Pillay were left out, while seasoned midfielders like Arjun Halappa and V.S. Vinaya were put among the standbys in the 22-member squad announced on Monday.

Explaining why some youngsters were preferred at the expense of senior players, Nobbs reminded about the purpose of his long-term association with Indian hockey. “There is a healthy competition where three players compete for one position. There are wonderful kids waiting to take the place if someone fails.

“If we want to go back to the top, we have to take hard decisions. I do not like players being dropped. As a player, I myself had been dropped. It is difficult to handle. We want everybody in the system. Change is difficult and this is difficult.”

With less than three weeks left for the Olympic qualifier, the Aussie said the team had started to assess each one of its five opponents. “We have started intensively. We have a group to analyse every single team and every single player.”
No easy game

Even as he expressed confidence about India's chances of qualifying for the Olympics, Nobbs rejected the notion that the team was in an easy pool.

Captain Bharat Chetri and his deputy Sardara Singh backed the coach on the composition of the side and its abilities.

India will start its campaign against Singapore on Feb. 18, followed by games against Italy, France, Canada and Poland.

The Hindu

Indian team was selected on basis of form and fitness: Nobbs

NEW DELHI: India hockey coach Michael Nobbs on Tuesday defended the decision to drop a few senior players from the squad for next month's Olympic qualifiers, insisting that form and fitness were the only criteria for selection.

Former captain Rajpal Singh was dropped and Arjun Halappa was kept on standby in the squad that was announced by Hockey India for the Olympic Qualifiers.

Nobbs said he was happy with the team and only those have been selected who can win India matches during the qualifiers to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from February 18 to 26.

"I'm happy with the team. The selectors have unanimously decided to have this team on the basis of current form and fitness of the players, who can win the game for us. I'm 90-95 per cent confident we will qualify when the results are out on the judgement day," Nobbs told reporters.

"In the last few weeks, we have spent time assessing the attack, defence, weaknesses and strengths of the players during the South Africa series and in the next couple of weeks we will work further on the various skills and strive for perfection," he added.

Hurt to miss out on the qualifiers, Rajpal had questioned Hockey India's decision to rule him "unfit" without even conducting his fitness test.

Asked why a senior player like Rajpal was axed, Nobbs said: "My job is to show no favour to reputation. We have picked the best players right on this time, inform players who can fit into the system and structure of the team."

Grilled further to give an explanation for dropping the senior players, Nobbs retorted saying: "Are you suggesting we should pick players with reputation and not form?

"It is a unanimous decision and Hockey India selectors are all experienced people and there is a selection policy."

Nobbs said it was tough for him to take such hard decisions but insisted this was the right time for change and support young players.

"We want to have a healthy competition among 33 players, where three players are fighting for a place. We need to support the young players and take some tough decisions. I don't like to drop players, it hurts. I myself was dropped as a player but then change is difficult and this is change," he said.

Talking about the rival teams whom the hosts will play during the Olympic qualifiers, Nobbs said India will not take any side lightly.

"It might seem easy but easy is a relative term and we are not taking any team lightly, doesn't matter if it is Singapore, ranked 41 or Canada, we will try to control things which we can," he said.

The Times of India

Changes were required: Nobbs

We do not need suggestions, and know what we are doing: ­­ Michael Nobbs Chief coach

A day after the exclusion of senior members Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh from the Olympic hockey qualifiers team, chief coach Michael Nobbs said “form and not reputation” had been the criteria for selection.

On Monday, Nobbs, along with the national selectors, had opted to drop Halappa and Rajpal in favour of youngsters — who had made their India debuts a week back.

According to a few selectors, Halappa — given an all-clear on fitness by the team management — would have been an automatic choice for selection, had Nobbs not “informed” them of the midfielder’s injury.

Nobbs, on his part, failed to come up with a reasonable explanation. “There are a lot of variables that go into team selection. Change was required, and this is it,” the Australian said. “It was a unanimous decision.” Pressed for specific reasons behind the sackings, Nobbs refused to explain.

“We do not need suggestions, and know what we are doing,” was the blunt reply.

The Australian even did a U-turn on his take on the “uneven astroturf” at the National Stadium here — venue for the Olympic qualifiers next month.

“The ball doesn’t stop during penalty corners and the turf is not even close to international standards,” Nobbs had said during the team’s five-match series against South Africa recently.

On Tuesday, he presented a different story. “The astroturf is absolutely fine. No problem,” was his take now.

The sudden change in heart, it is learnt, was courtesy some hard talking by Sports Authority of India officials, also caretakers of the venue.

Interestingly, sports minister Ajay Maken had visited the National Stadium for a pitch inspection earlier this week, confirming problems with the turf.

Skipper Bharat Chetri refused to take questions on the leaving out of experienced members for the crucial Olympic qualifiers, saying “it is best left for the selectors and the coach to answer”.

The Asian Age

London in mind, hockey teams gear up for last lap

Men’s hockey coach, Michael Nobbs, is confident of winning a ticket to London in the forthcoming Olympic qualification tournament, which begins at the National Stadium from February 18. “We stand a good chance,” said Nobbs, a day after the squad was pruned to 18 members and four standbys.

On Tuesday, the players began the countdown with an aim to polish their skills that would enable them to book a passage to the Olympic Games. For that, according to Nobbs, the players would be undergoing specific drills. He hoped, “they (drills) would give the side an edge over the other teams.”

Minor problems like holding on to the ball for too long would be addressed in the coming days. “I have a small group of players and it will be easier to give individual attention,” he said. On dropping some senior players from the squad, Nobbs said, “Certain decisions are hard but the aim is to bring the team to the world level.”

Lakra to lead women’s team

A day after the men’s team was selected, Hockey India (HI) announced that Asunta Lakra will lead an 18-member women’s squad in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Canada, Italy, Poland, South Africa and Ukraine are the other teams in the fray. Chief coach, CR Kumar, said, “We have picked the best possible team.”

On the buildup, the coach said the focus would be on match temperament. “We plan to play at least four practice matches with local boys’ teams to make the girls learn finer tactical points,” he said. The team will also play a couple of practice matches with Canada, who are supposed to arrive on February 14. The duration of the matches will be less than 70-minutes.

Hero to sponsor Olympic qualifiers

Hero MotoCorp will be the title sponsors for the men’s and women’s events. The Hero FIH Road to London is the first of the three-leg Olympic qualifying events for the London Games. FIH president, Leandro Negre, said: “It’s a crucial chance for India to qualify for London and I’m sure the Indian team and hockey fans everywhere also welcome their support.” The tournament, to be aired on Ten Sports, will be broadcast live in India and across 80 countries.

Hindustan Times

Indian women squad for Olympic Qualifier announced

New Delhi: Hockey India today announced a 18-member women’s squad for the London Olympic qualifiers, to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium from February 18. Led by midfielder Asunta Lakra, the team features most of the players who played in the four-Test series against Azerbaijan early this month.

Joydeep Kaur, who made a comeback in the 32-men probable after recovering from an injury sustained during the Australia tour in 2011, has been retained and will be joined by Jaspreet Kaur and Subhadra Pradhan in the defence line.

Lakra, her deputy Kirandeep Kaur, P Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Ritu Rani and Mukta Prava Barla will mend the midfield during the event which features Canada, Italy, Poland, South Africa and Ukraine, besides India.

Poonam Rani and Anuradha Devi will lead the forward line, which also has Rosaline Dung Dung, Jasjeet Kaur Handa and Vandana Kataria, while Yogita Bali and Savita are the goalkeepers in the final 18.

The team was selected on the basis of performances of the core group probables during the Azerbaijan Series by HI selectors, Olympians Col. Balbir Singh, BP Govinda, Syed Ali and Rekha Bhide and government observers Harbinder Singh and Dilip Tirkey.

The Team: Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita Defenders: Jaspreet Kaur, Joydeep Kaur, Subhadra Pradhan. Midfielders: P Sushila Chanu, Asunta Lakra, Kirandeep Kaur, Deepika, Ritu Rani, Mukta Prava Barla. Forwards: Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Anuradha Devi, Rosaline Dung Dung, Jasjeet Kaur Handa Standbys: Rajani Etimarpu (Goalkeeper), Pinki Devi (Defender), M N Ponnamma (Midfielder), Deep Grace Ekka (Midfielder), Anupa Barla (Forward), Lily Chanu (Forward).

The Tribune

Asunta Lakra to lead Indian women's hockey team in Olympic qualifiers

NEW DELHI: Asunta Lakra will be leading the 18-member Indian team for the women's hockey 2012 Olympic qualifier tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from Feb 18-26.

The team was selected on the basis of performances of the core group probables during the recently concluded hockey Test series against Azerbaijan.

Hockey India (HI) selectors, Olympians Balbir Singh, BP Govinda, Syed Ali and Rekha Bhide, along with government observers Harbinder Singh and Dilip Tirkey picked up the squad.

Canada, Italy, Poland, South Africa and Ukraine are the participating teams besides India. The winner will qualify for the London Olympics.

India will open their campaign against Ukraine, Feb 18. They next face Canada (Feb 19), Poland (Feb 21), South Africa (Feb 22) and Italy (Feb 24).

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita

Defenders: Jaspreet Kaur, Joydeep Kaur, Subhadra Pradhan

Midfielders: P. Sushila Chanu, Asunta Lakra (captain), Kirandeep Kaur (vice-captain), Deepika, Ritu Rani, Mukta Prava Barla

Forwards: Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Anuradha Devi, Rosaline Dung Dung, Jasjeet Kaur Handa

Standbyes: Rajani Etimarpu (Goalkeeper), Pinki Devi (Defender), M. N Ponnamma (Midfielder), Deep Grace Ekka (Midfielder), Anupa Barla (Forward), Lily Chanu (Forward)

The Times of India

Well-set women team for Delhi OQ

s2h Team

Chief coach CR Kumar's belief in the well-settled combination, unlike his counter part Michael Nobbs -- reflect in the team announced today for the Delhi Olympic Qualifier

The Indian Women Team for this tournament is as under-

Goalkeepers
Yogita Bali
Savita Punia

Defenders
Jaspreet Kaur
Joydeep Kaur
Subhadra Pradhan

Midfielders
P. Sushila Chanu
Asunta Lakra (Captain)
Kirandeep Kaur (Vice- Captain)
Deepika
Ritu Rani
Mukta Prava Barla

Forwards
Poonam Rani
Vandana Kataria
Rani Ramphal
Soundarya Yendala
Anuradha Devi
Rosaline Dung Dung
Jasjeet Kaur Handa

Standbys
Rajani Etimarpu (Goalkeeper)
Pinki Devi (Defender)
M. N Ponnamma (Midfielder)
Deep Grace Ekka (Midfielder)
Anupa Barla (Forward)
Lily Chanu (Forward)

Stick2Hockey.com

Team cleared of match-fixing

By Ajitpal Singh

THE Malaysian national hockey team have been cleared of match-fixing following their poor performance in last year's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said police investigated and found no evidence.

"Police did not say anything and this is good," he said in Ampang yesterday.

In the tournament, Malaysia dominated play against Australia and New Zealand but lost both matches in the last five minutes and finished last.

On the status of MHC as the legal governing body of local hockey, Tengku Abdullah said the confederation has received a letter of approval from the Sports Commissioner's Office.

"MHC is the legal body. The Malaysian Hockey Federation has been dissolved while the Malaysian Women's Association is still under the process," he added.

New Straits Times

Razie the only spark in hockey team’s poor run Down Under

By AFTAR SINGH


Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim

KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team have had a wretched start to their five-match friendly Down Under and the only piece of good news has been the performance of Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim.

Malaysia, who lost 3-1 and 5-2 to Australia in the first two matches, can at least take consolation from the fact that Razie has proven his ability to deliver the goals despite not being the first -choice penalty corner specialist.

Veteran defender Mohd Amin Rahim, who has been the top scorer in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) twice, is the first-choice penalty corner flicker.

Razie, 24, scored both the goals in the second match while Izwan Firdaus notched a field goal in the opening friendly in Perth.

And team manager Stephen van Huizen is clearly impressed with Razie’s penalty corner conversion rate.

“He took three of the penalty corners and scored two against Australia, who are the world and Olympic champions,’ said Stephen in a telephone interview.

“It will be a big boost to his confidence to have scored against a team like Australia, who have one of the best defences in the world.”

Razie’s performance could not have come at a better time as Malaysia are preparing for the Olympic qualifier in Dublin in March.

The other teams in the qualifier are Chile, Ukraine, Russia, South Korea and hosts Ireland. Only the winner of the qualifier will make the cut for the London Olympics in July.

Stephen also said that they have tried out all the 21 players in the two matches thus far.

“We are using the friendlies in Perth to look for the right combinations and to finalise the team for the Olympic qualifier,” said Stephen, who was also happy with the performance of goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin.

Malaysia will play their third and fourth friendly matches against Australia tomorrow and Saturday while the final outing will be against the visiting Dutch team on Sunday.

The Star of Malaysia

HBL, Wapda win, PIA-SSGC match drawn

Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI: Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and Wapda won their matches as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) played a draw in the 59th National Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) here on Monday.

Adeel Hussain scored a hat-trick in HBL’s 4-2 win against PHF Academy. Adeel scored in the second, 45th and 55th minutes as Aqeel Ahmed added another to the winner’s tally in the 20th minute. PHF Academy’s goals were scored by Mudassar Ali (65th min) and Mohammad Ali Bhatti (68th min).

Wapda beat Navy 3-1. Rehan Butt (39th min) and Aleem Bilal (42nd and 55th mins) scored for Wapda as Falak Zaman (58th min) reduced the margin for Navy.

PIA and SSGC drew 2-2. Captain Mohammad Zubair (13th and 41st mins) scored both the goals for PIA while Abbas Haider (22nd min) and Shabbir Ahmed Khan (57th min) got the goals for SSGC.

Tuesday’s fixtures: Navy v PQA (11.00am); Army v PAF (1.00pm); NBP v Wapda (3.00pm).

Dawn

‘Zia cannot contest POA elections from PHF platform’

Our Sports Reporter


Qasim Zia (L) and Asif Bajwa (R) addressing a pressing conference.—File photo

LAHORE: Ex-Olympian Naveed Alam has submitted an objection before the election commissioner of the Pakistan Olympic Association, raising objection that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Qasim Zia is not eligible to contest the elections of the POA president on the PHF platform.

In his plea, Naveed argued that as the elections of the PHF were not held fairly in 2009 and then election commissioner Rao Iftikhar did not issue the notification of Qasim Zia as elected PHF president and a case was still pending before the Lahore High Court, Qasim would not be allowed to contest the elections on the PHF platform.

However, he contended Qasim might contest the elections as an independent candidate in which the PHF will not be allowed to cast the votes.

The elections are being held on Feb 4.

Dawn

Women's Junior National Squads tour in April

Ashley Meunier

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The USA Women’s Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 Junior National Squads participated in a four-day training camp over two weekends in January at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. The camps featured the top junior field hockey athletes in the nation, that were selected to the Junior National Squads from Junior National Camp held last July at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.

The athletes came together for the first time since being selected to the Junior National Squads last summer. The Under-19 and Under-21 athletes arrived in San Diego, CA on Thursday, January 19 and participated in multiple on field training sessions as well as tactical and video analysis over the long weekend. The Under-17 Junior National Squad arrived the following weekend for an identical camp that is created to emulate the training environment of the Women’s National Team.

The top college coaches in the nation as well as National Team coaches and selectors were present and actively involved in the on-field and classroom training sessions. Kristin Holmes-Winn, Tracey Fuchs, Ryan Langford, Pam Bustin, Shellie Onstead and Paul Caddie lead the Under-19’s and Under-21’s through four days of intense training. Followed by Ainslee Lamb, Jill Reeve and Jarred Martin at the helm of the Under-17 camp. Missy Meharg and Justine Sowry were also present, alongside the Women’s National Team Assistant Coach, Nick Conway. The training camps allowed the young athletes to better understand the National Team training program and get a feel for life as an elite athlete at the Olympic Training Center.

The Junior National Squads have been revised for 2012 based on the selection committee that was in attendance at the camps. In addition, three teams of eighteen athletes each were selected from the new Junior National Squads to compete on tour in April.

The Under-21 Team will travel to England on March 31, to compete in four test matches against the Under-21 England National Team at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

The following athletes were selected to the England Tour Team: Kathleen McGraw (Iowa City, IA), Maddy Carpenter (Wilbraham, MA), Teresa Benvenuti (East Setauket, NY), Marta Malmberg (Marathon, NY), Ali McEvoy (Gilbertsville, Pa), Molly Murphy (Phoenixville, Pa) Julia Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa), Aileen Johnson (Oceanport, NJ), Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa), Emily Wold (Freehold, NJ), Abby Beltrani (East Setauket, NY), Maxine Fluharty (Millsboro, DE), Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, NJ), Michelle Cesan (New Vernon, NJ), Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa), Katie Gerzabek (Springfield, Pa), Nikki Parsley (Evanston, IL), Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa)

The Under-19 and Under-17 Squad will face the Under-19 and Under-17 Canadian National Teams in Canada for four test matches, April 1-8.

The following Under-19 athletes were selected to the Canada Tour Team: Hannah Barreca (Oceanport, NJ), Emma Bozek (Cortlandt Manor, NY), Alyssa Chillano (Phoenixville, Pa), Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa), Casey Dinardo (Virginia Beach, VA), Annabeth Donovan (Kennett Square, Pa), Jillian Genovese (Rockville, MD), Anya Gersoff, Kelsey Harbin (Escondido, CA), Lauren Hibshman (Allentown, Pa), Kelcie Hromisin (Larksville, Pa), Debi-Michelle Jantzen (Shoreham, NY), Sydney Kirby (Cleveland Heights, OH), Delaney Leathers (Virginia Beach, VA), Jordan Page (Denver, Pa), Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, MD), Meghan Plank (Glen Mills, Pa), Rachel Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa)

The following Under-17 athletes were selected to the Canada Tour Team: Chandler Ackers (White Haven, Pa), Alexa Mackintire 9Shrewsbury, MA), Kate Barber (Dardenne Prairie, MO), Gianna Bensaia (Yorktown Heights, NY), Kristy Bernatchez (Belgrade, ME), Catherine Caro (Martinsville, NJ), Carly Celkos (Belin, NJ), Isabella Delario (Rehoboth Beach, DE), Montana Fleming (Delran, NJ), Ymke Gote (Amstelveen), Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa), Shannon Johnson (Oceanport, NJ), Nina Klein (Topten, Pa), Eryn McCoy (Lititz, Pa), Emily McCoy (Lititz, Pa), Gabrielle Major (Royersford, Pa), Simone Vagnoni (Collegeville, Pa), Julia Young (Yorktown, VA)

To view the Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 Women’s Junior National Squads, click here.

USFHA media release