Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Reporter ISLAMABAD:-Netherlands thrashed Argentina 3-1 in the final of the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2022 at the Estadio Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain, as Australia outplayed Germany 2-1 in the third position contest at the same venue before final. Argentina vs Netherlands beat Argentina 3-1 (Final): There were tears at the national anthems with some athletes knowing this was their final match for their country. Belen Succi and Marloes Keetels have already announced this is their last outing in the national shirt but there were other players fighting back the emotions ahead of this highly anticipated final. Argentina had the very early pressure with two penalty corners in the first minute. Keetels, who was wearing the captain's armband, stopped the first off the line and the second saw Austina Gorzelany put her shot high over the crossbar. Netherlands first meaningful attack came through the speed and skill of Felice Albers. However, Gorzelany is not just a scoring machine; on this occasion she showed all her defensive ability to steal the ball from Albers' stick. The first quarter ended goalless with both teams having enjoyed a smattering of attempts but neither side having edged ahead in terms of shots on goal or possession. One minute into the second quarter and Albers strode forward to intercept a high aerial thrown by Valentina Costa. Her movement into the circle forced a foul and subsequent penalty corner. It was the opening the reigning champions were waiting for. Yibbi Jansen shot and Maria Verschoor was on hand to slot the ball past Belen Succi to give the team an invaluable goal lead. The difference between the two teams at this point was that the Netherlands were playing quickly but Argentina were doing everything in a rush. Netherlands second goal came via the route one approach. Pien Sanders threw a fabulous aerial. Laurien Leurink collected and threaded a pass to Frederique Matla. Matla put the ball high into Succi's net. The half-time break could not have come quick enough for Argentina as they held on to see out the threat of two penalty corners on the stroke of half-time, with Belen Succi sustaining an injury in the process. Argentina came out for the second half determined to cut the Dutch lead but in their search for a goal the team lost their composure. No such problem existed for the Netherlands. The third goal was a supremely confident piece of team work topped by some sheer individual brilliance. Eve de Goede and Sanders played the ball out of defence with a series of intricate little 'give and go' passes, then released the ball to Albers who carved her way through the Argentina midfield and defence before shooting past Succi. One minute into the fourth quarter and Albertarrio showed that she wasn't giving up the fight. The forward won the penalty corner and Gorzelany sent the ball high into Josine Koning's goal. This galvanised Las Leonas and there was a lot of forward motion. The problem was that the team wasn't connecting and too many passes went astray or were sent hopefully towards the Dutch circle. The Netherlands weathered the Argentina storm and won another penalty corner. Eva de Goede thought she had scored a goal to mark her return to the team but the whistle had gone and the midfielder was denied. Player of the Match Felice Albers (NED) said: 'It is a great feeling. I am so proud of our team. This was the best version of our team. We were the best team today and that was our best game of the tournament.' Australia beat Germany 2-1 (3rd place): After their breakneck start against Argentina the previous day, Germany started at a slightly less frenetic pace in the bronze medal match. This translated into a more structured performance from the European team but with few opportunities to put the Australia defence under attack. That all changed in the 14th minute when Hanna Granitski found Lena Micheel with a beautiful pass that dissected the midfield. Micheel ghosted through the defence and her running shot flew past Jocelyn Bartram into the Australia goal. The second quarter saw Australia finding their feet in the game to a greater degree. Stephanie Kershaw, who has had an excellent World Cup, was instrumental in driving the team forwards. Her through balls to the forwards were asking questions of the German defence. The first penalty corner of the match went Germany's way after some good work by Micheel and Nike Lorenz. Goalkeeper Bartram and her defence dealt with the penalty corner attempt well. That was the only real scoring chance in the second quarter as both sides struggled to find a way past two well coached defensive units. Australia's first real chance came when they broke through the middle of the pitch early in the second quarter. Again it was Kershaw who started the move and her pass found Rosie Malone. The forward had eyes only for the goal as she sprinted forward but she was met by German goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski who blocked Malone's run until the defence were able to recover. German countered quickly as Pia Maertens broke through and only had Bartram to beat. The Australian goalkeeper read the move brilliantly and made a fantastic save to keep her team in the match. Australia thought they had got back into the game just before the break at the end of the third quarter. A sustained period of play led to a penalty corner but Maertens was fulfilling her defensive roles as much as her attacking ones and she picked the ball from mid-air as it was headed goalwards from a Renee Taylor shot. Germany started the final quarter at top pace as they sought to build on their narrow 1-0 lead. Two penalty corners gave them opportunities from the top of the D, but Australia's defence held strong. That strong defence paid dividends a few minutes later when Stephanie Kershaw bullishly made her way through the German defence and created enough space to shoot past Kubalski and bring the scores level with just over 10 minutes left to play. In a sub-story to the match a dual was emerging between Bartram and Maertens as the goalkeeper denied the attacking midfielder on a number of occasions, including two quite amazing saves in the fourth quarter. Australia took the lead with five minutes left when Kershaw popped up to pounce onto a shot from Claire Colwill. The whole move had started with the sterling work of Amy Lawton, who had been driving the team forwards throughout the match. Germany instantly removed their goalkeeper to get an on-field player advantage but it was to no avail as Australia kept their cool and composure to run the clock down to deny a German revival and to seal the bronze medal. Player of the Match Jocelyn Bartram (AUS) said: 'I feel just so elated. That was a tough game and Germany were a tough opponent but we stuck to our processes and pulled through. I have been working hard in the past few years to get my chance but my teammates deserve the credit because they always have my back.' Individual Awards: Odisha Best Player Award: Maria Granatto (ARG) Best Junior Player: Charlotte Engelbert (BEL) Best Goalkeeper: Belen Succi (ARG) Hero Top goalscorer: Agustina Gorzelany (ARG) - 8 goals (7 pc & 1 ps)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-After two weeks of intense competition, it is the final that so many hockey fans have been looking to with keen anticipation. Netherlands overcame a strong and impressive challenge from Australia, while Argentina and Germany couldn't be separated in one of the most entertaining matches of recent times. It took the cruel ending of a shoot-out to send Las Leonas to a date with Oranje at the Estadio Olimpic de Terrassa on Sunday. Netherlands are seeking an impressive ninth title, while two-time champions Argentina will look to win the trophy for the first time since 2010. If the two semi-finals were anything to go by, the final should be an amazing showcase for the sport. Australia and Germany, who both deserve plaudits for their performances in the semi-finals, will be battling for a bronze medal. Netherlands beat Australia 1-0 (Semi-final): It was all even at the end of the first 15 minutes of the semi-final between Netherlands and Australia, although much of the action had taken place at the Australia defensive end of the pitch. While Anne Veenendaal was largely a spectator, she might have been surprised to see some of her team mates failing to show their usual high levels of performance, with passes going off target and some poor decisions being made. Towards the end of the opening quarter the Netherlands began to play their flowing game but Australia's harrying style was disrupting their play. The second quarter began with a beautiful interchange between Eva de Goede, Pien Sanders and Lidewij Welten. This might have acted as a warning to the Hockeyroos but they had ambitions of their own and Rosie Malone caused Veenendaal to react when she unleashed a shot high at the Dutch goal. The Australia defence, particularly Stephanie Kershaw and Karri Somerville, were putting in a shift as they stepped up on the Dutch attack and forced some unusual errors from the Dutch attacking force. The first penalty corner was won by the Netherlands in the 28th minute. The shot from Laurien Leurink was saved by Renee Taylor on the post and cleared to safety. The second half started with a second penalty corner for the Netherlands. It was won by Lidewij Welten, who had emerged from the break with a hugely determined look. Frederique Matla's shot was chased down but a re-award was given after it struck a foot. Jocelyn Bartram made a tremendous save to keep the scores level. A super solo run by Welten in the 42nd minute led to the Netherlands' 11th penalty corner attempt. Harriet Shand was the defender who prevented Welten from unleashing a shot, but Frederique Matla made no mistake from the top of the D as she sent the ball flying past Bartram into the right hand corner of her goal. A lovely interchange between Felice Albers and Maria Verschoor nearly put the game completely beyond Australia's reach in the 55th minute but the final shot fizzed past the post. A final chance for Australia came in the 59th minute as Australia won their second penalty corner. But this was the Netherlands in close-out mood and the threat was averted. Australia threatened to the final moment but the sole goal from Matla sealed the Netherlands' passage Argentina beat Germany 2-2 (4-2-Semi-final): It was just 23 seconds into the game when Germany took the lead, scoring from their first penalty corner as Die Danas set off at a blistering pace. The passionate pre-match team talk from Anne Schroeder had fired the team up and Sonja Zimmermann placed the shot perfectly for Hanna Granitzki to deflect past Belen Succi in the Argentina goal. Argentina raced up the pitch instantly but the resulting shot from the counter attack saw Victoria Granatto just miss the goal. However, seconds later, Granatto was at it again and her skill won Las Leonas their first penalty corner. Cecile Pieper ran out bravely to block Agustina Gorzelany's shot. The quarter continued at a frenetic pace with Selin Oruz for Germany showing superb 3D skills as she lifted the ball and shot straight into Succi. At the other end, Delfina Thome showed mesmerising skill to get round the defence but her shot was saved by Julia Sonntag. The quarter which began so dramtically ended in equally dramatic fashion. Argentina referred a decision and were awarded a penalty corner, which Agustina Gorzelany converted to take her to the top of the goalscoring table with seven goals in total throughout the tournament. The second quarter showed no sign of being any less entertaining and it was largely Germany showing the creativity. First Anne Schroeder vollied a ball into the goal but it was disallowed. Then Charlotte Stapenhorst showed incredible awareness as she tried to lift the ball over Succi. That attempt just crept over the cross bar. Jette Fleschutz tried to get in on the action but her shot also flew high. The next goal came from the quick thinking of Sofia Toccalino. Germany had switched off after a foul and Toccalino ran the ball into the circle and flung it goalwards. In true forwards' style Agustina Albertarrio claimed the final touch. The second half began with Argentina looking more in control. Some of the creativity had seeped from the German attack, although the German defence was looking really focused and was coping really well with all that Argentina threw their way. The game swung again at the end of the third quarter when a marvellous finish from Charlotte Stapenhorst brought Germany level. Germany had enjoyed some sustained pressure and when Anne Schroeder entered the circle and shot at goal, it was Stapenhorst who reacted first to pick the ball from midair and send it over Succi.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A slick three-pass move that finished with Victoria Granatto slipping the ball past Maddie Hinch was the sole goal in a fascinating encounter between Argentina and England. While Las Leonas dominated possession, England put up a stalwart defence and were it not for two moments of goalkeeping brilliance from Belen Succi could have taken the game to shoot-out. Argentina will now face Germany in the semi-finals.  The second quarter-final had a heap of expectation riding on it as the fans poured into the stadium to cheer on the host nation Spain. That hope was dented early as Australia scored in the third minute. Spain never stopped believing but a second goal meant the Red Sticks had a mountain to climb and it was not their day to achieve miracles. Argentina will now play Germany, while Australia will face the reigning champions Netherlands in the semi-finals on Saturday 16 July. In the earlier matches, Korea and India ended their World Cup campaigns with wins as they signed off with storng performances. Korea went toe-to-toe with a resilient Canada and then held their nerve in the shoot-out. India withstood an early Japan surge and then found a flowing style of play that had eluded them for most of the tournament. Canada vs Korea (13-16 place) In the sweltering heat of Terrassa, Canada and Korea went head to head in the battle for 13th place. There were personal milestones for stalwarts of both teams. For Canada, Sara McManus was playing her 200th cap, while Korea's Cho Hyejon was celebrating 100 international caps. Both teams had good moments in the opening quarter although Korea looked the more dangerous towards the end of the 15 minutes. Twice, the Asian team created chances for a tap-in at each post after some good build-up play. On both occasions the ball placement was perfect but the recipient just failed to make contact. The second quarter was much the same, with both teams working hard to maintain possession but just failing to find the final, killer pass. Canada won a penalty corner but failed to convert, while Korea tended to spend a lot of time building up play but made very little inroad into the Canada circle. Going into the fourth quarter, neither team had really looked close to scoring and there was a growing tension as time ticked on. Brienne Stairs made some strong runs along the Korea baseline but again was unable to find her usual deft, goalscoring touch. Korea won their first penalty corner in the 50th minute. Karli Johansen timed a tackle all wrong and Korea sensed a chance to break the deadline. Johansen made up for her error as she dived full length to divert the ball away from the danger area. It was perhaps inevitable that the match would go to shoot-out. Neither team seemed to be prepared to take risks in order to go for the win, so it was a cagey game throughout. Throughout this tournament both Lee Jinmin and Rowan Harris, in the Korea and Canada goals respectively, have been super when under pressure. Today it was Lee Jinmin who really shone as she made two saves and ensured that Korea won the shoot-out. India vs Japan (9-12th place)   This was a well-contested match between two rivals who know each other well. Japan started the more brightly of the two teams, and were rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute from Asai Yu. The build-up play to that point had been very neat and creative from the Japanese team, with lots of 3D skills and high energy. India also had their opportunities in the opening 30 minutes, Nisha was proving a scourge to the Japanese defence and Navneet continued to show why she is such a respected forward. With four minutes left before half-time, India really began to pile on the pressure with a well disciplined press. This led to a penalty corner but Gurjit Kaur sent the shot just wide. More great work from Monika and Navneet earned the next penalty corner. Japan were defending with everything they had, with Suzuki Miyu and Oikawa Shihori foiling the India attack time and again. The breakthrough came from Navneet. She was fed the ball by Nisha, after some good build-up work by Jyoti. Navneet received the ball, turned and shot with venom past Nakamura Eika in the Cherry Blossom's goal. That goal seemed to lift the tension in the India team and they began to play with the flowing passing and moving that is the Eves at their best. A penalty corner gave Grace the chance to take the lead: her shot flew firnly over the sprawling Nakamura into the goal. Navneet added to that on the cusp of quarter time and it was clear that India had finally found their groove. Argentina vs England (quarter-final) The blisteringly hot pitch in Terrassa was the scene of the first quarter-final of the day, but the temperature didn't put any sort of brake on the tempo of the Argentina or England players. While the Argentina team had the lion's share of possession in the opening quarter, England had set up a defence that wasn't going to let anyone past easily. England didn't help themselves with some cheaply given away balls but fortunately for them the Argentina forwards were struggling to get their shots on target. The second quarter saw both teams create scoring chances. While England's forwards did test Belen Succi and her defence, it was the England defence who were under the far greater pressure. As the game progressed Eugenia Trincinetti and Sofia Toccalino began to have far greater influence and were launching attacks on England from the midfield. It was all square at the break. Argentina had dominated possession but Maddie Hinch in the England goal would have been surprised at how few saves she had needed to make. The third quarter had everything except goals. Both teams were playing high tempo, skilful hockey but the goals just weren't coming. Izzy Petter came close to diverting a cross from Shona McCallin as England began to find their feet in the game. It was a super piece of running by Toccalino that finally got a breakthrough. Toccalino played the ball to Rocio Sanchez, who then slipped it to Victoria Granatto. The elder Granatto sister slipped it past Maddie Hinch, much to the delight of Las Leonas and their fans. Argentina then won the first penalty corner of the match. Agustina Gorzelany's shot was chased down by Izzy Petter and Hollie Pearne-Webb cleared the ball to Hannah Martin for an England counter attack. With just under three minutes left, England removed their goalkeeper to get a on-field advantage. The tactic paid off instantly as England won a penalty corner. Giselle Ansley flung a shot at the Argentina goal but Succi was well up to the challenge and made the crucial save. There was one last chance as Lily Owsley drove along the line and slipped to Sophie Hamilton. Sharp as a knife, Belen Succi was onto the ball and there were tears of pain from England and joy from Las Leonas as they realised they had made it to the semi-finals and a clash with Germany. the moment was doubly sweet for Agustina Albertarrio as she celebrated 200 caps for Las Leonas. Spain vs Australia (quarter-final) Australia got off to the best of starts when Renee Taylor's straight strike from a penalty corner gave the Hockeyroos the lead in the third minute. Just a minute later and Jocelyn Bartram in the Australia goal pulled off a crucial save from a Xantal Gine penalty corner strike. The quarter was frenetic and entertaining. Australia were playing the ball around the pitch with composure and this was in stark contrast to the Spanish style of quick passing, largely through the creative midfield dynamo Georgina Oliva. Spain's best chance in the quarter fell to Laura Barrios when three quick passes put the player in front of the Australia goal. Her shot was blocked by Bartram. The second quarter saw Spain gain confidence across the pitch and we witnessed two very different styles of play. Australia were swinging the ball around the pitch, driving forwards from the wide channels; Spain, by contrast, were playing intricate passes through the centre of the field. At the end of the quarter, Melanie Garcia made a fabulous diving save to prevent Hannah Cullum-Sanders scoring her first senior goal. Australia extended their lead and Taylor extended her personal tally in the 41st minute when she scored a second penalty corner goal. This time the strike was high past Garcia's shoulder. The keeper had conceded the corner after clearing the ball dangerously. The final few minutes of the quarter saw Spain working furiously to get back on terms but Australia's defence was solid and the teams went to the third quarter break with Spain knowing they had a mountain to climb. As the last 15 minutes counted down and Spain were unable to breach the Hockeyroos' defence, Jane Claxton knew she would be celebrating her 200th cap with a win and a place in the semi-finals against the Netherlands.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-After a day of contrasting matches we know who two of the semi-finallists are to be. First Germany put in a workmanlike performance to outplay New Zealand, then Netherlands and Belgium played out a scintillatng match, which the Netherlands edged in the final quarter. In the earlier matches, China finished their campaign with a win over Ireland, and Chile continued to win friends across the international community as they celebrated their first win at a Women's World Cup. This was the final day of action at the Wagener Stadium, with the remaining matches all taking place in the Estadi Olimpic in the Spanish city of Terrassa. Results (12 July 2022) All matches played at the Wagener Stadium (NED) South Africa 0, Chile 1 Player of the Match: Manuela Urroz (CHI) Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) Laurine Delforge (BEL - video) Ireland 1, China 3 Player of the Match: Umpires:Emi Yamada (JPN), Annelize Rostron (RSA) Irene Presenqui (ARG - video) New Zealand 0, Germany 1 Player of the Match: Nike Lorenz (GER) Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Wanri Venter (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA - video) Netherlands 2, Belgium 1 Player of the Match: Freeke Moes (NED) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Annelize Rostron (RSA - video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It was tense and dramatic to the very end in both of today's matches in the 9-16th place matches. First Japan waited until the final second of the game to break Korea's hearts and then India hauled Canada back, first in the dying minutes of the match and then in the shoot-out to win their first match of the World Cup. Japan vs Korea (9-16 place) It was an entertaining first half of hockey between these two Asian rivals. Japan had the lion's share of possession for the earlier part of the quarter but Korea began to get the measure of the fast passing and nimble movement of Japan and started to create their own pressure. Korea have their goal keeper Lee Jinmin to thank for not going a goal down early in the game. The keeper has gained plaudits throughout the tournament and her triple save was a masterclass is agility. Japan took the lead in the 18th minute when Kobayakawa Shiho wriggled through the Korea defence and created enough space to fire home a lovely reverse stick shot that even Lee Jinmin couldn't save. Korea replied swiftly. A penalty corner led to a straight strike from Jung CheYoung, the ball flew with force into the Japan goal, past Nakamura Eika. Kim Seon should have given Korea the lead in the second half but, faced with only the goalkeeper to beat, after some fantastic stick work from Kim Jeong In to get the ball to her, Kim Seon mis-hit and the ball flew wide. This handed Japan the momentum and they capitalised through a penalty corner. Emi Nishikori was in the right place to collect the rebound from the initial strike. In the first minute of the final quarter Cheon Eunbi had a golden opportunity to score for Korea but the captain was just unable to turn the ball enough to steer it into the goal, after it had been crossed across the face of the goal towards her. That missed opportunity galvanised Cheon Eunbi and a few minutes later she danced her way through the Japan defence to earn her team a penalty corner. Once again Jung CheYoung stepped up and fired the ball straight at Nakamura, who will be disappointed with her failure to stop the shot. With the scores at 2-2, Japan really began to exert some pressure. Kaho Tanaka had a shot stopped at point blank rnage by Kim Eunji, who had replaced Lee Jinmin in the Korea goal. Seconds later and Mai Toriyama was tormenting the Korea defence with her skills. Japan won a series of penalty corners but the injection was slow and so the Korea defence dealt with the threat with ease. The match looked destined to go to shoot-out. However, hockey is a sport where goals can come at any moment and this was no exception. With less than a second on the clock, Japan scored from their third consecutive penalty corner and snatched victory just before the whistle blew. The scorer was Hazaki Nagai, although the ball took a cruel deflection from the first runner. Canada vs India (9-16th place) Both teams came to this match looking for their first win of the competition. For India, the disappointment of losing to Spain just the previous evening looked to be hanging heavy on the minds of the athletes as they prepared for the first quarter. After soaking up heaps of pressure from the fast-passing India forward line, Canada raced to the other end of the pitch and actually ended up with the ball in the back of the India net. Unfortunately the whistle had just gone for a penalty corner and Natalie Sourisseau was forced to adapt her attempt as the injection was just off target. Canada went one better a few minutes later as they won another penalty corner. This time the variation created confusion among the India defence and after the ball pinged to Kathleen Leahy, she slipped it to Madeline Secco who got the final touch. At the start of the second quarter, it was again India who came out stronger. Monika, in particular, was using her array of 3D skills to get past the Canada defence. Rowan Harris in the Canada goal was urging her team to maintain focus. As the game moved towards half-time, India really began to pour energy into their attacks. Navneet, Neha and Vandana were now all moving with freedom and Canada were very much on the back foot. After the break, India continued to pile on the pressure, with Lalremsiami making some speedy forays into the Canada circle. The north American side held firm, with Sara McManus and Hannah Haughn putting in some serious shifts breaking down the India attacks. This was particularly impressive from Haughn, who is only recently returned from an ACL injury. With four minutes left in the third quarter, Canada were content to soak up the pressure and wait for the chance to break. For India, there was more frustration creeping into their game as they just failed to make the connections that would turn their much superior possession into an all-important goal. A penalty corner with two minutes left in the third saw a shot from Grace which was well saved by Harris and another India chance came and went. From a Candian perspective, the fourth quarter was exhausting and tense as the team withstood wave after wave of Indian pressure. As Navneet and Tete Salima started to really run at the Canadian defence, Karli Johansen, McManus and just about every member of the Candian team dug deep to protect their 1-0 lead. For Gurjit Kaur there was added frustration when she was unable to convert a series of penalty corners. The shots had all the usual power but they flew either wide or were chased down Sourisseau as the Canadian number one runner.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-England and Spain progressed through to the quarter-finals after two hugely contrasting matches. England put in a measured and composed performance to beat Korea convincingly. Spain, on the other hand, kept an engrossed home crowd on tenterhooks until the 57th minute. Earlier in the day, Ireland beat a fatigued-looking South Africa, while China's penalty corner routines finally wore down a resilient Chile side. Ireland will now meet China on 12 July in their final match of the World Cup. South Africa and Chile will also play their final matches on the same day. In the quarter-finals England now travel to Terrassa to face Argentina, while Spain will face Australia – the team they beat to bronze in the 2018 FIH Women's World Cup. Quarter-final line-up New Zealand vs Germany Netherlands vs Belgium Argentina vs England Australia vs Spain Results (July 9, 2022): Ireland 2, South Africa 0 Player of the Match: Roisin Upton (IRL) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Irene Presenqui (ARG), Laurine Delforge (BEL-video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) China 3, Chile 0 Player of the Match: Ma Ning (CHN) Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA), Wanri Venter (RSA-video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa (ESP) England 5, Korea 0 Player of the Match: Eleanor Rayer (ENG) Umpires: Ayanna McClean (TTO), Alison Keogh (IRL), Michelle Meister (GER-video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa (ESP) Spain 1, India 0 Player of the Match: Georgina Oliva (ESP) Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO), Amber Church (NZL), Ivona Makar (CRO-video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pool B was tight to the very end as all four teams began the day with every chance of winning the pool or failing to qualify. In the end, it was a workmanlike performance from England that consigned China to the 13-16th place play-offs, with New Zealand running out winners of the Pool after beating India in a thrilling match. Pool D was a more straightforward affair, with Pool leaders Argentina stamping their authority with a comprehensive win over fourth-placed Canada. Spain took the second spot after a win over Korea. The results mean that New Zealand and Argentina join Netherlands and Australia in getting a few days rest as they qualify directly to the quarter-finals. In the cross-over matches, England will play Korea and India take on Spain. China will play the loser of Belgium versus Chile and Canada will play either Spain or India. Results (July 7) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) England 2, China 0 Player of the Match: Lily Owsley (ENG) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Wanri Venter (RSA), Emi Yamada (JPN-video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) Argentina 7, Canada 1 Player of the Match: Victoria Granatto (ARG) Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Ivona Makar (CRO), Hannah Harrison (ENG - video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) India 3, New Zealand 4 Player of the Match: Brooke Roberts (NZL) Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Kang Hyun Young (KOR), Aleisha Neumann (AUS-video). Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP) Spain 4, Korea 1 Player of the Match: Sara Barrios Umpires:  Amber Church (NZL), Tan Cookie (SGP) Kelly Hudson (NZL-video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Another action packed day has revealed the first two teams to qualify straight through to the quarter-finals. As winners of Pool A and D respectively, Netherlands and Australia will now have a break while the knockout round is contested. As second in Pool A, Germany will face South Africa, who finished in third position in Pool D. The lowest ranked team in the tournament, Chile, will take on Belgium, who finished in second place in Pool D. Ireland's dreams of repeating their 2018 exploits was dashed by a businesslike performance by Germany. Netherlands won their third game to top Pool A but Chile won the hearts of the spectators – and in the case of Francisca Tala, a marriage proposal from her boyfriend –  with their defiant performance against the reigning champions. South Africa kept Australia to a 2-1 scoreline, thus consigning Japan to join Ireland in the 13-16th place play-offs. The Cherry Blossoms had fallen victim to a revitalised Belgium earlier in the day. Germany beat Ireland 3-0(Pool A) Ireland went into their must-win match against Germany full of energy, high spirits and an indomitable will to keep their World Cup dreams on track. For their part, Germany's main concern was to ensure at least a second place finish in the pool and to put their earlier defeat at the hands of the Netherlands behind them. From the start, Ireland's captain Katy Mullan was leading by example, hassling and harrying the German defence, but Germany started with composure, both in attack and defence. Neither side managed to get a breakthrough in the first quarter and, in fact, there were only three attempts at goal in the first 15 minutes – one for Ireland and two for Germany. The breakthrough came for Germany in the 24th minute. Nike Lorenz showed her accuracy and power from the top of the circle as she sent a penalty corner drag flick flying into the net, helped on its way by the tip of Ayeisha McFerran's boot. Ireland began the second half as brightly as they had started the first half, but once again they failed to make chances count. Gemany extended their lead in the 37th minute when Charotte Stapenhorst was on hand to slot the ball home after Kira Horn had cleverly slipped the ball to her after a strong dribble along the baseline. Head Coach Sean Dancer removed Ayeisha McFerran for the start of the fourth quarter in an attempt to gain an advantage and pull the goals back. Zara Malseed came close to answering Dancer's call but her shot was beautifully saved by Nathalie Kubalski in the German goal. The Irish defence stood very strong against the German onslaught and managed to keep a handful of penalty corners out of the goal. However, a penalty stroke put the final tick on a German victory. Sonja Zimmermann stepped up to put the ball past McFerran, who had returned to the pitch for the stroke. Germany had one stroke saved at the very end of the match but by then it was all over for the Irish team. Belgium beat Japan 3-0 (Pool D) The first quarter between Japan and Belgium was really well matched and both teams could have snuck an early goal. However, at 15 minutes it was still 0-0 and there was a sense of edginess creeping into the Belgium team in particular. This manifested itself in a number of missed opportunities or poor decisions across the team. The nerves were settled a little in the 24th minute when Stephanie Vanden Borre scored a trademark penalty corner drag flick, which was so quick that Eika Nakamura couldn't react. That was the only goal before half-time and the narrow lead still didn't seem to have filled the Red Panthers with confidence. Japan desperately needed a goal, because even if they couldn't win this game, they could still finish ahead of South Africa if the goal difference was favourable. Belgium's lead was doubled by Vanden Borre in the 40th minute, almost a mirror of the first. Super skills from Charlotte Engelbert won the corner and Vanden Borre scored her fourth of the tournament and second of the game. Belgium's lead was extended four minutes later when Ambre Ballenghein made it 3-0, also scoring from a penalty corner. All of Belgium's penalty corner goals were scored in Japan's left hand corner of the goal. As heavy rain poured down in Terrassa, there were no further goals although Belgium's Louise Versavel in particular was pushing hard to add to the scoreline. Netherlands beat Chile 3-1 (Pool B) It was the team ranked number one in the world against the team ranked 15th but Chile took to the pitch determined not to let the occasion overwhelm them. Chile's task was made a shade harder because captain Camila Caram had received a one-match ban and so was watching the match unfold from the stands. And she would have been delighted with her team's performance in the opening half of the match. The Chile defence, bolstered by a courageous goalkeeping display from Claudia Schuler, kept the Netherlands at bay until the 14th minute. A rebound from a Frederique Matla penalty corner was tapped in by Lidewij Welten to send the home side into the break 1-0 up. After the break the Netherlands continued to pile on the pressure, with Felice Albers and Matla among the Dutch players causing problems for Chile. However, the South American side refused to read the script and in the 21st minute Francisca Tala received a beautiful pass from Paula Valvida right in front of the Netherlands' goal. She made no mistake as she sent the ball past Anne Veenendaal. The Dutch continued to push forwards from that point, but found the Chile defence in determined mood and at the half-way mark the scores were level. The Netherlands came out with huge intensity and nearly went ahead within two minutes of the restart. Xan de Waard struck a shot at goal. Natalia Salvador, who had replaced Schuler in goal, saved the first shot and then recovered to also save Maria Verschoor's rebounded shot. It took until three minutes from the end of the third quarter for the Dutch to regain the lead. Yibbi Jansen was the architect of the goal. Her perfectly placed shot was so hard that, although Salvador got a stick to it, it just kept travelling. In the fourth quarter, the Dutch hit the next gear as they went for the goal that would give them air between them and their opponents. Xan de Waard sped up the pitch with the ball before releasing it to Jansen. She fired it into the circle and Maria Verschoor connected, only to find Salvador in her way. A penalty corner from Jansen was well saved again by Salvador but then the crowd erupted when Laurien Leurink sent a pass to Eve de Goede and she scored her first goal since her return from long-term injury. The goal itself was a thing of beauty: de Geode took the ball wide and then struck a reverse stick shot high into the Chile goal. Australia beat South Africa 2-1(Pool D) On the day Mariah Williams celebrated her 100th cap, Australia and South Africa engaged in a fast, frenetic and entertaining match. Ahead of the game, Australia needed just a draw to win the pool, while South Africa could not afford to lose by a three goal margin as that would mean Japan would take third place in the pool. Australia took the lead in the eighth minute through a powerful penalty corner strike from Penny Squibb. This was after a number of acrobatic saves from South Africa's goalkeeper Phumelela Mbande but even she couldn't keep Sqibb's shot out. Five minutes later and it was South Africa's turn to make a penalty corner count. The corner was won through the sheer determination of Onthatile Zulu, who was causing mayhem in the Australia circle with her speedy, darting movements. Lilian du Plessis delivered the shot that squeezed past Jocelyn Bartram in the Australia goal. In the second quarter Australia began to turn the screw on the South Africa defence. Rosie Malone missed the goal from close range but made up for the error seconds later when she unerringly struck a rebounded penalty corner after Grace Stewart had hit the post. The second half saw Australia start sharply, with Rebecca Greiner in particular piling on the pressure. Unfortunately Greiner was a little too exuberant and received a green card but her team mates continued to push forwards and Hannah Cullum-Sanders won her team a penalty stroke when she was fouled on route to goal. Williams, perhaps conscious that this was her 100th cap, stepped up to take the stroke but put the ball wide.  Despite their domination of possession and a higher number of penalty corner opportunities, Australia were unable to find team connections so, while South Africa couldn't find the net, for the sake of their goal difference, they didn't concede any goals either. The early stages of the final quarter was driven by South Africa. They won a penalty corner, which was well cleared and then the best chance of the final quarter fell to Bernadette Coston. The captain was perfectly positioned in front of the Hockeyroos' goal but she just failed to connect to the cross from Jean-Leigh du Toit.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Chile’s captain Camila Caram has been suspended for one match for having breached the FIH Code of Conduct (Appendix 4 of the FIH Tournament Regulations for the FIH Hockey Women´s World Cup 2022; 2.2.f: „Reckless physical contact between players in the course of play“) in the 57th minute of today’s match between Ireland and Chile. The player was given the possibility to express her views of the incident at a hearing conducted by FIH Assistant Technical Delegate Christian Deckenbrock, who is in charge of Disciplinary matters for the matches taking place in the Wagener Stadium. It’s worth noting that Camila Caram’s attitude at the hearing was very good. Chile’s captain will miss her team’s next match vs the Netherlands scheduled on 6 July.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Lausanne, Switzerland: Nerves were fully on display in the fourth day of Women's World Cup action in Amstelveen and Terrassa. In the opening match, Chile won a war of attrition with Ireland to record their first ever World Cup win. The next match was a clash between two teams who couldn't be separated as China and India played out a high tempo game that only produced two goals but was a fascinating encounter from start to finish. If the first two matches were tense, the third match, between Japan and South Africa was thrilling as the African team, led by Onathatile Zulu, completed a great escape after going three-nil down in the first half. New Zealand went into a 3-1 lead over England and held onto that lead with a defiant display of defending. And in the final match of the day Australia stunned Belgium with two quick goals that took the Red Panthers by surprise. Pools: Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Results: Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) Match #12 Ireland 0, Chile 1 Player of the Match: Manuela Urroz (CHI) Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Wanri Venter (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA-video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) Match #13 India 1, China 1 Player of the Match: Katariya Vandana (IND) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) Irene Presenqui (ARG - video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP) Match #14 Japan 3, South Africa 3 Player of the Match: Onthatile Zulu (RSA) Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Cookie Tan (SGP), Michele Meister (GER- video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) Match #15 England 1, New Zealand 3 Player of the Match: Katie Doar (NZL) Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Emi Yamada (JPN), Laurine Delforge (BEL-video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP) Match #16 Belgium 0, Australia 2 Player of the Match: Stephanie Kershaw (AUS) Umpires:  Kelly Hudson (NZL), Hannah Harrison (ENG) Michi Meister (GER-video)