Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports Desk): With a full crowd in attendance, the top two women’s teams in the world went head-to-head at Santiago del Estero Hockey Club. The Netherlands came out on top, 3-2, despite a strong performance from Argentina. The Argentina men broke a 60-minute stalemate with a penalty corner goal to defeat Ireland, 1-0.(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 3 Netherlands: Clashing for the first time since their semifinal match-up in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and the Netherlands gave fans a show. The Oranje started off hot, but after a few minutes, Argentina was able to find their footing and keep it for the rest of the contest. The first shot of the match – a drag flick attempt by Agustina Gorzalaney – did not come until ten minutes in, and Argentina was unable to convert. In the 13th minute, the ball slipped through a line of Argentina defense and Luna Fokke put the Netherlands on the board. Soon after, the Oranje had their first penalty corner, but the drag flick by Frédérique Matla was saved by Cristina Cosentino.A well-disciplined Netherlands side found their next set piece opportunity five minutes into the second frame. Jansen’s flick found the back of the net, doubling the lead for the Oranje. The quarter was not absent of Argentina attempts, as shots by Maria Granatto and Zoe Diaz were stopped by goalkeeper Josine Koning. The hosts broke through at minute 26 when Eugenia Trinchinetti sent a cross from the righthand side of the circle that was finished in cage by Brisa Bruggesser. Despite first half possession and shots in favor of Argentina, it would be the Netherlands leading 2-1 at halftime.Play looked inspired in the third, particularly from Argentina, with the energy of a home crowd behind them. It was then a devastating blow for Las Leonas when the Netherlands took advantage of a chance up the field with just one minute remaining in the quarter. A little aerial skill past the defender and quick shot by Renee van Laarhoven was tapped in by Fay van der Elst. Gorzelany put Argentina back within reach with a penalty stroke goal in the final seconds of the frame.The fourth quarter was full of energy and chances but void of any goals. In the 52nd minute, Argentina won the first penalty corner since the first quarter, but Koning saved the shot. As time ticked down, all eyes were on Argentina’s Valentina Raposo, who was unable to convert off her set piece shot in the final minutes.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 0 Ireland: Argentina and Ireland went head-to-head in a defensive battle. No real momentum developed for either side in the opening quarter, despite several opportunities on goal. A shot from Nicholas Keenan called Ireland goalkeeper James Milliken into action five minutes in, as he cleared the ball out wide. Argentina goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz withstood his first test in his first international cap, shutting down a high strike from Conor Empey.The second frame would be another quiet one. Los Leones looked more comfortable with play after a hesitant first quarter, spending more time in their attacking 23 and seeing a shot wide from Tomas Domene. The half concluded with the scoreline still at zero.Argentina missed out on a few good chances early in the third quarter, starting with a ball to Lucas Martinez at the post. At minute 32, the hosts earned their first penalty corner of the new Pro League season. The insert flew past the battery but was saved and sent back in for an unconventional set piece that was nearly successful. In the 38th minute Ireland got their first good look in some time when Daragh Walsh nailed a reverse shot over the cage.Drama would mark the final seconds of the match, after both teams seemed resigned to finish in a draw. A final effort aerial ball sent up from Argentina’s backfield was called coming out as time expired, but a video review request from Los Leones changed the decision to a penalty corner. Domene would be the hero of the day, sending the ball into the goal with a drag flick, and sealing the 1-0 victory for Argentina.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The latest segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League kicked off today in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The hosts split their success between the men’s and women’s teams. (Women’s) Argentina 2 (3) – 2 (2) Germany: Facing off for the first time since their quarterfinal clash in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and Germany found themselves in yet another tightly contested match. Both sides featured a combination of recent Olympians and a sum of athletes making their international debut.The first shot on target came from Argentina, as the attempt from Zoe Diaz forced Germany’s Nathalie Kubalski to make a save just 3 minutes in. Not long after, an errant pass from an Argentina backline under pressure was intercepted by Germany’s Aina Kresken, who took a backhand shot that was saved by Cristina Cosentino.Some new additions to the Argentina squad put in work at minute 8. Making her debut, Lourdes Pisthon dribbled through traffic to send the ball to María Larsen, who finished on the reverse to earn her first goal on her first cap. Germany continued to find themselves unable to execute passes around the backfield, as a high press from Argentina’s attacking line forced changes in decision-making. A period of back-and-forth play was followed by a burst of Argentina energy. Catalina Andrade made her presence known with a beautiful move that freed up space to send a pass into the circle, but Julieta Jankunas just missed out.As momentum built for Las Leonas, a loose ball off the stick of a Germany defender was picked up by Jankunas and sent quickly to Agustina Granatto, whose shot was saved by Kubalski. Argentina still earned a penalty corner on the play – their first of the match – as the initial strike from Valentina Raposo was saved. Argentina finished off the half with a 9-1 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead.Two minutes into the third quarter, Germany earned their first penalty corner, and the drag flick from Stine Kurz sailed just wide of the cage. A ball up the center led to a second penalty corner chance for Germany at minute 34. A diving play by the Argentina flyer gave Las Leonas a break up the field, as Diaz sent the ball to a wide open Granatto, who settled for a penalty corner. Agustina Gorzalany’s drag flick was blocked, as was another penalty corner chance just a minute later.Germany got on the board in minute 37 after a hit in from Charlotte Gerstenhöfer found Lynn Krings on the left post. The play retained a fast-paced cadence through the end of the third quarter, and didn't slow down as both teams strived to avoid shootouts in the final frame. It was Argentina with the next goal – Eugenia Trinchinetti sent the ball to Jancounas, who smashed in a one-time to the top of the net. In thrilling fashion, Germany found the equalizer with two minutes left to play. A long ball into the circle found its way to Sara Strauss, whose slap shot sent the ball into the top right corner.Tied at 2-2, the match headed to shootouts. Argentina was to attack first, as Diaz hit the post and Germany’s Lilly Stoffelsma missed as well. Jankunas put away her attempt for Argentina, while Germany’s Sophia Schwabe made it 1-1. Sofia Cairo put Germany’s goalkeeper on her heels while Strauss used a cheeky backhand lift to make it 2-2 after three rounds. Argentina’s Pisthon and Germany’s Weidemann were both denied to keep it 2-2 after four. Argentina captain Agostina Alonso put the team on her back with a goal, as Las Leonas claimed victory when Germany skipper Lisa Nolte’s goal was called back upon review.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 3 England: Argentina came together again for the first time since Paris, facing a skilled England side, whose team also featured a large amount of returning Olympians (Great Britain).England kicked off the match with the ball, but an early interception gave Argentina possession for the first few minutes. The first touch for England goalkeeper James Mazarelo came in the 6th minute, as a block on Tomas Domene’s cross ball. Back in Argentina’s defensive end in that same minute, England used a video referral to earn the opening penalty corner. The chance was missed after a botched reception at the top of the circle.After few chances materialized for both sides, possession eventually fell in favor of England. Will Calnan worked to earn a penalty corner chance for England in the final two minutes, and on a retake, Stuart Rushmere placed a drag flick into the bottom left side of the cage. The goal gave England a 1-0 lead over the hosts.The second quarter saw more of England’s high press, forcing Argentina turnovers. As the energy on the pitch increased, so did the chances – at minute 28 England’s Jack Waller sent in a shot that was turned away by Nehuen Hernando. England found another penalty corner in that 28th minute where a drag flick from Samuel Hooper was denied.Patience from the Argentina side in the second half paid off with chances up inside their attacking 25, including a scramble in front of the cage that had to be cleared out by England’s Timothy Nurse. More than halfway through the third frame, Los Leones struggled to find an equalizer against the strong England defense. It became an even bigger challenge for Argentina when Sam Ward put away a second goal for England off a penalty corner in 41st minute.Finally, in minute 48, Argentina broke through. On a nearly impossible angle, Felipe Merlini got a touch on a crossed ball from Lucas Martinez, sending it high into the cage. Now back to a single goal deficient, Argentina had 12 minutes to find the tying goal.England found themselves with the chance to just about put away the game with a penalty corner at minute 54. The chance looked squandered with a mistrap at the top, but the play developed into a chance for Ward to win back the ball and smash a reverse chip over the head of Hernando. England would win the match 3-1. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Great Britain’s men ended their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign with a shootout loss to Germany in Amsterdam on Friday, but the point they earned for the draw saw them moving above Argentina to secure third spot in the standings.Meanwhile, after suffering their first defeat of the season to the Red Panthers four days ago, the Netherlands women turned the tables on Belgium, surviving a close final quarter to secure a 2-1 win.(Men’s) Germany 3 – 3 Great Britain (SO: 4 – 2): Germany came from behind twice in an enthralling 3-3 draw with Great Britain, then grabbing an extra point for their 4-2 win in the shootout. Sam Ward had a sharp shot in the second minute but was denied by a diving Jean-Paul Danneberg in the German goal. A minute later it was Niklas Wellen who fired the Germans ahead with a sensational first-time reverse shot. Phil Roper equalised for GB with some cheeky aerial skills in the 15th minute, and Ward then edged GB in front with his 21st-minute penalty stroke. Wellen levelled for Germany with a sizzling penalty corner strike, which meant it was evenly poised at half time.The Germans got their defensive angles slightly wrong early in the second half and Liam Sanford punished them for it, threading a magnificent ball through the centre channel to a diving Ward for the deflection into the net. GB seemed to have the upper hand as the match progressed, and Danneberg had to make two crucial saves to keep Germany in touch before Gonzalo Peillat snatched the draw from a penalty corner with three minutes remaining. Germany then held their nerve to maintain an unbeaten record from their four shootouts in the tournament.(Women’s) Netherlands 2 – 1 Belgium: The Netherlands returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in front of a vocal home crowd. The Dutch clearly meant business after their shock defeat to the same opposition earlier in the week and it took just six minutes for Yibbi Jansen to fire them ahead from a penalty corner. They went on to dominate possession and territory throughout the first half, threatening the Red Panthers' circle frequently and giving Elodi Picard plenty of work to do in the Belgian goal. Jansen slammed in a second from a recycled penalty corner and it looked like a big score might be on the cards.The Dutch continued to attack through the third quarter, but Belgium started getting more ball as the match progressed. Stephanie Vanden Borre pulled one back from a penalty corner in the 41st minute, and with the Belgians growing in confidence, the match was set for a thrilling finish. Belgium took full control in the fourth quarter and the Dutch suddenly found themselves under sustained periods of pressure, rarely getting out of their own half. There was drama in the final minute when Belgium appeared to have earned a penalty corner, but the Netherlands successfully overturned the decision with their review and then ran the clock down to secure the win.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Netherlands men came from a goal down to beat Belgium and so keep their FIH Hockey Pro League title hopes alive. Australia currently top the standings but the Dutch can still overtake them with victory in their remaining two matches.(Women’s) Belgium beat Great Britain (2-1): Belgium lacked their usual intensity after a memorable victory over the Netherlands just 20 hours earlier, but still managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Great Britain. The Red Panthers went ahead in the 80th second of an action-packed first quarter when Ambre Ballenghien reacted fastest to a scrappy ball in front of goal.Charlotte Watson hit back with a penalty stroke for GB after their PC struck Stephanie Vanden Borre’s foot on the line. It was then Vanessa Blockmans who slapped the Belgians back in front from a penalty corner in the 9th minute, and only an excellent reflex save from Jessica Buchanan denied them a third after GB were dispossessed outside their own circle. There were fewer opportunities in the second quarter with both teams missing from penalty corners, but GB enjoyed repeated success in disrupting the Belgians with a high press.The British side earned a penalty corner early in the third quarter and it took a triple save from Elodie Picard to keep it out. They held a slight advantage through the rest of the period, but struggled in the final third of the pitch and never really threatened the circle.Charlotte Englebert fired a great opportunity for Belgium over the crossbar in the fourth quarter before GB created some real chances, mishitting a shot from the top of the circle, and having a penalty corner saved before hitting the crossbar from the rebound and then pushing the third shot wide. GB substituted their goalkeeper with just under five minutes left on the clock, but they still couldn’t find a goal. The Red Panthers also missed one golden opportunity, failing to control the ball behind the GB defence with an empty goal beckoning, but they had done enough to clinch the win.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Belgium (3-1): The Netherlands kept their ambitions of winning a third straight title alive with a heated 3-1 win over Belgium. Good defence from both teams meant that there was little opportunity in the first half. But Belgium scored a well-worked goal in the 18th minute, breaking out of defence quickly and finding Tom Boon for a difficult shot near the p-spot.The second half served up expansive hockey from both teams. The Dutch created three excellent opportunities in the first five minutes, and tempers ran high when a shot after the whistle struck a Belgian defender. The Red Lions counterattacked to earn two penalty corners, but the Dutch runners blocked both.Jip Janssen eventually equalised for the Netherlands with a 41st-minute drag flick, and the quarter ended just after Tijmen Reyenga cannoned the Dutch ahead with 10 seconds left on the clock. The Netherlands carried their momentum into the final quarter and Joep de Mol sealed the result with a brilliant individual goal, carrying the ball from his own half and unleashing a sizzling strike from the top of the circle. Belgium substituted their goalkeeper in the dying minutes, but they couldn’t find another goal.

Sports Bulletin ReportAmsterdam (Holland): The final stage of the FIH Pro League 2023/24 season is about to get underway in the Netherlands with matches to be played in Utrecht and Amsterdam from 22 to 30 June. Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain will all be in action in the men's and women's competitions, with both titles still up for grabs.Netherlands currently stand at the top of women's standings with 36 points having won all 12 games so far this season. With 4 games left in the season, Netherlands hold an 8-point lead over Germany in third place, and the Danas could halt the Dutch title charge but will require other teams to take points off the hosts as well. Argentina, who finished their campaign earlier during the Antwerp stage, are second with 34 points from 16 games. Belgium and Great Britain, on 19 and 14 points respectively are out of contention for the title, but will still aim to hit their strides fully, with the Olympic Games just a month away.In the men's competition, Australia, who finished their campaign on 34 points are currently in pole position for their second title. But Netherlands with 26 points and Great Britain with 22 points are also in contention with 4 games in hand. Germany and Belgium can't mathematically catch up to the Kookaburras as they sit on 19 points from 12 games, with 31 points being the maximum either of them can reach if they win all their remaining 4 games.Schedule (Women's):22 June, 16:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Germany24 June, 15:00 (Local Time) Great Britain vs Germany24 June 20:30 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Belgium25 June 17:30 (Local Time) Great Britain vs Belgium27 June 14:00 (Local Time) Germany vs Great Britain28 June 19:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Belgium29 June 16:30 (Local Time) Belgium vs Great Britain29 June 19:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs GermanySchedule (Men's):23 June, 13:30 (Local Time) Great Britain vs Belgium23 June, 16:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Germany24 June 17:30 (Local Time) Germany vs Great Britain 25 June 20:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Belgium27 June 16:30 (Local Time) Great Britain vs Belgium27 June 19:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Germany28 June 16:30 (Local Time) Germany vs Great Britain30 June 15:00 (Local Time) Netherlands vs Belgium.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The London stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League drew to a close with Australia’s men wrapping up their campaign with a 5-1 drubbing of Great Britain while the Hockeyroos also got the better of the home side.(Women’s) China beat Germany (3-1): China’s campaign came to an end with a stunning 3-1 win over Germany, taking them clear of Australia in fourth place in the standings for now and severely denting any hopes Germany have of catching the Netherlands in top spot. The match kicked off with a tight midfield battle, China setting their defensive structure early and the Germans wary of the threat posed by their counterattack. There were opportunities at both ends and only a 27th-minute field goal from China’s Zhang Ying separated the teams at half time.The second half belonged to China, and they started by putting the German circle under siege in the opening minutes. Germany survived the onslaught and Lilly Stoffelsma equalised for them with a difficult deflection in the 37th minute. Chen Yi regained the lead for China with a well-executed slip under the shoulder from a crowded p-spot, and she completed the scoring with a penalty stroke in the final minute.(Women’s) Australi beat Great Britain (3-2): Lara Roper celebrated her 350th international cap in a losing cause as a clinical Australia wrapped up their tournament with a 3-2 win over hosts Great Britain. GB had a productive first quarter and Grace Balsdon fired them in front with an early drag flick. But Australia responded brilliantly to dominate the second quarter, their aggressive press giving them regular attacking opportunities as they forced GB into a high rate of turnovers. Grace Stewart equalised with a field goal, and a Brooke Peris penalty corner deflection in the 30th minute gave them a well-deserved lead at half time.The Hockeyroos kept up the pressure into the third quarter, but GB stuck to their task well and Tessa Howard levelled matters with a diving penalty corner deflection in the 39th minute. The home side carried good momentum into the fourth quarter and had the Australians on the back foot for a while, but they failed to take advantage and Rosie Malone snatched the win for the Aussies with a penalty corner deflection with eight minutes remaining.(Men’s) Spain beat Germany (4-2): Spain signed off on a high with a convincing 4-2 win over a weary-looking Germany. The Red Sticks started with tremendous energy and were rewarded from a Marc Miralles drag flick in the 9th minute. Germany had a brief spell at the beginning of the second quarter where they picked up their pace and Gonzalo Peillat levelled the scores with a drag flick, but their energy tapered off quickly. Spain then restored their lead just before half time, intercepting a poor pass in midfield and releasing Marc Reyne for the goal.The Spanish extended their lead in the third quarter when Alvaro Iglesias pounced after Germany failed to control a bouncing ball in their circle. Reyne then rounded off some superb Spanish passing for a field goal in the 48th minute, and although Germany finished strongly for Raphael Hartkopf to score from a tap-in, it was too little too late.(Men’s) Australia beat Great Britain (5-1): Australia concluded their tournament with a convincing 5-1 win over hosts Great Britain in an energetic and physical clash. The match started at a blistering pace with GB creating a half chance, Jake Whetton blasting Australia ahead, and Lee Morton equalising for GB, all within the first two minutes. The Kookaburras then took control for long periods and Jack Welch reclaimed the lead with a 29th-minute drag flick.The Aussies never let up in the second half and Ky Willott gave them a two-goal cushion with his 35th-minute drag flick. Tom Craig scrambled another over the line as the third quarter ran down, and Willott finished the scoring with a fantastic team goal in the 51st minute. Australia currently sit top of the standings and are guaranteed of at least third place, but their focus now will be on getting home to finish their preparations for Paris. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: It was a good day for Argentina at the FIH Hockey Pro League in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday with both their women’s and men’s sides getting the better of Australia. The women’s side romped to a 5-0 victory for a sixth straight win, while there was just one goal between the sides in the men’s encounter. Meanwhile, Belgium’s women’s side drew 1-1 with China before snatching the extra point in a shootout and the men’s team came from behind twice to get the better of Spain.(Women’s) Argentina beat Australia (5-0): Argentina delivered a devastating second-half performance in a 5-0 win over Australia. Las Leonas dominated the stats throughout, defending well when necessary, escalating the pressure as the game progressed, and creating goal-scoring opportunities at will in the second half. It was a patient start though, Stefania Antoniazzi scoring the only goal of the first half with a 21st-minute field goal.The Argentinians ramped up the pressure in the third quarter and Lara Casus bagged her first international goal from a penalty corner variation in the 41st minute. They then ran rampant through the final quarter, and only Jocelyn Bartram’s heroics in the Hockeyroos’ goal prevented a far bigger scoreline. Maria Granatto scored a diving penalty corner deflection in the 46th minute, Eugenia Trinchinetti hammered in a field goal four minutes later, and Agustina Gorzelany added a penalty stroke for Argentina’s fifth goal as her side comfortably extended their winning streak to six games.(Women’s) Belgium 1 – 1 China (SO: 4 – 3): Hosts Belgium defended desperately to claim a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against a rampant China and then went on to win the resulting shootout 4-3 for a bonus point. Belgium’s Elodi Picard was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers as China enjoyed huge dominance in territory, possession, penalty corners, and circle penetrations throughout the 60 minutes. China just couldn’t finish, and it was Louise Versavel who put Belgium ahead in the 20th minute from a goalmouth scramble after a Chinese error.The Belgians found themselves in a pressure cooker for the entire second half as China raised their intensity. But the Chinese struggled to find the back of the net until the 50th minute when Xiaoxue Zhang equalised with a field goal. The momentum was very much with China but they still couldn’t find a winner, and they were left to rue missed opportunities as they gave up the lead twice in the shootout.(Men’s) Argentina beat Australia (2-1): Argentina came from behind to clinch a tight 2-1 win against Australia. The Aussies were better in the first half and took the lead through Tim Brand’s 7th-minute tap-in at the left post. Both teams missed opportunities as the half progressed and Australia led 1-0 at the break.Argentina raised their intensity and drew level with a Nicolas Della Torre drag flick just seconds into the third quarter. Lucas Toscani then put Argentina ahead with a 40th-minute field goal, and the quarter ended at a frenetic pace after a flurry of green cards opened some space. The Argentinians defended well through the final period and the Kookaburras sacrificed their goalkeeper to chase a result with 4 minutes remaining, but Tomas Santiago rounded off his magnificent personal performance to deny them at the death.(Men’s) Belgium beat Spain (3-2): Hosts Belgium came from behind twice in a nail-biting 3-2 win over Spain. The vastly more experienced Belgians dominated the opening half without reward, although Spain looked threatening on the break and created a couple of chances.The match came alive in the second half when Pepe Cunill put Spain ahead with a 34th-minute drag flick. John-John Dohmen levelled matters for the Red Lions in the 41st minute, but Antonio Sanz restored Spain’s lead immediately. Three minutes later Belgium equalised again through a sensational Loïck Luypaert drag, and Alexander Hendrickx then gave the Belgians the lead with another, 5 minutes from time. Luis Calzado saved a penalty stroke for Spain with two minutes remaining to give his team one last roll of the dice, but Belgium managed to hold them out, much to the relief of the home supporters.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Netherlands men brought an end to Australia’s unbeaten run in the FIH Hockey Pro League with a methodical performance on the final day of action in Rourkela, India on Sunday.The 5-3 victory saw the Dutch avenging their loss to the same opposition nine days earlier and also consolidating their top spot in the standings with 26 points from their 12 matches so far. Australia are second with 20 points from their eight matches.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Australia (5-3): The Netherlands looked composed in their 5-3 win over Australia in what was a clash between the top two sides in the men’s standings. The Australians had the upper hand in the opening minutes and Jacob Anderson opened the scoring for them in the sixth minute, his lightning-fast reactions ensuring he got stick on a deflected pass to tap in at the left post. They lost some momentum through player suspensions and the Dutch got a goal back in the 13th minute, Duco Telgenkamp bunting in from close range after a good team move along the baseline. Telgenkamp added a second from an almost identical position in the 20th, getting a stick in front of his defender to deflect in the acute cross from the left. Neither team could find another goal in the half, although Andrew Charter in the Aussie goal pulled off a good penalty corner double save and then moved quickly to reduce the angle from the third shot to prevent a goal.The Dutch turned the screws in the third quarter, attacking for long periods and earning seven penalty corners. That allowed Jip Janssen to extend his lead at the top of the goalscoring table with a powerful drag flick in the 35th minute, and Tjep Hoedemakers deflected in from a penalty corner variation to the right post in the 42nd. The Kookaburras threatened a comeback with Tim Brand deflecting in from their first possession of the final quarter, but Terrance Pieters nipped it in the bud with a 48th-minute field goal. Jeremy Hayward scored a big drag flick for Australia seven minutes later, but the Netherlands emerged as comfortable winners against the previously unbeaten Kookaburras.(Men’s) India beat Ireland (4-0): Hosts India put in a clinical performance to beat Ireland 4-0 in the final match of the FIH Hockey Pro League mini-tournament in Rourkela. Ireland played positive attacking hockey throughout, but were inaccurate in front of goal and it was India who had the killer touch when it mattered. Nilakanta Sharma opened the scoring in the 14th minute, a penalty corner variation deflecting off the first wave and landing in his arc for a first-time smash. Akashdeep Singh made it two with a deflection from a flat pass across the goal a minute later and India led 2-0 at half-time, although Sreejesh had arguably been the busier goalkeeper.Sreejesh was called into action again at the start of the second half as Ireland continued to attack without reward. Gurjant Singh then made a great diving deflection to extend India’s lead in the 38th minute and India started taking more control of the match. Goalkeepers Jamie Carr for Ireland and Sreejesh for India had to make important saves throughout the final quarter, and it was Jugraj Singh who closed the book on the mini-tournament with a well-placed drag flick in the final seconds, much to the delight of the home fans.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Australia’s men extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a convincing victory over Spain as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Rourkela, India on Wednesday.As they have done in several of their previous matches, the Kookaburras came from behind to beat the Spanish 4-1 in an encounter where the Red Sticks were left to rue numerous missed shots and ill-discipline. (Men’s) Australia beat Spain (4-1): Pepe Cunill ran out for Spain for a 50th time in a losing cause as Australia came from behind to win 4-1. The match got off to a flying start with two excellent team goals. Pere Amat gave the Red Sticks the lead with a second-minute tap-in before Flynn Ogilvie responded for the Kookaburras two minutes later. Nathan Ephraums then put Australia ahead with skilful work close to the goalkeeper in the eighth minute before both keepers had the final say in the quarter. Johan Durst made a good double save for Australia and Rafael Revilla saved two drag flicks as the clock ran down. The second quarter produced fewer opportunities until Jeremy Hayward’s drag flick for Australia screamed in off the postman’s head in the 25th minute. Spain laced a shot wide in the final seconds of the half and Australia led 3-1 at the break.The second half was hard-fought and physical, and both teams were creative and looked dangerous if they found space to attack. The Kookaburras had a good spell towards the end of the third quarter and were rewarded when Tim Brand squeezed in a field goal in the 44th minute. That ended the scoring but not the action as Australia picked up a green card and Spain were handed two yellows in the final quarter. (Men’s) Netherlands beat India (1-1 SO: 4-2): The Netherlands and hosts India played out a cracking 1-1 draw to earn a point each, with the Dutch winning the shootout 4-2 for a bonus point. The Indians created the first scoring opportunities of the match, but it was Floris Middendorp who pounced on a rebound to score his first international goal for the Netherlands in the fourth minute. Krishan Pathak then made a crucial double save off a penalty corner as the clock ran down on the first quarter. The second period was hard-fought but remained goalless, meaning the Dutch led 1-0 at half-time.India started building momentum through an intense third quarter and found an equaliser in the 38th minute, Hardik Singh finishing sharply from a recycled penalty corner. India promptly threw away possession with a poor pass across their own 23-yard area, but Pathak was on hand with another great save to set up a tense finish. Both teams had their chances in a thrilling last quarter, but when the final hooter sounded the scores remained locked at 1-1, and the Dutch prevailed 4-2 in the ensuing shootout.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: On the final day in Santiago del Estero, Argentina and Germany couldn’t break a 2-2 deadlock and headed to a shootout for the second time in the mini-tournament. Lucas Martinez scored the winner for the Leones to take the bonus point with a 4-3 shootout result. Two first-half goals and a solid defensive performance gave the German women a 2-0 win over the Leonas, their first win over Argentina in the teams’ last eight matchups.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Ireland (2-1): Back-to-back FIH Hockey Pro League champions the Netherlands had to grind out their 2-1 win over debutants Ireland, who are proving to be tough competitors despite their lack of exposure at the highest level. The Irish defended well before taking the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute, Matthew Nelson banging in a penalty corner rebound. The Dutch hit back with two Jip Janssen drag flicks, one in the 15th minute, and another in the 23rd that struck a brave postman hard on the way in. The Dutch led 2-1 at half-time but their error rate was poor by their exceptional standards.While the second half remained goalless, it didn’t lack entertainment. The Dutch dominated the stats with plenty of strong circle entries and penalty corners, but they lacked their usual clinical touch and were denied by the brilliant Irish defensive effort led by Jamie Carr in goal.(Men’s) India beat Spain (2-2 SO: 8-7): Hosts India played out a riveting 2-2 draw against Spain with both teams earning a point each. The Indians went on to claim the bonus point by winning the shootout 8-7. Jarmanpreet Singh gave India the perfect start when he collected an overhead in the opening minute and slammed it in from an acute angle. But José Basterra struck back immediately for the Spanish, his third-minute drag flick giving the Red Sticks a chance to settle down. Borja Lacalle then snatched a stunning field goal for Spain from a long-range counterattack following an Indian error just seconds from the quarter mark. The Spanish went on to dominate the remainder of the first half and led 2-1 at half-time.India started the third quarter well as Abhishek pounced on a penalty corner rebound for the equaliser in the 35th minute. The rest of the match was tightly contested with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh for India and Rafael Revilla for Spain both doing excellent work. The final quarter was a frantic affair full of opportunities, dramatic video referrals, and tension, but neither team could find a winning goal. The shootout delivered more exciting action with 15 consecutive goals scored, the match eventually ending with Spanish captain Marc Miralles putting his shot wide, much to the relief of the local fans.(Men’s) Argentina beat Germany (2 -2 SO: 4-3): In the final day of the mini-tournament in Santiago del Estero, hosts Argentina came out of the gate in good form. Nicolas della Torre and Tomas Domene each released superb drag flicks on the game’s opening two penalty corners for a 2-0 Argentina lead. Germany were flat and uninspiring despite loading their roster with a more experience side from a day earlier against Belgium. Late in the first half Germany started to show some flair as hard work for Raphael Hartkopf created a chance for Paul-Philipp Kaufmann to one-time on goal. The ball was well struck and keeper Tomas Santiago got a piece of it but Hartkopf finished the run and tapped in to cut Argentina’s lead to one.Germany came out of the gate with good intensity and were rewarded just moments into the third quarter. A brilliant ball across the goal was deflected in by Elian Mazkour to make it 2-2. Both teams struggled to look threatening in the circle as play hypnotically moved between the 23-meter areas and for the second-consecutive match-up the game needed a shootout. An important save from Tomas Santiago on Malte Helwig, followed by a great finish from Lucas Martinez gave Argentina the 4-3 shootout win and the bonus point. (Women’s) Germany beat Argentina (2-0): Despite having most of the pace and possession, Argentina struggled to generate quality scoring chances against Germany. Two first-half penalty corners that were mistrapped and circle entries with no outcome was the story of Argentina’s performance. Die Danas capitalised on their few chances, first on a penalty corner deflected into Valentina Raposo’s body on the line giving Viktoria Huse the go-ahead finish from the stroke mark. Argentina continued to hunt for an equaliser but despite a high count of circle penetrations, German keeper Nathalie Kubalski had yet to be tested. At the other end, a quick free hit left Argentina scrambling and a ball from Jette Fleschütz found its way through traffic to a waiting Pauline Heinz at the back post to lift Die Danas 2-0. The second half was all Argentina but the Leonas lacked that clinical quality expected of the No. 2 ranked team in the world. Two Agustina Gorzelany flicks were steered away by the gloves of Kubalski, while a goalmouth scramble was cleared on the line by Jule Bleuel and shots from Maria Granatto and Agustina Albertarrio went uncharacteristically unconverted. Kubalski then denied Victoria Manuele from close range and another Gorzelany flick to seal Germany’s first win over Argentina since 2021.