Hockey - Int News
FIH Hockey Junior World Cup for Women: 50 days to go
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) can now confirm the 16 teams that will participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup taking place from 1 to 12 April 2022 at the North-West University (NWU) of Potchefstroom, South Africa:
South Africa, Zimbabwe (Africa)
India, Korea, Malaysia (Asia)
England, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Wales (Europe)
Argentina, Canada, United States, Uruguay (Pan Americas)
The event was scheduled to be played in December 2021 but had to be postponed due to the Omicron outbreak. Japan, Belgium and Spain had qualified for this tournament but have decided not to take part in the rescheduled event. They’ve been replaced by Malaysia, Ukraine and Wales.
Australia, New Zealand and China had withdrawn already last year due to COVID-related reasons and were replaced by Argentina, Ireland and Korea.
In order to support all teams, FIH has decided to extend the number of players to 20 per team. However, only 18 players will be allowed on the start list of any match. Furthermore, the event will start and finish one day earlier than initially planned. This move will help players getting back earlier to their respective clubs and therefore being available for domestic fixtures.
FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup is such an important milestone in international players’ careers that we’re really happy to be able to stage the upcoming edition, in South Africa, after we were left with no other option than postponing it last year. We’re looking forward to seeing so many of hockey’s rising stars in action in just a few weeks time!”
It will be the ninth edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. Argentina won the last edition in 2016 in Santiago, Chile. In the final, they overcame the Netherlands, who won three FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cups - a record to date – in 1997, 2009 and 2013.
India hit 10 past South Africa: France take the game to the Netherlands
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland:-A scintillating first half performance from India; a resilient response from South Africa; a calm shoot-out performance from the Netherlands; and a first FIH Hockey Pro League point for France. This was how Day Two FIH Hockey Pro League action panned out in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
India men marched on with a 10-2 victory over South Africa, to add to the 5-0 victory they enjoyed over France the preceding day. The win moves them to third in the FIH Hockey Pro League table.
All the damage was done in the opening quarter as two fantastically taken penalty corners were sent home by Jugraj and then Abhishek added a fourth goal.
Four more goals in the second quarter saw Jugraj seal his hat trick before Gursahibjit, Dilpreet and Mandeep all added to the score sheet.
The fourth quarter saw India regain a little of their first half pace and Dilpreet scored India’s final goal to take his team into double figures.
After the game, Player of the Match Jugraj said: ‘Jugraj Singh: 'I am really happy to have scored a hat trick. I was feeling good when I got the opportunity to take the penalty corners.'
In the second match France could have been forgiven for lacking confidence after their 5-0 loss to India the previous day. However, the men in blue came out to challenge the Netherlands and their aggressive approach and willingness to run at the Dutch paid dividends.
The first goal was scored by France, from the stick of Stanislaus Branicki. The Dutch team rallied and started to make forays into the French circle but it was one of those days when shots went wide, passes were misplaced and the French goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry was on top of his game.
The equaliser came in the second quarter when captain Thierry Brinkman was on hand to slam the ball home after some good build up by Jorrit Croon.
At this point, observers would have expected the Netherlands to ramp up their attack but for every period of Dutch domination, the French responded with their own attacking play.
The third quarter was goalless as was much of the fourth quarter. Then, the deadlock was broken by an absolute cracker of a goal from Koen Bijen. The Dutchman received an aerial in the centre of the French circle, pulled it under control and then volleyed it into the French net. The result keeps Netherlands at the top of the FIH Pro League table and France move to fifth place.
Player of the Match Thierry Brinkman said:
‘That was not so good for us. The first quarter we were not aggressive enough in our 1v1s. We made too many mistakes both on the ball and defensively. There is a lot to improve for us. France played very well.’
Results:
RSA 2-10 India
Player of the Match: Jugraj Singh (IND)
Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA) Wanri Venter (RSA - video umpire)
France 2-2 Netherlands (Netherlands won 4-2 in the shoot-out)
Player of the Match: Thierry Brinkman (NED)
Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA), Sean Rapaport (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA - video umpire)
India and Netherlands men turn on the style in South Africa
Sports Bulletin Report
Lausanne, Switzerland: Both the Netherlands and India men's teams showed master-classes in their particular styles of hockey in the first of a series of FIH Hockey Pro League matches taking place in Potchefstroom, South Africa. India tormented France with their free running and swift changes in the direction of attack, while the Dutch were the epitome of elegant, clinical and relentless hockey as they contained and then overwhelmed the ambitions of South Africa.
The national men’s team of India men hit the ground running in their first match of Season Three in the FIH Hockey Pro League. A cagey first quarter was followed by 45 minutes of creative, controlled and entertaining hockey that left France with few opportunities to open their own scoring account in their first FIH Pro League outing.
Head Coach Frederic Soyez explained ahead of the match that his team had only had limited time to prepare for their entry into the competition but his players were very aware that this is an invaluable learning opportunity ahead of a World Cup and a home Olympic Games (Paris 2024)
Certainly, the India side put on a masterclass in attacking hockey during this encounter. The damage was done in the second quarter. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a beautifully taken penalty corner that evaded the outstretched foot of Arthur Thieffry in the France goal.
Speaking after the game, India captain Manpreet Singh said: ‘We are really happy because France are a good team and we knew we couldn’t give them any opportunities. In the first quarter we were a bit sloppy but after that we played a good game and scored goals. With that, we grew in confidence.’
Player of the Match Thijs van Dam (NED) said: 'Today we played a really great match. We have been here 10 days already and we have trained hard and finally we can play some matches.'
Results put Netherlands on the top of the table, one point ahead of Belgium. India, with one win from one match sit in fourth place.
FIH Hockey Pro League
Result:
Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League
France 0-5 India
Player of the Match: Akashdeep Singh (IND))
Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA) Sean Rapaport (RSA - video umpire)
South Africa 1-11 Netherlands
Player of the Match: Thijs van Dam (NED)
Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA) Annalize Rostron (RSA - video umpire)
Women FIH Hockey World Cup: Draw scheduled on February 17
Sports Bulletin Report
Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that the draw ceremony and the draw for the pools of the next FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Spain and the Netherlands 2022 will be held on 17 February, at the facilities of the Museu Nacional de la Ciència i de la Tècnica de Catalunya (MNACTEC), in Terrassa, Spain. The draw will define the pools of the pinnacle of the FIH women’s tournaments, which will be held from 1 to 17 July 2022 and involve 16 participating national teams.
Those include Spain and the Netherlands, as hosts of the competition, whilst Belgium, England, Germany and Ireland are the other European teams. Africa is represented by South Africa, recent winners of the Africa Cup of Nations. From Asia, the four following teams have qualified: China, India, Japan and Korea. Argentina, Canada and Chile are the three American teams having booked their ticket for the prestigious tournament, while Australia and New Zealand, from Oceania, complete the draw.
The draw will be conducted by FIH CEO Thierry Weil, accompanied by Spanish international player Berta Bonastre as well as coach – and former international player - Santi Freixa. The Olympic Stadium of the Catalan town and the Wagener Stadion of the Dutch capital area will host the matches of the group stages and the cross-overs, with the semifinals and the final taking place exclusively in Terrassa. In the last edition, in 2018, the Netherlands claimed the title by winning the final against Ireland, while Spain achieved third place.
England men grab late winner and Spain women dig deep to force draw with Dutch
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland:-It was bright skies in Valencia for England men and that wasn’t just the weather. The FIH Hockey Pro League newcomers recorded a second win over Spain, despite the home side playing a much more structured and attacking game.
In the women’s match, the Netherlands were rocked as Spain refused to back down from the on-pitch battle and forced a draw. The subsequent shoot-out success means Netherlands leave Valencia with five points but Spain will be happy with their performances over the two days.
In the opening encounter between Spain and England men, a match-winning goal in the dying seconds of the game topped off a good weekend for England interim Head Coach Zak Jones and his new look England team.
The England team, which included six debutants, took all six points in their first appearance in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Several of the England players will have played in the Pro league for Great Britain, but this is the first time England has lined up to compete.
In the first match, Spain didn’t really get out of bottom gear and England cruised to a 6-1 win. Spain’s Head Coach Max Caldas will have been relieved at the significant levels of improvement in the second game – if not pleased with the scoreline, a 3-2 loss.
Spain men took to the pitch determined to put in an improved performance on the previous day, where they had suffered a 6-1 loss at the hands of an energetic England team.
Certainly, the opening exchanges reflected this determination and England will count themselves lucky not to be facing a goal deficit in the first quarter as Spain ran through the midfield to create multiple chances.
Despite the chances created by Spain, it was England who drew the first blood. Nick Bandurak was on hand to tap a rebound home to register his first international goal. Spain looked certain to equalise through a penalty corner strike but a fine mid-air save by Tom Sorsby kept the ball from the net.
It was inevitable that the pressure exerted by Spain would pay off. It was from the stick of another player making his Pro League debut this weekend, Alejandro Sanz.
This meant the scores were level at half-time and both coaches were relatively happy, with Jones asking for his players to place greater value on possession and Caldas asking his players to capitalise on chances.
It was England who took the lead again, with Duncan Scott continuing his great start to his international career and following up on his goal from the previous day.
Into the final quarter and a rocket of a goal from Xavier Gispert, scored with a back-hand shot that whipped past Oliver Payne, brought the scores level again.
The match seemed destined to go to shoot-out when a last minute goal from David Goodchild on his second appearance for England meant his team would leave Valencia with six points.
Speaking after the game, Player of the Match David Ames said: ‘It was really nice to win, it finishes our weekend nicely. Delighted fr while squad but particularly the new caps.
'We played exceptionally well yesterday, today we were a bit scrappy but we played right to the end.’
In the women’s match, Spain put in an energetic and spirited performance to craft a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
For the opening 15 minutes it appeared that the Netherlands were going to hit a gear that they hadn’t managed in the previous day’s play. Yibbi Jansen showed her ability from the top of the circle with a magnificent drag flick to give the World Cup, Olympic and FIH Hockey Pro League champions the lead. However, Patricia Alvarez put Spain back on even terms when she pounced on a rebound from a penalty corner.
Jansen struck again just before half time to give the Netherlands a 2-1 lead but just six minutes into the second half, a rocket from Gine Xantal from a Spain penalty corner brought Adrian Lock’s team right back into the game.
The final quarter saw the Spanish team defend with passion and the Dutch were just unable to find a way through the red shirts.
The game went to shoot-out, where the Netherlands prevailed 3-2. For Head Coach Adrian Lock, there would have been an awful lot to like about his team’s performance in both these matches on their FIH Hockey Pro League debut weekend.
Speaking after the match, double goalscorer and Player of the Match Yibbi Jansen said: 'We started very well but in the third quarter we had a dip and we had to defend. But we were happy we won the shoot-out. It is an honour to win the award and we had two good games.'
FIH Hockey Pro League
Saturday 5 February 2022 - Valencia (ESP)
Men’s match
Spain 2-3 England
Player of the Match: David Ames (ENG)
Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG), Ivona Makar (CRO) Michelle Meister (GER- video umpire)
Women’s match
Spain 2-2 Netherlands (Netherlands won shoot-out 3-2)
Player of the Match: Yibbi Jansen (NED)
Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG), Michelle Meister (GER) Ivona Makar (CRO - video umpire)
Next FIH Hockey Pro League matches:
On Tuesday 8 February, the action switches to the African continent for the first time as the next FIH Hockey Pro League matches will take place in Potchefstroom, South Africa on with two further newcomers to the competition making their debut performances. In the opening match France men take on India, followed by South Africa men versus the Netherlands.
On Wednesday 9 February, South Africa men will face India, and France men will take on the Netherlands.
Spain hit for six by England men while Red Sticks women lose out to Matla winner
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland:-The Estadio Betero in Valencia provided the perfect conditions for two FIH Hockey Pro League matches featuring the host nation Spain as they took on the challenge of FIH Hockey Pro League newcomers England men and the mighty force of the Netherlands women in the first of two matches in the respective men’s and women’s leagues to be hosted in the Spanish city.
Valencia proved a fruitful hunting ground for the visiting sides as first England men showed pace and imagination to outperform their Spanish rivals and then the Netherlands women wore down a spirited Spanish team to win 1-0. The three points allowed the Dutch women, now under the leadership of Jami Mülders, to regain their position at the top of the FIH Hockey Pro League table.
England men began their first foray into the FIH Hockey Pro League with a display of aggressive, attacking hockey as they beat host nation Spain 6-1. Player of the match David Condon spoke of the ‘aggressive and open style of play’, that his team showed for the majority of this match.
The first quarter was goalless as the two teams tested each other out, but then one of six debutants in an England shirt – Duncan Scott – opened the scoring with a finely taken penalty corner. David Condon doubled the score in the latter stages of the quarter and then two goals in the third quarter from captain Zach Wallace and James Oats put the game effectively out of Spain’s reach.
Condon scored a fifth and then a lovely interchange between Wallace and the experienced Phil Roper created an opportunity for David Goodchild to fire home. Spain scored a consolation goal through Ignacio Rodriguez, but the Red Sticks were unable to repeat some of their earlier Pro League recoveries.
Speaking after the game David Condon said:‘We haven’t been together that long as a squad but in some ways that allowed us to play with freedom. We set out to play aggressive hockey and that was what we did.’
In the women’s match between Spain and the Netherlands, a single goal from the reliable goal machine Frederique Matla was the difference between the two sides. While Anne Veenendaal in the Dutch goal didn’t have to make a save, this was far from a walk over by the reigning FIH Hockey Pro League, World Cup and Olympic champions.
A combination of a hard-working defence and a well-structured midfield saw Spain keep the Dutch at bay for large parts of the game. This was also a Netherlands team that didn’t seem to hit top gear for much of the match.
Both sides fielded a number of inexperienced players and Player of the Match Maria Verschoor referred to the fact the players were still getting to know each other, which would explain the breakdown of many attacking moves that would usually end in a Dutch barrage against an opposition’s goal.
The winning goal, scored in the third quarter, was a case of Matla showing her forward’s instincts. The ball bounced clear and Matla struck it goal wards. Clara Ycart, who had played a strong game in defence was unfortunate to turn it past Melanie Garcia in the Spanish goal.
Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Maria Verschoor, who had played an intelligent and understated role at the heart of the Dutch midfield, said: 'I am really happy to be on the pitch with the team. We needed to get used to each other. It was a good match to get started with
FIH Hockey Pro League: Results
Friday 4 February 2022 - Valencia (ESP)
Men’s match
Spain 1-6 England
Player of the Match: David Condon (ENG)
Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER), Bruce Bale (ENG) and Ivona Makar (CRO - video umpire)
Women’s match
Spain 0-1 Netherlands
Player of the Match: Maria Verschoor (NED)
Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Bruce Bale (ENG) and Michelle Meister (GER - video umpire)
India women double up against China and move top of FIH Hockey Pro League
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland:-The newest entrants to the Women's FIH Hockey Pro League continued to make waves at the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Muscat as India women gave a masterclass in fast but controlled hockey and moved to the top of the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The Eves added to the 7-1 win they had amassed the day before by beating their Asian rivals China by a 2-1 scoreline. While the win wasn’t as goal-heavy as the previous day, what India showed was an ability to play swift, attacking hockey without losing composure.
A lack of experience and a certain level of weariness seemed to beset the China women’s team right from the opening whistle of their second FIH Hockey Pro League match against India. Lost possession, misplaced passes and a reluctance to get back and defend contributed to a lacklustre first half performance by the China team.
India, by contrast, started the match with high levels of energy and an appetite for attacking play that rocked their opponents even further.
Pressure exerted by the Eves on the China defence paid off quickly. A penalty corner in the third minute was converted with precision by Gurjit Kaur – to add to the goal she scored in India’s first FIH Hockey Pro League game against China.
China was fortunate not to be further behind at the end of the first 15 minutes. India created several scoring opportunities but these either flew wide of the China goal or were dealt with by Wu Surong in the China goal.
In the second half, China seemed to rally. They defended with more conviction and the India press was no longer able to contain the China attack.
As India struggled to regain the free-flowing play of the first half, China began to make their own incursions into the India circle. A lovely pass that split the India defence left Wang Shumin with just Savita to beat. The India goalkeeper rushed forward but Wang was able to place the ball in the corner and restore both parity and her team’s confidence levels.
A series of India penalty corners was the Eves’ answer to the Chinese revival but each attempt was dealt with by a resolute China defence.
The final quarter saw India attack with a renewed vigour. Monika was particularly visible as she led the team forward. The hard work paid off as India won a penalty corner almost instantly. Ekka Deep Grace saw her shot fly wide but the notice had been served – India were intent on all three points.
Wu Surong was quickly out of her goal to smother a fast break from Kaur Navneet. The Chinese ‘keeper was playing in only her seventh senior international and this save showed she was quickly adapting to the pace of hockey.
However, Wu Surong had no chance when Gurjit Kaur stepped up for yet another penalty corner. The penalty corner specialist made no mistake as she slotted the ball home to double her team’s score.
As the quarter counted down, India continued to pile on the pressure but they were also happy to try new things. They transferred the ball across the pitch with confidence and the effect upon China was to deepen the levels of fatigue within the team.
If India’s Head Coach Janneke Schopman were to be disappointed with anything about her team’s performance it would likely be the fact that 33 circle penetrations only yielded six shots at goal.
Monika, who played such an influential role in the match, was named Player of the Match: ‘I am really happy with the team performance over the two matches against China,’ she said. 'It was great to play as a unit like we played at the last Olympics. We are playing with freedom and it is really enjoyable.’
Pan American Cups 2022: Argentina snatch gold, as Chile ink history
Sports Bulletin
Lausanne, Switzerland: Argentina men and women continued their dominance at the Pan Am Cup where both teams won their respective finals. Victories for both teams means the men's team has won four of six titles and the women remain unbeaten since the competition began in 2002.
The 2022 Pan Am Cup will be remembered for the history-making performances of Chile men and women after they both finished runners-up to Argentina and secured qualification spots at the next edition of the FIH Men’s and Women’s World Cups.
The gold medal match in the women’s competition saw Argentina beat Chile 4-2, with two goals from Maria Granatto – who was also voted Player of the Tournament – plus goals from Agustina Albertarrio and Agustina Gorzelany.
Denise Krimerman answered with two goals for Chile.
In the bronze medal match, and for the third qualification spot, Canada beat USA 1-0. This was a tense, closely fought game, with both sides highly conscious of what was at stake. In the end, a goal at the end of the first quarter, scored by Amanda Woodcroft, was all that separated the teams. The result means Canada will join Argentina and Chile at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, Spain and Netherlands 2022.
The tournament’s top scorer was USA’s Erin Matson with 10 goals.
Final standings:
Argentina
Chile
Canada
USA
Uruguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Peru
In the men’s competition, Argentina put in a dominant display to beat Chile 5-1. The goals all came in the second half after Chile and put up a resolute defence for the first 30 minutes. Santiago Tarazona opened the scoring for Los Leones; Maico Casella scored twice with two opportunistic goals; Jose Tolini continued to show his ability from penalty corners; and Martin Ferreiro also got on the scoresheet.
Chile responded with a goal from Felipe Renz.
In the bronze medal match, Canada bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Argentina to beat USA 3-1. The USA team took the lead through Jack Heldens but Canada responded well. Fin Boothroyd opened the scoring for the Wolfpack before captain Gordon Johnston and Matthew Barnett added to the scoreline.
The results mean Argentina and Chile men will be the PAHF representatives at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar and Rourkela 2023.
The tournament’s top scorer was Canada’s Gordon Johnston with 10 goals.
Final standings:
Argentina
Chile
Canada
USA
Mexico
Brazil
Trinidad and Tobago
Pan Am Cup 2022: Canada beat USA in race to World Cup qualification
SPORTS BULLETIN
Lausanne, Switzerland:-The final FIH Women’s World Cup Spain and Netherlands 2022 qualification place available from the Women’s Pan Am Cup 2022 was decided over a 60 minute period in which Canada and USA slogged away at each other, trying to break down each other’s well-organised and determined defences.
There was so much resting on this bronze medal match. Aside from bragging rights and a medal at this prestigious continental event, it was also the final chance for the teams to claim a qualification spot at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, Spain and Netherlands 2022.
Both Canada and USA had been left feeling deflated after they had lost semi-finals to Argentina and Chile respectively. This was about which team could pick itself back up most effectively.
The pressure on the players showed as neither side seemed prepared to take many risks in the opening stages. The majority of the first quarter saw the teams testing each other and probing for gaps in the defence. Then, with just seconds left before the whistle, Amanda Woodcroft – who hadn’t featured in the semi-final – slotted home from a penalty corner to give Canada the lead.
In the second quarter, the USA showed their usual relentless work rate as they tried to get back on terms with Canada but Canada’s defence was solid and the USA had to beware counterattacks, as Canada continued to drive forwards at every opportunity. Brienne Stairs and Elise Wong were particularly active as they worked to get behind the USA defence.
With time counting down for USA, Erin Matson began to make her presence felt. Her dizzying skills won her team four consecutive penalty corners in the final minutes of the third quarter but a combination of ill-worked routines and the excellence of goalkeeper Rowan Harris saw the efforts come to nothing.
The final quarter continued in the same manner. Matson, Rose Hope and Ashley Sessa were showing their class as they skipped into the Canada circle but the Wolfpack was not going to relinquish a chance to go the World Cup easily. Led by captain Natalie Sourisseau, Canada dug deep, defending heroically and walked away from the pitch with a bronze medal and a ticket to the World cup for the first time since 1994.
Speaking after the match, a delighted Rowan Harris said: ’I am so just proud of this group. To pull this off. I am super excited. I think the way we pulled together as a team was really good and it is a quality that we will hold onto as we go forward. This is a really good feeling’
Captain Natalie Sourisseau was emotional as she paid tribute to her team ‘I have so many emotions. This team has been through so much. For example, they couldn’t train for five weeks before the tournament because of the weather. The team hasn’t qualified in 28 years and it feels pretty special to have done that. Our job was to concentrate on this tournament and the qualification. Now we will plan the next steps.’
Amanda Woodcroft, who scored the winning goal, said: ‘It [the goal] was a team effort and I just happened to be in the right place to put it in the net. Holey-Moley did we work hard today and I am so proud of everyone.’
History makers Chile join Argentina on road to World Cup
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland: History was made in Santiago at the Women’s Pan Am Cup as the host nation Chile secured their first ever qualification for the FIH World Cup.
It was double joy for both semi-final winners as Argentina and Chile sealed automatic qualification spots at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, Spain and Netherlands 2022 and also booked their places in the final of the 2022 Pan Am Cup – a fixture that is a repeat of the 2017 Pan Am Cup.
While the whole of the Chile hockey contingent celebrated the momentous achievement, Argentina’s captain Agostina Alonso enjoyed her own moment of celebration as she was awarded her 100th international cap.
With three qualification places available for teams from the event in Santiago, Chile, whichever teams qualified for Saturday’s final knew they would also be travelling to Europe for the blue riband event in July. The third spot will go to the winner of the bronze medal match – either Canada or USA.
In the first semi-final Argentina (FIH World Ranking:3) faced the second ranked team in the tournament Canada (WR:14) to determine who would advance to Saturday’s final. History was heavily on Argentina’s side as they remain unbeaten in all five previous editions. For their part, Canada women have never achieved higher than third place at this event and in the last edition in 2017 they finished fourth.
That said, Canada were determined to take the match to the reigning champions and it was a fast-paced and hard-fought first half. Argentina created more chances, including four penalty corners, but Canada goalkeeper Rowan Harris and her defence held strong in the face of a Leonas onslaught.
It was Argentina’s fifth penalty corner that broke the deadlock. Eugenia Trinchinetti slotted home to give her side a 1-0 lead just after play resumed in the second half. Jimena Cedres opened her account for Argentina with two goals in the fourth quarter; both goals came from open play and the second goal involving an exquisite piece of skill to lift the ball past the defence and into the net.
Speaking after the game, Maria Granatto said: ‘Well, we've just accomplished our main goal, being in the top two of the tournament and getting the ticket to attend the World Cup.
‘Now we are going to play the final in the shirt we train so hard for and love so much. And now we have qualified for the World Cup, we are very calm and confident about our team. It's truly a tremendous joy for us and the team is very happy.’
‘Whoever we face in the final, we will be very focused. we know that if we keep mentally focused we can maintain our game and we have trust in ourselves. This will make it very difficult for our opponent. So, we are very calm and confident in this tournament, we advanced step by step and the biggest one – qualifying – well, we've already done it.’
The second semi-final saw USA (WR:15) take on the host nation Chile (WR:17) in what had all the promise of an exciting and competitive match.
USA had enjoyed a good tournament to this point, winning all three games with conviction. Chile had lost their opening game to Argentina and then beaten Uruguay to finish second in the pool. An 11-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago had secured Chile a place in the semi-finals and a chance to qualify for the World Cup.
The game started at a brisk pace, with Chile looking the more attack-minded in the opening exchanges. A double save from USA ‘keeper Kelsey Bing prevented Chile from taking the lead after a good spell of pressure towards the end of the second quarter and the first half remained goalless.
The first 14 minutes of the second half was much of the same. Chile kept piling on the pressure and USA looked solid in defence. However the breakthrough came when Camila Caram – who had been a dynamo for Chile throughout the match – swept the ball goalwards from a penalty corner. Domenica Ananias was on hand to tip the ball past Bing to give her side a precious lead.
Excitement was building around the ground as Chile sensed a historic win but USA are nothing if not determined. Head Coach Anthony Farry pulled the ‘keeper from the pitch and the USA surged forward. With less than two minutes on the clock, Erin Matson unleashed a reverse stick shot that flew into the goal and gave the team the equaliser.
In the shoot-out, Claudia Schuler in the Chile goal proved herself up for the challenge as she saved the first four USA attempts, sealing the Diablas’ historic qualification.
The final day of action at the Women’s Pan Am Cup will take place on Saturday 29 January. Argentina will play Chile in the gold medal match, while Canada take on USA for that final coveted World Cup qualification spot.
Results (January 27: Thursday):
Trinidad and Tobago 0-5 Uruguay (forfeit)
Argentina 3-0 Canada (Argentina qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022)
USA 1-1 Chile (Chile win shoot-out) (Chile qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022)
2022 Women’s Pan Am Cup match schedule for Saturday 29 January:
(All times are local Chile Summer Time)
3rd/4th place
16:00 Canada v USA
Final
18:30 Argentina v Chile
Most Popular