Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Potchefstroom (South Africa):-India’s Lalrindiki’s two goals leading her side to a 5-1 win over Wales, while Germany had a clinical 10-0 win over Malaysia thanks to Aina Kresken’s hat trick at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in North-West University Potchefstroom, South Africa. In Pool A play, the USA found their footing through a four-goal performance from Hope Rose to take care of Zimbabwe 5-0, while the Netherlands secured their spot in the Top 8 with a casual 11-0 victory over Canada thanks to a five-goal performance from Jip Dicke. India beat Wales 5-1 It was rainy conditions for the opening game of Pool D but Lalrindiki tallied twice in the second half to help India drop Wales 5-1. Millie Holme’s second-quarter goal held the game to 1-1 at half time. India’s Chaudhary Ishika said after the match: ‘As you can see, the weather is not so good, but it was a good match. We started well. We had a lot of opportunities, so we will be working on our finishing in the D. We have waited for a long time for this tournament, so we’re excited and looking forward!’ Phalke Vaishnavi Vithal’s brilliant pass in the opening minutes cut through the Wales defence to find Kumari Sangita whose shot was deflected by Lalremsiami to give India the game’s opening goal. India came in waves of attack, but keeper Ffion Horrel did well including an important save to deny Kumari Sangita from an open look at goal. Strong work down the left baseline by Millie Walters set up the chance for Holme, who tied the game just before half time. Lalrindiki made it 2-1 for India when she deflected a pass from captain Tete Salima Khan. Mumtaz punished Welsch defender Ava Dempsey for her blatant turnover to make it 3-2 and it was then that India really started to capitalize. Lalrindiki finished a long-lasting penalty corner play for her second of the game in the 57th minute. Deepika put away a clinical drag flick in the last two minutes of the game to seal the 5-1 victory and give India the first three points in Pool D. Izzie Howell, captain of Wales, was proud of her team commenting: ‘Very proud of the girls! We fought hard. We’re a brand-new team. We gave it all today. We lacked just a bit of quality going forward, we got a bit tired. We were doing a lot of counter-defending. But if we keep that fight, I’m sure we’re going to beat Malaysia and go against Germany really strong.’ Germany beat Malaysia 10-0 Germany dominated from start to finish to charge to the top of Pool D after a 10-0 win over Malaysia. Aina Kresken scored three goals in the opening half, while Lilly Stoffelsma had a two-goal performance. ‘We’re very overwhelmed that we had a great start. It was a tough match but we’re very happy. It feels great to score three goals but it’s way more important for me that as a team we played a great match,’ said Germany’s Kresken after the match. Kresken opened the scoring just six minutes in as she calmly collected and finished a rebound off Siti Nasir’s boot. Almost identical to her first goal, Kresken finished a ball from Verena Neumann to double Germany’s lead. The striker’s third goal came off a far post deflection after a brilliant ball in from Stine Kurz. Germany had seven penalty corners in the first two quarters and Lilly Stoffelsma’s low flick finally capitalized on the final one to make it 4-0 at half time. Jette Fleschütz and Sara Strauss both scored from in tight to advance Germany 6-0. Stoffelsma tallied the highlight goal of the game as her individual skills into the Malaysian circle opened her up for a brilliant back-hand shot that rippled the top of the net for Germany’s seventh goal. Player of the Match Julie Bleuel found the back of the net off a bouncing strike in the 47th minute and Neumann curled and fired between the legs of Nasir for the game’s ninth goal. Sophia Schwabe’s touch off a bouncing pass from Julia Hemmerle provided the game’s 10th goal and made Germany the first team to reach double digits in the tournament. Malaysia’s Nor Isahhidun said of her team’s performance: ‘We played against a better team. So, this match is a very, very good experience for us. We’ve learnt how to cope with pressure.’ USA beat Zimbabwe 5-0 A dominating scoring performance from Hope Rose in the final two quarters propelled the United States a 5-0 over Zimbabwe despite just a 1-0 lead at half time. USA’s Charlotte de Vries commented after the match: ‘I think this win brings us confidence. We just got the hang of it more today and we’re really excited for our next game against Canada. We didn’t play them at Pan Ams, so we actually don’t know them that well, but I’m excited, I think it’s going to be a good game.’ The United States had several rushes of attack, but the composed Zimbabwe defence made it very challenging. The USA had a series of unconverted penalty corners including a great save by keeper Jenna Mathieson on USA forward Emma Deberdine. Finally, the deadlock broke after Ashley Sessa’s cross was brilliantly deflected out of the air by the stick of Charlotte de Vries in the 23rd minute. Some quality right-side attack allowed Rose to deflect in a ball from Deberdine to make it 2-0 in the 39th minute. A turnover pass from Zimbabwe defender Gugulethu Sibanda gave the Americans the space for a give-and-go play from Riley Donnelly to Rose for the third goal. Rose thought she tallied her third deflecting a penalty corner delivery from Caroline Ramsey. The ball hit the foot of Sibanda on the line and Rose converted the penalty stroke to indeed complete the hat trick. Ramsey and Rose did connect on the game’s final goal as the clinical penalty corner set piece saw a sliding Rose bury the fifth and final goal of the game. Despite the loss, Zimbabwe did well to stay more disciplined defensively and Terblanche sisters, Alexi and Natalie, were again their team’s biggest generators of attack while Mathieson continued to anchor them in goal. ‘I think we started off a bit slow. The USA came so hard at us. We lost a little bit of our energy after yesterday’s match but who says we can’t get it back? We’re only at the beginning of the tournament. Against the Netherlands, we will start back from the bottom. Working on basics, working on first touch and go from there,’ commented Alexi Terblanche of Zimbabwe. Netherlands beat Canada 11-0 Four goals from Player of the Match Jip Dicke provided another casual victory, this time 11-0 over Canada, for the Netherlands in Pool A play. Luna Fokke continued her dominance from penalty corners and had a hat trick in the match. Dicke said after the match: ‘We did a really, really good job. Yesterday nine goals, today 11. Very proud of the team. The four goals I scored are the result of the performance of the team. We’re looking forward to the other games.’ Mette Winter opened the scoring in the fifth minute as she collected and fired a ball in from Marleen Jochems down the right side. Josephine Murray’s pass from the right base line was superbly deflected in on the run by Dicke to double the Dutch lead. Fokke’s penalty corner flick made it 3-0, while second-quarter deflections from each of Teuntje de Wit and Tessa Beetsma made it 5-0 at half time. At the break Netherlands head coach Dave Smolenaars was happy with his side’s performance but when pressed, casually suggested they could improve on their penalty corners. After only converting one-of-seven in the first two quarters, the Dutch heeded their coach’s words almost immediately. Fokke and Dicke each scored off drag flicks on the next two Dutch penalty corners, while Dicke finished on her back hand minutes later to tally her third of the match and the team’s eighth goal. Despite the score continuing to run up Canada’s Allison Kuzyk earned her side their lone penalty corner late in the third quarter. Captain Melanie Scholz’s strike was booked for the stick of yesterday’s goal scorer Stefanie Sajko at the far post, but the ball skipped wide of the post. In the final quarter Dicke tapped in a pass from Teuntje de Wit to lift the Netherlands up 9-0. Tessa Beetsma curled and buried a ball from close range to send her team in to double-digits, up 10-0 in the 52nd minute. Fokke buried one more penalty corner to make the final tally 11-0. Canada’s Lonica McKinney said after the match: ‘Playing the Netherlands is a once in a lifetime opportunity! When we started hockey, we watched videos of the Netherlands, how they play and you want to play like that. No matter what the score ends up being, it’s a great experience. Our upcoming match against the USA is a rivalry game. A lot of us play in the States, at universities, so we’re aware of their culture and how they play. It certainly will be an exciting game to watch and to play.’ England beat Ireland 2-1 Vicki McCabe’s spectacular finish in the third quarter was the game-winner that gave England the 2-1 win over Ireland in a feisty and end-to-end match up in Pool B. The game came right down to the final seconds as Ireland tried to claw their way back to tie it up. The England defensive penalty corner unit stood the test to protect the lead. Player of the Match and England skipper Giglio said after the game: ‘I’m just coming off the adrenaline at the moment. I thought the girls put in 100% of the effort in and that’s all we can ask for. We asked for 100% intensity and 100% focus and that’s what the girls gave today. Credit to Ireland who put up such a good fight today.’ The Irish opening the scoring in just the fourth minute of play. Irish captain Caoimhe Perdue’s low sweep towards goal took a touch off a charging Millie Giglio to lift Ireland up 1-0. Ireland’s Katie-Jane Marshall’s foul on forward Maddie Axford resulted in a penalty stroke, converted by England captain Millie Giglio to level the game 1-1.   In the second quarter England’s Katie Curtis forced Perdue to send the ball off her backline to give England a crucial penalty corner chance. Lorna Mackenzie’s slap towards goal found the stick of Claudia Swain but the ball sailed high over the Irish goal. Ireland had a penalty corner late in the second quarter but the low flick from Anna Horan was easily cleared by Evie Wood, in goal for England. The game remained tied 1-1 at half time. In the 36th minute, Aoife Taafe earned Ireland a penalty corner after wearing a hard challenge from Mollie Mason outside the English circle. Mackenzie did well defensively charging the initial shot and disrupting the rebound but a re-award was given. Perdue’s shot was again denied by excellent defence while Emily Guckian cleared a ball off the line that hopped over the foot of Wood. England seemed shook by the Irish pressure as minutes after Mason’s green card, Sofia Martin was sent off for two minutes. Despite the Irish pressure, England had a brilliant counterattack play and Maddie Long’s pass skipped through the Irish midfield. McCabe raced down the field and in a diving finish, buried the ball perfectly on her backhand to give England the much-needed 2-1 lead. The momentum continued to swing back and forth and Giglio set up another chance for England but the strike was well cleared by the boot of keeper Holly Micklem. Ireland had their chance to tie the game with four penalty corners in the final minutes. Fantastic defence from first runner Giglio and Wood in goal secured England the 2-1 comeback victory and a spot in the Top 8. “Every time we play England, it’s always an intense and really tough game. We’re so familiar with each other. England were very fortunate and they took their shots to make it. We need to focus on our PC attacks and just linking together a bit better, and I’m sure we’ll come out and will be strong”, said Ireland’s Caoimhe Perdue.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Potchefstroom, South Africa:-England stormed to the top of the three-team Pool B with a 3-0 win over South Africa, while Netherlands put away nine goals on the USA to take the top of Pool A. Zimbabwe provided the stunner of the day, out-playing Canada and taking a 2-1 win off the Junior Pan American champions. In Pool C, Korea squeaked out a 1-0 win over Uruguay, who were in their debut appearance at this tournament, while defending champions, Argentina, blasted past Austria, 8-0, to also secure three points and top Pool C in the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup at North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. Results (FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup): Result: Match 1 England beat South Africa 3-0 Player of the Match: Lorna Mackenzie (ENG) Umpires: Lisette Baljon (NED), Victoria Pazos (PAR), Gema Calderon (ESP – reserve) Result: Match 2 Netherlands beat United States 9- 0 Player of the Match: Luna Hokke (NED) Umpires: Alison Keogh (RL), Wanri Venter (RSA), Sophie Bockelmann (GER-reserve) Result: Match 3 Zimbabwe beat Canada 2-1 Player of the Match: Natalie Terblanche (ZIM) Umpires: Yoon Seon Kim (KOR), Ines El Hajem (FRA), Maria Locatelli (ARG-reserve) Result: Match 4 Korea beat Uruguay 1-0 Player of the Match: Jung Sunghee (KOR) Umpires: Rebecca Woodcock (ENG), Ivona Makar (CRO), Catalina Montesino (CHI-reserve) Result: Match 5 Argentina beat Austria 8-0 Player of the Match: Daiana Pacheco (ARG) Umpires: Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Ilaria Amorosini (ITA), Lisette Baljon (NED-reserve)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Uruguay and Austria hoped that they would perform well on debut in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup Hockey Tournament, which will be started from April 1, 2022 at Potchefstroom, South Africa. It was inconceivable that the title holders might not qualify and defend their title but this was nearly the case with Argentina. The young Lionesses finished behind Canada, USA and Uruguay at the Junior Pan Am Championship and so failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup. The withdrawal of a number of teams opened up a space and there is little doubt that the Argentinians will be seeking to defend their title. Las Leoncitas has a good record in the event. As well as their 2016 title, they also won gold in 1993, silver in 2001, 2009 and 2013 and bronze in 1997. Korea is another team with a good record at this event, winning in 2001 and 2005. Captain Seona Kim said her team had been working incredibly hard to prepare for this event and would be ‘making things very difficult’ for their opponents. After failing to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Korea women’s hockey has been rebuilding, and were impressive when they won the silver medal behind Japan at the Asia Cup in January of this year. The junior team will be looking to prove that the future of hockey is bright in Korea. Like Ireland, this is a first appearance for Uruguay and the South American team will be keen to strut their style. Uruguay are one of the fastest developing hockey nations, with the recent opening of a new national base, complete with new turf, a real boon for hockey in the country. At the Pan Am Championships, Uruguay showed they could defend with real strength and they will have been focused in on developing their goal scoring abilities since that event in January. Talking ahead of the competition, Agustina Martinez of Uruguay said: ‘It is the first time we are going to a World Cup. We qualified in August, which was historic, so for us this was very emotional. It was like a dream that came true. I think that we didn’t even dare to think about it but once we made it, it was very moving, also because we could live this moment with our families and see the emotions this provoked among people in Uruguay.’ The most recent addition to the roster of teams lining up in Potchefstroom is Austria. The European team were invited to participate after the exclusion of Russia by FIH. This will be Austria’s first appearance at a Junior World Cup and the squad has a baptism of fire as they face Argentina on the opening day. “I really think that we don’t have any big expectations because we don’t know how our opponents are going to be, especially Korea, since I think none of us has ever played against this team. We all know that Argentina in our group is going to be a big opponent and that it will be very tough, but we’re just going to give 150% and we will be happy with our game”, says Austrian player Fiona Felber. The first Pool C matches take place on the opening day of competition. Korea will face Uruguay, while Argentina will play Austria.

RAJA HAFEEZ Lausanne, Switzerland: As we build up towards the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, which springs into action on 1 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa, here is a preview of the teams that comprise Pool A. Pool A: Canada, Netherlands, United States and Zimbabwe As runners-up at the Junior EuroHockey Championships (beaten by Spain on shoot-out), and the team with the highest number of wins at this tournament (3), Netherlands will be the team to beat in this pool. Head Coach Dave Smolenaars will have a host of players at his disposal who have been part of a national structure that produces wave after wave of quality hockey players. The Netherlands open their account with a match against USA on the first day of competition. The most intriguing meet-up in this pool will be the Pan Am clash between USA and Canada. The Canadians will be full of confidence after they won the Junior Pan Am Championship for the first time in their history. USA have been very much in a rebuilding stage so it will be interesting to see how the players respond to this challenge. USA Head Coach Tracey Paul will be looking for the experience of players such as Hope Rose and Charlotte de Vries to lead her team through to the knock-out stages. USA’s highest ever finish in their eight previous appearances was seventh in 2013. Canada’s last appearance was in 2013, when they finished 14th. Like USA, the Canadian team’s previous best was a seventh place in 1989. For Canada, nine of the team that won the Junior Pan Am Cup will be making the trip to South Africa. Head Coach Jenn Beagan is delighted at the prospect of both the junior and senior Canada teams competing in World Cups this year, saying: ‘This is an exciting time and I have no doubt the athletes will rise to the occasion.’ Zimbabwe are a country that has been really focused on developing their national teams in the past few years, and they could spring a surprise on their more experienced opponents. Their previous three appearances have seen the African team finish in last place, but, with the event taking place on African soil for the first time, they will be aiming much higher this time around. Mutsa Bera, the Zimbabwe captain said: ‘We are going to learn a lot from playing at such a big event. It is about taking up the challenge, just going in there and putting up a fight. ‘It is such a big thing to be able to go out there and make a mark for Zimbabwe hockey and show how ready we are to do this.’ Zimbabwe face Canada in their opening Pool A match on 1 April.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Two third-quarter goals propelled the Germany women over the visiting United States in Mönchengladbach to give Germany just their second-straight victory after their 3-0 win over Spain earlier in the week. Just 45-seconds in to his first match for the Germany men, former Argentine penalty corner ace Gonzalo Peillat gave the home side the lead. In late February, the Mannheimer HC defender gained his German passport and gave André Henning an interesting decision to make ahead of their first FIH Pro League games of 2022. It looks like Henning made the right choice as Germany dropped Spain 2-1. Women’s Fixture: Germany beat United States 2-0 It was an action-packed opening half that saw the fitness and physicality of the hosts dominate in both play and possession. Despite the Germany dominance, the USA had quality opportunities of their own. USA keeper Kelsey Bing and her counter-part Julia Sonntag were called to duty on multiple occasions to keep the game scoreless at half time. Germany’s Elisa Gräve was named player of the match and said after the game: ‘It was quite hard actually [about USA’s stingy defence]. We had to take our chances and get more specific on our actions in the circle and that’s what we did in the second half and that’s how we won. We are very happy about that result.’ Laura Saenger has the first quality chance for Germany but her penalty corner flick bounced low and wide of a diving Bing stick. The USA had a first-quarter penalty corner but Sonntag was able to deny Ashley Hoffman’s delivery and the near-post rebound. The Americans had back-to-back scoring attempts just before the first break. The first happened when a streaking Paityn Wirth picked up a brilliant midfield pass but her back-hand shot was squandered high and wide. Then, Sonntag’s left leg denied another close-range shot to keep the Americans at bay. Germany’s Sonja Kimmerman delivered a ball into the USA circle that was deflected to Hanna Granitzki and the striker did well to control and shoot but the ball bounced just wide of Bing. Germany continued to pounce on the Americans as Anne Schröder capitalized off a very quick free hit outside the circle and blasted a shot but Bing’s glove was there to redirect the ball wide. The American defence unit did well to match the speedy German strikers but it was the outstanding confidence of Bing that really kept them in it. In the 35th minute, Germany finally broke the deadlock. Some patient passing opened up Nele Aring on the left side of the circle. Aring did well to send a hard back-hand cross for an open Granitzki to confidently deflect past USA keeper Jennifer Rizzo in for a 1-0 Germany lead. Olivia Bent-Cole had a one-on-one chance for the USA but the 16-year-old’s sweep was calmy guided away by the pads of Sonntag. In the last moments of the third quarter Germany caught Hoffman’s foot to earn a penalty corner. Zimmerman’s low flick boomed towards the goal and the ball had enough power to ricochet up and in to secure the lead. Germany had a sloppy fourth quarter and the Americans did well to put their back line under pressure. Unforced errors gave the USA promising circle entries but Germany were able to do just enough to protect their 2-0 lead and eventual final score. Men’s Fixture: Germany beat Spain 2-1 It was Gonzalo Peillat’s first international match since the 29-year-old fell out with then Argentinian coach German Orozco following the 2018 World Cup. He has since played the last six seasons with Mannheimer HC and now joins Germany as the former top scorer at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics where he was crowned Olympic champion with the Leones.  In the opening 45 seconds Germany earned a penalty corner and it was a sign of what was to come. Peillat, showing he had not missed a beat, stepped up and confidently delivered the 1-0 Germany lead. From there the Honomas dominated possession and the attack putting Spain keeper Mario Garin to work. Garin did well to deny a flurry of Germany chances including two from Jusus Weigans and a far-post opportunity for Christopher Rühr. In the 19th minute Spain post-player Ignacio Rodriguez made a mind-blowing goal line save on a fierce Peillat flick. Minutes later Garin’s out-stretched left foot denied Peillat on Germany’s third penalty corner. Germany continued to knock on Spain’s doorstep and clung to their 1-0 lead at half time. Minutes in to the third quarter Ruhr made quick work of Spain’s Alejandro Alonso and was able to spin and send a pass to a diving Weigand but the ball slid just under his stick and wide. Thirty seconds later and Ruhr cut through the German circle and blasted a back-hand shot just wide of the Spain goal. Max Caldas wanted his side to be more clinical in the German circle in the second half. Joaquin Menini started the charge as he collected a ball in tight and crafted an opportunity out of nothing but the ball bounced wide of Alexander Stadler’s goal. Germany made them pay as on the next rush Marco Miltkau slid a deceptive pass to Niklas Wellen who made no mistake with a blast in for a 2-0 Germany lead in the 35th minute. In the final quarter Rafael Vilallonga was leading Spain’s pressure up front but the German defence line was impenetrable and well quarter-backed by Mathias Müller. A yellow card to Germany’s Timur Oruz gave Spain the final five minutes with a big advantage. Spain captain Marc Miralles crafted his way through the German circle but blasted a shot wide. Villalonga then one-timed a shot with under three minutes to go and forced a penalty corner from a sprawled Stadler. Stadler made the save on the initial flick but Ricardo Sanchez showed no mercy to bury the rebound and break the shutout. Spain continued to pressure with Menini making quick work on the baseline but he was met at the post by the pads of Stadler. Then, Villalonga found Alvaro Iglesias alone but the one-timer went just wide – an agonizing result as Spain seemed so close to force a shootout. Time ran out to leave Spain just short and Germany celebrated the 2-1 victory at home.

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland:-With just a few days to go before the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup South Africa 2021 springs into action in Potchefstroom the squads for the participating nations are now known. Among the athletes from the 16 teams are Olympians, Olympic medallists and players that have already seen top class action through the FIH Hockey Pro League. This is also the stage upon which new stars are revealed to hockey fans. It was back in 1997 that an unknown junior called Luciana Aymar led Argentina to a Junior World Cup bronze medal – we all know how that story unfolded. Today’s crop of Las Leoncitas will be hoping to retain the gold medal that the 2016 squad won in Santiago, Chile. For teams such as Netherlands, Germany and Korea, the Women’s Junior World Cup has been a traditional hunting ground for medals. Those three teams between them have won 12 medals, and all three will want to be adding to their tallies. For Germany, players such as Pauline Heinz and Jette Fleschütz will be bringing a huge amount of experience of top flight hockey, having already experienced Olympic and FIH Hockey Pro League action. In addition, the German U21 squad played two senior FIH Hockey Pro League matches against India, gaining a wealth of experience the process. Also on the hunt for medals will be the India women’s side. Having observed the rapid rise of their women’s senior team through the rankings, and the adulation to which the squad returned on the back of an Olympic fourth place finish, the India team will want to take advantage of the momentum surrounding women’s hockey in the country right now. At the other end of the experience continuum are teams such as Ireland and Uruguay who will be experiencing their first ever foray into Women’s Junior World Cup territory. Ireland's athletes are already bringing a sense of joy to the show, with their revelation that the team managers included pool-based flamingo racing as part of their early morning warm-up routines. And then there is the emotion that will be so very present at this event. For South Africa, this is the momentous occasion when they hold the continent’s first ever FIH World Cup event. For Canada, this is the place where they were caught in limbo for a while in December as a result of pandemic movement restrictions – they will be looking for a happy return to Potchefstroom.

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the FIH Hockey Pro League participating nations have agreed on a new schedule for the fourth season of FIH’s global league celebrating ‘Hockey at its Best’. The season, which will run from 28 October 2022 to 5 July 2023, will be divided into a series of date blocks, agreed by all parties, to assist with international and domestic competition planning, within which “mini-tournaments” will be played where several teams will gather in one venue to play two matches against each other. This move will have a major positive impact on players’ welfare and the environment, thanks to a substantial reduction in the amount of travel needed for each team and the officials. Another great advantage of this revised format is that it increases the number of dates available for athletes to compete in their domestic leagues and club competitions. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The FIH Hockey Pro League is still a relatively ‘young’ competition. Therefore, it is our duty, together with the participating nations, to proceed to a regular review and make adjustments as appropriate for the enhancement of the experience. This new schedule will be better for athletes, better for hosts, better for fans and better for the environment!” For the first season with this new schedule, matches will be hosted in the following seven nations:  Australia, Argentina, Belgium, England, India, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A magnificent display of goalkeeping by Nathalie Kubalski, playing on her home ground in Dusseldörf, kept an ever-threatening Spanish attack at bay and brought home three points for Germany for the first time this Pro League season. With Spain dominating possession and sometimes by-passing the German midfield and defence with ease, this was an outcome completely against the run of play. Germany 3-0 Spain Germany took the lead in the first quarter through an excellent strike from Pia Maertens. The attacking midfielder turned at the top of the Spanish circle to create the room to fire a shot at goal. This was one of only a few German attacking opportunities as most of the first 30 minutes saw Spain on the attack and playing with energy and fervour. The only thing the Red Sticks were missing was a goal. If Kubalski was frustrating Adrian Lock's Spanish team in the first half, she put up an inpenetrable wall in the second half of the game. Spain were playing the ball through the centre of the pitch with an ease that will have given German Head Coach Valentin Altenburg headaches. Experienced players such as Lucia Jimenez, Begona Garcia and Belen Iglesias all found themselves foiled by the sheer brilliance of Kubalski as she dealt with overhead shots, deflections and one-on-one encounters. While Germany were worryingly porous in defence, they were ruthless when on the attack. Die Danas only had four shots in the entire game but they scored from three of them. In the 36th minute, Lena Micheel was the beneficiary of a swift counterattack down the righthand side of the pitch. Maertens added her second with a classy strike while in full forward motion. The talented player dinked the ball up and over Melanie Garcia's foot. The goal moves her to third place in the FIH Pro League top scorer's table. Spain, for their part, created plenty of chances and had a total of 14 shots on goal. While Valentin Altenburg said he was not pleased with the performance and will have plenty to work on, in terms of getting his players to keep possession of the ball and shore up their defence; for Adrian Lock, the difficulty will be unravelling why his team were unable to score depsite some quite mesmerising build-up play.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland: There are just 100 days to go until the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022 springs into life at the joint venues of the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Terrassa Olympic Stadium in Terrassa, Spain. The 16 teams know both their pools and the opponents that stand between them and World Cup glory. The officials are primed and ready to ensure a smooth running and fairly contested tournament. The fans are busily purchasing tickets ready to roar on the athletes in this blue riband event, that will not only set pulses racing in the stands, but will captivate global audiences. Ahead of the event, fans across the international community were asked to suggest names for the competition’s mascot. Showing some truly astonishing creativity 400 names were suggested, which was eventually whittled down to just three. More than 600 votes were cast and the final, winning name for the 2022 World Cup mascot was revealed as Lyla. Look out for Lyla as she makes starring appearances over the duration of the tournament and at both venues. Both Spain and the Netherlands are experienced hosts when it comes to hockey competition. The Hague was the venue for the Men’s and Women’s World Cups in 2014, with Utrecht hosting the Men’s and Women’s events in 1998. Amstelveen was the venue for the Men’s World Cup in 1973 and the Women’s World Cup in 1986. Madrid was host to the Women’s World Cups of 1978 and 2006, while Barcelona hosted the first ever Men’s World Cup in 1971. Xan de Waard of the Netherlands says: 'In 100 days the World Cup starts in Amsterdam and Terrassa. The next few months see us play several games in the FIH Pro League to prepare as well as possible. We are really looking forward to start the World Cup and we hope to see you there.' Spain's captain Georgina Oliva says: 'I would like to encourage all the fans and the crowds to come to Terrassa because there are a lot of activities waiting for you. I would love to see you all in the stadium, enjoying the hockey and the spectacle of a World Cup. We will welcome you with a lot of sunny days.' Teams: 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

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A hesitant start by both sides saw late drama as Germany thought they had won the match before Marta Segu's goal equalled the scores and sent the game to a shoot-out at Deutscher Sportklub, Dusseldorf Germany. Germany 2-2 Spain (women-Spain win shoot-out 3-0): This was a match in which both teams showed glimpses of brilliance but also made costly errors. For the German side, it was hesitancy when on the ball that slowed their play and allowed Spain opportunities to attack. The Spanish side showed much creativity and energy, particularly in midfield, but will be looking to make more focused and aggressive forward moves in the next match – which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 23 March). The first quarter saw most of the action taking place in the midfield, with Germany shading the possession and opportunities as the Spanish players struggled to break through the German last line of defence. Going with the run of play, Germany took the lead through Pia Maertens. Some strong stick work at the top of the circle by Anne Schröder saw the midfielder pick out Sophia Schwabe. She, in turn, flicked the ball goalwards for Maertens to scramble home. Spain's equaliser came from the quick thinking of Laura Barrios, who was the only player who didn't stop moving when umpire Celine Martin-Schmets signalled advantage. Barrios crashed the ball past Noelle Rother in the German goal. At half-time, neither Head Coach was satisfied with the teams' performances. Germany's Valentin Altenburg called for his team to show greater 'courage' as they attacked, while Adrian Lock called for Spain to play with 'more intent and purpose'. In the third quarter, Spain thought they had scored through a Maria Lopex penalty corner but the video review, called by the German team, showed the ball had hit a Spanish foot. Germany's second goal came with just four minutes left to play. Captain Sonja Zimmermann showed great individual skill to run the ball around the Spanish defensive circle and then struck it into the goal. With the clock ticking down, this looked like a German victory but Spain's Marta Segu had other ideas. The midfielder had played with creativity and energy all match and she was rewarded with the goal that gave Spain a draw. In the shoot-out Spain were clinical, scoring their first three attempts, as Germany were unable to find a way past melanie Garcia in the Spanish goal. Result: Women's Match 21 Germany 2, Spain 2 (Spain win bonus point on shoot-out 3-0) Player of the Match, Marta Segu (ESP) Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL) Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Ben Goentgen (GER, Video Umpire)