Hockey
Gold Cup Hockey Tournament: Punjab Colours and Navy claim victories
Sports Bulletin Report
GUJRANWALA:-Punjab Colours and Pakistan Navy claimed victories in the All Pakistan Commissioner Gujranwala Gold Cup Hockey Tournament, the match between Mari Petroleum and Punjab Whites ended in a 2-2 draw at Ghaggar Sports Complex Gujranwala on Sunday. The tournament is being played under the supervision of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and organized by Punjab Hockey Association (PHA).
The first match of the second day of the event was played between Mari Petroleum and Punjab White that ended 2-2 draw. Wasim Akram and Ghazanfar scored one goal each for Mari Petroleum while Amir Ali and Bilal Aslam scored one goal each for Punjab White. The duties were performed by Zahid Hameed and Mahmood Ali. The reserve umpires were blessed. The duties of judges were performed by Sheikh Abid, Mirza Javed, Javed Sadiq and the duties of technical officer were performed by Zaheer-ul-Haq.
The second match was played between Pakistan Navy and KPK. Pakistan Navy won 3-0. Zulqarnain, Babar Hussain and Mohammad Sufyan scored one goal each for Pakistan Navy. While the duties of judges are Hafiz Arshad, Munawar Hussain, Allah Dutta Bhatti and the duties of technical officer are Shafqat Mil.
The third match of the event was played between Punjab Colours and Port Qasim. Punjab won the match by 2-1. Abu Bakar scored both the goals for Punjab while Abdul Rahim scored the lone goal for Port Qasim. Duties of Allah Daad, Hafiz-ur-Rehman Haroon Saeed and duties of Technical Officer were performed by Rafiq Khan.
Five provincial and five departmental teams are participating in the event which is being held at Sports Arena Ghakhar (Gujranwala). Col. R. Asif Naz Khokhar has been appointed as Organizing Secretary, Olympian Danish Kaleem as Tournament Director and Rana Liaqat Ali (Attock) as Assistant Tournament Director. Umpires Manager FIH Umpires Manager Rashid Mehmood Butt (Railways) has been posted while former International Hockey Umpire Dilawar Bhatti is performing the duties of Assistant Umpires Manager.
Netherlands hit South Africa for six and Belgium men, women feel Argentina bite
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD:-It was an exciting day of Pro League action as the No. 13 world ranked France toppled the No. 3-ranked Indian side in an exciting 5-2 game in South Africa. While the France defence were outstanding, it was the firing offence that put on a show. India struggled to convert on penalty corners and could only tally from the stroke mark. In the game following, Dennis Warmerdam buried two fantastic goals to lead the Netherlands to a 6-2 victory and pick up Player of the Game honours.
France v India (men) – Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA)
France’s impenetrable defence powered the team to a 5-2 win, after taking Netherlands to a 2-2 tie just days earlier. Victor Charlet lead in scoring with a pocket of set pieces, while Viktor Lockwood, Charles Masson and Timothée Clément also got on the scoresheet. Penalty strokes from Jarmanpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh were all India could muster despite 13 penalty corner attempts.
France found their go-ahead goal in the 35th minute when Baumgarten’s quick free pass found its way to Lockwood on the left baseline. Lockwood crafted his way through the Indian defence and blasted a tight-angled shot out of the air and through the legs of Sreejesh.
Speaking of his goal, Player of the Match Viktor Lockwood said: 'It was crazy, I don't really strike on anything but my reverse, so that was a surprise. We had a difficult first game but now we are in the competition. We brought a lot of energy which made up for lack of prep.'
South Africa v Netherlands (men) – Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA)
The Netherlands dominated the game to a 6-2 victory over hosts, South Africa, in the second game of Pro League play today. Dennis Warmerdam buried two goals and was named Player of the Match as the Dutch showed fine form in their build up all night, while it was their final moves as they entered the circle that were as if someone was pulling a trigger – piercing and direct.
After the game Warmerdam said: 'I preferred my first goal of the two, it was great counter and all I had to do was tap it in. [Referring to his recovery from cancer] It is a medical miracle that I am standing here.'
To open the scoring, Jorrit Croon’s aerial into the circle was mishandled between South Africa’s Daniel Bell and keeper Estiaan Kriek. Thijs van Dam scooped up the loose ball and put it in the untended net for a 1-0 Netherlands lead just before the first quarter break.
South African captain Keenan Horne said after the match: 'It was about small margins. If we had scored the penalty stroke it may have been a different game. But it was much better than our previous two games. We have gone back to basics and defended well. Defence is the cornerstone of our play.’
Argentina v Belgium (women & men) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG)
The Leonas were out in fine form as they dropped Belgium 3-1 in front of a roaring home crowd. Eugenia Trinchinetti’s pair of goals lead the way for the home side, while Maria Granatto, recently Pan American Cup’s Player of the Tournament, netted the game-winner. Skipper Alix Geniers was the lone Belgian scorer in the match.
After the game Trinchinetti said: ‘We think that the key was that we kept on trying to play our game. We know that Belgium is a really good team and their defence is really good so we are going to see the [video] of this match and prepare for tomorrow.’
After the game Gerniers said: ‘The three first quarters were quite okay but then we let go a bit in the last quarter and I think we are quite disappointed about the result. We need to see the video and see what we can do better and tomorrow is another day and another game.’
Speaking after the game Argentina’s Agustin Bugallo was named Player of the Match and said: ‘It was a really nice result in Argentina with [a home crowd] and we are very happy with that. I think we are improving as a team but we have another fight for tomorrow. We have to rest tonight.’
FIH Pro League – 12 February 2021
Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA)
Result: Men’s Match 11
France 5, India 2
Player of the Match: Viktor Lockwood (FRA)
Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA-video)
Result: Men’s Match 13
South Africa 2, Netherlands 6
Player of the Match: Dennis Warmerdam (NED)
Umpires: Ayden Shrives (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA), Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)
Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG)
Result: Women’s Match 9
Argentina 3, Belgium 1
Player of the Match: Maria Granatto (ARG)
Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Catalina Montesino (CHI), Diego Barbas (ARG-video)
Result: Men’s Match 12
Argentina 2, Belgium 1
Player of the Match: Agustin Bugallo (ARG)
Umpires: German Montes de Oca (ARG), Diego Barbas (ARG), Irene Presenqui (ARG-video)
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
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