ECC Gaya clinch Paritosh Dayal Memorial Under-13 cricket trophy

Patna: Empires Cricket Club (ECC), Gaya won the Paritosh Dayal Memorial Under-13 Cricket Tournament title defeating Cricket Academy of Bihar team by a huge margin of 85 runs at CAB ground here on Wednesday.

ECC won the toss and decided to bat first. Batting first, ECC, Gaya scored 32 runs for 8 wickets in 25 overs. In reply, Cricket Academy of Bihar were all out for 69 runs in 17 overs. Vicky was the wrecker in chief as he took four wickets for 29 runs.

Social worker Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh, Mudrika Mehta, Vicky Mehta (president of Yuva Shakti team), Sujit Jha, Birju Mehta, Arun Mehta, former ward councilor Vinod Gupta, youth president of Vaish Samaj Rajesh Kumar, former Viji Trophy player Saurabh. Chakraborty and social worker Vikas Gupta gave away the prizes.

Vinay Kumar, Ravi Kumar, Shivam Kumar, Divyansh Kumar, Aarav Singh, Ayush Jha were awarded as emerging players of the tournament.  Other awards winners were; best fielder Vivek Kumar of SKP Cricket Club, best keeper Ayush Sinha of Basawan Park Cricket Academy, best bowler ECC, Gaya's Vicky, best batsman Police Line Cricket Academy‘s Pratyush Vidhu and Man of the Tournament Nitin Kumar of Cricket Academy of Pathans. The award of best disciplined team went to Learning School of Cricket and Player of the Final Match award went to Vicky (ECC, Gaya).

The umpires of this match were Rajesh Ranjan and Baijnath while Piyush Ranjan was the socerer.

Commentator Sandeep Patil narrated the running commentary of the match.  Cricketer Sarvesh Hansraj welcomed the guests while vote of thanks was proposed by organising secretary Santosh Tiwari. Many dignitaries including coach Mukesh Kumar and Raja Kumar were present on the occasion.

Brief scores:  ECC, Gaya: 154 for 8 in 25 overs, Tushar 32 runs, Harsh 23 runs, Prince 22 runs, Rajamani 20 runs, Tanmay 3/20, Pratap 2/29, Manish 1/17, Aditya 1/20, Ayush 1/40

Cricket Academy of Bihar: 69 all out in 17 overs Pratyush 19 runs, Vaibhav 9 runs, extra 10 runs, Vicky 4/29, Vikas 2/8, Harsh 1/3, Sangam 1/11, run out-2

Torch of 44th Chess Olympiad reaches Patna

Patna, July 6, 2022: The Chess Olympiad torch for 44th Chess Olympiad arrived in Patna on Wednesday. The chess lovers and other sports aficionados accord grand welcome to the torch relay team. The torch arrived at Patna airport by a special plane from Gwalior. Office-bearers of All Bihar Chess Association and officials of sports department welcomed the torch.

From the airport, the torch reached Gyan Bhavan in an open four-wheeler where Sport Development Authority of Bihar DG Raveendran Sankaran welcomed the torch.

At a function organised at Gyan Bhavan, Grand Master Praveen Thipsy handed over the torch to Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan, who handed over the torch to art, culture and youth department minister Alok Ranjan Jha. Later, the torch headed towards Nalnada and Rajgir by road.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Women's World Cup hockey: India hold China 1-1 in high tempo match

Lausanne, Switzerland, July 5: Nerves were fully on display in the fourth day of Women's World Cup action in Amstelveen and Terrassa. In the opening match, Chile won a war of attrition with Ireland to record their first ever World Cup win. The next match was a clash between two teams who couldn't be separated as China and India played out a high tempo game that only produced two goals but was a fascinating encounter from start to finish.

If the first two matches were tense, the third match, between Japan and South Africa was thrilling as the African team, led by Onathatile Zulu, completed a great escape after going three-nil down in the first half.

New Zealand went into a 3-1 lead over England and held onto that lead with a defiant display of defending. And in the final match of the day Australia stunned Belgium with two quick goals that took the Red Panthers by surprise.

Ireland v Chile (Pool A)

This was a match that both teams had targeted as a game where points might be available and that awareness really added to the pressure and urgency that could be felt across the pitch.

The first three quarters were goalless but full of high-energy running and a lot of attacks on both goals. Claudia Schuler was the busier of the two goalkeepers but both Schuler and Ayeisha McFerran pulled off some vitally important saves. 

Chile's work was made harder in the first half with a series of cards – yellow and green – which put the side under some additional pressure.

Ireland's Head Coach Sean Dancer will doubtless be frustrated as Ireland won a series of penalty corners but failed to make any of them count. Chile's number one penalty corner runners played a vital part in keeping the higher ranked team from scoring.

The breakthrough came three minutes into the final quarter. Chile won their own penalty corner and Denise Krimerman Losada made no mistake as she fired the ball into the bottom left corner of McFerran's goal.

Ireland put Las Diablas under immense pressure for the final 10 minutes, winning a number of penalty corners but still failing to find a way past the team in red. A yellow card for Eleana Tice limited Dancer's option to remove his goalkeeper and Chile held on to record a very important first win in a World Cup.

Player of the Match was Manuela Urroz. She said: 'I am so proud of this team, we have worked hard for a number of years. I am so happy I cannot explain it. I think both teams knew that this was an important game for the group. But this is a big step for us, to win our first game at a World Cup.'

Elena Tice of Ireland said: 'We knew Chile would be a good team. We are bitterly disappointed. We didn't convert our penalty corners. We struggled with the execution. We have to do better. Now we have to go out and do better against Germany tomorrow.'

China v India (Pool B)

The second match of the day in Amstelveen got off to another tense start as India and China went in search of their first win of the tournament. The first quarter was extremely well balanced with both sides testing and probing each others' defences but there was only one shot in the first 15 minutes – with India hitting the target but finding China's goalkeeper Liu Ping in the way.

India thought they had scored midway through the second half when Tete Salima pushed the ball over the China goal-line following a pass from Ktariya Vandana. However, a smart referral by China saw the goal discounted after it was judged to have hit the striker's body.

It was China who got the breakthrough. Zhang Xindan played a lovely pass which split the India defence and found Zheng Jiali behind the defence. The subsequent shot flew past Savita to give China the lead in this hugely important encounter.

The second half began with China on the attack. First Gu Bingfeng sent a penalty corner just over the cross bar and then Zhang Xiaoxue just missed connecting with a cross that would have definitely produced a second goal.

That miss would come back to haunt China when Vandana was able to send a penalty corner rebound flying past Ping. The goal came at a time when India could have been forgiven for thinking they were never going to break through the staunch China defence.

With just under four minutes left, China went a player down as Zheng Jiali recieved a yellow card. Despite this, China won a penalty corner but Gu's shot was well saved by Savita and the danger passed.

The final minutes saw China pepper the India goalmouth with speculative crosses but no-one could get on the end of anything and both teams settled for their second drawn result of the tournament.

Player of the Match Katariya Vandana said: 'We are disappointed because we should have won the match. We worked hard and hopefully we will win the next match.'

China's Cui Xiuxia said: 'Today we played and worked hard. We should have won and hopefully we will win the next one. We need to score more goals but we enjoyed the one that went in. For our next game, we hope to score from our penalty corners.'

Japan v South Africa (Pool D)

Japan got off to a super start as they chased their first win of the World Cup in Terrassa. Captain Nagai Yuri led by example as she was able to poke a rebounded ball past South Africa Phumelela Mbande in the third minute. It took another six minutes before the Cherry Blossoms doubled their lead, this time through the quick thinking of Toriyama Mai, who got in front of her marking defender and lifted the ball over the keeper.

South Africa were shell-shocked and for a few minutes there was confusion among the green and gold players. However, they rallied and began making their own in-roads into the Japanese circle. The problem for the South African team was that, while Japan were moving the ball freely from player to player, South Africa were relying on the pace of individual players and all too often the Japanese were just able to recover possession with a strong tackle.

In the second half, South Africa sought to answer Head Coach Giles Bonnet's call for improvements in all areas of the pitch. Lilian du Plessis was the recipient of a great pass from her midfield and her shot whistled just wide of Tanaka Akia in the Japan goal. Seconds later and South Africa had a penalty corner – again it was Du Plessis shooting but Tanaka was up to the challenge.

Despite South Africa's high energy re-start, it was Japan who scored a third. Nishikori Emi was able to slot home a perfectly placed shot to extend the Cherry Blossom's lead.

South Africa hit back with a typically belligerent goal. Bernadette Costin shot and the ball flew high into the air from the goalkeeper's pads. Kirsten Paton was on hand to pluck the ball from mid-air and smash it into the goal.

The goal galvanised South Africa and suddenly the momentum shifted totally. Onthatile Zulu was causing chaos in the Japanese defence with her speed and strength and a penalty corner was her reward. With five minutes left to play, Tarryn Lombard scored from the top of the circle and suddenly it was game on.

With just over a minute left on the clock, Tarryn Lombard struck again. Head Coach Giles Bonnet had pulled the goalkeeper off the pitch. As Lombard picked up a bouncing ball and turned it into the goal, Bonnet put the keeper back on and South Africa completed the best comeback this World Cup has seen thus far. 

Player of the Match Onthatile Zulu: 'It was a tough game and we started the second half 2-0 down. We came out and really fought so hard to get this result.'

England v New Zealand (Pool B)

It was a perfect start for England and Lily Owsley. The attacking midfielder celebrated her 100th England cap with a goal in the 4th minute when she was on hand to score from England's first penalty corner of the match. The ball rebounded twice before Owsley lifted it into the Blackstick's goal.

For much of the first half England looked to be dominant but they failed to capitalise on their much superior possession or circle entries. The team was made to pay in the 29th minute when a fantastic aerial ball out of defence was picked up by Katie Doar who made no mistake as she unleashed a reverse stick shot past the England 'keeper Maddie Hinch.

England thought they had scored when a Grace Balsdon penalty corner flew into the goal. A referral was upheld by the video umpire Laurine Delforge as the replay showed the shot to be dangerous.

England's day was made worse when Katie Doar doubled her personal tally. She ran the ball into the circle and wrong-footed Hinch with a quickly taken shot to give New Zealand the lead.

With just nine minutes left on the clock, New Zealand gave themselves a cushion when Tarryn Davey took a high ball out of the air and hit it into the goal. The initial shot came from a penalty corner strike from Tyler Lench. Hinch made the save but the defence couldn't clear the ball and they were made to pay.

England pushed and pushed for a lifeline. Elena Rayer was driving the team forward from the frontline and the result was a series of penalty corners. New Zealand, for their part, were defending as a complete unit. Shots were batted off the line, tackles were thrown in and still the Blacksticks' line held strong.

In total, England had 14 penalty corners and scored just one goal, something David Ralph will be concerned about as the team faces its final pool match against China.

The Player of the Match was New Zealand's Katie Doar.

Belgium v Australia (Pool D)

The final match of the day was a tough and uncompromising encounter between two teams who both have serious aspirations in this tournament. As in their first game, Belgium created a number of penalty corner opportunities but were unable to convert any in the first half. Penny Squibb was immaculate on the post and was key to Australia keeping a clean sheet in the first half.

At the other end of the field, Australia were working to create their own opportunities but they were up against some super defensive work, particularly by Helene Brasseur, and over the 30 minutes of the first half, they only had one shot. In that instance, a great interception from Lien Hillewaert kept Mariah Williams from opening the scoring just before the half-time break.

The deadlock was broken in some style in the 39th minute. Belgium were reduced to 10 players when Pauline Leclef received a green card. First Greta Hayes esaped the close attention of two defenders and was able to create room to receive a pass and slip it past Elena Sotgiu to score her first senior international goal.

Things got worse for Belgium a few seconds later as they momentarily lost their discipline and defensive structure. The ball was played into the Belgium circle and the first Australian shot hit the post. Rebecca Greiner was the first to react and she pounced on the loose ball and struck it home.

Belgium began the fightback but at the other end of the pitch they found Stephanie Kershaw in tremendous form in the heart of the Australian defence. She intercepted a number of crucial passes and Belgium's attack was broken down time and again.

As the second half counted down, Belgium became more desperate to score the elusive goals. Judith Vandermeiren, in particular, was weaving her way through the Australian defence but just couldn't find the finishing touch. 

Player of the Match, Stephanie Kershaw (AUS) said: 'That was really good. We knew it would be tough and important. The whole team is pleased that we got the win.'

Belgium's captain Alix Gerniers said: 'Today was important to top the pool. It was disappointing but tomorrow is another day and we will start again then.'

The action in the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup continues on Wednesday 6 July. At the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Pool A’s Ireland will play Germany at 16:30, followed by Netherlands against Chile at 19:30.

At the Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa in Spain, it is all Pool D action as Japan will face Belgium at 18:00, then Australia take on South Africa at 21:30.

Check out the pool standings here. 

Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile 
Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China 
Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada 
Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa 

FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022

5 July 2022 Results

Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)

Match #12

Ireland 0, Chile 1

Player of the Match: Manuela Urroz (CHI)

Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Wanri Venter (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA-video)

Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)

Match #13

India 1, China 1

Player of the Match: Katariya Vandana (IND)

Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) Irene Presenqui (ARG - video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP)

Match #14

Japan 3, South Africa 3

Player of the Match: Onthatile Zulu (RSA)

Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Cookie Tan (SGP), Michele Meister (GER- video)

Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)

Match #15

England 1, New Zealand 3

Player of the Match: Katie Doar (NZL)

Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Emi Yamada (JPN), Laurine Delforge (BEL-video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP)

Match #16

Belgium 0, Australia 2

Player of the Match: Stephanie Kershaw (AUS)

Umpires:  Kelly Hudson (NZL), Hannah Harrison (ENG) Michi Meister (GER-video)

 

Bihar lose in final, Dadra & Nagar Haveli win U-17 women's soccer title

Bihar and Dadra and Nagar Haveli players vie for the ball in Guwahati on July 4, 2022

NEW DELHI, July 4, 2022: Dadra & Nagar Haveli defeated Bihar by a solitary goal to win Hero Junior (U-17) Women's National Football Championship 2022-23 final played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.

 Pooja was the difference between the two teams when she scored the winner in the 87th minute. Put in the clear, she made no mistake to place it into the back of the net.

Earlier, both teams started on a cautious note. Dadra & Nagar Haveli had the better of the possession in the initial 10 minutes. The first shot on target came as early as the 2nd minute, which was easily collected by Bihar goalkeeper Khushi Kumari. In the 10th minute, the build-up was promising enough, but Bihar defender Nisha Kumari thwarted it with a timely tackle.

In the 16th minute, Dadra and Nagar Haveli had a close shave as Bihar came close when Shruti Kumari’s attempt hit the woodwork. Bihar also had another chance in the 31st minute but Lucky’s attempt from a narrow angle missed the target.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli also had their chances. First Pooja latched onto a chip but her attempt wasn’t on target, and then in the 36th minute, she saw her placement agonisingly hit the post.

Changing over, Bihar had a golden opportunity to surge into the lead when Lucky Kumari found herself unmarked, and a free header in the 6-yard box. But her attempt lacked power thus causing no trouble for Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

In the end, it was Pooja’s late strike that helped Dadra and Nagar Haveli put the game to bed in the dying minutes, as the Union Territory was crowned champions of the Hero Junior (U-17) Women’s NFC.

The recipients of the Awards are as follows:

Best Goalkeeper of the Championship - Khushi (DNH)
Top Scorer of the Championship - Lucky Kumari (Bihar)
Most Valuable Player of the Championship - Pooja (DNH)
Runner Up - Bihar Winners - DNH

 

India hold England; Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium register big wins

 

India and England players in action

Lausanne, Switzerland, July 3:Netherlands stormed their way to the top of Pool A after a 3-1 win over Germany, while India and England had an exciting 1-1 draw in Pool B play. Belgium took down South Africa 4-1 with double goals from each of Stephanie vanden Borre and Charlotte Englebert. Pool C saw an impressive performance from Canada but Korea found responses to come back and take the game 3-2, while Argentina blasted Spain 4-1.

Favourites Netherlands and Argentina sit atop their respective pools with two wins, while with only one game played each in Pool B and Pool D it’s still anyone’s game.

Belgium v South Africa (Pool D)

It was a game of penalty corners as four of five goals in the game came off set pieces as Belgium took their opening game in pool D play 4-1 over South Africa. Despite the score margin the Red Panthers had 15 penalty corners in the game to South Africa’s three. Stephanie vanden Borre put in two penalty corner goals in the second quarter to give Belgium a cushion. Belgium retained most of the possession but couldn’t find a way in free play past South African keeper Phumelela Mbande.

South Africa had few attacks but were able to garner a penalty corner in the 24th minute after a fast break. Almost catching Belgium by surprise, the ball was very quickly slapped down the pipe and Jean-Leigh du Toit’s shot beat Aisling D’hooghe between the pads to cut Belgium’s lead in half. It was a small resolve though as Belgium still dominated the second half. Credit to Mbande who continued to stymie waves of attack including several penalty corners and a stunner of a back-hand from Charlotte Englebert.

Englebert was on fire in the fourth quarter and she buried a penalty corner variation after injecting the ball to make it 3-1 in the 53rd minute. More penalty corners rained on South Africa including a rebound attempt from vanden Borre that rang the left-hand post. Late in the game a bit of pressure on Lisa-Marie Deetlefs forced a turnover at the stroke mark right to the stick of Englebert but Mbande slid out to create congestion. In the dying minutes, eventual player of the match, Englebert, was there to blast in a rebound for a fourth goal in the 57th minute. The 4-1 win gave Belgium the three points they needed to start their tournament on a high.  

“We are really happy,” said captain vanden Borre after the match. “It was our first goal of the tournament to get the three points so now on to the next one. We need some more energy for the full 60 minutes to keep on playing forward.”

England v India (Pool B)

It was an action-packed opening game for England and India who drew 1-1 in Poll B play. India had a penalty corner in the opening minute but the England rushers were up to the task. While India seemed to put a little more attacking pressure, it was England who were first on the board. A quick rush down the right side allowed Lily Owsley to feed Isabelle Petter in traffic. The ball came across the circle in the air and Petter’s reaching touch effortlessly redirected the ball into the mesh for a 1-0 England lead. India didn’t seemed phase as they responded with a penalty corner in the other end. Kaur Gurjit flicked high stick side and the ball pinged off the post but eventually ended in a re-award. Shona McCallin was there to clear the second attempt.

India came out in the second quarter again with attacking pressure as Kaur Gurjit’s penalty corner delivery flew just under the stick of injector Kaur Navneet in the opening moments. Sophie Hamilton then forced a save out of Indian keeper Savita only to see the end-to-end play continue with an Indian barck-hand shot flying high and wide of the England goal. Finally, India were able to deservingly find their equalizer. A penalty corner strike from Monika was saved by the stick of a sprawling Maddie Hinch and Katariya Vandana was there to flick in the rebound and level the game before half time.

It was a quiet third quarter with England holding most of the attack and possession, but Savita was not required in action. Just before the third-quarter hooter though, India had a ball bouncing in the circle and some quality footwork allowed Neha to one-time blast the ball on her back-hand but Maddie Hinch made the save.

England continued to dominate but were unable to generate a quality chance on goal. India had fewer chances but looked just as dangerous. A bouncing ball beat Hinch and was on target for a wide open Sonika but the ball hit her in the 57th minute. England thought they had a penalty corner in the final minute but a video referral overturned it. The game remained equal 1-1, a deserving score line as both keepers were superb.

Isabelle Petter was named player of the match and said commented after the game: ‘It was always a tough first game against India. They’re a class side. We were happy with the draw would have wanted the win but happy to take the point and on to the next game now. We’ve got a rest day tomorrow and then we will focus on our next game against China.’

Korea v Canada (Pool C)

All of the action were in the first and last minutes of the game as Canada and Korea traded goals with two goals in each of the opening two minutes and final three minutes. Despite playing in their own end for a lot of the match, it was Korea that came out with the 3-2 victory to serve heartbreak to the Canadians.

Korea wasted no time earning a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds of the game as pressure forced Natalie Sourisseau to clear the ball high into her teammate. Kim Minji flick rocketed just above the backboard, stick high of Canadian keeper Rowan Harris, to give the Koreans a 1-0 lead. A minute later Canada was able to respond. A high aerial from Karli Johanssen was mishandled by the Korean defence allowing Brienne Stairs to pounce on it. Stairs fed the ball cleverly to Maddie Secco, who showed great composure to curl and bury the ball for the equalizer. Canada weathered two more Korean penalty corners in the opening quarter and then the WolfPack found themselves at the other end, earning a penalty corner after a video referral. Johanssen’s flick was swatted away by the glove of Lee Jinmin.

Canada continued to pressure and almost found the go-ahead when a back-hand cross from Sourisseau just skipped under the diving stick of Hannah Haughn at the back post in the 21st minute. Korea, who seemed docile for most of the opening moments, found some attacking strides and captain Eunbi Cheon had a reverse-stick blast that was saved well from close range by Harris.

It was a calm third quarter with a few penalty corner chances and some stingy defensive work in both ends. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Korea nabbed the lead. Seona Kim showed some brilliant composure in the circle to receive and blast one from close range past Harris after some superb transition through midfield. Canada striker Stairs turned up the heat through the final moments of game earning Canada an important penalty corner with under five minutes to go. Johanssen’s flick was saved on the post by Jungeun Seo but the play resulted in a re-award. This time Canada unleashed a brilliant set piece slip to Sara McManus and then in to the deserving Stairs, whose deflection tied the game 2-2.

Hard work from Eunbi Cheon tied up Harris in the Canadian circle and Jungeun Seo was there to tap the ball into the empty goal to end any further Canadian momentum. Canada had another penalty corner denied by Korea and then a back-hand shot by Jordyn Faiczak but they just could not find the equalizer. Korea hung on to their 3-2 lead to climb past Canada in Pool B play.

Following the game Seona Kim said: ‘We couldn’t have won that game without all the players on the team. We will try our best in every moment. We don’t know what is going to happen to next but we will try our best. We have three more days so if there are any issues or errors we will try our best to sort those out until then.’

Germany v Netherlands (Pool A)

The Netherlands soared to the top of Pool A after a 3-1 victory over Germany. Despite the score line it was a very tight match up until the final 12 minutes of the game. There was never going to be any doubt about the pace and class that would be on display between Germany (WR: 5) and Netherlands (WR: 1). It was equally special for Frederique Matla who celebrated her 100th international on home soil.

The Netherlands got off to their usual fiery start showcasing their size and strength on the ball to keep German keeper Julia Sonntag on her toes. In the 13th minute Marloes Keetels ran the left baseline and her cross was stopped by Selin Oruz but the ball bounced back to Keetels who paced it under Julia Sonntag for the opening goal. The Dutch should have gone up 2-0 when Lidewij Welten spun her check in midfield and then brilliantly fed Laurien Leurik. With all the time in the world it was unimaginable that Leurik’s shot could blast wide but it was to the relief of Sonntag.  

Chances were again few and far between in the second quarter but it was Germany Lena Micheel who blasted a ball on target for a sliding Hannah Granitzki but they couldn’t connect.  Germany also had a chance when Charlotte Stapenhorst earned a back-hand shot that was then denied by Dutch keeper Josine Koning. Corners happened in both ends but the first runners, Kira Horn for Germany and Margot van Geffen for the Netherlands, showed some fearless defensive efforts.  

Finally, in the 48th minute, a nifty pass from Welten gave space for Freeke Moes to one-time the ball in and lift the Dutch 2-0. You could see the momentum break in favour of the Oranje and then Maria Verschoor was there to tap in a rebound to make it 3-0 just two minutes later. Horn did well to earn Germany a late penalty corner and Die Danas made no mistake. Sonja Zimmerman slipped the ball wide to Nike Lorenz, whose low flick broke the shutout of Koning. The Germans pulled their goalkeeper in the final minutes but couldn’t overcome the Dutch power. The 3-1 victory lift the Dutch to the top of Pool A.

“It was a really battlefield,” said Marloes Keetels, named Player of the Match. “We had to fight for every ball just like the Germans did. Maybe it is because we are neighbours that our games are always hard but it was a nice match to play.”

Spain v Argentina (Pool C)

There was no shortage of passion and pride on the line as Argentina and Spain were scoreless through the opening 39 minutes of play. Los Leonas finally found their strides late in the third quarter and eventually took the game 4-1 over the hosts.

Both teams had penalty corner chances in the get-going as Agustina Gorzelany had her first flick saved by the glove of Melanie Garcia in the eighth minute of play. Julieta Jankunas batted the rebound above her head towards goal but just as brilliantly Clara Ycart cleared it out of the air and away from trouble. Spain’s Xantal Gine had a penalty corner flick less than a minute later, but her shot went high and wide of the Argentine goal.

Argentina thought they had the opening goal with two seconds left in the first quarter as a penalty corner delivery from Valentina Costa was deflected in my Eugenia Trinchinetti. A good use of the self-referral saw Scotland umpire Sarah Wilson overturn the corner as the ball didn’t come out of the circle. Argentina had more penalty corner chances including a rebound attempt from Maria Granatto where she popped it up and then tried to bat it over her head and in but the ball went just wide of the goal.

Spain’s best chance came in the third quarter when a hard pass into the Argentine circle was deflected perfectly to Lucia Jimenez. With only keeper Belen Succi to beat, Jimenez just couldn’t find a way past the stacked pads. Moments later it was Jimenez, this time in the Spanish circle, who fouled Maria Granatto to force a penalty stroke for Argentina. Gorzelany made no mistake burying it glove side, high on Garcia for the opening goal. Less than a minute later and Oliva’s stick foul on a charging Agustina Albertarrio put the Leonas back at the top of the circle. This time, Valentina Raposo’s straight hit at goal ricocheted under and off the pads of Garcia to make it 2-0 for Argentina.

The goals kept coming as Gorzelany unleashed one of her best flicks of recent months, beating Garcia high stick side with mind-blowing precision and pace for a 3-0 Argentina lead. Spain turned some gears on and, with Agostina Alonso off with a yellow card, were able to get on the board. Begoña Garcia finished on a penalty corner to leave Spain trailing 3-1. With 20 seconds to go, Maria Granatto got the slightest of touches on a Gorzelany drag flick to seal the game 4-1.

Following the game, Gorzelany, now with four goals in the tournament, said: “It was a really tough game. At the beginning it was really close. They were defending their best to not allow us to enter but soring the stroke we opened the game. We were then more relaxed and then we got the penalty corner and I think we deserved the win. It was beautiful to see so many Argentina fans in the crowd here in Spain.”

There is a rest day tomorrow, Monday 4 July, and then the action in the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup continues on Tuesday 5 July. At the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Pool A’s Ireland will play Chile at 14:00, followed by Pool B’s India and China at 16:30, and Pool B’s New Zealand vs England at 19:30.

At the Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa in Spain, Pool D’s Japan plays South Africa at 18:00, followed by Belgium playing Australia (Pool D) at 21:30.

Check out the pool standings here. 

Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile 
Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China 
Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada 
Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa 

FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022

3 July 2022 Results

Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP)

Match #7

Belgium 4, South Africa 1

Player of the Match: Charlotte Englebert (BEL)

Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Hannah Harrison (ENG), Sarah Wilson (SCO-reserve), Alison Keogh (IRL-video)

Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)

Match #8

England 1, India 1

Player of the Match: Isabelle Petter (ENG)

Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Irene Presenqui (ARG), Kang Hyun Young (KOR-reserve), Wanri Venter (RSA-video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP)

Match #9

Korea 3, Canada 2

Player of the Match: Seo Jungeun (KOR)

Umpires: Michele Meister (GER), Kelly Hudson (NZL), Cookie Tan (SGP-reserve), Ayanna McClean (TTO-video)

Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)

Match #10

Germany 1, Netherlands 3

Player of the Match: Marloes Keetels (NED)

Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Laurine Delforge (BEL), Emi Yamada (JPN-reserve), Ivona Makar (CRO-video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP)

Match #11

Spain 1, Argentina 4

Player of the Match: Maria Granatto (ARG)

Umpires:  Sarah Wilson (SCO), Alison Keogh (IRL), Catalina Montesino (CHI-reserve), Cookie Tan (SGP-video)

FIH Press release

Akhil Rabindra ends Round 3 of the European GT4 Series with a P4 & P6 finish at the Misano World Circuit

Bengaluru; 3rd July 2022: Bengaluru born 25-year-old Akhil Rabindra, the only Indian on the European GT4 Series Grid, completed Round 3 at the Misano World Circuit with a P4 & P6 finish in the Silver Category for his team Racing Spirit of Leman.

Akhil, driving the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, began his campaign for the weekend on a positive note in the silver category as he along with his team mate T Canning had a P2 in qualification 1, however an unexpected P10 in qualification 2 disturbed their rhythm moving into the Race 1.

Experience and high-quality driving saw Akhil & his team mate finish Race1 with a P4 finish in the silver category with a total time of 1:00:47.894 from 30 laps. The duo finished Race 2 at P6 in the SILVER category taking a total time of 1:00:45.622 from 33 laps.

“It was a tough weekend for us, but we did not let it affect our performance and gave it our best. We are not happy with how this weekend turned out to be and its time that we revisit our drawing board once again for the season ahead.,” said Akhil Rabindra after the race.

Akhil now will be seen in action during Round 4 of the European GT4 Championship at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium from 28 – 31 July 2022.

Bihar U-17 girls face Dardra & Nagar Haveli in final

New Delhi, July 3: The final of the Hero Junior (U-17) Women National Football Champion 2022-23 will see Bihar take on Dadra & Nagar Haveli after both sides recorded victories against Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh respectively in the semi-finals at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Saturday

In the first match, Bihar beat Haryana 3-1. Shruti Kumari gave Bihar the lead in the third minute of the game after a cross by Sabara Khatun from the right flank flew straight into Shruti’s feet and she headed it into the net.

In the other semi-final, Dadra & Nagar Haveli rode on Pooja’s hat-trick to beat Arunachal Pradesh 5-0.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli surged into the lead in the 14th minute when Pooja converted from the spot. Pooja doubled the lead in the 20th minute scoring off a freekick, and then completed her hat-trick in the 67th minute.

In the 81st minute, Sandhiya’s attempt hit the bar, and Vandana Kumari tapped in the rebound to make it 4-0 for Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Pooja scored the last goal in the dying minutes – converting her shot from an acute angle as Dadra and Nagar Haveli celebrated their maiden entry into the final.

The final will be held between Bihar and Dadra & Nagar Haveli at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Monday (July 4, 2022) at 3 PM IST. The match will be streamed live on Indian Football’s official YouTube page.

AIFF Press release 

Germany, Netherlands, Argentina register wins in women's hockey World Cup

A  Netherlands player in action during their match against Ireland 

Lausanne, Switzerland, July 2: Emotions ran high on the second day of action at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup. Head Coach to Chile, Sergio Vigil fought back tears as his team lined up for their first ever World Cup appearance; Eva de Goede was visibly moved as her dream of a fourth World Cup came true, despite months away from the game through injury.

 

On the pitch there was also no lack of drama and emotion. New Zealand returned to international action with a solid draw against China. Olivia Merry was on the scoresheet, demonstrating that she has lost none of her fire power that we saw in previous pre-Covid years. The second match saw Chile make their debut on the World Cup stage. Although the Diablas lost to Die Danas, they won a lot of fans – both for their pacy play and for the passion shown by the team and their animated Head Coach. The next match saw a masterclass in penalty corner striking from Agustina Gorzelany as Argentina broke down a resilient Korea defence to start their campaign in some style.

 

Reigning champions Netherlands got off to a cracking start as they put paid to gallant Ireland, two of the goals scored by Frederique Matla from penalty strokes. The final match of the day saw the re-emergence of Australia and Japan, both of whom have not figured much on the international stage in recent months. It took until the 56th minute for a breakthrough to come as Australia finally made goalmouth pressure count.

New Zealand vs China

The first quarter saw these two teams testing each other out but with no goal scored in that period of play. China came the closest when Zheng Jiali was in a perfect position to shoot after a good piece of swift passing had created space. She hit the ball as she was falling off balance and the shot flew harmlessly high.

For New Zealand, this was the first taste of international action – with the exception of matches against Oceania neighbours Australia – since the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, so it was understandable that the team began tentatively.

The second half saw the Black Sticks take the lead through Rose Tynan. In just her fourth senior match, Tynan showed skill and composure to receive the ball, turn and transfer the ball to her reverse and then fire past Liu Ping in the China goal.

At half-time China Head Coach Alyson Annan called for her team to win penalty corners. The team answered and three minutes into the second half, Zhang Ying sent a hard shot low into the New Zealand goal past Grace O'Hanlon. The ball took a deflection on the way, meaning the keeper was caught off-guard.

China added to the scoreline through a second penalty corner. This time it was Gu Bingfeng who sent the shot into the same area. Her shot was hard, accurate and just high enough to evade O'Hanlon's outstretched foot.

The momentum swung back and forth between the two teams but it was New Zealand who scored the all-important equalising goal in the 48th minute. Olivia Merry continued to show why she is a feared striker as she sent a penalty corner flying into the China goal.

The scores remained at 2-2 for the rest of the match, despite some close calls for both teams.

Player of the Match Hope Ralph (NZL) said she and her teammates were delighted to be at the World Cup and glad to get a point on the board and a game under their belt. 

Germany vs Chile

Just how much this match meant to World Cup debutants Chile were obvious from the tears rolling down the face of Head Coach Sergio Vigil as the national anthem was being sung. 

However, it was Germany who got off to the perfect start. A rocket of a reverse stick shot from Pauline Heinz gave Germany a 1-0 lead against World Cup debutants Chile in the first half. 

The South American side got off to a bright start putting the German defence under pressure. However, Germany gradually worked their way into the game and when Heinz pulled the trigger it was a reward for some good pressure on the Chile circle.

Germany doubled their lead in the 22nd minute when four swift passes moved the ball from their defensive circle to the back of Claudia Schuler's net. Charlotte Stapenhorst was the scorer, coolly netting the ball but the passes – particularly the pass to Stapenhorst from Pia Maertens – that led to the moment were equally sublime.

Chile struck back in the 27th minute when Las Diablas won two consecutive penalty corners. Denise Losada-Krimerman made no mistake as she rattled the German backboard with a well-struck shot.

The third quarter saw Germany really pile on the pressure as they sought to re-establish a two goal cushion. Dogged defence by Chile kept the higher ranked team at bay until the 44th minute when Germany employed a clever routine at a penalty corner to score their third goal. Anne Schroeder scored after Nike Lorenz had disguised the pass as she slipped the ball back to Schroeder, who had injected the ball.

 A counter-attack of the highest quality saw Germany extend their lead to 4-1. Chile had won a hard-earned penalty corner which had been broken down by the fast German defence. The ball was quickly transferred up the pitch and Player of the Match Charlotte Stapenhorst was on hand to slot it home.

Speaking after the game, Charlotte Stapenhorst said: 'Chile had a really really good start. We didn't know what to expect of them so we took a look at them in the first quarter. We had some things to change after half time. We had some constructive comments and made some changes and they were really effective.'

Argentina vs Korea

Argentina got off to the best of starts when Agustina Gorzelany rifled home a penalty corner in the second minute. After that start, Argentina may have expected to race ahead but, despite the domination enjoyed by Las Leonas, Korea's tight marking kept the score at a narrow 1-0.

In the second quarter, Belen Succi was called into action several times as Korea began to create some space and put together some attacking moves. Cheon Eunbi was looking dangerous in the Argentina circle but her attempt was smothered by an ever-alert Succi. 

Despite Korea's increased attacking momentum in the second quarter, it was Argentina who found the goal for a second time. Gorzelany was again able to show her immense ability from penalty corner  routines as she sent the ball with pinpont accuracy and plenty of power high into the Korea goal. Two minutes later and Victoria Granatto was able to tip in the ball for a third goal. The initial penalty corner was saved and then Maria Granatto sent the ball goalwards and her sister got the final touch.

In the third quarter Korea again set up a resilient defence but without really troubling the Argentina defence to any real extent. In an almost mirror reflection of the previous quarter, Argentina made pressure count in the final minutes of the quarter. A penalty corner rebounded to Julieta Jankunas, who niftily lifted it past Lee Jinmin in the Korea goal.

The fourth quarter was about damage limitation for Korea. Lee pulled off a magnificent save from a dangerous shot from Jankunas and her colleagues were equally determined not to let any further goals in. 

The Player of the Match was Argentina's dynamic midfielder Maria Granatto. She said the team were feeling happy and confident at the moment. Korea's captain Seo Jungeon said her team had been nervous ahead of this match but, on the whole, they were happy with their performance.

Netherlands vs Ireland

There were tears for Eva de Goede at the start of the match between Netherlands and Ireland, with the midfielder overwhelmed at being back for a home World Cup after being out of the game for so long with an ACL injury. It was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final and, like that match, Netherlands dominated possession from the get-go but, by the end of the first quarter it was still goalless.

The breakthrough came early in the second quarter. A foul on Maria Verschoor led to a penalty stroke, which Frederique Matla had no hesitation in dispatching past Ayeisha McFerran in the Ireland goal. At the end of the quarter Eva de Goede came close to doubling the lead when a clever penalty corner routine left the midfielder with a chance to shoot. Her shot flew over the goal.

To the delight of the home spectators in the Wagener Stadium, Netherlands doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Yibbi Jansen scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick that flew between McFerran and the post player. The Dutch celebrated but two minutes later Ireland stunned their oponents and the crowd when they scored from their own penalty corner. Roisin Upton getting the final touch that sent the ball past Anne Veenendaal in the Netherlands' goal.

The tempo increased as Oranje tried to recover their two goal buffer and the stadium erupted when Sabine Plonissen scored her first senior goal - another beautifully taken penalty corner drag flick. Netherlands fourth goal was scored again by Frederique Matla from a penalty stroke. Lidewij Welten intercepted the ball and slipped it to Felice Albers. Albers ran at the goal and McFerran had little option than to bring the player down. Welten's penalty stroke was precisely placed in the corner of the goal.

In the fourth quarter the Dutch extended their lead to 5-1 when Maria Verschoor showed her skill and agility to dance past the defence and slot the ball into the goal. There was plenty more for the Irish defence to do in the remaining minutes of the game but no further goals. 

Player of the Match Sabina Plonissen (NED) said: 'We had a great start and we are happy to begin the tournament. We have trained hard so we were glad to win. We thought at half time that we needed to increase the tempo and put more pressure on Ireland. We did that and the goals came. I have never played in front of a crowd like that.'

Australia vs Japan

Japan started the first quarter very strongly and won a series of penalty corners against their higher ranked opponents. Towards the final five minutes momentum shifted completely and it was Australia who were peppering the Japanese goal with penalty corner attempts. Despite all the circle activity, it remained goalless after 15 minutes.

Australia started the second quarter in much the same vein as they finished the first, winning penalty corners but then finding no way past a very strong Japanese defence. 

As the match continued, it looked more and more likely that the match was going to be the first goalless draw of the competition. Both teams were defending like demons and hoping to strike on the counter attack, but this approach led to stalemate with neither team able to find a breakthrough.

With penalty corner attempts getting into double figures for the Hockeyroos, it is obvious what Head Coach Katrina Powell will be looking to improve before Australia take to the field again. 

The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute when Mariah Williams pounced on the ball after a confused melee in the Japanese circle saw Mai Toriyama caught in posession just a metre from her own goal. Williams got the final touch and her team mates erupted into relieved celebrations. Japan's Head Coach Jude Menezes instantly pulled his goalkeeper Eike Nakamura and Japan tried to make the most of an outfield player advantage.

The game was put beyond all doubt with just one minute left. Rosie Malone was fed the ball by Williams and with a deft touch she steered the ball into an empty Japanese goal.

Player of the Match, Mariah Williams (AUS) said: 'It was a good fight from the girls. we dug deep and worked hard. We knew if we stuck to our processes, we could get the win.' 

The action in the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup continues on Sunday 3 July. At the Estadi Olympic de Terrassa, Belgium and South Africa open their Pool D campaigns at 15:00. At 16:30, Pool B resumes as India and England face each other in the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. Back in Spain at 18:00 Korea and Canada are in action, while at 19:30 Germany face Netherlands in the Wagener Stadium. 

2 July 2022 Results

Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain

Match #2
New Zealand 2, China 2
Player of the Match: Hope Ralph (NZL)
Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Wanri Venter (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA - video)

Wagener Stadium, Netherlands

Match #3
Germany 4, Chile 1
Player of the Match: Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER)
Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Emi Yamada (JPN), Annelize Rostron (RSA - Video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain

Match #4
Argentina 4, Korea 0
Player of the Match: Maria Granatto (ARG)
Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER), Alison Keogh (IRL), Hannah Harrison (ENG - video)

Wagener Stadium, Netherlands

Match #5
Netherlands 5, Ireland 1
Player of the Match: Sabine Plonissen (NED)
Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Kang Hyun Young KOR), Laurine Delforge (BEL - video)

Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain

Match #6
Australia 2, Japan 0
Player of the Match: Mariah Williams (AUS)
Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP), Kelly Hudson (NZL) Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)

FIH Press release