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)

 

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

Women’s Hockey World Cup: Ready to show the world what they've got

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 30: Pool D contains three teams that have not had the benefit of FIH Hockey Pro League action as Australia, Belgium, Japan and South Africa get ready to take to the field in Terrassa.

Australia’s international action since the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been limited to Trans-Tasman competition against New Zealand. Despite this, Australia will arrive in Spain as a team to be wary. They have won this competition twice (1994 and 1998) and won silver three times (1990, 2006 and 2014). In 2018 they finished fourth.

Current Head Coach Katrina Powell was a member of the gold medal team of 1998 and, with several months of hard work on the training field under her belt, she will be looking to lead this team to a podium finish. 

The team is talking up the fact that other nations haven’t seen them in action, combined with a real fire to get back onto the world stage among the players. While there is a new look to the squad that played in 2018, with five players arriving with fewer than five caps, there is also a backbone of experience. Captain Jane Claxton is approaching 200 caps and vice-captain Kaitlin Nobbs is nearing 100. Another co-captain, Brooke Peris also has more than 180 caps. Combine this knowledge with the desire to show Australian hockey to the world again and the Hockeyroos could be there at the business end of the event. 

Belgium are a side that has benefited from FIH Pro League action and, oddly, from not being at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. This latter point was made by former Red Panther Jill Boon, who said the team had been able to quietly develop and grow for the past four years without the intense pressure of an Olympic Games. Despite a high number of caps among their ranks, Belgium is the team with the youngest average age at the competition (24.11)

The team is packed with talented players that combine the exciting use of 3D skills and long aerials with a disciplined possession game when needed. Barbara Nelen, Stephanie Vanden Borre and Michelle Struck offer stability. Ambre Ballenghien, Abi Raye and Charlotte Englebert are exciting flair players and Alix Gerniers and Louise Versavel are showing the form of their lives currently.

In 2018, Belgium finished a disappointing 10th, expect much better for Raoul Ehren’s team this time.

Japan won the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022 beating India, Korea and China along the way. Under the charge of former India goalkeeper Jude Menezes, the team has grown and – in keeping with their nickname – blossomed in the past few months.

It is a team packed with talent and experience. Captain Yuri Nagai, Hazuki Nagai and Shihori Oikawa are multi capped stalwarts in the team. Yu Asai is unflappable in defence. New squad member Kaho Tanaka may only have a handful of caps so far but she has already proved herself a dynamo in front of goal.

Japan’s best finish at a World Cup was fifth in 2006 and in London in 2018 they finished 13th, despite playing some very stylish hockey. This year the Cherry Blossoms are aiming for the high branches. 

South Africa are once more the African continents sole representative and, as always, they will arrive in Terrassa ready to battle for their country and their continent’s honour. The team’s best ever World Cup finish was 7th in 1998 but in 2014 they achieved a commendable ninth, finishing above their ranking. 

South Africa has competed in every FIH Women’s World Cup since 1998 and they have been solid performers at every edition. 

The team arrives in Terrassa with a number of inexperienced players but a backbone of athletes who know exactly what competition of this level looks like. Lisa-Marie Deetlefs, Lilian du Plessis, Bernadette Coston and Quanita Bobbs are hardened campaigners who will always leave everything on the pitch. Temper this resolve with the energy and hard running of Hanrie Louw, Bianca Wood and the goal scoring potential of Jean-Leigh du Toit and it is a compelling team to watch. 

Giles Bonnet is back in charge as Head Coach and he too knows just how to get the most from his players. 

FIH press release

Netherlands men continue to dazzle; China, Belgium women keep racking up wins

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 25: The penultimate day of action in the FIH Pro League dealt up three matches that were all very different in nature. Belgium Red Panthers put a disappointing first half performance behind them to rack up a 5-0 win over USA, while China women continued to rebuild under their new leadership team as they enjoyed a comfortable victory over a very inexperienced German side. The intensity ramped up in HC Den Bosch when the new FIH Pro League champions Netherlands men and the unpredictable Spanish team treated the spectators to a display of pacy, intense, sometimes dazzling and sometimes chaotic hockey.

United States v Belgium (women)

Neither team really showed the level of performance of which they are capable in the opening quarter of this match. Belgium will be disappointed with their execution of their first few penalty corners, including one which simply passed by the attacking team at the top of the circle. Towards the end of the quarter USA had a period of pressure but they too were unable to make their penalty corners count.

The second quarter was much of the same. It took a moment of genius from Belgium's Louise Versavel to break the deadlock. The player received the ball from Pauline Leclef with her back to goal, turned sharply and fired high past Kelsey Bing in the USA goal. USA had their own chances at the end of the half as they won three consecutive penalty corners. A combination of brave defending – from Stephanie Vanden Borre in particular – and USA errors at the top of the circle, meant a total of eight penalty corner attempts came to nothing.

Belgium found their energy, momentum and fluidity in the second half as they began to discover their connections, skills and flowing play. Louise Versavel continued to lead from the front. The midfielder scored Belgium's second goal and was the driving force that moved her team from first gear to at least third gear. Versavel's second goal was a well-placed penalty corner that flew into Kelsey Bing's left-hand corner of the goal. 

Abi Raye was next to get onto the scoresheet when she deflected a sharp strike from Pauline Leclef into the goal. That was a slightly fortuitous goal but the next one was most definitely meant. Stephanie Vanden Borre got hold of a penalty corner drag flick from the top of the circle and sent the ball flying straight down the centre of the USA goal.

Raye scored her second and Belgium's fifth, after a period of flowing team play by the Red Panthers. Head Coach Raoul Ehrens had called for more aggression and energy from his team in the second half and the players answered but both Head Coaches will have a lot to think about before tomorrow's re-match.

Player of the Match, Louise Versavel (BEL), said: 'I think the first half was sloppy and we were soft in parts of the game. In the second half we were more aggressive and pressed more. But there were still too many moments when we were soft. We have a lot to improve before the World Cup.'  

China v Germany (women)

Germany fielded a young and inexperienced team in this first of two matches against China, and the Asia team were able to take full advantage to earn another win and three points.

China capitalised on penalty corner opportunities, scoring two from three in the first quarter. First Li Hong was able to control a lifted ball from the German defender after Zhang Ying's initial shot. Hong was able to receive the ball and fire it home past Chiara Vischer in the German goal. The second goal was scored by Zhang Ying herself. The shot was sent between the goalkeeper and the post player to double China's lead. 

A goalless third quarter saw China continue to control the pace of the game, but for all the changes in direction of movement and the switching of play there were very few shooting opportunities for either side. 

The third goal for China was scored by Gu Bingfeng. Her penalty corner srag flick was high, fast and accurate. While the shot was impressive, it was the movement that led to the award of the penalty corner that really caught the eye. The ball was played high out of defence with a beautiful aerial. The ball was received in the German circle by Zhang Xindan who drew the foul that led to the goal.

Player of the Match Cui Qiuxia (CHN) said: 'We are happy we got three points. The first quarter we started slowly but after that we played much better. We are looking forward to the World Cup. We need to focus if we are to get another winning result tomorrow.'

Spain v Netherlands (men)

Netherlands got off to a blistering start against Spain in their penultimate match of the FIH Pro League season.

In a manner you would expect of the champions, the men in orange hit the ground at top speed and Thierry Brinkman was perfectly positioned to open the scoring from close range in the fourth minute. The lead was doubled a few minutes later when a beautiful cross field aerial was received by Floris Wortelboer on the edge of the Spanish circle. He played the ball to Jelle Galema who slotted it past Mario Garin in the Spanish goal.

Spain fought back and it was a clever and audacious goal that opened their account. Alvaro Inglesias dribbled the ball along the Netherlands' baseline before shaping up to pass it back. As the defence and goalkeeper all fell for the feint, he was able to squeeze the ball home.

Immediately after the break, Spain were able to benefit from a player advantage. Laars Balk received a green card and Spain instantly went on the attack. Although Maurits Visser in the Netherlands' goal was able to stop the first wave of Spanish attack, he could do nothing about the crisply taken shot from the top of the circle by Ignacio Rodriguez. 

The final moments of the second quarter saw Netherlands quickly regain the lead. A series of quick passes saw Terrance Pieters in a great position in the circle from where he was able to lift the ball home.

The third quarter saw Netherlands playing some beautifully controlled hockey. The team in orange would run the ball into the Spanish circle on one side, realise there was no way through and so re-cycle and start again. That patience yielded two penalty corners but Spain dealt with the chances well.

There were no goal in the third quarter but both sides had their moments and, with 15 minutes to go, this looked like a match with more goals in it.

Netherlands extended their lead to 4-2 in the 53rd minute when Jonas de Geus was able to deflect the ball into the goal with a well-worked penalty corner routine. The initial ball in was played by Jip Jansen.

Spain, as is their way, battled to the end but the Netherlands are in superb form right now and were not likely to let the lead slip with just a few minutes of play left.

Player of the Match, Jelle Galema (NED) said: 'That was really good. It is difficult to come back after a celebration (after winning the Pro League last week) but we worked really hard and you saw 18 guys running like hell. For me that was a special goal because I have had two operations and it has been difficult and sometimes painful. Today I was back with my family and friends supporting me from thr stands.'

The FIH Pro League action continues on Sunday 26 June in the final day of FIH Pro League action for this season. USA and Belgium women will look to finish their season with a win at 11:00 (CEST); China and Germany wrap up the women's competition before Netherlands and Spain sign off on the men's competition at XX CEST. 

FIH Pro League – 25 June 2022

HC Den Bosch (NED)

Result: Women’s Match #71

USA 0, Belgium
Player of the Match: Louise Versavel (BEL)
Umpires: Liu Xiaoying (CHN), Sophie Bocklemann (GER) Emi Yamada (JPN -video)

Result: Women’s Match #72

China 3, Germany 0
Player of the Match: Cui Qixuia (CHN)
Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL), Emi Yamada (JPN), Marcin Grochal (POL - video)

Result: Men's Match #71

Netherlands 4, Spain 3

Player of the Match: Jelle Galema (NED)

Umpires: Marcin Grochal (POL), Ben Goentgen (GER), Kelly Hudson (NZL - video)

FIH press release