Argentina on German high..

Germany v. Argentina 1-3 (half-time 0-2)

Argentina all but eliminated Germany while propelling themselves to the top of Pool B on goal difference with a display of elegance and power. First half goals from Sofia Maccari and Luciana Aymar put them on track before Nina Hasselman’s scrambled effort could have made for a nervy close three minutes from time. But Rocio Sanchez Moccia killed off any such thoughts within 30 seconds as she danced around Yvonne Frank and nailed the sealing goal.

From the start, Germany had shown a nervous edge early on, making a series of uncharacteristic mistakes when passing around the back four. From one such loose pass, Argentina prospered, firing a cross that looked innocuous enough initially until Katharina Otte miscontrolled, under pressure from Sanchez Moccia. The ball slipped through Yvonne Frank’s legs where Sofia Maccari gleefully smacked into an open goal for 1-0.

The South Americans duly earned four penalty corners, the last of which was beautifully finished by Luciana Aymar, using the same trick that worked against South Africa on the opening day of the tournament, flipping the ball over the number two runner’s stick and short-hand hitting home.

Germany’s openings were fleeting, creating panic in the opposition but never true shooting moments bar Julia Muller’s flashing drive from a corner which went too high. As the second half wore on and their situation became more desperate, they eventually found some rhythm as Jennifer Plass, Kristina Hillman and Lisa Hahn went close in the final quarter.

Their lifeline came from a corner four minutes from time as the ball bounced around Florencia Mutio’s pads before Hasselman eventually poked home. But it was a lifeline of brief hope due to Sanchez Moccia’s delightful clincher.

(Stephen Findlater)

USA v. New Zealand 2-3 (half-time 2-2)

A Clarissa Eshuis drag-flick five minutes from time fired New Zealand to a crucial win over USA that keeps them very much alive in the semi-final hunt. That it took so long for the critical goal to finally come was a surprise as the kiwis pace and guile up front should have had them clear earlier but for the goalkeeping exploits of Amy Swensen.

She saved a glut of chances to keep the US in the hunt, grabbing two equalisers in the first half to cancel out strikes from Kayla Sharland and Gemma Flynn. But Eshuis got the only goal of the second half to claim a third New Zealand win of the campaign. They wasted no time in establishing a lead, Kayla Sharland sweeping home – via a defender’s stick – from a penalty corner just 70 seconds in.

Their direct running, especially down the right flank, was causing all manner of problems with Alicia Punt to the fore. But they were stunned by the concession of a 17^th minute equaliser as Katie O’Donnell impudently snuck a stick in to flip the ball over Bianca Russell. The chance appeared to have petered out after Paige Selenski’s great run but Melody Cooper dallied allowing the striker to nip in. New Zealand’s lead was restored soon after as another Sharland shot created havoc, pinballing off a defender to Stacey Michelsen to volley across goal to Gemma Flynn to tap in. The US argued danger but the video review denied that avenue.

Amy Swensen kept the US in the tie with saves from Punt and Katie Glynn while Samantha Harrison swept over a gilt-edge chance. But, once again, the Americans sucker-punched. First, Michelle Kasold’s strike just got away from Shannon Taylor a yard out before Claire Laubach levelled in the 33^rd minute. She did not seem to get full power behind her corner push but it ricocheted off Russell and her post-woman to dribble over the line.

The second half was equally open with the black sticks making most of the play after an early flurry from Paige Selenski and Michelle Kasold. Glynn again drew a fine reactions save from Swensen while Charlotte Harrison smashed the post from a corner rebound. A third goal was disallowed on umpire’s referral when Stacey Michelson – twice sin-binned in the game, too – fired a high reverse which Glynn redirected into the goal. That touch was deemed dangerous by the video umpire to keep New Zealand nervy for the closing phases.

But Eshuis came to the rescue from the sixth corner, a key goal to push her side up to nine points and ahead of Australia on goal difference.

(Stephen Findlater)

Australia v. South Africa 1-0 (half-time 1-0)

Australia continued its ascent in the standings and kept its hopes alive for a semi-final berth after earning a 1-0 win against South Africa in today’s first game in the highly competitive Pool B. After dropping their first game, the Hockeyroos have won three in a row and are part of a four-team traffic jam along with New Zealand, Argentina and Germany that are fighting for two semi-finals places.

Australia dominated the first 10 minutes of action with two penalty corner chances and many more scoring opportunities. They took the 1-0 lead eight minutes in when Casey Eastham, making her 150th appearance for Australia, and Jade close out-ran the South Africa defense give Eastham the chance to thread a perfectly-timed pass to Close, who easily finished the play.

But after the goal, South Africa perked up and Australia got a bit complacent. The South Africans had ample opportunity to tie things up, but ultimately had to settle for the one-goal deficit at the break.

South Africa played some of its best hockey of the tournament in the second half and had the Australians scrambling to hold onto the lead. Despite some great chances, including camping out in front of the Aussie net the last 10 minutes, the South Africans could not solve the outstanding efforts of goalkeeper Toni Cronk, who led her team to the eventual 1-0 win.

With four losses in four outings, South Africa’s goal is to play for a respectable final placement.

Spain get the better of South Africa

South Africa vs Spain 2-3 (1-1 half-time)

Spain kept their hopes outside hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive as they netted their first win of the campaign, all but condemning South Africa to the minor placings.In a lively clash, South Africa hit the front first through Justin Reid-Ross but Marc Salles, Pau Quemada and Miguel Delas replied to put the game out of reach despite Lloyd Norris-Jones late goal. 

The Spanish began the game with just 14 outfield players at their disposal as injuries to Santi Freixa and Pol Amat meant they could only call upon reserve goalkeeper Xavier Trenchs to fill their bench. Sergi Enrique’s suspension curtailed their numbers further. And things looked to be going further against them when Reid-Ross got the first of three corner goals in the game in the 26^th minute.

It was heavily deflected as his drag-flick first clipped the sole of an airborne Alex Fabregas’ shoe before bouncing into the ground viciously, eventually going in off Francisco Cortes’ shoulder. Spain, though, got back on terms five minutes later. Carlos Ballbe won a corner with his run down the right wing, a move only denied by Rassie Pieterse’s excellent stop but the aftermath bounced off a foot. From the resulting set-piece, Quemada pushed for the right post where Marc Salles slid in to ramp the ball past the defender on the post.

Ballbe was again the creative influence for the go-ahead goal, haring down the right wing and laying up for Quemada to scramble over the line. The third goal was similar in making to the first, a corner variation that Miguel Delas slid onto, using the grip of his stick to find the left corner. The goal was awarded after an umpire’s referral. It looked set to see Spain over the line from what has been a tough start to their campaign but South Africa made them sweat as Ian Haley pounced on a Spanish miscontrol and back-hand the ball to Norris-Jones who coolly finished off.

They threw everything forward in the closing stages but found the going frustrating and now have to focus on getting something from games against Pakistan and Argentina if they are to move up in the group. Spain, meanwhile, have Argentina next and then Great Britain in their final four bid.

(Stephen Findlater)

 Great Britain vs Pakistan 4-1 (2-0 half-time)

Ashley Jackson produced a master-class to help propel Great Britain into a strong position in Group A with an all round display of class and guile. His two corner goals capped a performance around the field that blew Pakistan away, his turn of pace creating a string of problems.

James Tindall got Britain off to the flyer when Harry Martin got through down the right. His cross-shot was just about intercepted by Imran Shah but he could not get enough on it to escape the lurking Tindall who latched onto the loose ball and slammed home from a tight angle on the reverse. Jackson almost had a second soon after only to see Rashid Mehmood brilliantly take the ball out of the top corner in the fifth minute as the hosts started brilliantly.

The half’s main talking point, though, was a bizarre green card situation. Muhammad Waqas was green carded but Pakistan ended up with eleven still on the pitch that umpire Marcelo Servetto spotted soon after. Sohail Abbas was made to join Waqas on the sideline for the technical foul.

Pakistan did come back into the tie but GB extended their lead in pristine fashion. Jackson cut in from the right wing with an exquisite turn before laying off to Nick Catlin running diagonally to the right. His movement opened space to square into the path of Jonty Clarke to gleefully finish off. 

After an initial Pakistan burst, the second half proved a more languid affair as Jackson netted penalty corner flicks in the 50^th and 67^th minutes – the first was a low bullet the second hitting the rafters of the goal. Sohail Abbas did get one back, his 347^th international goal, in the final seconds but James Fair denied a couple of earlier efforts just after the break which could have put the game in the balance.

It elevates Britain to seven points; only second to Australia in the pool rankings on goal difference while Pakistan remain on four points in third place.

(Stephen Findlater)

Charlier cracker hands Belgium first win

Belgium vs Korea 2-1 (0-0 half-time)

Cedric Charlier’s sparkling goal handed Belgium their first win of the Olympic Games Pool B, putting a major dampener on Korea’s hopes of reaching the final four. It came in the final quarter after Hyun Woo Nam’s penalty corner had cancelled out Tom Boon’s opener 90 seconds into the second half.

Plenty of late drama ensued as three yellow cards were dished out in the final minute and Vincent Vanasch was forced to save a series of shots in a final flurry of action. Holding on for the win, it pushes Belgium up to fourth in the standings with New Zealand and India to play. Jerome Dekeyser produced the highlight of the first half with a rasping strike that crashed against the inside of the post, agonisingly rebounding across the face of goal in the sixth minute.

It was a half that promised much but goalmouth chances were at a premium. The second half was those come in abundance, the first ballooning Tom Boon’s way from a crash ball and he swung out a volley that delicately wrong-footed Myung Ho Lee from a tight angle. Nam levelled with a low corner drive but his side will rue their inability to capitalise further from their volume of corners in the latter stages. Number one Jerome Truyens blocked one spectacularly while a couple went off target to keep Belgium on terms.

Alexandre de Saedeleer did similarly well to pressurise Kang Moon Kweon who somehow manages to screw a close range shot wide in the 56^thminute. It proved a huge let-off as, soon after, Charlier scored the goal which had the Belgian fans singing down the Olympic walkway. He had already beaten a couple of defenders before his shimmy wrong-footed another couple, finding the space to roof a sweep-shot on the dive over Myung Ho Lee’s shoulder.

They had to live on their wits for the closing ten minutes as Jeffrey Thys, Xavier Reckinger and Nam Yong Lee all saw yellow while Oh Dae Keun – on his 100^th cap – and Cha Jong Bok drew saves from Vanasch for a big win for the lowlanders.

(Stephen Findlater)

Germany vs. India: 5-2 (half-time: 4-1)

Germany overwhelmed India to cruise to a comfortable 5-2 win.

They were immediately threatening and PR Sreejesh, in the Indian goal today, was called into action in the opening minute. Both teams seemed inspired and willing to play attacking hockey, and India had a good chance when SV Sunil ran the whole length of the pitch and delivered a perfect cross that just eluded Shivendra Singh in front of the German goal.

Florian Fuchs drew first blood in the 8th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the circle, turn swiftly and beat PR Sreejesh from close range. Sandeep Singh had a chance on penalty-corner soon after but his low flick was well handled by Max Weinhold in the German goal. Germany managed to keep the fast Indian attackers at bay until the 13th minute, when a penalty-corner taken by VR Raghunath cleanly beat Weinhold. The German response was immediate and they re-established their lead, once again by Florian Fuchs, coolly batting in goal a high rebound from the Indian goalkeeper.

Germany took control of play, circulating the ball around the Indians in midfield, and PR Sreejesh needed to stand tall, but he could not prevent a third goal by Oliver Korn, lodging the ball in the roof of the net from a narrow angle. The Indians seemed deflated by this additional goal, as well as overwhelmed by the constant pressure applied by Germany on their midfield, and Germany scored a fourth goal before half-time by Christopher Wesley, putting the fate of the match somewhat out of doubt.

Florian Fuchs completed his hat-trick in the first minute of second period and things were starting to look seriously bleak for India. They had a chance on penalty-corner but Max Weinhold once again read well the flick by Sandeep Singh, not looking at his best since the beginning of the competition. India had a good reaction mid-way through the period but could not increase their tally, even on another penalty-corner, weakly executed.

India scored a second goal by Tushar Khandker and seemed to wake up in the final minutes, but it was too little too late and Germany controlled the end of the match, cruising to a comfortable win (5-2), their third win in so many matches, to join The Netherlands at the top of Pool B, leaving India still pointless in the competition.

(Yan Huckendubler)

Netherlands vs. New Zealand: 5-1 (half-time: 3-1)

New Zealand surprised the Dutch with an early Simon Child goal, but The Netherlands replied with five unanswered goals to stay on top on Pool B with their third win in so many matches.

New Zealand started with a bang, Simon Child opening the scoring within 5 minutes of play to give an early lead to the Kiwis. Sander De Wijn thought that he had equalized in the next play when he deflected in goal a Teun De Nooijer shot that was going wide, but the video-referral showed that he had played the ball with a high stick and the goal was denied.

On a penalty-corner earned by Robbert Kemperman in the 15th minute after a long run through defenders, Roderick Weusthof’s flick was well saved by Kyle Pontifex in goal for New Zealand but a stroke was given on the play and Weusthof did not miss his second chance to tie the score at 1-1.

Play was fast and physical between these two athletic teams, and Billy Bakker earned another penalty-stroke, this time converted by Mink Van Der Weerden to put The Netherlands back on top. The Dutch deepened the gap soon after by Billy Bakker, on hand to deflect in goal a shot by Rogier Hofman who had just run 50 meters with defenders on his heels. The Netherlands had another chance to score on a last second penalty-corner, but the wild goalmouth scramble was finally cleared and the score stayed at 3-1 for The Netherlands going into the break.

New Zealand were again fast of the block in second period and had a chance by Stephen Jenness, but Jaap Stockmann in the Dutch goal was ready for his sudden shot. Play became more structured, with each team enjoying longer periods of ball possession to develop their attacks and produce exciting end to end hockey. Jenness had another golden opportunity when he received a cross from Simon Child alone in front of the keeper but he could not adjust his reverse stick shot.

Billy Bakker did not waste the next chance at the other end when he received a deep ball at full speed to score his second goal of the match, establishing a seemingly insurmountable 4-1 lead for The Netherland. Robbert Kemperman added a fifth and final goal and The Netherlands rolled in to their third win in so many matches to stay on top of pool B.

(Yan Huckendubler)

Mighty Australia held by Argentina

Australia vs. Argentina: 2-2 (half-time: 2-0)
Netherlands 5 New Zealand 1

Argentina came back from a two-goal deficit to tie Australia and earn their first point of the competition. Australia seemed to have the game well under control at half-time and will certainly regret the many wasted opportunities in second half that cost them a third win.

      Both teams started the early morning match slowly, then the Kookaburas suddenly picked up the pace to threaten Juan Manuel Vivaldi in the Argentinean goal. Argentina followed suit, earning a penalty-corner after a swift counter-attack, and an interesting option between Lucas Vila and Lucas Rey nearly did the trick.

      The scare was too much for Australia and they grabbed the lead in their next breath on a penalty-corner, Matthew Butturini picking up the rebound after a strong save on the line by Manuel Brunet behind his keeper. The Kookaburas started to control play in midfield, reducing the Argentinean progress to counter-attacks or long balls to their high forwards.

      Juan Manuel Vivaldi was called into action a few times on violent Australian shots and on a messy goal mouth scramble following a penalty-corner, but it is only with a few seconds left in the period that Jamie Dwyer added a second goal, his forth of the competition, after pouncing on a loose ball mishandled by an Argentinean defender.

    The two-goal lead at the interval reflected the overall domination of the top ranked team. However, the break was beneficial to Argentina and Matias Vila was at the conclusion of a counter-attack to score in the first minute of second period, reducing the gap to one goal and changing the dynamics of the match.

    Australia had multiple scoring opportunities in second half but their shots were wide, high or hit the post, and Juan Manuel Vivaldi took care of those on target. Argentina were far less wasteful and scored on their first penalty-corner of the period by Gonzalo Peillat to tie the score with a few minutes left on the clock.

    The end of game was heated, with green and yellow cards handed out and a video-referral refusal for Argentina that drew loud boos from the crowd, but the score stood at 2-2, giving  Argentina their first point of the tournament while the  Australians, who appeared to have the game well under control at half-time, will certainly regret their many wasted opportunities in second half.

(Yan Huckendubler)

WOMEN: Third win for Dutch and Great Britain

Stephen Findlater

2012 Olympic Games (women), London

(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

Cheun Seul Ki’s solitary strike handed Korea a deserved first victory of Group A, condemning Japan to a third straight loss, finally breaking through at penalty corner time – one successful effort from nine attmepts.

That stat illustrated the Korean domination as Japan struggled to get a grip on the game after a good early spell.

The first half was a slow burner as the two evenly matched sides – Korea eighth and Japan ninth in the world rankings. – took their time to figure out the best plan of attack. For Japan, it was through swift moves down the flanks. From the pick of these, Izuki Tanaka almost jinked her way in from the right but Jang Soo Ji did well to block. Rika Komazawa was similarly threatening.

Korea, however, bounced back, surprisingly while Park Seon Mi – on her 30th birthday – served out a yellow card offence. During her absence, they won the first of their three corners, dragged inches wide by Lee Son Ok. Kim Da Rae also went close on the reverse as the tie opened up but no goals accrued before the interval.

A glut of second half corners should have seen them home and dry by a comfortable margin but, in the end, just the one sufficed as Cheon Seul Ki picked out the top corner in the 42nd minute.

It was just reward for their attacking intentions, controlling the play and picking off numerous interceptions in key areas as Japan struggled to make a mark.

Five further corners followed with Lee Seon Ok dragging just over, Cheon Seul Ki rattling the crossbar while Nagisa Hayashi was forced to save another off the line. Cheon had another batted away by Sakiyo Asano’s stick while Japan never truly threatened in the second period.

The result gets Korea off the mark and can now look upwards in the table for their battle with the Netherlands on Saturday while Japan meet Belgium hoping for a first result.

Belgium vs. Great Britain 0-3 (half-time 0-1)

Great Britain struggled during a period but ended with a third win despite a strong show from the Belgian team. Great Britain now join The Netherlands at the top of Pool A.

The match started in a Riverbank Arena filled to the brim and graced by the presence of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie of Wessex. Cheered enthusiastically by the home crowd, the British women immediately pushed forward but Belgium continued on the momentum of their excellent match against China and held tight, containing the British players, possibly too eager to score fast.

First real chance was for Nicola White receiving the ball alone in the circle, but she was prevented to shoot by a quick intervention of Belgian goalkeeper Aisling D'Hoogue, playing boldly on the big stage at the tender age of 17. Belgium were shaken around by Great Britain, ranked twelve spots above them in the world, but they were holding well. It is only with two minutes to go in the period that Ashleigh Ball managed to find the ball in a goalmouth scramble to open the scoring for Great Britain.

Great Britain were quick off the blocks in second period and immediately created havoc in the Belgian circle. In the 45th minute, Laura Bartlett received the ball in good position, turned quickly to eliminate three defenders and surprised the goalkeeper to score the second goal for a more comfortable British lead.

The first penalty-corner of the match only happened in the 55th minute after Alex Danson was taken down in the circle, but it was weakly executed and did not produce anything. Belgium were far from beaten though, and were close to score on a rocket from Emilie Sinia that nearly surprised Beth Storry in the British goal.

Great Britain added a last goal on penalty-corner by Crista Cullen and ended the day with a third win which put them on top of Pool A with The Netherlands.

For more information on BEL v GBR, click here.

China vs Netherlands 0-1 (0-1 half-time)

Maartje Goderie’s 11^th minute strike saw the Netherlands maintain their perfect start to the campaign, running up a solid if unspectacular victory over China. Her excellent run and low shot capped a fine start to the game but, thereafter, a stalemate occurred as China remained compact in defence and the Dutch were unable to find a way through. Nine corners also went unconverted as Ren Ye ran down the barrel and Zhang Yimeng was a brick wall in the pads. But they created little on the counter-attack to threaten a shock result. 

 Early on, Netherlands threatened to run riot. Kelly Jonker’s sweep went inches wide a mere 30 seconds into the game while Zhang Yimeng did well to deny Kitty van Male. But China could do nothing to prevent Maartje Goderie from racing down the left baseline before cutting back and smashing home in the 11^th minute.

The tie quietened down moving into the second quarter as China gained a foothold of sorts, stemming the flow of chances. And Zhao Yudiao had their best opening, getting two bites at a bouncing ball, Joyce Sombroek denying both efforts. It was as good as it got for the Asian side as they endured 17 minutes worth of second half suspensions with Xu Xiaoxu getting ten minutes while Gao Lihua and Song Qingling also took enforced rests.

It opened space for the Dutch to win six second half corners but Ye Ren kept getting in the way, taking a number of balls to the body, while switch moves did not produce the desired effect. From play, Kim Lammers’ near post deflection was the pick of the chances but she was unable to add to her tournament tally of four goals. It moves the Dutch to the edge of semi-final qualification while China will require favours elsewhere if they are to progress.

For more info on CHN vs NED, click here

(Stephen Findlater)  

Korea vs Japan 1-0 (half-time 0-0)

Cheun Seul Ki’s solitary strike handed Korea a deserved first victory of Group A, condemning Japan to a third straight loss, finally breaking through at penalty corner time – one successful effort from nine attmepts. That stat illustrated the Korean domination as Japan struggled to get a grip on the game after a good early spell.

The first half was a slow burner as the two evenly matched sides – Korea eighth and Japan ninth in the world rankings. – took their time to figure out the best plan of attack. For Japan, it was through swift moves down the flanks. From the pick of these, Izuki Tanaka almost jinked her way in from the right but Jang Soo Ji did well to block. Rika Komazawa was similarly threatening.

Korea, however, bounced back, surprisingly while Park Seon Mi – on her 30th birthday – served out a yellow card offence. During her absence, they won the first of their three corners, dragged inches wide by Lee Son Ok. Kim Da Rae also went close on the reverse as the tie opened up but no goals accrued before the interval. A glut of second half corners should have seen them home and dry by a comfortable margin but, in the end, just the one sufficed as Cheon Seul Ki picked out the top corner in the 42nd minute.

It was just reward for their attacking intentions, controlling the play and picking off numerous interceptions in key areas as Japan struggled to make a mark. Five further corners followed with Lee Seon Ok dragging just over, Cheon Seul Ki rattling the crossbar while Nagisa Hayashi was forced to save another off the line. Cheon had another batted away by Sakiyo Asano’s stick while Japan never truly threatened in the second period.

The result gets Korea off the mark and can now look upwards in the table for their battle with the Netherlands on Saturday while Japan meet Belgium hoping for a first result.