Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have jointly announced the 20 national teams that will participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games hockey tournaments scheduled from 29 July to 8 August at the University of Birmingham, England. Women: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales              Men: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Wales FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “With such an impressive line-up, we’re looking forward, together with fans around the world, to hockey tournaments which will once again belong to the greatest events to enjoy at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their intense preparations as well as their support. And I wish already all teams every success in Birmingham!” CGF CEO Katie Sadleir said: “We are delighted that 20 outstanding teams have confirmed their spots for the Birmingham 2022 hockey tournament. We have an incredible line up for both the men’s and women’s competition and hockey fans across the Commonwealth are set to see a truly world class competition in Birmingham. I would like to thank the International Hockey Federation for their ongoing support and we look forward to working closely with them and Birmingham 2022 to stage a tournament that will showcase the very best of Commonwealth sport.” Hockey has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998. Australian Men have won all six editions! In the Women’s tournament, Australia is also leading the all-time records with 4 Gold medals, followed by India and New Zealand (1 each), with the Black Sticks winning the last Commonwealth Games hockey tournament in 2018 in The Gold Coast, Australia. Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, said: “It’s great news that we now know all of the hockey teams that will be taking part in Birmingham 2022. We are currently finalising the match schedule for the men’s and women’s tournaments, and we are looking forward to unveiling this information very soon. “The University of Birmingham will be an excellent venue for hockey and a new pitch has just been installed at our training venue at Wyndley Leisure Centre, so we will have world-class facilities available for all of the teams.”

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has expressed a deeply concerned about the safety of the members of Ukraine’s hockey community and ensures all of them of its full solidarity at this terrible time. FIH is in regular contact with the Hockey Association of Ukraine and is doing its utmost to offer any support it can, in the hope that the Ukrainian team will be able to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup scheduled from 1 to 12 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa, for which it qualified.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It was to be Spain's day in Bhubaneswar as the Red Sticks men and women's teams put in resilient performances to defeat the host nations in the second day of FIH Hockey Pro League action between the two nations. Spain beat India 4-3 (women) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) Spain started the first quarter in dominating fashion. Begona Garcia in particular seemed to be everywhere and her energetic running was rewarded with a goal in the fourth minute of the game. At this stage, Spain were in the ascendency and India seemed to be overwhelmed by the pace of the Red Stick’s game. That changed in the 10th minute when debutant Sangita Kumari showed her strength and ability to find the goal as she beat two defenders and then shot with precision to bring the scores level. For an athlete in her first senior match, Sangita showed some cool-headed skill. The Garcia show continued as the quarter counted down. A clever ball into the circle by Georgina Oliva, who celebrated her 250th cap, found an Indian foot to win a penalty corner. Following the initial shot, it was Maialen Garcia who deflected the penalty corner shot into the goal to restore the Spanish lead. Salima Tete answered Head Coach Janneke Schopman’s request for speedier play. The forward brought the scores level as she burst forwards into the Spain circle and unleashed a reverse stick shot that proved unstoppable. Just two minutes later, in the 24th minute, we saw the moment of the match as Belen Iglesias used tremendous skill and vision to lob the ball over Savita’s head, into the goal. Just when it looked as if the match was going to shoot-out, up stepped one of the more experienced of the Red Sticks team – Xantal Gine – to fire home the penalty corner that gave Spain their first win of the FIH Hockey Pro League. The result means India are in third position in the league table behind Argentina and Netherlands. Spain, with a win and a draw are in fifth place, just behind Belgium. Spain beat India 5-3 (men) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) India took a lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek; the striker running the backline and then flicking past Adrian Rafi. Eight minutes later, Pau Cunill scored from Spain’s first penalty corner in the 14th minute and just seconds later eventual Player of the Match Joan Tarres looked almost casual as he struck an upright, reverse stick shot past Suraj Karkera in the India goal to put Spain ahead as they went into the break. A rocket from Pau Cunill was the first score of the second quarter and it was against the run of play as India had enjoyed more possession and more meaningful attacks to that point. But Cunill’s shot was accomplished and confident as it flew past PR Sreejesh in the India goal. Sreejesh was celebrating his 250th match for India and this was not the way he would want to remember the occasion. India responded through Harmanpreet Singh, again from a polished penalty corner routine. The goal makes Harmanpreet the first player to reach double figures in this year’s goal scoring tally. With the score at 3-2, the second half was all set to mimic, if not exceed, the excitement and drama of the previous day’s action. The third quarter was intense but neither side managed to find a goal-scoring breakthrough, although India were definitely playing with more energy and ideas than their European counterparts. The question was whether Max Caldas’ men could hold onto the lead and, if possible, extend it. The answer came with nine minutes left on the clock. Sukhjeet Singh, who was playing his first senior game, made the dream start on his debut, dribbling through the Spanish defenders before slotting the ball home to bring the scores level. For the Spanish team, the spectre of once again losing in the final moments was looming large. With just over six minutes left there was yet another twist in the this tale. Pepe Cunill joined his brother Pau on the score-sheet after rifling home a penalty corner – for his first senior international goal. The shot was subject to a long video review but the goal stood and Spain took the lead again. India took their ‘keeper from the field with three minutes left and Spain were able to capitalise when they won another penalty corner. Marc Miralles was able to fire home for his fourth goal of the weekend. The 5-3 scoreline with just 90 seconds left gave the Red Sticks breathing room as they headed to their first FIH Hockey Pro League win of the season.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 32 players to join the national training camp, which is scheduled to be kicked off from March 1, 2022 at Lahore. According to an official of PHF, the players will be trained for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, as the all players are advised to report in the camp on 1st March to manager Kawaja Junaid. Also, trainer Daniel Berry and foreign goalkeeping coach Bob John Weldhoff will be part of the coaching staff. Camp will be organized for one month. Names of Invited Players: Goalkeepers (4): Amjad Ali (Sui Southern Gas), Waqar Ali (WAPDA), Abdullah Ishtiaq (Mari Petroleum), Akmal Hussain (WAPDA), Defenders (10): Mubashir Ali (WAPDA), Emad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Abu Bakar Mahmood (National Bank), Hamad Anjum (WAPDA), Tazeem Al Hassan (WAPDA) ), Rizwan Ali (PAF), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Arbaaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Abdul Manan (Sui Southern Gas) Midfielders / Forwards (18): Mohammad Umar Bhatta (WAPDA), Mohammad Azfar Yaqub (Sui Southern Gas), Rana Waheed (WAPDA), Ahmad Nadeem (Mari Petroleum), Ghazanfar Ali (Mari Petroleum), Salman Razzaq (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Roman Khan (WAPDA), Hassan Amin (Multan) , Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Ali Shan (Sui Southern Gas), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Ejaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Noheez Zahid Malik (National Bank), Shahzeb Khan (Sindh) and Abu Dhar (National Bank). Officials: Khawaja Junaid (Camp manager) Ahmed Alam (Goalkeeper Coach) Syed Sameer Hussain, Wasim Ahmed and Ajmal Khan Lodhi (Assistant coaches) Mohammad Aslam (Physiotherapist).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-France wrapped a gruelling but rewarding Pro League series in Potchestfstroom with a 2-1 win over South Africa. South African 19-year-old Mustapha Cassiem scored an absolute rocket of a goal in the first quarter to leave France chasing but a Blaise Rogeau redirection and a Victor Charlet penalty stroke sealed France’s third win of their series in South Africa. Over in Argentina, the Leones put on another show in front of a full crowd to earn a 3-1 win over England. Lucas Martinez scored two goals, while Player of the Match Lucas Toscani scored the game’s opener. England’s Nicholas Bandurak scored on a penalty corner to deny Argentina the shutout. Argentina’s women’s side went on a scoring frenzy as five different scorers got on the board in a 5-2 win over England. The Leonas put on a skill showcase with some fantastic goals and incredible display of individual stick skills. Elena Rayer and Holly Hunt scored late in the game to finally reward England for their efforts. South Africa v France (men) – Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Victor Charlet was on the start and end of France’s second goal as his long ball down the right was further deflected on to a streaking Timothée Clément. Clément took the right baseline but weathered a tough stick foul from Nduduzo Lembethe and a penalty stroke was awarded. Charlet finished stick side just over the back board for the 2-1 France lead. Late in the third quarter France were again unsuccessful from the penalty corner unit as Spooner cleared the ball of the line as France looked for an option from the left side. Charlet’s goal was enough for France to hang on and grab another three points over South Africa. Following the game Viktor Lockwood was named Player of the Match and commented: ‘We are very, very exhausted – eight games in 12 days I think. We used up so much energy in the game so we had a difficult game but before the game we said we just need to win to finish the competition (in South Africa). So, we are happy and we can have some rest now.’ Argentina v England (men & women) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) Back at the Cenard, the Argentina men again dazzled the home crowd with some spectacular play to seal a 3-1 win over England. Lucas Toscani scored the game’s opening goal and was named Player of the Match, while Lucas Martinez added two more to Argentina’s total. England’s lone goal came from a penalty corner flick at the hands of Nicholas Bandurak. Both teams traded chances in the first quarter but England struggled to get close enough to really test Argentina keeper Tomas Santiago. An errant clear from England allowed Martinez to set up Nicolas Keenan from close range but the upright shot went just wide of the England goal mouth. Argentina continued to create chaos for England. In the ninth minute Nicolas Cicileo sent a fantastically timed cross to Martinez who beat England’s Nicholas Park and finished on the back hand for a 1-0 Argentina lead. The third quarter was all credit to England who pressed hard but really struggled to put shots on net. Finally on the penalty corner Bandurak was able to flick around Habif and beat Santiago glove side high to get England within one. England were caught on their heels and a monster aerial sailed over England’s last player Timothy Nurse. Martinez was there to collect the bouncing ball and smash it into the empty net to give Argentina the 3-1 lead and final score. Argentina went to work late in the second quarter with two penalty corner goals just two minutes apart. Costa trapped the ball upright off the injection and paced a pass in that took a deflection from Martina Triñanes for the 2-0 lead. Argentina’s third goal came after England keeper Amy Tennant left a soft rebound following a penalty corner flick. Eugenia Trinchinetti buried it on a reverse stick sweep from her knees for the 3-0 Argentina lead heading into half time. Victoria Granatto made it 4-0 in the third quarter as she displayed some phenomenal stick skills up the right side only to be the eventual beneficiary of a bouncing cross. A back-hand finish from close range beat a frozen Tennant in the England goal. FIH Pro League (Potchestfstroom, University of North West South Africa) Result: Men’s Match 23 South Africa 1, France 2 Player of the Match: Viktor Lockwood (FRA) Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA-video) Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) Result: Men’s Match 22 Argentina 3, England 1 Player of the Match: Lucas Toscani (ARG) Umpires: Diego Barbas (ARG), German Montes de Oca (ARG), Catalina Montesino (CHI-video) Result: Women’s Match 13 Argentina 5, England 2 Player of the Match: Eugenia Trinchinetti (ARG) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Catalina Montesino (CHI), German Montes de Oca (ARG-video).

Sports Bulletin Report POTCHESTFSTROOM:-Four second half goals by four different scorers propelled the Germany men 4-2 over France in Potchestfstroom, South Africa. France scored two late goals to get within one but in pulling their goalkeeper conceded a late goal in what was their seventh game in 12 days. Goal scorer and Germany forward Thies Prinz was named Player of the Match. Over at the Cenard, the Leones buried England 2-0 thanks to a Matias Rey goal in the fifth minute of play. Federico Monja’s deflection on a Maico Casella corner sealed the second goal of the game and Monja was honoured as Player of the Match. England had their chances both in free play and on several penalty corners but Sam Ward couldn’t beat Tomas Santiago, in goal for Argentina. The final game of the day Argentina’s Leonas were in fine form, dousing England 5-2. Two goals from penalty corner ace Agustina Gorzelany and two from Julieta Jankunas impressed the home fans. Despite the loss England’s Anna Toman was honoured for her 100th international while captain Hollie Pearne-Webb reached her 200th milestone. To see the current women’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here. France v Germany (men) – Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Four goals in the second half propelled Germany 4-2 over France in the teams’ second FIH Pro League meeting in Potchestfstroom, South Africa. Despite the score line France did well to climb back from a 3-0 deficit and get within one before pulling their goalkeeper in the final minute of play. Four different goal scorers tallied for Germany — Justus Weigand, Hannes Muller, Thies Prinz, also named Player of the Match, and Moritz Trompertz. Timothée Clément and Eliot Curty scored brilliant goals for the French, who have now battled their way through a gruelling seven games in 12 days. A scoreless opening half was a fair result for the two sides that traded flurries of attack. Penalty corner ace Victor Charlet had just one chance in the game but his flick was saved by German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler. Germany had their chance on the set piece but a sloppy trap resulted in a scramble and the eventual Constantin Staib shot was saved by Arthur Thieffry. Before half time Christopher Rühr and Mats Grambusch both had open blasts at goal but Thieffry was again there to deny both while gutsy diving by the French defenders cleared the ball from the circle.  Two goals, five minutes a part, in the third quarter silenced any consistent French possession. First, a beautiful tic-tac-toe play from Wellen to Staib drew Thieffry off this line and a slip to Weigland broke the deadlock. France started to tire as Germany moved the ball in the clinical style they are so well known for. An errant outlet pass resulted in a France turnover in midfield. Weigand was the beneficiary of the counterattack and his bouncing pass into the circle was well finished by Muller for a 2-0 Germany lead. France had a stellar chance to get on the board near the end of the third quarter as Gaspard Baumgarten beat two German defenders and fed the ball to Blaise Rogeau. From the stroke mark Rogeau’s blast was saved by Stadler. Germany continued to advance as Clément was dispossessed in midfield and that sprung a give-and-go play for Rühr to set up Prinz for a third Germany goal. Clément was not shaken and redeemed himself less than a minute later as he brilliantly finished a Victor Charlet pass into the circle to get France within two. Then, Rogeau’s touch on a Benjamie Marque pass into the circle popped the ball through to speedster Curty who finished with a sneaky flick to bring France within one, down 3-2. France head coach Frederic Soyez pulled Thieffry looking to push for the tie but Germany were quick to capitalize and Trompertz paced a back-hand shot into the empty net to secure the 4-2 victory and bring Germany’s total to nine points won in South Africa. Germany’s Mats Grambusch spoke to his team’s the slow start but resulting win: ‘Similar thing to (last game), we didn’t start as good as we wanted to. Every time we control the match and play structured we are a lot better than France but they defended well and they had some counter attacks and we lost the ball in midfield a lot. That’s why (France) kept believing and staying in the game.” Argentina v England (men & women) – Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) An early goal for Los Leones turned in to the eventual game winner in the 2-0 Argentina win over England. A quick free hit and some confusion amongst the England defence line allowed Nicolas Keenan’s touch to find Matias Rey. Rey cut across the top of the circle and quickly turned to blast the ball towards goal. An unfortunate touch from defender Liam Sanford beat England keeper James Mazarelo for the 1-0 Argentina lead. Both teams had their chance on penalty corners. Argentina’s Jose Tolini was denied by a fantastic out-stretched boot save from Mazarelo. England’s Sam Ward had a flick denied and the rebound shot from David Condon was also denied by keeper Tomas Santiago. In the 35th minute, Argentina’s Agustin Bugallo was awarded a yellow card after a physical challenge on Ward and England was able to capitalize with a series of pressuring attacks.  Ward had a chance to draw level for England but his low penalty corner flick was steered away on the line by the Argentine post player. Liam Sanford was critical running down two Argentina penalty corners in the third quarter. The second of which Sanford sprung a counterattack when the ball was miss trapped. David Goodfield did well to secure the circle entry but England couldn’t muster a shot. On a third penalty corner Argentina again miss trapped the ball but the composed Maico Casella managed to still get a low pass towards goal. Federico Monja’s reverse stick redirected the ball up and into the mesh for a 2-0 Argentina lead. Timothy Nurse was brought down just outside the Argentine circle to allow England another penalty corner chance with 10 minutes to go in the game. Ward’s flick went wide left of Santiago’s goal and the frustration showed. England continued to pressure as Sanford had another chance for Argentina near the end of the quarter but his back-hand shot went wide of the near post. Another England penalty corner chance late in the game was cleared by Santiago and that was how the story went. Argentina’s early goals were enough to secure the win and another three points in their Pro League tour. Player of the Match Frederico Monja said: ‘I think it was a very difficult game – very tough. We had to work really hard every quarter. It was a very physical team so it was very good result. For some moments of the game we lost the ball very quickly and our finish perhaps needs to be better in the end.’ In the women’s game two goals from each of Agustina Gorzelany and Julieta Jankunas powered Argentina 5-2 over England. Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb, playing in her 200th match, buried a penalty corner goal of her own to leave England trailing 2-1 at half time. A late effort from Elena Rayer again got England within one in the third quarter, trailing 3-1, but the Leonas went to work and put away two more in the fourth for a dominating performance. Gorzelany wasted no time putting the Leonas on the board with a dragflick into the bottom corner just five minutes into the game. The creativity and speed of the Leonas, playing in front of packed stands at the Cenard, made lots of work for the visiting English side and in the 13th minute Jankunas doubled the Argentina lead. Jankunas thought she found her second just before first-quarter time expired, but the back-hand rip was saved by keeper Sabbie Heesh. Argentina continued to dazzle in the second quarter as Eugenia Trinchinetti’s deflection rang the post in the 22nd minute but England got to work in the other end moments later. On their third penalty corner attempt Pearne-Webb buried a shot to get England within one. England started to show some confidence in their attacking build up and just before half time Fiona Crackles charged up the right side and found Alexandra Malzer dangerously available in the circle. Belen Succi was up to the task to deny England agin. The Leonas continued to control the tempo and Delinfa Thome made it 3-1 in the third quarter. England rallied to find a response. Elena Rayer capitalized off a Barbara Dichiara mishap and unleashed a lethal back-hand shot to put England again within one, trailing 3-2. In the final quarter Gorzelany scored her fifth drag flick of the series to double Argentina’s lead. Some strong pressure from Holly Hunt and Hannah Martin looked promising for another England goal but the Leonas went unphased and Jankunas was there for another insurance marker in the final minutes of the game. Result: (Men’s Match 21): Germany beat France 4-2 Player of the Match: Thies Prinz (GER) Umpires: Sean Rapaport (RSA), Annelize Rostron (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA-video) Cenard, Buenos Aires (ARG) Result: (Women’s Match 11): Argentina beat England 5-2 Player of the Match: Maria Jose Granatto (ARG) Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Irene Presenqui (ARG), Diego Barbas (ARG-video) Result: (Men’s Match 20): Argentina beat England 2-0 Player of the Match: Frederico Monja (ARG) Umpires: German Montes de Oca (ARG), Diego Barbas (ARG), Irene Presenqui (ARG-video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Despite an outstanding first half of hockey from South Africa, Germany put on a clinical performance in the second half to propel them to a 6-1 win for their second victory in Potchestfstroom. Overcoming a 1-1 score line at half time, the game was a valuable test for the young German side, whose more experienced version lost 4-3 to South Africa in pool play at the 2020 Olympic Games. The win was further highlighted by first international caps for both German goalkeepers Niklas Garst and Anton Brinckman.  Despite the loss, South Africa put together one of their best halves of hockey to open the game. Stingy defence in the back and resilient pressure up front, the South Africans made lots of work for Germany, who were uncharacteristically turning the ball over. South Africa seemed to be doing everything right but their lack of detail in the circle haunted them. Germany had their share of early scoring chances including Luis Gill who beat three as he sliced through the South African circle but his off-balanced shot sailed wide of the empty cage. Then, Niklas Wellen thought he had an easy tap in as a pass across the goal beat Gowan Jones but a calm and cool Connor Beauchamp was there to intercept and clear the ball through traffic. After a scoreless opening quarter Germany came out looking to capitalize and it was Constantin Staib’s pass into the South African circle that drew the first penalty corner of the game. Tom Grambusch rippled the mesh with his flick, stick side on Estiaan Kriek for a 1-0 German lead and his third penalty corner goal in two games. Never a team to sit back when down, South Africa continued with their strong defence, denying Mats Grambusch in the 23rd minute, while in the other end Nqobile Ntuli just missed a pass at the far post to level the score. It was a sign of what was to come as captain Keenan Horne was there to volley the ball in from next to no angle in the final minute of the half. Fantastic finishes from Luis Gill and Thies Prinz inside a crowded circle elevated the Germans 4-1 by the end of the third quarter. South Africa continued to pressure but what few chances they had did not prove accurate including a diving effort from Mustapha Cassiem. Germany’s clinical passing and technical brilliance in the circle became too much and it was clear where the game was headed. Johannes Große’s pass cut the field in half only to find Wellen at the top of the circle in the 58th minute. Wellen’s size and superb first touch saw him turn and beat two only to rocket a shot into the bottom corner of the net for the 6-1 Germany lead. Germany had two more penalty corners in the final minute of the game but Estiaan Kreak made a glove save and Owen Mvimbi’s stick on the line denied a Tom Grambusch flick. FIH Pro League Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Result: Men’s Match 19 South Africa 1, Germany 6 Player of the Match: Mats Grambusch (GER) Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA), Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Terrassa, Spain:-The 2022 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup (1-17 July 2022) will be jointly hosted in Terrassa, Spain and Amsterdam, Netherlands as 16 qualified teams pursue the biggest and most cherished prize in hockey alongside the Olympics. This is where legends are made with the world’s finest players battling it out to become the very best. FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra welcomed the draw and the event by video message to the ceremony guests as well as the global hockey community. He is joined in supporting the event by several dignitaries including Mr Jordi Ballart, Mayor of Terrassa; Ms Anna Caula, General Secretary for Sport and Physical Activity; Mr Santi Deó, RFEH President; Mr Miguel Ángel Moreno, Organizing Committee President; Mrs Marijke Fleuren, FIH EB Member and EHF President;  and Eric Cornelissen, KNHB President. The draw itself was conducted by FIH CEO Thierry Weil and Spanish legends Berta Bonastre – who will be the Tournament Director – and Santi Freixa who links both venues, growing up in Terrassa and living currently in Amsterdam. Pool A is headed up by world number one side – and reigning champions – The Netherlands (FIH World Ranking: 1) who will meet Ireland (WR: 12) in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final. They will also be joined in the group by Germany (WR: 5) and Chile (WR: 17); the South American side will be competing in their first ever World Cup campaign. In Pool B, England (WR: 3) are the top seed and they were drawn to face India (WR: 9) with many of the potential players having met each other in the Tokyo Olympics bronze medal match when the former were representing Great Britain. New Zealand (WR: 8) and China (WR: 14) complete their group with both playing in their ninth World Cup. Pool A and B will both be hosted at the Wagener Stadium in the Netherlands. Pool C will feature two-time champions Argentina (WR: 2) at the head of the group. They will come up against Spain (WR: 6) in front of their home Terrassa crowd along with Korea (WR: 11) and Canada (WR: 13), who will play in the World Cup for the first time since 1994. Pool D will also take place in Terrassa. Australia (WR: 4) are the highest ranked side and will be seeking to win their third World Cup title following success in 1994 and 1998. They face Belgium’s rising Red Panthers (WR: 7), Japan (WR: 10) and African champions South Africa (WR: 16). Xan de Waard (NED): “It was very exciting – I am really looking forward to playing Chile because I have never played them before. Our preparation is on track and we are improving every day. We had a really good training trip to Valencia for training and now we are in Mannheim so we are looking forward to playing more Pro League games and hopefully we will be ready when the World Cup comes.” Gigi Oliva (ESP): “It’s great, it means we can start preparing for facing Argentina, Korea and Canada. Obviously it will be a really difficult group with very different styles of hockey.” Maria Lopez (ESP): “We have a lot of new players and members of staff. We are very excited to play in the Pro League which gives us a chance to grow as a team before the World Cup.” FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, July 1-17, 2022 Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It took some time for the German side to find their rhythm in their 2022 FIH Pro League opener against France in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Two penalty corner goals from Tom Grambusch in the final quarter were enough to hold off a tired but resilient French side. Niklas Wellen’s presence up front earned him Player of the Match honours, while Timothée Clément was as equal to the task for France. For les Bleus, it was their sixth-straight game in eight days, while Germany was coming off an indoor season and their last Pro League match was in October 2021. A young German side ventured south without the typical talents of Lukas Windfelder, Tobias Hauke, Christopher Ruhr and Florian Fucks on hand. Despite that, recently named captain Mats Grambusch was proud of their team saying after the game: ‘We have been here for a week now and the altitude, weather we are not used to that in Germany. We had to get used to it and we knew it was a new group here with young players and then you have to get in to your groove. We needed time to do that. We want to do it better tomorrow against South Africa but I’m really, really pleased with our performance as we go the three points and want to go far in the Pro League.’ Germany were quick to put France on their heels. Mats Grambusch drew the game’s opening penalty corner just two minutes into the game. Younger brother Tom Grambusch couldn’t get enough behind his flick to beat Arthur Thieffry in the France goal. While France spent much of the get-going defending their 23-meter area, they did have chances of their own. Timothée Clément received a cross-field aerial deep in the German circle but his blast from a tight angle went wide of the German goal. The Germans kept knocking when Wellen’s sharp cut into the French circle allowed Thiez Prinz a clear look at goal but the ball rocketed past the left post. In the final minute of the quarter it was Niklas Bosserhoff who beat two defenders and cut into the circle. The ball instended as a paced pass in to traffic took a touch off defender Amaury Bellenger and beat Thieffry over his right shoulder. In the second quarter Tom Grambusch and Justus Weigand each had penalty corner attempts but some strong running and solid clears from Thieffry kept the Germans at bay. France’s best chance fell for Blaise Rogeau in the 26th minute but the reverse-stick shot sailed wide of the net. Germany sat on their 1-0 lead heading into half time. Credit to youngster Clément who drew France’s first penalty corner in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The very same Clément then unleashed a rocket of a drag flick but Alexander Stadler did well to block it. Francois Goyet was the beneficiary of two rebound attempts but the first was blocked by Stadler and the second went high over the goal. It was a game of set-pieces that made the difference as Germany continued to struggle to convert while France from three attempts were able to draw level. It was again Clément who unleashed a flick that split the right post and the German post-player. The goal gave France the confidence to really go after points from the No. 6-ranked Germany. In the final quarter Germany went to work as Tom Grambusch was able to find his strides at the top of the circle firing a penalty corner flick in between Thieffry and Charles Masson and give Germany the 2-1 lead. Thieffry was called to action again denying another Tom Grambusch flick in the 57th minute before he subbed off to give France 11 field players to chase down a tying goal. Unforced errors in midfield lead to a Luis Gill run and an eventual pair of penalty corners for Germany. The first was saved on the line by Clément but the second off Tom Grambusch’s stick was too powerful and deflected off Clément’s stick and in for a 3-1 Germany lead. Credit to the French who never backed down. Clément sent an aerial from the half-way line to a streaking Simon Martin-Brisac. A nifty pass across the circle beat Stadler and Etienne Tynevez volleyed the ball in for the consolation goal. Germany take their first three points of the year, while the French side remained proud of their performance in a grueling series of Pro League match ups. Following the game, Niklas Wellen was named Player of the Match. Results: (FIH Pro League): Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Men’s Match 18 Germany beat France 3-2 Player of the Match: Niklas Wellen (GER) Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA), Ayden Shrives (RSA-video)

Sports Bulletin ISLAMABAD:-A two-goal opening quarter haunted South Africa as they dropped at 4-1 decision to France in the teams’ first-ever meeting in the FIH Pro League. Gaspard Baumgarten was named Player of the Match as he buried two goals, while teammates Blaise Rogeau and Timothée Clément also tallied in the win. South Africa’s Dayaan Cassiem was unlucky to only tally once as he also hit a cross bar in the final quarter. France’s Baumgarten said after the win: “I’m not too much a striker but happy to score today and even more happy for the win of the team. We are really happy (with their overall performance in South Africa). We played great hockey and tried to play better and better each game which was the purpose for being here.” It was clear from the opening whistle that France was keen to pick up from their second and third games last week that saw them tie the Netherlands and beat the Olympic bronze medalists, India. They wasted little time getting to work as three minutes in and France had a penalty corner. Moments later a flurry of shots put the South Africans under pressure. The final shot by Baumgarten took a touch off South African Nduduzo Lembethe and the ball popped through the legs of keeper Gowan Jones for the opening marker. South Africa’s Nqobile Ntuli had the best chance of the half for the hosts but the back-hand shot pinged off the post in the seventh minute. France doubled their lead in the 11th minute. Eliot Curty charged alone down the right side and his sweeping pass was deflected well by a diving Francois Goyet’s reverse stick. Blaise Rogeau was there at the near post to finish the pretty counterattack play and seal the 2-0 lead for France. Estiaan Kriek subbed into the South African net after the opening break and he punched away a brilliant shot from Baumgarten in the 17th minute to leave the game still 2-0 by half time. France, though clinical in execution, looked to relax their tempo in the third quarter. South Africa forced a number of turnovers and created lots of counter-attack play but failed to find any kind of finish. Despite the casual play of France, they were nonetheless clinical when they entered the South African circle. Matéo Desgouilllons forced a close-range save out of Gowan Jones in the 34th minute. The teams then spent a good seven minutes trading away sloppy turnovers but France were able to find their strides in the 41st. A brilliant deceptive pass from Stanislas Branicki paced the ball out to the right side and the pass came firing in to Baumgarten. The shot needed a deflection from defender Leneal Jackson to give France a 3-0 lead. Dayaan Cassiem had a chance to get South Africa on the board with minutes to go in the third quarter but his blast booked for the top shelf was seen the whole way by the blocker of Arthur Thieffry. The final quarter really sided with South Africa. Nqobile Ntuli and Cassium brothers Dayaan and Mustapha were combining dangerously up, but still without result. Dayaan then put on a show dancing his way with 3D skills past four French defenders only to leave Ryan Julius with a shot at goal but the ball blasted wide left of the net. France found their fourth goal on an aerial ball that allowed a baseline entry for Gaspar Xavier. His pass was sent into traffic for Clément to knock in and France took the lead 4-0. South Africa stayed in it and denied Timothée Clement’s penalty corner with a goalline save from Nicholas Spooner, while Dayaan Cassiem hit a cross-bar moment. It was a sign of what was to come as Mustapha set up his brother Dayaan to break the France shutout with three minutes to go in the game. It was too little, too late and France finished with the 4-1 victory and their second set of three points in their opening tour of the FIH Pro League. South African captain Horne said after the loss: “We had a quite a few chances and it’s a pity they didn’t go in. The French are very clinical and they did well and if you can’t score you can’t win. We will do our analysis after the game. There’s lots to take out of it. We had a lot of soft turnovers but they were just very clinical.” The two teams will dual again on Sunday, February 20 after playing games against Germany who join them in Potchestfstroom. To see the current men’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here. The FIH Hockey Pro League Season 3 will be back in action on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 with the France men playing Germany and then South Africa hosting Germany at Potchestfstroom, University of North West, South Africa. To see the complete FIH Hockey Pro League match schedule, please click here. Results (FIH Pro League 15 February 2021): Potchestfstroom, University of North West (RSA) Result: Men’s Match 17 France beat South Africa 4-1 Player of the Match: Gaspard Baumgarten (FRA) Umpires: Ayden Shrives (RSA), Sean Rapaport (RSA), Wanri Venter (RSA-video)