Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It was tense and dramatic to the very end in both of today's matches in the 9-16th place matches. First Japan waited until the final second of the game to break Korea's hearts and then India hauled Canada back, first in the dying minutes of the match and then in the shoot-out to win their first match of the World Cup. Japan vs Korea (9-16 place) It was an entertaining first half of hockey between these two Asian rivals. Japan had the lion's share of possession for the earlier part of the quarter but Korea began to get the measure of the fast passing and nimble movement of Japan and started to create their own pressure. Korea have their goal keeper Lee Jinmin to thank for not going a goal down early in the game. The keeper has gained plaudits throughout the tournament and her triple save was a masterclass is agility. Japan took the lead in the 18th minute when Kobayakawa Shiho wriggled through the Korea defence and created enough space to fire home a lovely reverse stick shot that even Lee Jinmin couldn't save. Korea replied swiftly. A penalty corner led to a straight strike from Jung CheYoung, the ball flew with force into the Japan goal, past Nakamura Eika. Kim Seon should have given Korea the lead in the second half but, faced with only the goalkeeper to beat, after some fantastic stick work from Kim Jeong In to get the ball to her, Kim Seon mis-hit and the ball flew wide. This handed Japan the momentum and they capitalised through a penalty corner. Emi Nishikori was in the right place to collect the rebound from the initial strike. In the first minute of the final quarter Cheon Eunbi had a golden opportunity to score for Korea but the captain was just unable to turn the ball enough to steer it into the goal, after it had been crossed across the face of the goal towards her. That missed opportunity galvanised Cheon Eunbi and a few minutes later she danced her way through the Japan defence to earn her team a penalty corner. Once again Jung CheYoung stepped up and fired the ball straight at Nakamura, who will be disappointed with her failure to stop the shot. With the scores at 2-2, Japan really began to exert some pressure. Kaho Tanaka had a shot stopped at point blank rnage by Kim Eunji, who had replaced Lee Jinmin in the Korea goal. Seconds later and Mai Toriyama was tormenting the Korea defence with her skills. Japan won a series of penalty corners but the injection was slow and so the Korea defence dealt with the threat with ease. The match looked destined to go to shoot-out. However, hockey is a sport where goals can come at any moment and this was no exception. With less than a second on the clock, Japan scored from their third consecutive penalty corner and snatched victory just before the whistle blew. The scorer was Hazaki Nagai, although the ball took a cruel deflection from the first runner. Canada vs India (9-16th place) Both teams came to this match looking for their first win of the competition. For India, the disappointment of losing to Spain just the previous evening looked to be hanging heavy on the minds of the athletes as they prepared for the first quarter. After soaking up heaps of pressure from the fast-passing India forward line, Canada raced to the other end of the pitch and actually ended up with the ball in the back of the India net. Unfortunately the whistle had just gone for a penalty corner and Natalie Sourisseau was forced to adapt her attempt as the injection was just off target. Canada went one better a few minutes later as they won another penalty corner. This time the variation created confusion among the India defence and after the ball pinged to Kathleen Leahy, she slipped it to Madeline Secco who got the final touch. At the start of the second quarter, it was again India who came out stronger. Monika, in particular, was using her array of 3D skills to get past the Canada defence. Rowan Harris in the Canada goal was urging her team to maintain focus. As the game moved towards half-time, India really began to pour energy into their attacks. Navneet, Neha and Vandana were now all moving with freedom and Canada were very much on the back foot. After the break, India continued to pile on the pressure, with Lalremsiami making some speedy forays into the Canada circle. The north American side held firm, with Sara McManus and Hannah Haughn putting in some serious shifts breaking down the India attacks. This was particularly impressive from Haughn, who is only recently returned from an ACL injury. With four minutes left in the third quarter, Canada were content to soak up the pressure and wait for the chance to break. For India, there was more frustration creeping into their game as they just failed to make the connections that would turn their much superior possession into an all-important goal. A penalty corner with two minutes left in the third saw a shot from Grace which was well saved by Harris and another India chance came and went. From a Candian perspective, the fourth quarter was exhausting and tense as the team withstood wave after wave of Indian pressure. As Navneet and Tete Salima started to really run at the Canadian defence, Karli Johansen, McManus and just about every member of the Candian team dug deep to protect their 1-0 lead. For Gurjit Kaur there was added frustration when she was unable to convert a series of penalty corners. The shots had all the usual power but they flew either wide or were chased down Sourisseau as the Canadian number one runner.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-England and Spain progressed through to the quarter-finals after two hugely contrasting matches. England put in a measured and composed performance to beat Korea convincingly. Spain, on the other hand, kept an engrossed home crowd on tenterhooks until the 57th minute. Earlier in the day, Ireland beat a fatigued-looking South Africa, while China's penalty corner routines finally wore down a resilient Chile side. Ireland will now meet China on 12 July in their final match of the World Cup. South Africa and Chile will also play their final matches on the same day. In the quarter-finals England now travel to Terrassa to face Argentina, while Spain will face Australia – the team they beat to bronze in the 2018 FIH Women's World Cup. Quarter-final line-up New Zealand vs Germany Netherlands vs Belgium Argentina vs England Australia vs Spain Results (July 9, 2022): Ireland 2, South Africa 0 Player of the Match: Roisin Upton (IRL) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Irene Presenqui (ARG), Laurine Delforge (BEL-video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) China 3, Chile 0 Player of the Match: Ma Ning (CHN) Umpires: Annelize Rostron (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA), Wanri Venter (RSA-video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa (ESP) England 5, Korea 0 Player of the Match: Eleanor Rayer (ENG) Umpires: Ayanna McClean (TTO), Alison Keogh (IRL), Michelle Meister (GER-video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa (ESP) Spain 1, India 0 Player of the Match: Georgina Oliva (ESP) Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO), Amber Church (NZL), Ivona Makar (CRO-video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pool B was tight to the very end as all four teams began the day with every chance of winning the pool or failing to qualify. In the end, it was a workmanlike performance from England that consigned China to the 13-16th place play-offs, with New Zealand running out winners of the Pool after beating India in a thrilling match. Pool D was a more straightforward affair, with Pool leaders Argentina stamping their authority with a comprehensive win over fourth-placed Canada. Spain took the second spot after a win over Korea. The results mean that New Zealand and Argentina join Netherlands and Australia in getting a few days rest as they qualify directly to the quarter-finals. In the cross-over matches, England will play Korea and India take on Spain. China will play the loser of Belgium versus Chile and Canada will play either Spain or India. Results (July 7) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) England 2, China 0 Player of the Match: Lily Owsley (ENG) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Wanri Venter (RSA), Emi Yamada (JPN-video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) Argentina 7, Canada 1 Player of the Match: Victoria Granatto (ARG) Umpires: Catalina Montesino (CHI), Ivona Makar (CRO), Hannah Harrison (ENG - video) Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen (NED) India 3, New Zealand 4 Player of the Match: Brooke Roberts (NZL) Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Kang Hyun Young (KOR), Aleisha Neumann (AUS-video). Estadi Olimpic de Terrasa (ESP) Spain 4, Korea 1 Player of the Match: Sara Barrios Umpires:  Amber Church (NZL), Tan Cookie (SGP) Kelly Hudson (NZL-video)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Another action packed day has revealed the first two teams to qualify straight through to the quarter-finals. As winners of Pool A and D respectively, Netherlands and Australia will now have a break while the knockout round is contested. As second in Pool A, Germany will face South Africa, who finished in third position in Pool D. The lowest ranked team in the tournament, Chile, will take on Belgium, who finished in second place in Pool D. Ireland's dreams of repeating their 2018 exploits was dashed by a businesslike performance by Germany. Netherlands won their third game to top Pool A but Chile won the hearts of the spectators – and in the case of Francisca Tala, a marriage proposal from her boyfriend –  with their defiant performance against the reigning champions. South Africa kept Australia to a 2-1 scoreline, thus consigning Japan to join Ireland in the 13-16th place play-offs. The Cherry Blossoms had fallen victim to a revitalised Belgium earlier in the day. Germany beat Ireland 3-0(Pool A) Ireland went into their must-win match against Germany full of energy, high spirits and an indomitable will to keep their World Cup dreams on track. For their part, Germany's main concern was to ensure at least a second place finish in the pool and to put their earlier defeat at the hands of the Netherlands behind them. From the start, Ireland's captain Katy Mullan was leading by example, hassling and harrying the German defence, but Germany started with composure, both in attack and defence. Neither side managed to get a breakthrough in the first quarter and, in fact, there were only three attempts at goal in the first 15 minutes – one for Ireland and two for Germany. The breakthrough came for Germany in the 24th minute. Nike Lorenz showed her accuracy and power from the top of the circle as she sent a penalty corner drag flick flying into the net, helped on its way by the tip of Ayeisha McFerran's boot. Ireland began the second half as brightly as they had started the first half, but once again they failed to make chances count. Gemany extended their lead in the 37th minute when Charotte Stapenhorst was on hand to slot the ball home after Kira Horn had cleverly slipped the ball to her after a strong dribble along the baseline. Head Coach Sean Dancer removed Ayeisha McFerran for the start of the fourth quarter in an attempt to gain an advantage and pull the goals back. Zara Malseed came close to answering Dancer's call but her shot was beautifully saved by Nathalie Kubalski in the German goal. The Irish defence stood very strong against the German onslaught and managed to keep a handful of penalty corners out of the goal. However, a penalty stroke put the final tick on a German victory. Sonja Zimmermann stepped up to put the ball past McFerran, who had returned to the pitch for the stroke. Germany had one stroke saved at the very end of the match but by then it was all over for the Irish team. Belgium beat Japan 3-0 (Pool D) The first quarter between Japan and Belgium was really well matched and both teams could have snuck an early goal. However, at 15 minutes it was still 0-0 and there was a sense of edginess creeping into the Belgium team in particular. This manifested itself in a number of missed opportunities or poor decisions across the team. The nerves were settled a little in the 24th minute when Stephanie Vanden Borre scored a trademark penalty corner drag flick, which was so quick that Eika Nakamura couldn't react. That was the only goal before half-time and the narrow lead still didn't seem to have filled the Red Panthers with confidence. Japan desperately needed a goal, because even if they couldn't win this game, they could still finish ahead of South Africa if the goal difference was favourable. Belgium's lead was doubled by Vanden Borre in the 40th minute, almost a mirror of the first. Super skills from Charlotte Engelbert won the corner and Vanden Borre scored her fourth of the tournament and second of the game. Belgium's lead was extended four minutes later when Ambre Ballenghein made it 3-0, also scoring from a penalty corner. All of Belgium's penalty corner goals were scored in Japan's left hand corner of the goal. As heavy rain poured down in Terrassa, there were no further goals although Belgium's Louise Versavel in particular was pushing hard to add to the scoreline. Netherlands beat Chile 3-1 (Pool B) It was the team ranked number one in the world against the team ranked 15th but Chile took to the pitch determined not to let the occasion overwhelm them. Chile's task was made a shade harder because captain Camila Caram had received a one-match ban and so was watching the match unfold from the stands. And she would have been delighted with her team's performance in the opening half of the match. The Chile defence, bolstered by a courageous goalkeeping display from Claudia Schuler, kept the Netherlands at bay until the 14th minute. A rebound from a Frederique Matla penalty corner was tapped in by Lidewij Welten to send the home side into the break 1-0 up. After the break the Netherlands continued to pile on the pressure, with Felice Albers and Matla among the Dutch players causing problems for Chile. However, the South American side refused to read the script and in the 21st minute Francisca Tala received a beautiful pass from Paula Valvida right in front of the Netherlands' goal. She made no mistake as she sent the ball past Anne Veenendaal. The Dutch continued to push forwards from that point, but found the Chile defence in determined mood and at the half-way mark the scores were level. The Netherlands came out with huge intensity and nearly went ahead within two minutes of the restart. Xan de Waard struck a shot at goal. Natalia Salvador, who had replaced Schuler in goal, saved the first shot and then recovered to also save Maria Verschoor's rebounded shot. It took until three minutes from the end of the third quarter for the Dutch to regain the lead. Yibbi Jansen was the architect of the goal. Her perfectly placed shot was so hard that, although Salvador got a stick to it, it just kept travelling. In the fourth quarter, the Dutch hit the next gear as they went for the goal that would give them air between them and their opponents. Xan de Waard sped up the pitch with the ball before releasing it to Jansen. She fired it into the circle and Maria Verschoor connected, only to find Salvador in her way. A penalty corner from Jansen was well saved again by Salvador but then the crowd erupted when Laurien Leurink sent a pass to Eve de Goede and she scored her first goal since her return from long-term injury. The goal itself was a thing of beauty: de Geode took the ball wide and then struck a reverse stick shot high into the Chile goal. Australia beat South Africa 2-1(Pool D) On the day Mariah Williams celebrated her 100th cap, Australia and South Africa engaged in a fast, frenetic and entertaining match. Ahead of the game, Australia needed just a draw to win the pool, while South Africa could not afford to lose by a three goal margin as that would mean Japan would take third place in the pool. Australia took the lead in the eighth minute through a powerful penalty corner strike from Penny Squibb. This was after a number of acrobatic saves from South Africa's goalkeeper Phumelela Mbande but even she couldn't keep Sqibb's shot out. Five minutes later and it was South Africa's turn to make a penalty corner count. The corner was won through the sheer determination of Onthatile Zulu, who was causing mayhem in the Australia circle with her speedy, darting movements. Lilian du Plessis delivered the shot that squeezed past Jocelyn Bartram in the Australia goal. In the second quarter Australia began to turn the screw on the South Africa defence. Rosie Malone missed the goal from close range but made up for the error seconds later when she unerringly struck a rebounded penalty corner after Grace Stewart had hit the post. The second half saw Australia start sharply, with Rebecca Greiner in particular piling on the pressure. Unfortunately Greiner was a little too exuberant and received a green card but her team mates continued to push forwards and Hannah Cullum-Sanders won her team a penalty stroke when she was fouled on route to goal. Williams, perhaps conscious that this was her 100th cap, stepped up to take the stroke but put the ball wide.  Despite their domination of possession and a higher number of penalty corner opportunities, Australia were unable to find team connections so, while South Africa couldn't find the net, for the sake of their goal difference, they didn't concede any goals either. The early stages of the final quarter was driven by South Africa. They won a penalty corner, which was well cleared and then the best chance of the final quarter fell to Bernadette Coston. The captain was perfectly positioned in front of the Hockeyroos' goal but she just failed to connect to the cross from Jean-Leigh du Toit.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Chile’s captain Camila Caram has been suspended for one match for having breached the FIH Code of Conduct (Appendix 4 of the FIH Tournament Regulations for the FIH Hockey Women´s World Cup 2022; 2.2.f: „Reckless physical contact between players in the course of play“) in the 57th minute of today’s match between Ireland and Chile. The player was given the possibility to express her views of the incident at a hearing conducted by FIH Assistant Technical Delegate Christian Deckenbrock, who is in charge of Disciplinary matters for the matches taking place in the Wagener Stadium. It’s worth noting that Camila Caram’s attitude at the hearing was very good. Chile’s captain will miss her team’s next match vs the Netherlands scheduled on 6 July.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Lausanne, Switzerland: 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. Pools: 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 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)

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne (Switzerland):-Emotions ran high on the second day of action at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup. Head Coach to Chile, Sergio Vigil fought back tears as his team lined up for their first ever World Cup appearance; Eva de Goede was visibly moved as her dream of a fourth World Cup came true, despite months away from the game through injury. On the pitch there was also no lack of drama and emotion. New Zealand returned to international action with a solid draw against China. Olivia Merry was on the scoresheet, demonstrating that she has lost none of her fire power that we saw in previous pre-Covid years. The second match saw Chile make their debut on the World Cup stage. Although the Diablas lost to Die Danas, they won a lot of fans – both for their pacy play and for the passion shown by the team and their animated Head Coach. The next match saw a masterclass in penalty corner striking from Agustina Gorzelany as Argentina broke down a resilient Korea defence to start their campaign in some style. Reigning champions Netherlands got off to a cracking start as they put paid to gallant Ireland, two of the goals scored by Frederique Matla from penalty strokes. The final match of the day saw the re-emergence of Australia and Japan, both of whom have not figured much on the international stage in recent months. It took until the 56th minute for a breakthrough to come as Australia finally made goalmouth pressure count. Pools: 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 Results (July 2, 2022): Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain Match #2 New Zealand 2, China 2 Player of the Match: Hope Ralph (NZL) Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Wanri Venter (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA - video) Wagener Stadium, Netherlands Match #3 Germany 4, Chile 1 Player of the Match: Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER) Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Emi Yamada (JPN), Annelize Rostron (RSA - Video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain Match #4 Argentina 4, Korea 0 Player of the Match: Maria Granatto (ARG) Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER), Alison Keogh (IRL), Hannah Harrison (ENG - video) Wagener Stadium, Netherlands Match #5 Netherlands 5, Ireland 1 Player of the Match: Sabine Plonissen (NED) Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Kang Hyun Young KOR), Laurine Delforge (BEL - video) Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain Match #6 Australia 2, Japan 0 Player of the Match: Mariah Williams (AUS) Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP), Kelly Hudson (NZL) Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)

Sports Bulletin Report Terrassa (Spain):-Co-hosts Spain became the first nation to win points in the 15th FIH Women's World Cup when they won the opening match on home turf at the Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain on Friday. The magnificent venue, which has such a tradition in hockey, hosted the showpiece opening match between Spain and Canada. The Pool C match saw the host nation, who are ranked eighth in the FIH World Rankings, put in a dominant first half performance to beat Canada (WR:12) by a convincing 4-1 score-line. Spain beat Canada 4-1 Spain broke the deadline after just five minutes when Belen Iglesias scored from a rebound off a penalty corner. There was quite a goalmouth scramble before Iglesias was able to tip the ball home and Canada's goalkeeper Rowan Harris will be annoyed that her defenders didn't clear the danger ball earlier. It was no less than Spain deserved as they dominated the first 15 minutes. The Red Sticks doubled their lead in the 21st minute when Gine Xantal sent home a sweetly-struck hard shot that nestled in the corner of Canada's goal. Canada created their own chance. Hannah Haughn, who has recently returned from injury, was able to weave her way through the Spanish defence but couldn't find the final touch to trouble Melabnia Garcia in the Spanish goal.  Five minutes later and Spain were back on the attack with yet another penalty corner. This time it was captain Maria Lopez who found a way past the Canada defence. Her hard shot took a deflection off the number one runner for Canada. The fouth goal was a fabulous demonstration of fast hands and quick thinking. Georgina Oliva picked a perfect pass from close to the sideline to Begona Garcia who was waiting in the circle. Garcia shifted her position slightly to evade the defenders and guided the ball past Harris. Following the dominant performance by the Spanish in the first half, the second half can be claimed by Canada. Spain continued to press and create chances but were unable to find a way through the Canadian defence. Canada, for their part, showed the defiant resilience for which they are renown. Goalkeeper Harris will be pleased with some of the athletic saves she pulled off in the second half. Canada were rewarded for their efforts with a goal in the 57th minute by Karli Johansen as she slipped the ball through the legs of Jana Martinez. Natalie Sourisseau did the hard work to win the penalty corner from which Johansen found the back of the net. Player of the Match, Georgina Oliva, said: 'We knew the first match was important because we can be nervous, particularly in front of a home crowd. Now we must stick to our plan and play match by match and then other results will come.' Pools: 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 Results (match-1): Spain beat Canada 4-1 Player of the Match: Georgina Oliva (ESP) Umpires: Hannah Harrison (ENG, Ayanna McClean (TTO), Kelly Hudson (NZL - video)

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne (Switzerland):-In exactly one month, on July 1, the best players in the world will start the greatest show amongst the women’s events organised under the banner of the International Hockey Federation (FIH): the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup! The 15th edition of FIH’s flagship event will be staged in Terrassa, Spain, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Terrassa Olympic Stadium was the hockey venue for the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. The Wagener Stadium, located in Amstelveen, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, has hosted numerous top-flight matches including World Cups, European Championships or FIH Hockey Pro League encounters. 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 Potchefstroom (South Africa):-Netherlands have won the title of FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup after beating Germany 3-1 in the final at North West University Potchefstroom, South Africa on April 12, 2022. Netherlands beat Germany 3-1 (Final for Gold Medal): Coming into this game, Netherlands had scored 46 goals and conceded none. Germany, by contrast, had lost a pool match but had used that as a springboard to get better with every game. The question was whether the German side had what it takes to breach the Dutch defence. The need to find a way to score against Netherlands increased when Danique van der Veerdonk sent a magnificent drag flick penalty corner past Mali Wichmann in the German goal. The goal came after a sustained period of pressure by the team in orange on the German defence. As the half progressed, Germany withstood a period of play where the Netherlands just didn’t let up possession. The team in white looked to be run ragged as they chased the ball around the pitch. However, as the half counted down, the German resistance paid off and they started to make in-roads of their own. The final action of the half saw the Netherlands defence being asked questions for perhaps the first time this tournament. And finally it happened! The 200th game of this tournament and the first against the Netherlands was scored by Germany’s Sophia Schwabe. This followed a period of confident and aggressive hockey from the German players. The scores remained even for two minutes before Tessa Beetsma was able to restore her team’s lead. Maria Steensma worked the ball down the baseline and slipped it goalwards. Beetsma needed no second invite to flick it home. It was Beetsma again just 10 minutes later. The ever excellent Noor Omrani ran down the baseline and her cross found Beetsma waiting in the circle. Not even Wichmann could stop the sharp shooter from scoring her second and Netherlands’ third. In the final quarter, Germany threw absolutely everything at the Netherlands but the entire team in orange dug deep and defended as well as they attacked. This was a final with class written all over it, but in the end, there was only really one winner. Tessa Beetsma: ‘It was an incredible game and we had to fight against Germany. The defence were great today. My teammates make the goals. I am looking for the goal chance in the six metre area in front of goal. Netherlands Head Coach Dave Smolenaars said: The girls worked so hard against very good opponents. I couldn’t be more happy for the progress and the development. We conceded one goal, but we wold have liked to have kept it to zero.’ His counterpart, the German Head Coach Akim Bouchouchi said: ’We are proud of the medal but we wanted to win this match. We were too nervous in the first half. Congratulations to Netherlands, they really worked hard for it. We had some chances but we didn’t have the final knockout blow to get the goals we needed. We needed momentum and we didn’t get it.’ England vs India 2-2 (England win shoot-out 3-0 to earn 3 place): Early pressure from India signalled their intent to win their final match but two penalty corner attempts from Deepika were well saved by Mila Welch and it was clear that England had brought their own A game to this encounter. The quarter batted back and forth with neither side able to get the first breakthrough. England had one shot just ahead of the whistle for the end of the first quarter through Claudia Swain but the shot flew high over Devi Kharibam’s goal. It was England who were the first to break the deadlock. Captain Millie Giglio took the ball into the India circle and her shot bobbled in front of Devi Kharibam. The ‘keeper will be annoyed that she didn’t clear it and the ball trickled over her line. India responded well and three minutes later Mumtaz Khan scored her sixth goal of the tournament when she followed up on an initial shot that had been saved by Welch. The game continued in the same vein, with India just shading possession but England’s defence putting in some great tackles. Beauty Dung Dung had a golden opportunity to put India ahead but her shot was charged down by Welch. Then Giglio came close to adding to her first goal but her shot was well-saved by Kharibam. The third quarter was equally evenly matched and neither side really created any clear chances. Two different styles of play were in evidence. India were looking to play the ball through midfield, while England were building up attacks along the right and left hand side of the pitch. What was very similar was the quality of both defensive units. The next goal came in the 47th minute and was a hammer blow to the hard-working England team. Mumtaz Khan scored her seventh of the tournament after a rebound fell to her and she was able to slam it home. England removed their goalkeeper with six minutes still left on the clock and this gave the team an advantage that they finally made pay when Claudia Swain was able to latch onto a cross from Maddie Axford. This sent the game to shoot-out and England were faultless as their first three players all scored. Evie Wood in the England goal was able to block all three India attempts. The result was the reverse of the 2013 bronze medal match when India beat England on a penalty shoot-out. Player of the Match Maddie Axford said: ‘'That was an amazing feeling, I can't believe it. i’m so happy for the group. Everyone put such a shift in. Everyone held their own and we didn't give up to the end.’ England captain Milli Giglio said: ‘Not only are we the youngest team ever to participate for England at this level but we have just made history because we’ve never won a medal at this level. We came together two months ago, brand new team and brand new people and we smashed it.’ England’s Head Coach Simon Letchford said: ‘Firstly, very well played to India, it is harsh to lose in that way. From our perspective, every game we have learnt from.’ A disappointed Erik Wonink said: The match only counts what the score was. I think the girls did develop greatly over the tournament and made huge improvement and great steps. Now we hand them over to the next teams.’ India captain Salima said: ‘We are very disappointed to have lost and it was hard luck today but well done to England and we are still good. Next time we will try to do even better.’ The match means England have achieved their highest finish at a Junior World Cup. India finish in fourth place. South Africa beat 3-2 (7-8th place): Early pressure from South Africa saw the host nation earn a penalty corner in the opening minutes of the match. Seconds later USA striker Hope Rose was firing at the South African goal after a swift counter-attack. All the signs were there that this was going to be a great 60 minutes of hockey in the opening match on finals day. South Africa took the lead through Bianca Wood. The forward hadn’t really found her groove during this tournament but when she latched onto a Kayla de Vaal cross and fired home, we saw a glimpse of the South African’s skill and strength. The host nation doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Jean-Leigh du Toit was able to show her ability from the top of the circle. Her drag-flick gave Annabel Skubisz no chance of making a save. Despite being 2-0 down, the USA were far from out of this game. The dangerous trio of Charlotte de Vries, Ashley Tessa and Hope Rose always looked capable of creating chances when they went on the attack. It was vitally important for USA to get on the score-card if they were to challenge for the seventh place but early in the second half South Africa spoiled that ambition with their third of the match. Tamla Kock created the goal with a lovely jinking move past the USA defenders, before she hit the ball across the circle. Mikkela le Roux got the final touch, which tipped the ball past Skubisz. A three-goal cushion allowed South Africa to play with far more freedom than their opponents in the early stages of the second half. The team in green were running with the ball confidently and playing with real enjoyment. All that changed in the 38th minute when Josie Varney won the ball in midfield and dashed to the South African circle. Her reverse stick shot wrong-footed Mishka Ellis and suddenly USA were back in the game. USA’s second goal came from the quick reactions of Abigail Tamer. The USA built patiently up their right-hand side of the pitch and the ball eventually pinged loose in the South African circle. Tamer pounced and the ball squeezed past Amelie Claasen in the South Africa goal. It was a grandstand finish as the USA sought the equaliser and South Africa endured nervous moments as the team in red tried everything in the coaching manual to get back on terms. The final whistle was met by relief and then joy by South Africa as they finished in seventh position, the team’s best position since 2001 when they finished sixth. Player of the Match was South Africa’s Edith Molikoe: The athlete had played a quietly dominant role in midfield throughout the match. She said: ‘The girls put a lot of effort into this match and we wanted to finish on a high. This was probably our best performance of the tournament. After this, some of us will be preparing for the Women’s World Cup and the Commonwealth Games later this year. A lot of youngsters watching will see this as a moment of history. The next generation will see this and want to do better, so the next team can finish top three.’ South Africa Head Coach Lenise Marais said: ‘We had some moments where we really dominated and thankfully we scored three goals. We wanted to kill the game off with a fourth goal and we didn’t but our defence held out for us. At the start of the tournament we wanted to get through to the top eight, which we did. And we wanted to finish with a win, that was important.’ Tracey Paul, Head Coach to USA said: ‘Losing is always disappointing but finishing in the top eight is an achievement. Credit to South Africa, they played a hard, tough tournament. I have seen a lot of growth among our players and we have a lot of rising stars. It was a fantastic experience. ‘ USA’s captain Kayla Blas said: ‘As the USA, we really don’t give up and that was really noticeable today. This Junior World Cup has been a fantastic experience, playing against world class opponents day in, day out was really something exceptional.’ South Africa finished the competition in seventh place, their best finish since 2001. For USA, an eighth place finish mirrors their achievements in 2016. Argentina beat Korea 10-0 (5-6th place): In the pool match earlier in the competition, Argentina won 2-0 against Korea. For this final match Head Coach Fernando Ferrara would have urged his players to really pressure the Korea goal and finish the competition playing the sort of hockey they are capable of but haven’t shown regularly at this tournament. The athletes answered his call. At the end of the first quarter Argentina had dominated play but, despite several attempts, the South American side were only 1-0 ahead - via a goal that was scored by Maria Adorno. The forward received the ball from Daiana Pacheco and turned it past Lee Seoyeon, the Korea goalkeeper, with all the crafty stick work we have come to expect of her. Argentina doubled their lead two minutes into the second quarter. Sofia Cairo was the scorer after umpire Wanri Venter played a great advantage and Cairo was able to lift the ball over Lee Seoyeon for her first goal of the tournament. For their part, the Korea side were very much playing a defensive game. Much of the game was taking place in the Korea half of the pitch and the Asian side seemed to be patiently waiting for a moment to counter attack. The Asian team’s task got tougher when Sol Pagella scored a third goal just ahead of half time. Her goal was almost inevitable as Las Leoncitas piled one wave of pressure after another on the Korea defence. The fourth goal came after a lull in goalmouth action for the first part of the second half. Argentina had been patiently playing the ball around the pitch, moving closer and closer to the Korea circle. Then, when the gap opened, Cairo was able to drive forwards and Paula Santamarina was on hand to strike the ball home. With a four goal cushion, Argentina were able to play more expansive hockey and the fifth goal came from a fantastic ball out of defence. That was played with precision from the midfield into the circle and Maria Cerundolo was able to finish the move off in style. Korea were now totally vanquished and just a few seconds after goal five, Catalina Andrada was able to make it six with Argentina’s first penalty corner goal of the match. Argentina continued to play their compelling style of attacking hockey and Korea just had no answer to the onslaught. The seventh goal was scored by Daiana Pacheco. A deserving reward for her energetic and hard-working performance. Lee Seoyeon continued to stand up to the endless stream of Argentina attacks but she had no answer to Brisa Brugesser as she shot fiercely for goal eight. Paula Santamarina scored her second when she was given space to turn and shoot and an unmarked Victoria Manuela brought up the tenth goal. Player of the Match Paula Santamarina said: ‘We are very happy that we won but most importantly we are happy because we played our style of hockey in this match. I had a lovely time here in South Africa. It was my first international tournament and it has been fantastic experience.’ A delighted Argentina Head Coach, Fernando Ferrara said: ’I am very happy because the players were good today. They played very fluid hockey. For us it has been a good experience, it was nice to be in beautiful South Africa.’ Head Coach of Korea You Moon Ki said: ‘Our last match was against a very strong Argentina and my players were very tired. We will take what we have learnt back to Korea and that will help our preparations for the next Junior World Cup.’ Individual Awards Top Scorer: Jip Dicke (NED) - Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mali Wichmann (GER) Player of the Tournament: Stine Kurz (GER)