Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Valencia (Spain): With less than 24 hours to go for the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022, the coaches of all teams have spoken to express their expectations. Sergio Virgil, Head Coach (Chile) “The possibility of playing the Nations cup in Valencia is a great new dream for Chile. We will play with teams that, years ago, we saw on television, and we will learn from them. Our goal is to continue improving as a team.” Adrian Locke, Head Coach (Spain) “I'm really looking forward to the tournament. It's a new tournament with lots of exciting teams who are pretty evenly matched. I'm sure there are going to be some surprising results along the way. All the players and staff can't wait to get started.” Janneke Schopman, Head Coach (India) “We are very excited to play in the FIH Nations Cup, it will be a very exciting tournament and we are hoping to show our progress made in the last couple of months. I hope all our fans will follow us and watch us on watch.hockey and we can use all of the support, and go India!” Sean Dancer, Head Coach (Ireland) “Results are important for us, and we will be focusing on managing games, and doing the simple things well to give ourselves the best chance of being successful.” Jude Menezes, Head Coach (Japan) “Our focus is on winning the nations cup as it will provide us with the opportunity to compete in the Pro League and play against the best teams in the world.” Han Jin Soo, Head Coach (Korea) “We have brought some new players who have never played internationally but I expect them to do very well. The Nations cup is a good opportunity for us and we hope to win so we can play in the Pro League.” Giles Bonnet, Head Coach (South Africa) “This is the beginning of a new and exciting cycle for the South African Women’s Hockey Team. The FIH Nations Cup presents us with our first opportunity to match up and test ourselves against higher ranked teams. We look forward to the opportunity and the challenge!” Robert Justus, Head Coach (Italy) “We are here to perform to our maximum abilities. We want to grow with every international game we play and are hoping for some good results. We dream of that. This tournament will give us a good perspective of our qualities.”

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The day began with India’s women securing bronze medal via a dramatic shoot-out, while Canada earnt 5th spot. In the afternoon the women’s gold medal match saw England win their first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in front of a delirious home crowd. The day ended with New Zealand’s men securing 5th place, a game that saw Wales confirm their highest ever games finish. England 2 Australia 1 (Gold medal women) England struck gold against Australia, winning their first Commonwealth Games gold medal. The first quarter had all the hall-marks of a game of this magnitude as the sides looked to work each other out and get the upper hand. The last few minutes of the opening 15 featured a string of penalty corners for England, with Grace Balsdon seeing her first few efforts on goal dealt with by a firm Hockeyroos defence and keeper Aleisha Power. It was to be England who would break the deadlock, as a fine touch and finish was executed to full effect by Holly Hunt on the 22nd minute. A good quarter became even better for the hosts - who were backed by a raucous crowd at the University of Birmingham – when 4 minutes later Tess Howard doubled the lead with a great touch into the Hockeyroos goal. A pair of great efforts had English fans dreaming as the players headed off for half-time. The third period was a bit more cagey, as Australia looked to make inroads into the English lead. English keeper Madeleine Hinch was called into action, denying Stephanie Kershaw. After absorbing the Aussie pressure England looked to get back to their work, and with 5 minutes left of the period the lead was almost 3 when Anna Toman saw her penalty corner effort come back off the post. Another 15 were banked as the score remained 2-0 heading into the final period. As Australia pushed on in search of a breakthrough it was a case of holding their nerve for England, they knew the Hockeyroos would put it all on the line in search of a comeback. Australia forced a number of penalty corners but keeper Hinch and her defence dealt with everything that was thrown their way. With 20 seconds to goal hearts would have been in England mouths when Ambrosia Malone finally got the Aussie goal from a penalty corner after some relentless attacking. However, it would prove to be too little too late as England held on for the 2-1 win. For the hosts it was the stuff of dreams, a first Commonwealth Games gold medal on home soil, while Australia picked up their second consecutive silver medal. Results (Women's Competition): New Zealand 1 (1) India 1 (2) (Bronze medal match women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Canada 3 Scotland 1 (Classification 5-6 women) Umpires: Katrina Turner (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS-video) England 2 Australia 1 (Gold medal women) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Wanri Venter (RSA) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Results Men’s Competition New Zealand 2 Wales 1 (Classification 5-6 men)            Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG) Nick Bennett (ENG) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The morning session began with a little bit of history as Kenya’s women secured their first ever Commonwealth games victory. This was followed by South Africa pipping Wales to 7th place in a tight encounter. The evening session started with England booking their spot in Sunday’s gold medal match with a shoot-out win over New Zealand. The second semi-final also went all the way, as Australia came out on top. England 0 (2) New Zealand 0 (0) (Semi-final women): England booked their place in the final after a dramatic shoot-out victory. Both sides looked up for a game that would guarantee the victors a medal. This was typified by 5 penalty corners - 2 for England and 3 for New Zealand – inside the first 5 minutes of the opening quarter. Chances kept on coming but it was New Zealand who looked the more likely, although they were kept out by a steely England defence and an inspired Madeleine Hinch. It would prove to be a much tighter second quarter, with no clear cut chances or attempts on goal in the 15. England were briefly down to 10 when Giselle Ansley was shown a green card but the Black Sticks could not capitalise. The third period opened up the game once more as both sides looked to assert dominance in the tie. New Zealand had the better of the chances in the initial stages of the period, before England began to counter-punch, creating openings for themselves through Ansley and Peel. The Black Sticks stood strong and Megan Hull had a go at breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute from a penalty corner. She was denied by the outstanding Hinch once more. While both sides would have been forgiven for becoming conservative in the final quarter, it was quite the opposite as both sides tried to kill the game off before a shoot-out would be required. Both sides had multiple penalty corners and openings however both defences and keepers Hinch and Grace O’Hanlon proved to be too tough to beat. The semi-final would be decided by a shoot-out. Ralph (NZL) missed the opening shot, but so did Howard (ENG). Hinch saved Tynan’s (NZL) effort, before O’Hanlon returned the favour to deny Owsley (ENG). Doar (NZL) was denied by a fantastic Hinch save, which was followed up by Petter (ENG) tucking away her shot. Hinch made another spectacular save to crucially deny Shannon (NZL) and Martin (ENG) became the England hero as she slotted home to send her side to Sunday’s final. Australia 1 (3) India 1 (0) (Semi-final women): Australia will be guaranteed a medal after they edged past India via a shoot-out to set up a final against England. Whilst it was India who managed to get the first penalty corner of the game it was the Hockeyroos who got the scoring started, as Rebecca Greiner deflected the ball home via a Mariah Williams cross. Chances for both sides followed but the score line stayed at 1-0 after an open first 15. As India looked to get back into the tie Aleisha Power in the Hockeyroos net was called into action twice in quick succession. Further chances fell the way of the Asian side but Australia managed to get to half-time unscathed. A re-energised Australia came back out after the break looking to put their foot on the gas. The Hockeyroos carved out multiple opportunities, forcing penalty corner after penalty corner, Maddy Fitzpatrick was single-handedly denied on multiple occasions. Despite the Aussie barrage India did manage to restore parity between the sides in the 49th minute as Vandana Katariya deflected the ball home. Being pegged back did not seem to deter the Kookaburras as they went back to their work, peppering the Indian goal. It was by no means completely one-way traffic however as Power in the Aussie net was again called into action, producing a big save to deny a Kaur Gurjit drag flick. A video referral decision in the last minute would have had Indian hearts in mouths but deciding whether to award between a penalty corner and stroke after the ball hit a defender’s body a corner was given and India cleared their lines. Jocelyn Bartram was introduced in the place of the impressive Power prior to the shoot-out. Malone’s (AUS) initial shot was saved, however in a dramatic turn of events the clock hadn’t started and she was allowed a re-take, making no mistake this time around. Lalremsiami (IND) put her shot wide, while Nobbs (AUS) calmy finished past Savita in the Indian goal. Bartram stepped up to make a huge save to deny Neha (IND), and this was backed up by Lawton (AUS) putting the Hockeyroos 3-0 up. Navneet (IND) had to score but couldn’t, firing wide as Australia booked their spot in Sunday’s final.  Results (Women's Competition): Ghana 2 (2) Kenya 2 (3) (Classification 9-10 women) Umpires: Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Rachel Williams (ENG-video) Wales 0 South Africa 1 (Classification 7-8 women) Umpires: Lelia Sacre (CAN) Cookie Tan (SGP) Hannah Harrison (ENG-video) England 0 (2) New Zealand 0 (0) (Semi-final women) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Wanri Venter (RSA) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS-video) Australia 1 (3) India 1 (0) (Semi-final women) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG) Cathy Wright (WAL-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-The Hockeyroos got day 5 of the games underway, edging out New Zealand in a crunch Pool B tie. This was followed by a convincing Canadian victory over a spirited Ghana. England’s women got the afternoon session underway with an important win over India, while South Africa had 3 separate hat-trick scorers in a substantial win over Kenya. South Africa beat Kenya 15-0 (Pool B women) South Africa picked up their first win in style as they put 15 past Kenya. Jean-Leigh Du Toit got the procession of goals underway, opening the scoring from a penalty corner. A series of chances followed before Tarryn Lombard doubled the lead from another penalty corner. With 4 minutes left of the opening quarter Lilian Du Plessis and Erin Christie both struck, putting South Africa up 4-0 after a clinical first period. Kenya did put up a decent defence in the second quarter, thwarting a series of chances from a goal-hungry South African side. Not to be denied, Du Toit found her second of the game with 4 minutes left of the quarter from a penalty corner. Lombard got back in on the action a minute later, extending the South African lead to 6-0 at half-time. The scoreboard soon ticked over to 7 for South Africa, as 4 minutes into the third quarter Kristen Paton found the back of the goal. Du Plessis added an 8th and it soon became 9 as Du Toit completed her hat-trick. Not satisfied with just 3 goals Du Toit was at it again, grabbing her 4th, and South Africa’s 10th of the match inside a minute of the final period. Du Plessis completed her hat-trick with 9 minutes left on the clock, scoring her 4th a few minutes later. With 3 minutes left in the game Lombard became the 3rd South African to complete a hat-trick, while Du Toit and Bernadette Coston scored the last 2 goals of the afternoon to complete a huge 15-0 win.     Erin Christie (RSA): "We had a goal today. We've been disappointed with our performances in the last four games, so we wanted to come out here and make a stance and show that we're good enough to be here. “Part of that was doing what other teams in the pool have done - and that's scoring a lot of goals." Results (Women's Competition): New Zealand 0 Australia 1 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Lelia Sacre (CAN) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Ghana 1 Canada 8 (Pool A women) Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Rhiannon Murrie (AUS) Hannah Harrison (ENG-video) India 1 England 3 (Pool A women) Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Cookie Tan (SGP) Cathy Wright (WAL-video) Kenya 0 South Africa 15 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rebecca Woodcock (ENG) Binish Hayat (PAK) Amber Church (NZL)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-New Zealand and Scotland men’s sides played out an incredible 5 all draw in the final game of a day that saw Ghana’s men make their debut in the games against hosts England. Scotland women got their campaign off to a dream start, beating South Africa, while Canada women recorded a comfortable win over Wales. New Zealand’s women were also in action, recording a massive victory over Kenya. Women’s Results (July 29, 2022): New Zealand 16 Kenya 0 (Pool B women) Umpires: Rachel Williams (GBR) Lelia Sacre (CAN) Aleisha Neumann (AUS-video) South Africa 2 Scotland 4 (Pool B women) Umpires:  Hannah Harrison (GBR) Cathy Wright (GBR) Cookie Tan (SGP-video) India 5 Ghana 0 (Pool A women) Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA) Katrina Turner (NZL) Aleisha Neumann (AUS-video) Canada 4 Wales 0 (Pool A women) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL) Binish Hayat (PAK) Cookie Tan (SGP-video) Men’s Results (July 29, 2022): England 6 Ghana 0 (Pool B men) Umpires: Tim Bond (NZL) Ilanggo Kanabathu (MAS) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video) New Zealand 5 Scotland 5 Umpires: Tyler Klenk (CAN) Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN) Deepak Chandra Joshi (IND-video)

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne (Switzerland):-Fans around the world have elected the exceptionally skillful Maria Jose Granatto (ARG) as winner of the Poligras Magic Skill Award for the incredible pass through her legs that she did during the Argentina-Canada match of the outstanding FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain and Netherlands 2022. Las Leonas’ number 10 scored 6439 points, just ahead of her teammate, goalkeeper Belen Succi (5974 pts). The South American duo precedes Eva de Goede (NED – 2635 points), Zhong Jiaqi (CHN – 1434 points) and Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER – 1404 points), who all showcased amazing skills as well! “This award is very important because it is chosen by the people, who are always watching, encouraging and supporting us. The fact that they voted for me means a lot to me. It's a nice recognition”, Maria Jose Granatto said. Commenting on the skill itself, she said: “It’s a skill that a hockey mate has been doing a lot during training sessions and we laughed about it, imagining we could do it one day during a match! I did it during training sessions too, but used to practicing it alone, not even in a one-on-one. I was encouraging myself to do it, but it was simply to challenge myself and go for it, without thinking too much about it.”

Sports Bulletin Reporter ISLAMABAD:-Netherlands thrashed Argentina 3-1 in the final of the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2022 at the Estadio Olimpic de Terrassa, Spain, as Australia outplayed Germany 2-1 in the third position contest at the same venue before final. Argentina vs Netherlands beat Argentina 3-1 (Final): There were tears at the national anthems with some athletes knowing this was their final match for their country. Belen Succi and Marloes Keetels have already announced this is their last outing in the national shirt but there were other players fighting back the emotions ahead of this highly anticipated final. Argentina had the very early pressure with two penalty corners in the first minute. Keetels, who was wearing the captain's armband, stopped the first off the line and the second saw Austina Gorzelany put her shot high over the crossbar. Netherlands first meaningful attack came through the speed and skill of Felice Albers. However, Gorzelany is not just a scoring machine; on this occasion she showed all her defensive ability to steal the ball from Albers' stick. The first quarter ended goalless with both teams having enjoyed a smattering of attempts but neither side having edged ahead in terms of shots on goal or possession. One minute into the second quarter and Albers strode forward to intercept a high aerial thrown by Valentina Costa. Her movement into the circle forced a foul and subsequent penalty corner. It was the opening the reigning champions were waiting for. Yibbi Jansen shot and Maria Verschoor was on hand to slot the ball past Belen Succi to give the team an invaluable goal lead. The difference between the two teams at this point was that the Netherlands were playing quickly but Argentina were doing everything in a rush. Netherlands second goal came via the route one approach. Pien Sanders threw a fabulous aerial. Laurien Leurink collected and threaded a pass to Frederique Matla. Matla put the ball high into Succi's net. The half-time break could not have come quick enough for Argentina as they held on to see out the threat of two penalty corners on the stroke of half-time, with Belen Succi sustaining an injury in the process. Argentina came out for the second half determined to cut the Dutch lead but in their search for a goal the team lost their composure. No such problem existed for the Netherlands. The third goal was a supremely confident piece of team work topped by some sheer individual brilliance. Eve de Goede and Sanders played the ball out of defence with a series of intricate little 'give and go' passes, then released the ball to Albers who carved her way through the Argentina midfield and defence before shooting past Succi. One minute into the fourth quarter and Albertarrio showed that she wasn't giving up the fight. The forward won the penalty corner and Gorzelany sent the ball high into Josine Koning's goal. This galvanised Las Leonas and there was a lot of forward motion. The problem was that the team wasn't connecting and too many passes went astray or were sent hopefully towards the Dutch circle. The Netherlands weathered the Argentina storm and won another penalty corner. Eva de Goede thought she had scored a goal to mark her return to the team but the whistle had gone and the midfielder was denied. Player of the Match Felice Albers (NED) said: 'It is a great feeling. I am so proud of our team. This was the best version of our team. We were the best team today and that was our best game of the tournament.' Australia beat Germany 2-1 (3rd place): After their breakneck start against Argentina the previous day, Germany started at a slightly less frenetic pace in the bronze medal match. This translated into a more structured performance from the European team but with few opportunities to put the Australia defence under attack. That all changed in the 14th minute when Hanna Granitski found Lena Micheel with a beautiful pass that dissected the midfield. Micheel ghosted through the defence and her running shot flew past Jocelyn Bartram into the Australia goal. The second quarter saw Australia finding their feet in the game to a greater degree. Stephanie Kershaw, who has had an excellent World Cup, was instrumental in driving the team forwards. Her through balls to the forwards were asking questions of the German defence. The first penalty corner of the match went Germany's way after some good work by Micheel and Nike Lorenz. Goalkeeper Bartram and her defence dealt with the penalty corner attempt well. That was the only real scoring chance in the second quarter as both sides struggled to find a way past two well coached defensive units. Australia's first real chance came when they broke through the middle of the pitch early in the second quarter. Again it was Kershaw who started the move and her pass found Rosie Malone. The forward had eyes only for the goal as she sprinted forward but she was met by German goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski who blocked Malone's run until the defence were able to recover. German countered quickly as Pia Maertens broke through and only had Bartram to beat. The Australian goalkeeper read the move brilliantly and made a fantastic save to keep her team in the match. Australia thought they had got back into the game just before the break at the end of the third quarter. A sustained period of play led to a penalty corner but Maertens was fulfilling her defensive roles as much as her attacking ones and she picked the ball from mid-air as it was headed goalwards from a Renee Taylor shot. Germany started the final quarter at top pace as they sought to build on their narrow 1-0 lead. Two penalty corners gave them opportunities from the top of the D, but Australia's defence held strong. That strong defence paid dividends a few minutes later when Stephanie Kershaw bullishly made her way through the German defence and created enough space to shoot past Kubalski and bring the scores level with just over 10 minutes left to play. In a sub-story to the match a dual was emerging between Bartram and Maertens as the goalkeeper denied the attacking midfielder on a number of occasions, including two quite amazing saves in the fourth quarter. Australia took the lead with five minutes left when Kershaw popped up to pounce onto a shot from Claire Colwill. The whole move had started with the sterling work of Amy Lawton, who had been driving the team forwards throughout the match. Germany instantly removed their goalkeeper to get an on-field player advantage but it was to no avail as Australia kept their cool and composure to run the clock down to deny a German revival and to seal the bronze medal. Player of the Match Jocelyn Bartram (AUS) said: 'I feel just so elated. That was a tough game and Germany were a tough opponent but we stuck to our processes and pulled through. I have been working hard in the past few years to get my chance but my teammates deserve the credit because they always have my back.' Individual Awards: Odisha Best Player Award: Maria Granatto (ARG) Best Junior Player: Charlotte Engelbert (BEL) Best Goalkeeper: Belen Succi (ARG) Hero Top goalscorer: Agustina Gorzelany (ARG) - 8 goals (7 pc & 1 ps)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-After two weeks of intense competition, it is the final that so many hockey fans have been looking to with keen anticipation. Netherlands overcame a strong and impressive challenge from Australia, while Argentina and Germany couldn't be separated in one of the most entertaining matches of recent times. It took the cruel ending of a shoot-out to send Las Leonas to a date with Oranje at the Estadio Olimpic de Terrassa on Sunday. Netherlands are seeking an impressive ninth title, while two-time champions Argentina will look to win the trophy for the first time since 2010. If the two semi-finals were anything to go by, the final should be an amazing showcase for the sport. Australia and Germany, who both deserve plaudits for their performances in the semi-finals, will be battling for a bronze medal. Netherlands beat Australia 1-0 (Semi-final): It was all even at the end of the first 15 minutes of the semi-final between Netherlands and Australia, although much of the action had taken place at the Australia defensive end of the pitch. While Anne Veenendaal was largely a spectator, she might have been surprised to see some of her team mates failing to show their usual high levels of performance, with passes going off target and some poor decisions being made. Towards the end of the opening quarter the Netherlands began to play their flowing game but Australia's harrying style was disrupting their play. The second quarter began with a beautiful interchange between Eva de Goede, Pien Sanders and Lidewij Welten. This might have acted as a warning to the Hockeyroos but they had ambitions of their own and Rosie Malone caused Veenendaal to react when she unleashed a shot high at the Dutch goal. The Australia defence, particularly Stephanie Kershaw and Karri Somerville, were putting in a shift as they stepped up on the Dutch attack and forced some unusual errors from the Dutch attacking force. The first penalty corner was won by the Netherlands in the 28th minute. The shot from Laurien Leurink was saved by Renee Taylor on the post and cleared to safety. The second half started with a second penalty corner for the Netherlands. It was won by Lidewij Welten, who had emerged from the break with a hugely determined look. Frederique Matla's shot was chased down but a re-award was given after it struck a foot. Jocelyn Bartram made a tremendous save to keep the scores level. A super solo run by Welten in the 42nd minute led to the Netherlands' 11th penalty corner attempt. Harriet Shand was the defender who prevented Welten from unleashing a shot, but Frederique Matla made no mistake from the top of the D as she sent the ball flying past Bartram into the right hand corner of her goal. A lovely interchange between Felice Albers and Maria Verschoor nearly put the game completely beyond Australia's reach in the 55th minute but the final shot fizzed past the post. A final chance for Australia came in the 59th minute as Australia won their second penalty corner. But this was the Netherlands in close-out mood and the threat was averted. Australia threatened to the final moment but the sole goal from Matla sealed the Netherlands' passage Argentina beat Germany 2-2 (4-2-Semi-final): It was just 23 seconds into the game when Germany took the lead, scoring from their first penalty corner as Die Danas set off at a blistering pace. The passionate pre-match team talk from Anne Schroeder had fired the team up and Sonja Zimmermann placed the shot perfectly for Hanna Granitzki to deflect past Belen Succi in the Argentina goal. Argentina raced up the pitch instantly but the resulting shot from the counter attack saw Victoria Granatto just miss the goal. However, seconds later, Granatto was at it again and her skill won Las Leonas their first penalty corner. Cecile Pieper ran out bravely to block Agustina Gorzelany's shot. The quarter continued at a frenetic pace with Selin Oruz for Germany showing superb 3D skills as she lifted the ball and shot straight into Succi. At the other end, Delfina Thome showed mesmerising skill to get round the defence but her shot was saved by Julia Sonntag. The quarter which began so dramtically ended in equally dramatic fashion. Argentina referred a decision and were awarded a penalty corner, which Agustina Gorzelany converted to take her to the top of the goalscoring table with seven goals in total throughout the tournament. The second quarter showed no sign of being any less entertaining and it was largely Germany showing the creativity. First Anne Schroeder vollied a ball into the goal but it was disallowed. Then Charlotte Stapenhorst showed incredible awareness as she tried to lift the ball over Succi. That attempt just crept over the cross bar. Jette Fleschutz tried to get in on the action but her shot also flew high. The next goal came from the quick thinking of Sofia Toccalino. Germany had switched off after a foul and Toccalino ran the ball into the circle and flung it goalwards. In true forwards' style Agustina Albertarrio claimed the final touch. The second half began with Argentina looking more in control. Some of the creativity had seeped from the German attack, although the German defence was looking really focused and was coping really well with all that Argentina threw their way. The game swung again at the end of the third quarter when a marvellous finish from Charlotte Stapenhorst brought Germany level. Germany had enjoyed some sustained pressure and when Anne Schroeder entered the circle and shot at goal, it was Stapenhorst who reacted first to pick the ball from midair and send it over Succi.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A slick three-pass move that finished with Victoria Granatto slipping the ball past Maddie Hinch was the sole goal in a fascinating encounter between Argentina and England. While Las Leonas dominated possession, England put up a stalwart defence and were it not for two moments of goalkeeping brilliance from Belen Succi could have taken the game to shoot-out. Argentina will now face Germany in the semi-finals.  The second quarter-final had a heap of expectation riding on it as the fans poured into the stadium to cheer on the host nation Spain. That hope was dented early as Australia scored in the third minute. Spain never stopped believing but a second goal meant the Red Sticks had a mountain to climb and it was not their day to achieve miracles. Argentina will now play Germany, while Australia will face the reigning champions Netherlands in the semi-finals on Saturday 16 July. In the earlier matches, Korea and India ended their World Cup campaigns with wins as they signed off with storng performances. Korea went toe-to-toe with a resilient Canada and then held their nerve in the shoot-out. India withstood an early Japan surge and then found a flowing style of play that had eluded them for most of the tournament. Canada vs Korea (13-16 place) In the sweltering heat of Terrassa, Canada and Korea went head to head in the battle for 13th place. There were personal milestones for stalwarts of both teams. For Canada, Sara McManus was playing her 200th cap, while Korea's Cho Hyejon was celebrating 100 international caps. Both teams had good moments in the opening quarter although Korea looked the more dangerous towards the end of the 15 minutes. Twice, the Asian team created chances for a tap-in at each post after some good build-up play. On both occasions the ball placement was perfect but the recipient just failed to make contact. The second quarter was much the same, with both teams working hard to maintain possession but just failing to find the final, killer pass. Canada won a penalty corner but failed to convert, while Korea tended to spend a lot of time building up play but made very little inroad into the Canada circle. Going into the fourth quarter, neither team had really looked close to scoring and there was a growing tension as time ticked on. Brienne Stairs made some strong runs along the Korea baseline but again was unable to find her usual deft, goalscoring touch. Korea won their first penalty corner in the 50th minute. Karli Johansen timed a tackle all wrong and Korea sensed a chance to break the deadline. Johansen made up for her error as she dived full length to divert the ball away from the danger area. It was perhaps inevitable that the match would go to shoot-out. Neither team seemed to be prepared to take risks in order to go for the win, so it was a cagey game throughout. Throughout this tournament both Lee Jinmin and Rowan Harris, in the Korea and Canada goals respectively, have been super when under pressure. Today it was Lee Jinmin who really shone as she made two saves and ensured that Korea won the shoot-out. India vs Japan (9-12th place)   This was a well-contested match between two rivals who know each other well. Japan started the more brightly of the two teams, and were rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute from Asai Yu. The build-up play to that point had been very neat and creative from the Japanese team, with lots of 3D skills and high energy. India also had their opportunities in the opening 30 minutes, Nisha was proving a scourge to the Japanese defence and Navneet continued to show why she is such a respected forward. With four minutes left before half-time, India really began to pile on the pressure with a well disciplined press. This led to a penalty corner but Gurjit Kaur sent the shot just wide. More great work from Monika and Navneet earned the next penalty corner. Japan were defending with everything they had, with Suzuki Miyu and Oikawa Shihori foiling the India attack time and again. The breakthrough came from Navneet. She was fed the ball by Nisha, after some good build-up work by Jyoti. Navneet received the ball, turned and shot with venom past Nakamura Eika in the Cherry Blossom's goal. That goal seemed to lift the tension in the India team and they began to play with the flowing passing and moving that is the Eves at their best. A penalty corner gave Grace the chance to take the lead: her shot flew firnly over the sprawling Nakamura into the goal. Navneet added to that on the cusp of quarter time and it was clear that India had finally found their groove. Argentina vs England (quarter-final) The blisteringly hot pitch in Terrassa was the scene of the first quarter-final of the day, but the temperature didn't put any sort of brake on the tempo of the Argentina or England players. While the Argentina team had the lion's share of possession in the opening quarter, England had set up a defence that wasn't going to let anyone past easily. England didn't help themselves with some cheaply given away balls but fortunately for them the Argentina forwards were struggling to get their shots on target. The second quarter saw both teams create scoring chances. While England's forwards did test Belen Succi and her defence, it was the England defence who were under the far greater pressure. As the game progressed Eugenia Trincinetti and Sofia Toccalino began to have far greater influence and were launching attacks on England from the midfield. It was all square at the break. Argentina had dominated possession but Maddie Hinch in the England goal would have been surprised at how few saves she had needed to make. The third quarter had everything except goals. Both teams were playing high tempo, skilful hockey but the goals just weren't coming. Izzy Petter came close to diverting a cross from Shona McCallin as England began to find their feet in the game. It was a super piece of running by Toccalino that finally got a breakthrough. Toccalino played the ball to Rocio Sanchez, who then slipped it to Victoria Granatto. The elder Granatto sister slipped it past Maddie Hinch, much to the delight of Las Leonas and their fans. Argentina then won the first penalty corner of the match. Agustina Gorzelany's shot was chased down by Izzy Petter and Hollie Pearne-Webb cleared the ball to Hannah Martin for an England counter attack. With just under three minutes left, England removed their goalkeeper to get a on-field advantage. The tactic paid off instantly as England won a penalty corner. Giselle Ansley flung a shot at the Argentina goal but Succi was well up to the challenge and made the crucial save. There was one last chance as Lily Owsley drove along the line and slipped to Sophie Hamilton. Sharp as a knife, Belen Succi was onto the ball and there were tears of pain from England and joy from Las Leonas as they realised they had made it to the semi-finals and a clash with Germany. the moment was doubly sweet for Agustina Albertarrio as she celebrated 200 caps for Las Leonas. Spain vs Australia (quarter-final) Australia got off to the best of starts when Renee Taylor's straight strike from a penalty corner gave the Hockeyroos the lead in the third minute. Just a minute later and Jocelyn Bartram in the Australia goal pulled off a crucial save from a Xantal Gine penalty corner strike. The quarter was frenetic and entertaining. Australia were playing the ball around the pitch with composure and this was in stark contrast to the Spanish style of quick passing, largely through the creative midfield dynamo Georgina Oliva. Spain's best chance in the quarter fell to Laura Barrios when three quick passes put the player in front of the Australia goal. Her shot was blocked by Bartram. The second quarter saw Spain gain confidence across the pitch and we witnessed two very different styles of play. Australia were swinging the ball around the pitch, driving forwards from the wide channels; Spain, by contrast, were playing intricate passes through the centre of the field. At the end of the quarter, Melanie Garcia made a fabulous diving save to prevent Hannah Cullum-Sanders scoring her first senior goal. Australia extended their lead and Taylor extended her personal tally in the 41st minute when she scored a second penalty corner goal. This time the strike was high past Garcia's shoulder. The keeper had conceded the corner after clearing the ball dangerously. The final few minutes of the quarter saw Spain working furiously to get back on terms but Australia's defence was solid and the teams went to the third quarter break with Spain knowing they had a mountain to climb. As the last 15 minutes counted down and Spain were unable to breach the Hockeyroos' defence, Jane Claxton knew she would be celebrating her 200th cap with a win and a place in the semi-finals against the Netherlands.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-After a day of contrasting matches we know who two of the semi-finallists are to be. First Germany put in a workmanlike performance to outplay New Zealand, then Netherlands and Belgium played out a scintillatng match, which the Netherlands edged in the final quarter. In the earlier matches, China finished their campaign with a win over Ireland, and Chile continued to win friends across the international community as they celebrated their first win at a Women's World Cup. This was the final day of action at the Wagener Stadium, with the remaining matches all taking place in the Estadi Olimpic in the Spanish city of Terrassa. Results (12 July 2022) All matches played at the Wagener Stadium (NED) South Africa 0, Chile 1 Player of the Match: Manuela Urroz (CHI) Umpires: Maggie Giddens (USA), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) Laurine Delforge (BEL - video) Ireland 1, China 3 Player of the Match: Umpires:Emi Yamada (JPN), Annelize Rostron (RSA) Irene Presenqui (ARG - video) New Zealand 0, Germany 1 Player of the Match: Nike Lorenz (GER) Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Wanri Venter (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA - video) Netherlands 2, Belgium 1 Player of the Match: Freeke Moes (NED) Umpires: Irene Presenqui (ARG), Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Annelize Rostron (RSA - video)