PENALTY STROKES CONDEMN ENGLAND TO SIXTEENTH PLACE

England blew their last opportunity to redeem themselves by failing to record a win in their 15^th / 16^th place match against South Africa in the Junior World Cup in Singapore earlier today. Two late goals by South Africa cancelled out the 2-0 lead by England, both scored by Bowdon's Alex Edmonstone. The match was decided on penalty strokes, with England finally crashing out 6-5 on strokes.

England finished 4^th in this competition 12 years ago, followed by another 4^th four years later, and a ninth place in the last tournament. This 16^th place finish, with nations such as Egypt and Malaysia finishing above us, must give course for concern, particularly as many of the squad will fancy their chances of a place in the London Olympics in 2012.

The final will be played between Germany and the Netherlands on Sunday, with the bronze medal match being contested between Australia and New Zealand on the same day.

TODAY'S RESULTS

15^th/16^th place: South Africa 2 - 2 England (South Africa win 6-5 after penalty strokes)

7^th/8^th place: Spain 3 - 4 Korea

5^th/6^th place: Argentina 1 - 4 Pakistan

1^{s t}- 4^th place Australia 2 - 3 Germany (AET)

1^st - 4^th place: Netherlands 4 - 1 New Zealand

 SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

13^th/14^th place Japan v Egypt

11^th/12^th place Belgium v Malaysia

19^th/20^th place USA v Singapore

17^th/18^th place Russia v Chile

9^th/10^th place India v Poland

 SUNDAY'S FIXTURES

Bronze Medal March: Australia v New Zealand

Final Winner of Germany v Netherlands

JUNIOR WORLD CUP STANDINGS (As of close of play on Friday)

1^st / 2^nd Germany / Netherlands (to be decided).

3^rd / 4^th Australia v New Zealand

5th: Pakistan

6th: Argentina

7th: Korea

8th: Spain

9^th / 10^th India/Poland (to be decided)

11^th / 12^th Belgium/Malaysia (to be decided)

13^th / 14th Japan/Egypt (to be decided)

15th: South Africa

16th: England

17^th /18^th Russia/Chile (to be decided)

19^th / 20^th USA/Singapore