Well that’s the World Cup done and dusted for the next four years. The
headline news is that The Netherlands had a taste of their own medicine
in the men’s final, going down to Australia 6-1, this despite scoring
first.
Readers will probably be more concerned at the fortunes of England in the bronze medal match. To be honest England was disappointing. Although possession was fairly evenly divided between the two sides, England failed to make anything of their opportunities. On the other hand, the Argentines did not play their usual flambouyant style of hockey, and they would have punished England severely if they had. As it was, Matias Parendes struck twice in less than two minutes mid-way through the second half to give Argentina a 2-0 win.
Overall, despite finishing fourth, England’s performance has not impressed. However, we take some comfort from coach Bobby Crutchley’s comments at the post-match press conference. There were no excuses and an acceptance that improvements were needed. A refreshing attitude from the coach.
Readers will probably be more concerned at the fortunes of England in the bronze medal match. To be honest England was disappointing. Although possession was fairly evenly divided between the two sides, England failed to make anything of their opportunities. On the other hand, the Argentines did not play their usual flambouyant style of hockey, and they would have punished England severely if they had. As it was, Matias Parendes struck twice in less than two minutes mid-way through the second half to give Argentina a 2-0 win.
Overall, despite finishing fourth, England’s performance has not impressed. However, we take some comfort from coach Bobby Crutchley’s comments at the post-match press conference. There were no excuses and an acceptance that improvements were needed. A refreshing attitude from the coach.
OTHER RESULTS:
MEN'S 5th/6th place: Belgium 4 Germany 2
MEN'S 7th/8th place: Spain 1 New Zealand 1 (NZ win after shoot-out).
MEN'S 7th/8th place: Spain 1 New Zealand 1 (NZ win after shoot-out).
DAY 13 - WOMEN'S FINALS TODAY
WOMEN'S FINAL: Netherlands 2 Australia 0
Bronze medal match: Argentina 2 USA 1
PICTURES FROM BOTH THESE MATCHES ARE NOW ON OUR PICTURES PAGES.
Other results:
Men's 9th/10th place: India 3 Korea 0
Women's 5th/6th place: New Zealand 4 China 0
DAY 12 - MEN'S SEMI FINALS TODAY:
Men's Semi-final 1: Netherlands 1 England 0
It
may be unkind to suggest that England are flattered by this score, but
if it had not been fort some sterling work in defence, and particularly
by George Pinner in goal, we could easily have seen a repeat of the
infamous Olympic semi-final.
A
fast and skillful team, the Dutch made the running for most of the
match, giving England little opportunity to mount a meaningful attack.
In fact it is much to England’s credit that their defence held firm for
all of 31 minutes before Mink van der Weerden found the net from a
penalty corner.
England
seemed to gain more possession in the second half and were awarded a
handful of penalty corners, none of which were converted. More
importantly England’s defence held firm and denied the Dutch any further
goals. The match ended 1-0 to the Dutch.
Unfortunately,
despite a brave effort, there seemed to be light years between the
Dutch and English, particularly when it came to individual skills. And a
problem we’ve seen in the women’s squad, namely giving away the ball
too cheaply, was all too evident. It looks as if England will be playing Argentina for the bronze medal on Sunday. Keep an eye on our results for confirmation.
Second men's semi-final result: Australia 5 Argentina 1
Other results:
Women's 9th/10th place: Japan 0 South Africa 2
Men's 7th/8th place: Korea 4 Germany 2
DAY 11 RESULTS
Women's 11th/12th place: England 1 Belgium 1 (England won after shoot-out)
The match ended in a win for England but there was virtually no celebration. Not only had England finished 11th – their worst ever World Cup performance – but they did not win their last match in a very convincing style.
Sophie Bray’s 16th
minute goal had given England a slim lead for almost the entire match,
but just as we thought the match was won, Belgium was awarded an
overtime penalty corner. Although there was an appeal to the video umpire, a goal was eventually awarded to Stephanie De Groof.
The resultant shoot-out proved a not very convincing affair for either side. Only three of the nine attempts resulted in goals. Fortunately
two scored by England, from Sally Walton and Susie Gilbert, and some
typically fine ‘keeping from Maddie Hinch, were enough to give England
the win.
Now the recriminations and investigations will start. For the world’s third ranked team to finish 11th is a mystery that needs some explanation.
Men's 11th/12th Place: Malaysia 2 South Africa 6.
Women's Semi-Final 1: USA 2 Australia 2 (Australia win after shoot-out).
Women's Semi-Final 2: Netherlands 4 Argentina 0
WEDNESDAY IS A REST DAYNow the recriminations and investigations will start. For the world’s third ranked team to finish 11th is a mystery that needs some explanation.
Men's 11th/12th Place: Malaysia 2 South Africa 6.
Women's Semi-Final 1: USA 2 Australia 2 (Australia win after shoot-out).
Women's Semi-Final 2: Netherlands 4 Argentina 0
DAY 10 RESULTS:
WOMEN'S POOL A: ENGLAND 3 GERMANY 1
Despite
an amazing performance against Germany this afternoon, England’s women
have finished at the bottom of Pool B and will play Belgium on Thursday
for the dubious privilege of coming 11th, their worst ever World Cup result.
What makes the whole thing more concerning is that England performed creditably against Argentina two days ago, albeit that they lost, and really showed some class against the Germans. What went wrong in the three preceding matches?
In today’s match a goalless first half, which showed no signs of who would emerge winners, was followed by two England goals early in the second. The first goal showed some coolness on the part of the scorer, Hannah Macleod. Having a shot at goal potentially blocked by Barbara Vogel in the German goal, she executed a full turn to slip the ball past two defenders. Susie Gilbert followed up with a second only five minutes later.
German fans were stunned when Susannah Townsend scored England’s third soon after, although Hannah Kruger pulled one back almost immediately.
What makes the whole thing more concerning is that England performed creditably against Argentina two days ago, albeit that they lost, and really showed some class against the Germans. What went wrong in the three preceding matches?
In today’s match a goalless first half, which showed no signs of who would emerge winners, was followed by two England goals early in the second. The first goal showed some coolness on the part of the scorer, Hannah Macleod. Having a shot at goal potentially blocked by Barbara Vogel in the German goal, she executed a full turn to slip the ball past two defenders. Susie Gilbert followed up with a second only five minutes later.
German fans were stunned when Susannah Townsend scored England’s third soon after, although Hannah Kruger pulled one back almost immediately.
The
last 14 minutes were tense ones for both sides. Germany has not
performed well in this World Cup, although they have done somewhat
better than England. But England managed to hold on to their 3-1 lead
and that is how the match ended.
England men play their semi-final on Friday. Tomorrow is a rest day. England’s semi-final opponents will almost certainly be The Netherlands.
WOMEN’S POOL B FINAL STANDINGS: 1. USA 13pts (+11), 2. Argentina 11pts (+7), 3. China 8 pts (-1), 4. Germany 4pts (-6), 5. South Africa 3pts (-5), 6. England 3 pts (-6).
England men play their semi-final on Friday. Tomorrow is a rest day. England’s semi-final opponents will almost certainly be The Netherlands.
WOMEN’S POOL B FINAL STANDINGS: 1. USA 13pts (+11), 2. Argentina 11pts (+7), 3. China 8 pts (-1), 4. Germany 4pts (-6), 5. South Africa 3pts (-5), 6. England 3 pts (-6).
OTHER RESULTS:
MEN'S POOL B: Argentina 5 South Africa 1
WOMEN'S POOL B: Argentina 1 China 1
WOMEN'S POOL B: USA 4 South Africa 2.
DAY NINE RESULTS:
ENGLAND MEN BEAT BELGIUM 3-2 TO REACH SEMI FINALS. IMAGES ARE ON OUR PICTURES PAGE.
I
must confess that the problems that the women are experiencing almost
overshadowed the fact that England’s men were in with an outside chance
of reaching the semi-finals. Belgium only had to draw the final pool
match against England to go through to the medal stage and consign
England to a fifth place play-off. Belgium certainly had all the
credentials to reach the last four. But I sensed something different
about the England squad as they paraded out onto the pitch. They seemed
more relaxed than their Belgian opponents.
England started the match well enough, but went behind to a 13th minute goal from Thomas Briels. Fortunately English hearts were lifted after less than two minutes when a long run from Nick Catlin (our man of the match) saw the ball smashed into the Belgian goal to equalise.
Four minutes into the second half and a cross evaded Xavier Reckinger in the Belgium goal, and Ashley Jackson was there to deflect the ball into the net to give England the lead. I spotted mum and dad in the stands. They must have been proud.
The last ten minutes saw frantic activity at both ends, but a penalty corner resulted in a Belgian equaliser from Tanguy Cosyns.
With four minutes left to play, England were awarded a penalty corner, which was stopped illegally on the line, and Iain Lewers stepped up to make the conversion and give England the lead.
The
dying moments of the game saw England defend a series of penalty
corners, but the defence held firm and England emerged as the 2-3
winners.
England will probably play The Netherlands in the semi-final depending on the outcome of today’s matches.
England will probably play The Netherlands in the semi-final depending on the outcome of today’s matches.
Pool
A final table: 1. Australia 15 pts (+18), 2. England 10 pts (-1), 3.
Belgium 9 pts (+5), 4. Spain 5 pts (-3), 5. India 4 pts (-5), 6.
Malaysia 0 pts (-14).
Other results:
Women's Pool A: New Zealand 0 Australia 0
Men's Pool A: Australia 4 India 0
Women's Pool A: Netherlands 3 Korea 0
Men's Pool A: Spain 5 Malaysia 2
Women's Pool A: Japan 2 Belgium 2
Women's Pool A: New Zealand 0 Australia 0
Men's Pool A: Australia 4 India 0
Women's Pool A: Netherlands 3 Korea 0
Men's Pool A: Spain 5 Malaysia 2
Women's Pool A: Japan 2 Belgium 2
DAY EIGHT RESULTS:
WOMEN'S POOL B: ENGLAND 1 ARGENTINA 2
We never viewed the England women as a bad team, but rather as a good team playing badly. There was some evidence of this in their penultimate match this afternoon. Playing good old-fashioned unsophisticated hockey, they managed to take a seventh minute lead against Argentina thanks to Georgie Twigg.
WOMEN'S POOL B: ENGLAND 1 ARGENTINA 2
We never viewed the England women as a bad team, but rather as a good team playing badly. There was some evidence of this in their penultimate match this afternoon. Playing good old-fashioned unsophisticated hockey, they managed to take a seventh minute lead against Argentina thanks to Georgie Twigg.
Delfino
Merino evened the scores just before half-time, and the second-half was
almost scoreless save for two overtime penalty corner awards, the
second of which was slotted home by Carla Rebecchi.
Earlier
in the tournament coach Jason Lee made the unfortunate comment that
when you are on the edge of a precipice there is only one way to go.
Perhaps if England can play like this in their final group match on
Tuesday (against Germany) the landing will be a soft one.
England men play Belgium tomorrow evening.
England men play Belgium tomorrow evening.
Other results:
Men's Pool B: New Zealand 3 Germany 5Women's Pool B: USA 4 v Germany 1
Men's Pool B: South Africa 1 Netherlands 7
Women's Pool B: China 4 South Africa 3
Men's Pool B: Korea 0 Argentina 5
DAY SEVEN RESULTS
MEN'S POOL A: ENGLAND 0 AUSTRALIA 5
Don’t panic anyone. A 5-0 scoreline is not good, but Australia were on fire and any other nation would have struggled to hold them. 15 goals in four games tells its own story. This Australian squad are amazing.
The
match reminded me of the final of the Champions Trophy between the two
sides a few years back when Australia played at such a pace that England
could not keep up with them. It was the same today. Some inexperience
on the part of England did not help matters, and at best it might have
reduced the score by a goal or two. It was a terrific game to watch. It is a pity that it was England under the cosh.
Matt
Gohdes started proceedings with a goal in less than 60 seconds. Twelve
minutes later it was the turn of Liam De Young, followed just before
half-time with goals from Jamie Dwyer and Kieran Govers. England arrested what could easily have become a rout, with Aran Zalewski scoring Australia’s only second half goal.
Our
prediction, with one remaining match to play (against Belgium on Monday
evening) is that England will finish third in the pool. A little disappointing but reasonably respectable. The women will be playing Argentina tomorrow, hoping to take something away from what has been a disastrous tournament for them.
Women's Pool A: Korea 4 Belgium 2Men's Pool A: Spain 2 Belgium 5
MEN'S Pool A: India 3 Malaysia 2
Men's Pool A: Japan 1 New Zealand 4
Women's Pool A: Australia 0 Netherlands 2
DAY SIX RESULTS:
SOUTH AFRICA 4 ENGLAND 1
It
was the worst result I think I have ever witnessed from an England
women’s team. Two decades of writing about hockey has made me used to
the changes of fortunes of both the men’s and women’s squads, but a 4-1
defeat at the hands of one of the lowest ranked teams in the World Cup
is a bit of a shocker.
It is hard to pin down exactly what went wrong. For the first 15 minutes it was anyone’s game, but Kathleen Taylor scored a 17th minute goal and any self-belief that England had seemed to evaporate.
In
the post match press conference coach Jason Lee seemed to be saying
that the two sides were equally balanced. That is not how it looked from
my end of the pitch near the South African goal, where there was little
to disturb the peace and quiet for long periods. South Africa’s
second, scored by Sulette Damons just before half-time seemed to finish
England off, and two more goals in the second half from Shelley Russell
and Dirkie Chamberlain just added to their misery.
There was a flurry of activity from England during the second half which saw Nicola White score, and a very good goal it was too, but England needed to play like that for the entire match.
There was a flurry of activity from England during the second half which saw Nicola White score, and a very good goal it was too, but England needed to play like that for the entire match.
Dubbed
by some the ‘Zebra Trophy’ (both teams are sponsored by Investec), the
defeat will require some work from Jason Lee to pick his team’s spirits
up. This was not their finest hour.
Other results:
Women's Pool B: China 0 USA
Women's Pool B: Germany 0 Argentina 3
Men's Pool B: New Zealand 1 Argentina 3
Men's Pool B: Korea 0 South Africa 0
Men's Pool B: Germany 0 Netherlands 1
Women's Pool B: China 0 USA
Women's Pool B: Germany 0 Argentina 3
Men's Pool B: New Zealand 1 Argentina 3
Men's Pool B: Korea 0 South Africa 0
Men's Pool B: Germany 0 Netherlands 1
DAY FIVE RESULTS:
After
a hesitant start to this tournament, England’s men find themselves in
the fortunate position of remaining unbeaten after three matches and
with seven points in the bag, which puts them in second position in Pool
A.
They brought their tally of points to seven as a result of the match against Malaysia this afternoon. Although
a win was expected, there were signs of an improvement in the side and a
2-0 win probably under-represents their performance. The return of Iain
Lewers to the squad after injury was perhaps a major factor.
England’s
first goal came after only four minutes off the stick of Mark
Gleghorne, and England had to wait until the closing minutes before
scoring their second. Ashley
Jackson, the scorer from a penalty corner, was visibly in pain after
the strike, and it has clearly taken more than a few rest days to
restore him to full fitness.
England men face their toughest test when they meet Australia on Saturday in their penultimate match. The Australians beat the much fancied Belgians this afternoon to keep them at the top of the table on nine poin
Pool A table currently looks like this (Revised 6/6/14): 1. Australia 9pts (+9), 2. England 7pts (+3), 3. Belgium 6pts (+3), 4. Spain 2pts (-3), 5. India 1pt (-2), 6. Malaysia 0pts (-10).
England’s women, who watched the men play this afternoon, face South Africa tomorrow.
Women's Pool A: Belgium 2 Australia 3Women's Pool A: Korea 1 Japan 1
Men's Pool A: Belgium 1 Australia 3
Women's Pool A: New Zealand 0 Netherlands 2
Men's Pool A: India 1 Spain 1.
WEDNESDAY WAS A REST DAY
DAY FOUR RESULTS:
ENGLAND WOMEN LOSE 0-3 TO CHINA
England
women’s faltering hopes of reaching the medal stages took a nose-dive
today as they were comprehensively beaten by China. England got off to a
good enough start to the match, with plenty of pressure on their
opponents’ defence, but China turned on the pressure in the second half
with three good goals
It
was not so much that England played badly (although accurate passing
still seems to be an issue), so much as China played well. Indeed, it is
the best we have seen them play for a long time.
Final
score 3-0 to China. England now have zero points after two matches and
stand fifth in the table. PICTURES FROM THIS MATCH ARE ON OUR PICTURES
PAGES.Women Pool B: South Africa 1 Germany 3
Men's Pool B: South Africa 0 New Zealand 5
****Men's Pool B: Argentina 1 Germany 0*****
Women's Pool B: Argentina 2 USA 2
Men's Pool B: Netherlands 2 Korea 1
DAY THREE RESULTS
ENGLAND 2 INDIA 1
Phew!
It was a skin of the teeth sort of match. I don’t think I have seen
the Indian side play as well for a long time, and you almost felt sorry
that such a good effort came to nought. But it was England they were
playing and so I suppose the match had a happy ending. The damage was
done by England at penalty corners, with a 27th minute strike
from Mark Gleghorne starting things off. But India managed to even out
the scores when Dharamvir Singh found the net soon after.
The
two sides could hardly be more evenly matched, but as the seconds
ticked down England were awarded a penalty corner. Ashley Jackson, who
has been suffering here from a problem shoulder, dropped to the ground
in pain as he powered the ball towards the India goal, but all eyes were
on Simon Mantell who drilled the ball home. Final score 2-1 to
England, but…..phew lads! You kept us on the edge of our seats.
England men play Malaysia on Thursday. England women face China tomorrow.
Women's Pool A: Australia 3 Japan 2.
Men's Pool A: Australia 3 Spain 0.
Women's Pool A: Korea 1 New Zealand 0
Men's Pool A: Malaysia 2 Belgium 6
Women's Pool A: Netherlands 4 Belgium 0
DAY TWO RESULTS
LATEST FROM DEN HAAG - DEFEAT FOR ENGLAND WOMEN IN OPENING MATCH.
Women Pool B: England 1 USA 2.
You
could have been forgiven for thinking that the USA had been studying
carefully the strengths and weaknesses of the England women. But
perhaps they did not need to. After all, their coach Craig Parnham was
once England’s assistant coach. But England themselves made a
significant contribution to their own defeat with some badly misjudged
passing. There also seemed to be a return to an old England failing,
namely losing the ball to an outstretched stick.
The
USA got off to a bright start with an early goal from Paige Selenski
after only three minutes. You could have put this down to a flash in
the pan – how many times have I seen the team that scored first lose
badly in the last few months – but Kelsey Kolojejchich made it 0-2
twelve minutes later.
The second half saw a little more action from England and they managed to force a penalty corner in the 56th
minute which was converted by Kate Richardson-Walsh. But this was not a
good performance and England will have to raise their game to stand a
chance of a medal. That said, coach Jason Lee commented after the game
that it could be a wake-up call for England, and we have seen what that
can produce in the past.
England Women’s second match is against China on Tuesday.
PHOTOS FROM THIS MATCH ARE NOW ON OUR PICTURES PAGES, plus pictures from Germany v South Africa.
Other Results
Men Pool B: Germany 4 South Africa 0Women Pool B: Germany 1 China 1
Men Pool B: New Zealand 2 Korea 1
Women Pool B: Argentina 4 New Zealand 1
DAY ONE RESULTS
It may qualify as one of the oddest goals I've ever witnesses in a hockey match. England men got off to a cracking start against Spain with Ali Brogdon scoring after only six minutes. England seemed well in control, but two minutes into the second half Eddy Tubau took a shot from the edge of the 'D' which had George Pinner well beaten. The umpire signalled for a 16 yard hit and we all breathed a sigh of relief. There was near silence from the spectators and very little noise from the pitch, but the Spanish asked for the video umpire. A few minutes later umpire Gary Simmonds signalled for a goal, and it was 1-1. And that was how the match ended. England coach Bobby Crutchly tried to make light of the one point earned at the post match press conference, but he could not hide his disappointment. England play India on Monday in their second match, and England women play their opener against the USA tomorrow (Sunday).
Men Pool A: Australia 4 Malaysia 0
Women Pool A: New Zealand 4 Belgium 3
Men Pool A: Belgium 3 India 2
Women's Pool A: Netherlands 6 Japan 1
PHOTOS FROM ENGLAND V SPAIN PLUS BELGIUM WOMEN V NEW ZEALAND ARE ON OUR PICTURES PAGES.
