England will play New Zealand on Friday with the hope that they can at least qualify for a sixth place in this tournament. Today (Wednesday) England played an improving South Africa, and went down to Ian Symonds penalty corner in the 10th minute. It took England another ten minutes to get the measure of their opponents, James Tindall scoring from open play. After the break the England side piled on the pressure and courtesy of two Richard Mantell penalty conversions were 3-1 up by the 50th minute. Unfortunately the day's matches will be remembered for the farce of a game between Germany and Korea. Both teams needed a win or a draw to qualify for the semi finals. It soon became clear that both teams were happy to settle for a draw and the game was notable for the total absence of a penalty corner during the 70 minutes. Disgruntled Dutch spectators, seeing the chances of their team failing to qualify if the game remained at 0-0 booed and whistled the Germans and the Koreans when their tactics become obvious.
TALK HOCKEY RADIO IS IN MONCHENGLADBACH FOR THE FINAL THREE DAYS. WE HOPE TO MAINTAIN THE BLOG ON SITE, WITH SOME PHOTOGRAPHS IF POSSIBLE.
