It is only a couple of season's ago that I was complaining that Chelmsford had some potential world-class players in their squad who ought to be playing for England. Clearly someone was listening because three from the Essex club were very much to the fore in the 7th/8th place match in the Samsung Women's World Cup in Madrid this afternoon. It was Chelmsford's young Chloe Rogers who opened the scoring against Germany in the 16th minute, but just on the stroke of half-time it was another Chelmsford player, Lisa Wooding, whose blast was deflected into the goal by Rachel Walker - Walker earning her 100th cap in this match. It looked as if England were in control of this match, by Germany managed to pull one back from a goal by Maire Stoeckel. Then potential disaster struck, when Germany were awarded a penalty stroke. Rinne stepped up to the spot but her shot was saved by Chelmsford's Katy Robers in the England goal. Final score: England 2 Germany 1.
Looking back at the last few days, it looks very much as if a semi-final place for England hung very much on one goal - or rather the lack of it. However, it is clear that England have a quantum leap to take before they catch up with the likes of Holland, Australia or Argentina. The absence of an out-and-out striker is the most obvious shortcoming, and although Rogers is showing an eye for the back of the net, she is still comparatively inexperienced at this level.
THE FINAL BETWEEN the Netherlands and Australia was hardly a classic, although it picked up in the second half when the Dutch were temporarily pegged back by a penalty stroke. But the Dutch have been the standout side in this tournament, and eventually they ran out as worthy winners. Argentina, who were far too strong for their Spanish opponents, took the bronze medal.
After the final the FIH announced their woman player of the year award, which goes to the Dutch captain Minke Booij. The Young Player award went to Mi Hyun Park of Korea.
We have some super photographs from the last three days of competition in Madrid and these will be appearing on our web site in the next few days. The October edition of TalkHockey Radio will feature the women's World Cup and includes interviews with Lisa Wooding and Katy Roberts.
