April 12 2022 Potchefstroom, South Africa: The Netherlands were crowned FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup champions after a final against Germany that absolutely oozed class. The question had been whether anyone could breach the Dutch defence and, if that happened, how would the team respond. Both questions were answered as Germany threw everything at the Netherlands and were rewarded by being the only team to score against the team in orange. However, this will always be remembered as the event where the Netherlands were the dominant force from start to finish and, even when under huge pressure from their European rivals, there was no way the excellent Rosa Fernig and her team were going to let any other team steal their thunder. Where Germany probed, Netherlands stood strong and, when the opportunity to score presented itself, they did so. The game management in the final minutes was as outstanding as every other aspect of their play. England and India provided a dramatic spectacle as they battled for the bronze medal. India looked to be heading for third place as they took a 2-1 lead in the final quarter but England removed their goalkeeper and scored a last minute goal to send the game to shoot-out. The England team then put in a faultless performance in the pressure pot of a shoot-out and won their first medal at a Women’s Junior World Cup. Earlier in the day, host nation South Africa and USA played out an exciting and momentum-switching match that saw the host nation take a 3-0 lead only to see the perseverance of the USA bring the scores back to 3-2 leading to a very nervous final five minutes. Much to the delight of the home fans, South Africa clung to the lead to finish in seventh place. Argentina finished their campaign in fifth position and their victory over Korea was an exhibition of compelling, ruthless attacking hockey that left their opponents shellshocked in the face of a goalscoring onslaught. With 202 goals, some amazing performances, quite brilliant umpiring, a fantastic venue and a very worthy champion there is little doubt that the ninth edition of the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup was a roaring success and the performances by these young players promise that international hockey has a very bright future. USA 2-3 South Africa  (7-8th place) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) Early pressure from South Africa saw the host nation earn a penalty corner in the opening minutes of the match. Seconds later USA striker Hope Rose was firing at the South African goal after a swift counter-attack. All the signs were there that this was going to be a great 60 minutes of hockey in the opening match on finals day. South Africa took the lead through Bianca Wood. The forward hadn’t really found her groove during this tournament but when she latched onto a Kayla de Vaal cross and fired home, we saw a glimpse of the South African’s skill and strength. The host nation doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Jean-Leigh du Toit was able to show her ability from the top of the circle. Her drag-flick gave Annabel Skubisz no chance of making a save. Despite being 2-0 down, the USA were far from out of this game. The dangerous trio of Charlotte de Vries, Ashley Sessa and Hope Rose always looked capable of creating chances when they went on the attack. It was vitally important for USA to get on the score-card if they were to challenge for the seventh place but early in the second half South Africa spoiled that ambition with their third goal of the match. Tamla Kock created the goal with a lovely jinking move past the USA defenders, before she hit the ball across the circle. Mikkela le Roux got the final touch, which tipped the ball past Skubisz. A three-goal cushion allowed South Africa to play with far more freedom than their opponents in the early stages of the second half. The team in green were running with the ball confidently and playing with real enjoyment. All that changed in the 38th minute when Josie Varney won the ball in midfield and dashed to the South African circle. Her reverse stick shot wrong-footed Mishka Ellis and suddenly USA were back in the game. USA’s second goal came from the quick reactions of Abigail Tamer. The USA built patiently up their right-hand side of the pitch and the ball eventually pinged loose in the South African circle. Tamer pounced and the ball squeezed past Amelie Claasen in the South Africa goal. It was a grandstand finish as the USA sought the equaliser and South Africa endured nervous moments as the team in red tried everything in the coaching manual to get back on terms. The final whistle was met by relief and then joy by South Africa as they finished in seventh position, the team’s best position since 2001 when they finished sixth. Player of the Match was South Africa’s Edith Molikoe: The athlete had played a quietly dominant role in midfield throughout the match. She said: ‘The girls put a lot of effort into this match and we wanted to finish on a high. This was probably our best performance of the tournament. After this, some of us will be preparing for the Women’s World Cup and the Commonwealth Games later this year. A lot of youngsters watching will see this as a moment of history. The next generation will see this and want to do better, so the next team can finish top three.’ South Africa Head Coach Lenise Marais said: ‘We had some moments where we really dominated and thankfully we scored three goals. We wanted to kill the game off with a fourth goal and we didn’t but our defence held out for us. At the start of the tournament we wanted to get through to the top eight, which we did. And we wanted to finish with a

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April 10 2022 Potchefstroom, South Africa: A Dutch masterclass in teamwork and a magnificent goal scoring performance by Germany means that we now know who will be contesting the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2021 on Tuesday 12 April. In the first semi-final India knew they had a mountain to climb but the Eves started with fire and energy and looked to be capable of causing an upset. However, first the Netherlands contained their opponents and then they turned up the pressure and scored three goals that all had teamwork at their very core. While the first semi-final was level pegging for a good portion of the match, the second was one-way traffic as Germany steamrollered England in an 8-0 demolition job. Clever, well-taken penalty corners; commitment in every tackle and every shooting chance, Germany look to have peaked at just the right moment. In the earlier matches, USA were unable to change the statistics as they once more fell to a skilful and disciplined Argentinian team. And South Africa will be hugely disappointed that they were unable to convert their multiple scoring opportunities when they lost narrowly to a Korea team that was outstanding in defence. USA 0-2 Argentina (5-8th place) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) USA were seeking to overturn history as the two Pan Am teams had met four times before at a Junior World Cup and had never managed to beat their South American rivals in this competition. The first 10 minutes saw the two teams trading blow for blow. USA midfielder Kathryn Peterson  was instrumental in driving her team forward, seeking to link up with the talented strike force of Ashley Sessa and Hope Rose. However, it was Argentina who created the better opportunities, putting USA goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz to the test. The Leonacitas thought they had taken the lead when Valentina Raposo found the back of the net with a penalty corner but it was disallowed. USA Head Coach Tracey Paul called for her team to take shots earlier and as the second quarter started  Lauren Wadas answered the call with a great strike that put Lourdes Perez in the Argentina goal under pressure for the first time. It was Argentina who broke the deadlock. For most of the quarter, the USA defence had stood tall in the face of Argentina’s attacking skills, but they couldn’t avoid conceding a penalty corner in the 23rd minute. This time there was no doubt as Juliana Guggini struck the ball past Skubisz. With USA chasing Argentina’s slender lead, the quality of Argentina’s defence was really highlighted. Time and again, the energetic and willing USA athletes tried to find a way past the blue and white wall but there was no way through. When in possession, Argentina’s players passed the ball with great speed and precision as they sought to wear the USA side down by moving the ball around the field. No less impressive was the USA defence at the other end of the pitch. As Brisa Bruggesser and Daiana Pacheco threw everything into scoring a second goal, Skubisz and her defence were faultless in their bravery and positioning. The game was put beyond doubt with a piece of sheer class from Daiana Pacheo. The midfielder turned on the turbo chargers as she raced from her defensive quarter to the USA circle. Her pass found Victoria Manuele who made no mistake to double her team’s lead. With five minutes left on the clock, USA Coach Paul removed Skubisz from the goal and USA went on all out attack. Showing great game management, Argentina dealt with the extra field player well and USA were once more unable to find a Junior World Cup victory over their South American rivals. Player of the Match and scorer of the opening goal, Juliana Guggini (ARG) said: ‘We came from a hard match (against Germany in the quarter-finals) but we managed to come together and came away with the win today. Even though we are disappointed, there is still a match to play and we hope to finish the highest we can.’ Argentina’s Head Coach Fernando Ferrara said: ’Today it was important to get a result as it is always a difficult match after a disappointing loss, so I am happy with this. I don’t care who we play in the fifth place play-offs, we just want to finish with a win.’ USA Head Coach Tracey Paul said: ‘Congratulations to Argentina, playing  side like them can only make us better in the long term. It is an opportunity to grow and I am proud of the young women out there today. The team will be hungry for a win in their final match.’ The result means that Argentina will now play Korea to finish in fifth position, while USA play host nation South Africa for seventh place. South Africa 0-1 Korea  (5-8th place matches) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) The host nation got off to a sparkling start determined to give the supporters something to cheer in the rainy weather. A penalty corner in the third minute just flew wide but South Africa had showed their intent to play a high tempo, attacking form of hockey. Not to be outdone, minutes later Korea won their own penalty corner opportunity. Captain Kim Seona’s shot, like that of her South African counterpart, was just wide of Mishka Ellis’s post. With just a minute left, South Africa had another penalty corner and this time the variation from Hanrie Louw  went wide of the other post. The deadlock was broken through a lovely piece of play from Korea. The goal was scored against the run of play but demonstrated how a swift counter-attack can turn a game on its head. The goal was scored by Choi Nurim but was crafted by Park Yeongeun, who played the most beautiful pass into Choi’s path, putting the striker into a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. South Africa tried to come straight back but Jenri Thomas’s attempt at a

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9 April 2022 Potchefstroom, South Africa: An energetic second half from Uruguay ended Canada’s Junior World Cup journey, while Austria and Ireland continued to enjoy beginners’ luck as the two debutant nations will now compete for a ninth place finish. The European team’s defeats of Korea and Malaysia respectively means the two Asian sides will be battling for eleventh place. Canada 1-4 Uruguay Korea (13-15th place) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) After a first 30 minutes that saw these two Pan Am nations testing each other out, the match burst into life when Uruguay took a grasp of the match in the opening minutes of the second half. Pilar Oliveros opened the South American team’s account with a well-struck penalty corner and that body blow to the Canadian team was repeated three minutes later when Elisa Civetta scored the first of two goals. It was Civetta again in the 46th minute, when Uruguay won a penalty stroke. The in-form midfielder stepped up and struck the ball home sweetly. The game was put totally out of Canada’s reach in the final five minutes of the match as Manuela Vidal was able to latch onto a good pass and fire it home past Ishaval Sekhon to make it 4-0. Canada scored a consolation goal in the final minute of the game when Jenna Berger was able to find the back of the net after some good build-up play. Player of the Match was Elisa Civetta (URU). The two-goal hero said: ‘The game was really tough. Both teams played really well. We were more precise and we scored when we needed to and we made the difference. We did our best. It was one of our best matches. It’s the first time Uruguay is playing in the World Cup. So we’re making history in our country and we’re really proud of it.’ Head Coach for Canada Jenn Beagan said: ‘We knew that coming here would be a challenge. We have a young team. Many girls who’ve never played internationally before. So we’re really proud of the efforts they put in. This was a huge learning opportunity. We take this home.’ The result means that Canada will finish in 15th position, while Uruguay will play for 13-14th place against Wales. Zimbabwe 0-1 Austria  (9-12th place matches) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) The opening quarter was very much Austria’s in terms of possession as the European team seemed to have a better structure and focus in this match to decide who would play for 13-14th place. However, when it came to converting those chances, Austria just couldn’t find their way past Jenna Mathieson in the Zimbabwe goal. The closest opportunity fell to Nathalie Matousek, whose good work was spoilt when she flicked the ball straight at the keeper. With seconds left, Johanna Czech sent a penalty corner shot just past the goalpost. In the second quarter, the game evened out as Zimbabwe began to find their place on the pitch. Alexi Terreblanche was proving a stabilising force in midfield and some good running attacks were mounted on the back of her performance. Unfortunately for the African team, the forwards were not able to find a way into their opponent’s circle. During the half-time team talks, both Head Coaches asked their players to reduce the amount of turnovers and to be more efficient int he circle. Certainly Zimbabwe started in sparkling fashion. Within seconds they had broken through the Austrian defence and had their first meaningful shot. There was no score but it certainly signalled a higher level of intent. As the game continued with no goals being scored, frustration began to creep into both team’s performance. Austria’s Fiona Felber went on a  mazy run that earns her team a penalty corner, but once again Mathieson was able to watch the ball fly wide. The deadlock was finally broken in the 54th minute when Katharina Bauer pounced on a ball that had bobbled off a Zimbabwe stick. She took the ball wide on her reverse, which gave her space to fire home and give her side an all important goal. Once they had the goal, Austria showed their ability to manage a game well as they kept Zimbabwe’s desperate measures to equalise at bay. Player of the Match Katharina Bauer said: ‘I am just extremely happy that we won as a team. We just needed to score a goal. I cannot express much more.’ Austria’s Head Coach Corinna Zerbs said: ‘It is unbelievable what this young team has achieved so far. Particularly given that we had no real preparation. We have improved from game to game. Zimbabwe defended very well but we are delighted that we scored that goal.’ Zimbabwe’s Head Coach Tendayi Maredzawas magnanimous in defeat: ‘It was a tough one but we fought hard. There had to be a winner and Austria took their chance. We could have stolen it in the second half but to do that we have to take our chances.’ Austria will now play Ireland in the 9-10th place match, while Zimbabwe will play Malaysia for 11-12th. Ireland 2-1 Malaysia (9-12th place) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) This match started at a quick pace, with both sides showing full intent. Malaysia won an early penalty corner but Ireland’s swift count attack saw Christina Hamill race the length of the pitch before being dispossessed in the Malaysian circle. Ireland then won their own series of penalty corner opportunities, but like their Asian opponents, the players in green were unable to convert. That changed in the 13th minute when yet another speedy Irish counter attack saw Yasmin Pratt race into the Malaysia circle and slip the ball to Rachel Kelly who was on hand to strike the ball home to give Ireland a 1-0 lead. In the second quarter Ireland continued to press forward but found the Malaysian defence, led by Abang Dayang, was resolute in the face of the pressure. A great bit of improvised goalkeeping by

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8 April 2022 Potchefstroom, South Africa: Quarter-finals day produced four top class matches with some tremendous skills on display but the performance of the day was that of the German team as they put on a classy show to outgun reigning champions Argentina. India put in a dominating and professional performance to defeat Asian rivals Korea. The Eves barely broke into top gear and it is exciting to think there is much more to come from this team. It was business as usual for the Netherlands as the Oranje beat South Africa 5-0, despite a strong performance from the host nation. And completing the semi-final line-up is England, who came out on top after a tense and entertaining match with USA. To see the current  standings, please click here. India 3-0 Korea (quarter-final) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) Efficiency in attack and speed of play and thought were the differences between these two teams as India showed immense composure and clinical finishing to secure their place in Monday’s semi-finals. Mumtaz Khan and Lalrindiki both found the back of the net in the first quarter. Khan’s goal was a fantastically worked penalty corner variation, which she deflected home past Kim Eunji in the Malaysia goal. Lalrindiki was the beneficiary after a shot from Deepika rebounded to her and she was perfectly placed to slot the ball home. At the other end of the pitch, the India defence was equally impressive, a brave, stretching tackle by Lalremsiami summed up the Eve’s commitment levels. For their part, Korea had no lack of ambition as they sought a way past the India defence, it was just that India looked a level ahead in every aspect of play. For much of the next two quarters, Korea tightened their defence and India were unable to capitalise on their opening goals. However, with five minutes left of the third quarter, we were offered a glimpse of the skill within the India team. An aerial into the circle found Beauty Dung, who actually mis-hit the ball but in doing so sent a perfect pass to Sangita, who had no hesitation in firing home. As the final quarter counted down, India were pouring on the pressure but it will be of concern to Head Coach Erik Wonink that no further goals were added despite a barrage of opportunities. Korea’s answer was to try to run the ball at the India defence, but they were always met by a solid India defence. A delighted Player of the Match, Mumtaz Khan of India, said: ‘I am so happy because we are in the semi-finals.’ Her Head Coach Erik Wonink said: ‘As you can hear, the team are very happy. This is a great experience for them and they have made the next step to the semi-finals. I cannot discuss our game plan but we will focus on ourselves as we have for all the other games. The goals we scored together today were a highlight, I really like that.’ Malaysia’s Head Coach You Moon Ki said: The India team was very strong today and we congratulate them on their performance. Now we have another match to focus on. Our players are tired but this World Cup has been a great experience.’ The result means that India will face Netherlands in what will be a fascinating match in the semi-finals. Malaysia will play the host nation South Africa for 5-8th place. Netherlands 5-0 South Africa  (quarter-final) – Potchefstroom, North West University (RSA) The scoreline suggests a dominant performance but South Africa posed a challenge to the Netherlands throughout this quarter-final, with only their finishing in front of goal preventing a closer result. The Netherlands settled into business as usual when Jip Dicke added to her already impressive goal tally with a goal in the fourth minute. The goal was the result of a typical Dutch counter attack, with Dicke the final component in a sweeping movement between the players. However, they would have been taken aback by some of the brave and speedy running from the Africa players, as they were roared on by the unashamedly partisan crowd. Both Bianca Wood and Onthatile Zulu caused a buzz in the stadium as they weaved crazy paths through the Dutch defence. Both players were clearly disappointed that the final shots didn’t end in the back of the net. Dicke gave her team a cushion in the 15th minute when she pounced on a loose ball after a good initial save by Mishka Ellis from a Noor Omrani shot. Dicke pulled the ball out of the air to guide it home. This was Dicke’s twelfth goal of the games, keeping her firmly in the top scorers position. At the end of the first half, South Africa’s shots on goal tally was six, to Netherlands’ eight – the difference, as Head Coach Lenise Marais pointed out, was the finishing. At the start of the second half, South Africa had yet another chance to rattle the Dutch as they won their third penalty corner. This time, Hari Louw saw her rasping shot fly just wide of Sophia Ter Kuile’s post. Chances fell to both teams throughout the third quarter, with Dicke coming close to adding to her tally and Zulu’s devastating running creating a handful of scoring opportunities for South Africa. Things really heated up when an incredible double save by Sophia ter Kuile, first from the penalty corner shot and then from Chante Ferreira’s follow-up, continued to frustrate South Africa. The failure to convert was punished in the 43rd minute when Noor Omrani crashed a shot past Ellis to make it 3-0. Luna Fokke scored her first of the game in the final minute of the quarter when she sent home a fierce penalty corner. The fourth quarter saw Netherlands start to contain the free-running threat of the South Africa team. As energy levels sapped, the Dutchbegan to manage the game well, as they passed the ball round and challenged the South Africans to

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4 April 2022 Potchefstroom, South Africa: It was a mix of relief and delight for the host nation as South Africa defeated Ireland in a nervy Pool B clash that would decide who progressed to the quarter-finals. If that match was edgy and goals hard to come by, the second match saw Netherlands go on a goal spree against Zimbabwe. Two weather interruptions couldn’t prevent the Netherlands showing their class when in attack. The 18 goals scored by the Dutch is a new record for a team at the Junior World Cup and beats the record the Netherlands themselves had set back in 1989 – also against Zimbabwe. The third match of the day was a north American clash between Canada and USA. The USA had never beaten Canada in a Women’s Junior World Cup match sop there was a heightened sense  of frisson as the teams took to the field. This was a day for history making though and USA’s 4-0 win was achieved on the back of some sparkling performances by the energetic USA team. South Africa 1-0 Ireland (Pool B) – Potchefstroom, North-West University (RSA) The delight on the faces of the South Africa team as the final whistle blew told the whole story. Although not the most convincing of victories, the host nation had sealed a spot in the quarter-finals. The first half in this important match between the host nation South Africa and Junior World Cup debutants Ireland was spirited and fast-paced although both sides suffered from making multiple unforced errors. With England sealing top spot in Pool B, this match would decide who would join them in the quarter-finals and nerves were clearly having an impact on both sets of players. It was South Africa who found the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time. The goal, by the highly influential defender Jean-Leigh du Toit, was from a penalty corner, earned after a good run by Cailynn Den Bakker drew a defensive error. Ireland pushed hard after the break for the equaliser but it was South Africa who looked the more composed across the pitch and the more dangerous on the attack. Du Toit nearly added to her tally when a series of four well-worked variations on the penalty corner routine put the Irish defence under all sorts of pressure, which they weathered with gritty determination. Ireland had a penalty corner opportunity with five minutes left in the match but the shot went agonisingly wide of Mishka Ellis’ goal post. As the clock ticked down, the sense of urgency became palpable. Ireland’s Amy Elliot made a good run into the South Africa circle but was met by the excellent Ellis who was letting nothing past her. Player of the Match, Jean-Leigh du Toit, said: ‘I am really proud of the goal. We gave it 100 per cent out there and matched Ireland. We would have wanted to score more but it was a good effort out there.’ South Africa Head Coach Denise Marais said: ‘We had a good first half but we allowed ourselves to face too much pressure in the final quarter.  But we absorbed it, so I am happy with that aspect of it. We take the three points and we carry on.’ Ireland’s Sarah McAuley said: ‘We’re very disappointed with this result. We had a few chances but didn’t put them away, whilst South Africa scored a pretty good goal. We have to convert our penalty corners. Now we need to try to get in the top 10.’ The result means Ireland will play Canada in the 9-15th place matches, while South Africa will have the dubious pleasure of meeting the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Netherlands 18-0 Zimbabwe (Pool A) – Potchefstroom, North-West University (RSA) Two breaks in play due to stormy weather couldn’t prevent the Zimbabwe team falling before a goal-hungry Dutch team. In a match that saw goals in every quarter, the Dutch beat their own goal record at a Junior World Cup [also against Zimbabwe in 1989] and also saw three different players score hat tricks. The best efforts of Jenna Mathieson [in the first three quarters] and Lavender Mandoza [in the final quarter] in the Zimbabwe goal couldn’t stop an onslaught that began with Luna Fokke in the third minute and ended 17 goals later, with Mette Winter turning the ball neatly into the goal. The best goal, in an avalanche of creative goals came from the stick of Maria Steensma. The ball was cleverly flicked high over the onrushing ‘keeper’s head by captain Rosa Fernig and Steensma was on hand to control and steer the ball over the line. When Zimbabwe did start an attack the Dutch showed they were no slouches in defence either. The speedy Zimbabwe forwards, in particular Tinodiwanashe Elijah, were halted with crushing efficiency by the wall of orange shirts in midfield or defence. Player of the Match Noor Omrani, who scored a hat trick of beautifully crafted goals, summed up the Dutch attitude towards winning. She said: ‘We said to each other, whatever happens, we need to keep going and keep pushing. Whatever the score is, we needed to keep going.’ For Zimbabwe’s Head Coach Tendayi Maredza, it was a tough day at the office but he was philosophical in defeat: ‘It is never easy and it was a tough lesson for us. I am proud of my girls. We need to keep fighting, learn from this and move forwards.’ His counterpart, the Netherlands Head Coach Dave Smolenaars, said: ‘We wanted to attack the circle and score as many goals as we could. But, our defence also had to stay strong as we didn’t want to concede anything.’ Asked about the successful Dutch press, Smolenaars said: ‘Our press is all about working together as a team and being convinced you can get the ball.’ Maria Steensma also scored three goals, Jip Dicke moved to the top of the goal-scorer’s list with four, there were two goals apiece for Luna Fokke and

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