Scores for Day 4
ACCC 2018: Classic Flickers deepen woes of Kada on derby day
Source: isports360.com | December 20, 2018 It was derby day on match day four of the ACCC as Niger Flickers beat Kada Stars to revenge the defeat on the final day of the Nigerian Super League at the same venue, Abuja National Stadium. The victory moved Flickers into 5th position with a place in the 3rd and 4th classification match mathematically possible. The Ghanaian and Egyptian derbies were also honored; GRA holding Ghana League Champions- Exchequers in a 1-1 drawn game while El-Sharkia in a marvelous fashion and style beat Eastern Company 4-3. The victory puts El-Sharkia in a position to play in the final while Eastern Company will have to beat GRA who have a game in hand against Kada stars, to play in the final. GRA and Exchequers got us underway on match day 4 in the Ghanaian derby. After being dethroned of the league trophy in Ghana, the revenue controllers with revenge on their minds came solely for a victory. Exchequers who also have a game in hand with Niger Flickers knew a victory will edge them closer to a place in the final and with these two mindsets, we were in for a derby. Fifteen minutes into the game and Exchequers were in the lead. Samuel Mensah with a brave run going past three defenders and the goalkeeper slotted the ball into the path of Dzotsi Eric; with just the post to beat broke the deadline. Confidence reinstated and Exchequers took control over the game. With anxiety to equalise and eagerness to double the lead from both teams, the match recorded numerous infringements and cards been flashed. The third quarter had the tables turned and GRA dictated the pace of the game. The revenue controllers failed to however restore parity courtesy the numerous penalty corners. Exchequers were also guilty in that stance failing to convert theirs. A swift play from defence by GRA found Micheal Baiden in the scoring cirlce of Exchequers and after rounding the goalkeeper, was impeded by Ankomah Emannuel and GRA were awarded a penalty stroke. Ernest Opoku stepped out and slotted the ball home sending Tyche Duisberg the wrong side to level the scores. Nonetheless, Exchequers thought they had grabbed the winner when a long hit from the sideline found Bempah Daniel in the scoring circle. With just Eugene Acheampong to beat, the former Ghana u21 international misplaced his steps and allowed the GRA defenders to retrieve the ball. Final whistle blown and the spoils were shared. The second match was next and El-Sharkia locked horns with fellow Egyptian counterparts Eastern Company. The game produced seven goals amidst missed chances and poor penalty corner conversion rate. Edres Mohamed gave El-Sharkia the lead 10 minutes into the game from a penalty corner and the lead was doubled seven minutes later with a brilliant goal from Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed. It was all El-Sharkia at this point who got their third through Ahmed Gamal. Eastern Company responded quickly with two goals inside two minutes. Two penalty corners in succession and the deficit was reduced. Aboutaleb getting the first in the 43 minute with Ibrahim Amr scoring the second. Elnaggar looked to have earned a point for Eastern Company with his goal in the 52nd minute only for Gobran Hosam to grab the winner three minutes from time. El-Sharkia won the game 4-3. The home crowd came in their numbers as the day was wrapped with the Nigerian derby. Niger Flickers engaged Kada Stars as both teams went in search of their first maximum points. A misunderstanding in defence and the Flickers were in the lead. Danladiās Umar going oast the gal keeper to slot home into an empty goal post. Kada Stars failed to gind their momentum and allowed the Flickers to go 2-0 up; a great finish from Aliyu Jauro. If the goal was beautiful then the assist from Oluwa Tosin was of class. Aliyu Dakumi got the the third for Flickers a minute to half-time breaking the hopes of Kada Stars. Samaila James managed a goal from the pray corner but his effort came in late as time run out for Flickers to carry the day. MATCH RESULTS FROM DAY THREE GRA 1-1 Exchequers El -Sharkia 4-3 Eastern Company Kada Stars 1-3 Niger Flickers.
ACCC 2018: Ruthless GRA edge closer to another final
Source: isports360.com | December 20, 2018 GRA women finally found their scoring spark at the ACCC 2018 with a 7-0 victory over Delta Queens to edge closer to the final. The Champions who had managed just a single goal in three outings hit seven past the Nigerians who were not productive on the day. Telkom also secured a place in the final with a 2-0 win over another Nigerian club, Kada Queens who still remain the side yet to a score in the competition with Ghana Police sweeping aside USIU in the third game of the day. It was Telkom who took on Kada in the first match of day four played at the Abuja National Stadium. The game was highly watched by Ghanaians who were expecting a draw in order to see both Ghanaian clubs in the final for the first time but it wasn’t so. The former champions were made frustrated in the opening quarters of the game. A defensive setup by Kada Queens kept the attack of Telkom quiet. Kada who knew their stand in the competition; not playing in the final irrespective of the outcome of this match, played with nothing at stake. Limited to movements just inside their area, the Nigeria Women Super League Champions failed to create a single scoring opportunity with Telkom dominating throughout. Telkom thought they had taken the lead few minutes to the end of the third quarter when Jacqueline Wangechiās goal from the penalty corner was disallowed after the shot (first at goal) failed to hit the back board. The players protested but the decision of the umpire stood and the players headed for the break with the score barren. Two minutes inside the final quarter and the former champions scored again from the penalty corner this time around from the stick of Audrey Amooh taking her overall tally to four. The goal stood this time around and Telkom held onto the lead till the final whistle to record their four victory of the campaign. With Telkom claiming a spot in the final, GRA could not afford anything another than a win in their match against Delta Queens. Ten minutes inside the game and the defending champions were up by two goals. Coffie Ernestina slotted home a 6th minute penalty corner before Inkoom Getrude added the second two minutes later. Lydia Afriyie added a third after an excellent team play down the right flanks spearheaded by Linda Effah. The game seemed out of hands for Delta as they conceded four goals inside the first 20 minutes- Brenya Maanyembim with the easiest of efforts getting the fourth goal. GRA dominating the game created so many chances and got the fifth and sixth in the 40th and 42nd minute courtesy Effah Linda and Elizabeth Opoku. The home crowd started cheering the GRA ladies who were playing so well and ruthless in front of goal. Brenya grabbed her brace on the stroke of the end of third quarter to sum up a free scoring day for GRA. The third game of the day was an encounter between Ghana Police and debutants USIU. After beating Kada queens on match day three, the law enforcers from Ghana were charged up with much confidence heading into the game. With the knowledge that a win draws them closer to a place in the final depending on the game between GRA and Telkom, Police ladies started the game the brighter side. They were rewarded with an early goal due to their determination and composure- Nafisatu Umaru with her second goal of the competition getting the opener. Sarfoa Martha doubled the lead two minutes into the second break. Pauline Amutebi reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time from a penalty stroke. The goal restored their confidence as they pressurized Police in the early stages of the third quarter. Nafisatu scored her second of the day to dash the hope of USIU and give Police a slight advantage heading to match day five. MAYCH DAY FOUR RESULTS Kada Queens 0 ā 1 Telkom GRA 7 ā 0 Delta Queens USIU 1 ā 3 Ghana Police.
ACCC 2018: Elizabeth Opoku restores GRAās confidence
Source: isports360.com | December 18, 2018 Defending champions GRA ladies were given a bit of scare in their match day three fixture against debutants USIU. The champions however managed to grab all maximum points courtesy Elizabeth Opoku to pick up their first win of the competition. Ghana Police and Telkom were also winners on the day in their respective games against Kada Queens and Delta Queens at the Abuja National stadium. GRA who have been misfiring throughout the competition with no goal scored so far stepped onto the turf to win at all cost. The likes of Elizabeth Opoku, Vivian Narkuoh and Ernestina Coffie who had not been impressive in the first two matches knew they need to step up. USIU played so well in the opening minutes but failed to make any impact in the scoring circle. The debutants who have managed just a point in two games gave the champions a tough one in the first quarter but the scoreline did not change after the first 15 minutes. GRA regrouped tactically and eventually got their opener in th 24th minute; Elizabeth Opoku who was left unmarked in the scoring circle hit the ball past Ochia Bella in post after the ball came off the goalkeeper from the first effort. The champions for the first time in the competition were in the lead and on course to victory. USIU fought back very well but failed to hit the back of the net. The match ended with GRA 1-0 winners. Telkom then engaged Delta Queens in the second match of the womenās category. The home crowd in their numbers cheered Delta Queens as they made their way onto the field. Telkom were not moved by the home crowd and their cheers. A second minute penalty corner and telkom took the lead from the stick of skipper Tracy Karanja. Tournamentās top scorer Jacqueline Wangechi double the lead with her third goal of the tournament five minutes later. Telkom with total dominance in the first quarter, took control of the second as well. The record title holders gave the host no room to create chances and got their their goal; Barbara Nekesa with a neatly converted penalty corner. Esther Billo reduced the deficit for Delta also from a penalty corner but the three goal lead was restored by Jacqueline three minutes later to hand telkom their 3rd win in as many matches. The final game of the day was between last yearās bronze medalist Ghana Police and Kada Queens. With Delta losing earlier, Kada wanted to console the home crowd with a win in this one. Still being the only side yet to score a goal at the ongoing ACCC, the Queens confidently started the game brightly and showed signs of breaking that jinx. However, it was not so as Ghana Police broke the deadlock. The law enforcers went ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty corner ā Nafisaru Umaru with a drag flick into the top right corner beating goalkeeper Emmanuel Nengi. Martha Sarfoa with her second goal of the tournament made it 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining. Kada Queens tried fighting back but yet again failed to score as time run out. MATCH DAY THREE RESULTS GRA 1 ā 0 USIU Delta Queens 1 ā 4 Telkom Ghana Police 2 ā 0 Kada Queens
ACCC 2018: Abuja mourns as host clubs fall again
Source: isports360.com | December 18, 2018 The curtains were brought down on match day three with two entertaining games. Spectators were treated to the most exciting day so far both off and on the field of play pertaining to the ACCC 2018. Kada Stars and Niger Flickers once again the losing sides after defeats to Eastern Company and El-Sharkia respectively. With the Exchequers, GRA game postponed, the day witnessed two games in the male category. Kada Stars who are yet to earn even a point at the ACCC played host to former ACCC champions, Eastern company. Four minutes inside the game and Eastern Company were up. An ifringement on Elnaggar inside the scoring circle attracted a penalty corner and Aboutaleb Mahmoud converted to give Eastern the lead. The lead was increased minutes later through Yassin Mohamed who added a personal second and Easternās third on the 10th minute mark. A quick response from Kada brought back the tempo and competitiveness of the game. A Kelvin Linus double within two minutes gave Kada a lifeline. The second quarter started with Kada looking more dangerous creating so many chances but failing to capitalize on it. āWe should have kept our composure on the field after getting both goals but the zeal to get an equaliser let us down and we conceded the fourth. The early goals also made us a bit unsettled but we still managed to get into the game ā, Abdullahi Ndana told isports360 after the game. Just when Kada though they were back into the game, Aboutaleb grabbed his brace from a fast break and great team play. The fifth was added on the 23rd minute courtesy Elnaggar Ahmed. John Pete managed to get his name on the scoresheet with a third goal for Kada Stars but that was all time could permit as the Nigerian league champions succumbed to their third loss in three games. The second game was similar to the first in terms of origin of clubs and the gameās competitiveness as well as the idea of a comeback which wasnāt so. Niger Flickers who had also lost their first two games engaged El-Sharkia in an attempt to revenge for fellow country club, Kada Stars . Two minutes on the clock and El-Sharkia were infront; Similar to that of Eastern ā Flickers match, the opener from a penalty corner but this time was from the stick of Ali Hamada. Ahmed Gamal made it 2-0 in the 11th minute but Shanwilu Muazuās 24th minute strike restored the hopes and confidence of Niger Flickers. Two penalty corners in succession and the Flickers thought they had equalized but Tosinās double effort first going wide and the second straight at the goalkeeper who parried it away. It was the turn of Sharkia from a penalty corner and the defending champions restored their two-goal lead through Edres Mohamed. Ahmed Gamal scored again in the final quarter to put the game beyond Flickersā reach. However a 55th minute penalty stroke converted by Kolo Adamu meant the final 5 minutes was decisive. Niger Flickers pushed all men upfront in search of a third and possibly the equaliser but all efforts fruitless. āWe played so well but yet again failed to utilize our chances and penalty corners. We came back into the game after going down by two goals and allowed them to score two more goals. Our penalty corner conversion rate has been poor and that has been the main reason why we lost all three gamesā, Isah Mohammed in an interview with isports360 after the game. MATCH DAY THREE RESULTS Eastern Company 5 ā 3 Kada Stars El-Sharkia 4 ā 2 Niger Flickers
ACCC 2018: Kada escapes Delta scare to snatch point
Source: isports360.com | December 17, 2018 The female category witnessed a day of lacal derbies as clubs from the same country faced each other. Two of the three local derbies ended in a pulsating goalless draw as Ghanaās duo of GRA and Police ladies as well as the Nigerian derby- Delta Queens and Kada Queens failed to produce goals during their clashes. The home crowd were in the stadium in their numbers to cheer on their clubs as they faced each other but great defending from both sides ensured the points were shared. The action started with defending champions GRA facing their eternal rivals Ghana Police ladies. The champions who had been held earlier in the competition by Kada Queens needed the maximum from this encounter in order to keep their dream alive of retaining the trophy. With their previous record against them, Police ladies knew the task ahead and in order to stay in the race, will have to put in extra effort to match their local rivals. Police started the game on one bright note mounting pressure on GRA who looked not settled into the game. Similar to any local derby, the game was very aggressive with both teams not giving the other breathing space. GRA regrouped and came back strongly into the third quarter turning the tables around but the resilience of the Police defence kept the GRA attackers at bay. Four penalty corners in the game and no goal was registered as both teams settled for a point each. The Kenyan derby unlike the first game produced four goals as Telkom came out victorious over USIU. Both teams stepped onto the field very determined but it was the record title holders who struck first. Audrey Amooh got the opener inside the first two minutes before doubling the lead three minutes into the second quarter. USIU who are making their debut in the competition managed to come back into the game but failed to utilize their chances. Jacqueline and Nekesa added a goal each in the last quarter to sum up a convincing victory for Telkom. The final game of the day was an encounter between the host clubs- Delta Queens and Kada Queens. The stadium became lively as both teams made their way onto the field of play. There were cheers from the stands on every move by both clubs with Delta the dominant side on the day. Billo Esther was very instrumental for Delta as she saturated the Kada midfield. Kada Queens who had been quiet throughout the game managed to earn a point after the final whistle. The 2018 ACCC continues tomorrow with Delta Queens hosting Telkom in the first game of the day. GRA ladies then play USIU followed by Ghana Police engaging Kada Queens.
ACCC 2018: Baidenās double helps GRA hold El Sharkia
Source: isport360.com | December 16 The countdown was finally over and the action started: The 30th edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions, Abuja 2018. The Abuja National Stadium was filled to capacity as all 6 male clubs were in action on match day one. Not a a very good day for the host but for hockey lovers and enthusiast, this was by far the best opening day the ACCC had witnessed in years. Eastern Company 4-0 Niger FlickersĀ The former champions were back to re-claim the trophy they lost to El Sharkia last year and their first game sent a message to all. The host nation were expecting a better result in this opening fixture but to no avail as three goals from penalty corners and a field goal was enough to hand Eastern Company their first victory. Aboutaleb Mahmoud got the opener five minutes into the game from a perfectly worked penalty corner beating Baba Abdul kadir in post. The home crowd began cheering on the Flickers who tried coming back into the game but Shehata Mostafa in post for the Egyptians proved a pillar with excellent goalkeeping. The stadium was silenced in the 32nd minute as Eastern doubled their lead courtesy Rashwan Mohamed. The Egyptians from this point were in total control and could have increased their tally but failed to capitalize on their numerous penalty corners. Finally the remedy was found as Ibrahim Amr converted two penalty corners; first in the 43rd minute and the second a minute later to give Eastern Company a commanding 4-0 lead. Maximum points gained as time run out. El Sharkia 4 ā 4 GRA The second game was a thriller as it produced eight goals. Two goals inside three minutes and everyone thought El Sharkia were on course to tear GRA apart but the spirited West African side came back to level and go ahead and later salvage a point on the 60th minute. The first quarter saw both sides very determined and eager to make a mark. The ghanaians were however the better side in the first quarter but failed to reflect their performance on the score sheet. The second quarter was an entire different story as the defending champions went 2-0 up inside three minutes; Abdel Rahman in the 26th minute and skipper Sameer Edres getting the second from as penalty corner to give the holders a halftime lead. Baiden Michael reduced the deficit in the third quarter with an excellent strike before restoring parity five minutes later with an easy one compared to his first. Kwasi Anim-Assah brought the entire stadium into wild mood as he put GRA infront in the 52nd minute. What a comeback!! GRA were on course to snatch a historic win when Ahmed Ahmed scored four minutes later to level. Two goals inside the final two minutes ensured both teams shared the points; Ahmed Gamal in the 59th minute for Sharkia and Opoku Ernest with the leveler on the stroke of full-time from a penalty corner. Exchequers 1 -0 Kada Stars The dayās final game was an encounter between champions; Exchequers (Ghana league Champions)and Kada stars (Nigeria Super League Champions). The highly anticipated match saw Exchequers take the lead as early as the 4th minute through Ankomah Emmanuel. The goal seemed to be the match winner as both teams went in search for as goal but so it wasnāt. Nine penalty corners awarded after the opener but both teams failed to find the post. An end-to-end encounter saw both coaches as well as spectators on their feet throughout. The co-host club had lost the game but the home spectators left the stadium excited as they witnessed an exciting, pulsating game; a match that cannot be forgotten by both teams. The action continues tomorrow Sunday 16th December, 2018 with Kada Stars facing El Sharkia in the first game. Eastern Company will then play Exchequers with GRA men and Niger Flickers facing off in the dayās last game.
ACCC 2018: Kada Queens frustrates GRA as Telkom grabs win on first day
A well motivated Kada queens side held defending champions GRA at the Abuja National Stadium in the opening match of the competition. Record title holders Telkom meanwhile beat Ghana Police 2-1 to go top of the table with two points adrift second placed Delta queens who were held to a 1-1 drawn game by debutants USIU-A. Kada Queens 0 ā 0 GRA The competitons opening game did not give spectators a lot to cheer about as both teams failed to find the net. Defending champions GRA were anxious to defeat the only team they failed to beat en route to being crowned Champions last year in Accra, Ghana while the host wanted to keep smiles on the faces of spectators who had trooped in to rally behind them. The disciplined Kada defense kept their momentum throughout the game to keep the attacking force of GRA in check. GRA on the other hand had penalty corners come their way but their poor conversion rate with regards to penalty corners kept haunting them as they failed to find the net. Vivian Narkuoh seemed to have broken the deadlock but her goal was disallowed after the umpire spotted an infringement prior to the goal. The game ended and both teams shared the points. Ghana Police 1 ā 2 Telkom The news of GRAāS frustrating draw sparked energy into the ladies from Kenya who stepped onto the turf with the sole aim of getting a win. Police ladies who will be playing GRA in their next game knew how important a win in this fixture will be for them in their quest for glory given their bad record against GRA in their last few encounters. Five minutes into the game and Telkom were up. Jacqueline Wangechi stepped up to slot home from a penalty corner with goalkeeper Abigail Boye totally beaten. The score line 1-0 travelled through the first three quarters with no additional goal. Three minutes into the final quarter and the scores were leveled; Sarfoa Martha going past two defenders and sliding the ball past ACCC 2017 Best Goalkeeper, Cynthia Onyango. However, the joy was cut short as Audrey Amooh restored the lead for Telkom two minutes later. Police ladies fought well in the last ten minutes for the equaliser but time was not on their side as Telkom carried the day. Delta Queens 1 ā 1 USIU-AĀ Delta queens stepped onto the field to host debutants USIU in the final match of the ladies category. Ā Playing on a turf they are so familiar with, Delta dominated the game from the start and were awarded are penalty corner in the opening minutes. Esther Billo opened her goal scoring account with a ferocious hit into the bottom right corner. The host dictated the pace and tempo of the game with the crowd cheering on every single move and skill. Delta kept on hitting wide the chances that came their way and finally had to pay. A moment of the silence hit the entire stadium as Amutebi Pauline grabbed the equalizer for USIU ā their very first goal in Africa. Both teams tried to get the winner but fairly had to share the points as the game ended. Day two continues tomorrow Sunday 16th December, 2018 with an all local affair. GRA and Police ladies start with the Ghanaian derby followed by the Kenyan derby Telkom and USIU. The last game of the day will see the host clubs battle; Delta queens and Kada queens.
BELGIUMāS RED LIONS WIN ODISHA HOCKEY MENāS WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018
December 16 | Story By FIH Bhubaneswar, India: Belgium have claimed their first ever World Cup title thanks to a dramatic shoot-out victory over the Netherlands in the final of the Odisha Hockey Menās World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. It proved to be third time lucky for the Red Lions, who finished runners up at both the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the EuroHockey Championships in 2017. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch excelled in the shoot-out, making numerous key saves to help his side became the first Belgium side in any team sport to win a world title. As well as winning the iconic trophy for the first time in their history, it has been confirmed that Belgium, coached by New Zealander Shane McLeod, have moved into first position in the FIH Hero World Rankings. To see the complete rankings,Ā click here. The bronze medal was taken by Australia, who recovered from their semi-final loss at the hands of the Netherlands on Saturday to storm to a sensational 8-1 victory over England. Tom Craig scored a hat-trick in the contest to earn the Odisha Player of the Match Award. The medal matches brought the curtain down on a thrilling two and a half weeks of sensational hockey at the 15,000 capacity Kalinga Stadium, the stunning venue that has welcomed mammoth crowds on a daily basis throughout this wonderful event. Belgium defender Arthur Van Doren was named as the Odisha Best Player of the event, being presented his award by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Dutch duo Pirmin Blaak and Thijs van Dam were also winners of individual awards, being named Odisha Mining Corporation Best Goalkeeper and Hockey India Best Junior Player respectively, while the Hero Top Scorer Award was shared by Australiaās Blake Govers and Alexander Hendrickx of Belgium, who scored seven goals apiece. The gold medal match, witnessed by a sell-out crowd at the Kalinga Stadium, was packed full of drama as two evenly-matched teams set about the task of claiming the world title. The Netherlands were chasing a fourth World Cup success to draw level with Pakistan as the team with the most title wins, while Olympic silver medallists Belgium ā a side beaten by the Dutch in the final of the EuroHockey Championships 2017 in Amsterdam ā were determined to claim their first major crown to cap what has been a remarkable rise over the past ten years. The two finalists went hard at each other in the opening stages of the match, with chances being created at both ends. Jeroen Hertzberger forced an early save from Belgium shot-stopper Vincent Vanasch, while Simon Gougnardās speculative, high backhand strike was almost brilliantly turned into the Dutch goal by Tom Boon. The play switched from one end of the field to the other throughout the second quarter, with Netherlands defender Glenn Schuurman making a crucial interception to deny Florent Van Aubel a clear scoring opportunity with Arthur de Sloover doing the same in the Belgian back-line. The Netherlands had two penalty corner opportunities ahead of half time, but failed to take their chance as the Red Lions defence held firm. The two sides remained locked together throughout the third quarter, although Belgian captain Thomas Briels forced a save from Pirmin Blaak while Mirco Pruijser flashed a backhand effort across the face of the Belgian goal. It was a tense and cagey period, although the same could not be said for the fourth quarter as both teams desperately tried to get the win before the lottery of the shoot-out would be brought into play. Netherlands ace Bob de Voogd rattled the pads of Vanasch, while Nicolas de Kerpel hit the side of the goal just before Briels almost won it for Belgium, with Sander Baart making a crucial goal-line clearance to take the match into a shoot-out. The Dutch took a 2-0 lead in the shoot-out thanks to strikes from Jeroen Hertzberger and Jonas de Geus, but goals from Florent Van Aubel and Victor Wegnez, combined with some brilliant saves from Vanasch, restored parity at 2-2. When Thijs van Dam missed, Arthur de Sloover thought he had won the title for Belgium when he fired home, but his effort was ruled out by a smart video referral from the Netherlands. However, Belgium did not have long to wait for their moment in the sun. When Florent Van Aubel scored in sudden-death, Jeroen Hertzberger needed to find the net to keep his team alive. However, it was not to be, with Vanasch forcing the brilliant Dutch attacker wide before his shot sailed over the cross-bar. Whilst it was heartbreak for the Netherlands, who had suffered defeat in a second successive World Cup final, the triumph for the Red Lions will be forever remembered as one of the greatest moments the history of Belgian team sport. Speaking after the match, Odisha Player of the Tournament Arthur Van Doren said: āI couldnāt be more proud. We are world champions. We showed today that our best player is the team. What a team performance again! We showed against Germany, England and again today. It was a really close game. We knew that. Holland is a really great side, they showed it throughout the tournament. I could not be more proud of this team. Weāre world champions and we deserve it. To be really honest, I think the team should get the Best Player award. We showed that team performance was key today. I could not be more proud of a number of individuals. Simon Gougnard showed that he can perform with all the circumstances. We dedicated this Final, and also the semi-final, to him and his family. The character that Van Aubel and Vanasch showed to take the shoot-outs after we thought it was over already. Every game, every moment, there were different players stepping up. Thatās why the team is the best player.ā” The game was an extra special occasion for Australian umpire Adam Kearns, who reached the milestone of officiating his 100th international match in
BELGIUM AND NETHERLANDS TO FIGHT FOR TITLE AT ODISHA HOCKEY MENāS WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018
December 15 |Ā Story ByĀ FIH Bhubaneswar, India: The final of the Odisha Hockey Menās World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will be an all-European affair, with Belgiumās Red Lions facing the Netherlands after a thrilling day of semi-final action at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday (15 December). Belgium made a massive statement with a staggering 6-0 semi-final triumph over England in the first match of the day, while Australiaās hopes of winning a third successive World Cup title were ended by European champions the Netherlands, who emerged victorious in a shoot-out after a breathless contest finished with the scores locked together at 2-2. Belgium (FIH Hero World Ranking: 3) ā wearing black armbands in memory of Simon Gougnardās father, who sadly passed away on Friday ā were absolutely sensational against England (WR:7), a team that had reached the semi-finals for the third World Cup in succession. The Red Lions themselves were aiming to reach a third major final in as many years, following the silver medals won at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the EuroHockey Championships 2017. Striker Tom Boon gave Belgium the perfect start, getting ahead of his marker to deflect past England goalkeeper George Pinner in the eighth minute. That lead was almost doubled when Boon ā later named Odisha Player of the Match ā dived at full stretch to touch on a searching pass from Loick Luypaert onto the England cross-bar. Belgium took a 2-0 lead into half time thanks to the outstanding Gougnard, who pounced on a penalty corner rebound to smash into Englandās net shortly before Sebastien Dockier wasted a brilliant chance from close range, failing to convert after some fine set-up play from Florent Van Aubel. England ā searching for their first World Cup final appearance since the Willesden 1986 event on home soil ā came out firing in the third quarter, playing their best hockey of the match in a bid to drag themselves back into the contest. However, their hopes were cruelly dashed when Cedric Charlierās blistering strike finished off a rapid counter-attack, leaving Danny Kerryās team with a mountainous task to overcome. A penalty corner double from Alexander Hendrickx ā his sixth and seventh goals of a hugely productive World Cup ā either side of the quarter-time break all but sealed a Belgian victory, with Sebastien Dockier firing a late sixth into the roof of Pinnerās net to complete an emphatic 6-0 triumph. Speaking after the match, Belgium captain Thomas Briels said: āWe worked really hard for this success. It was a big challenge. Especially after [the] Germany [victory], we had a tough game and we wanted to be really ready for this challenge and I think we did a really good job today. It feels amazing to be in the final. It was really our big goal to be in the last game of the tournament and hopefully we can do one more step and play even better than today. We really hope we can bring the Cup home. We have to recover first. Itās going to be another really tough game. But I think we still have the energy to deliver one more good performance.ā The second semi-final was a replay of the World Cup final of 2014, with reigning champions Australia (WR:1) and the Netherlands (WR:4) taking to the field for what proved to be a truly epic encounter. The Kookaburras came into the game having just conceded once in their previous four games here in Bhubaneswar, but that all changed in one of the best games seen at the Odisha Hockey Menās World Cup 2018. After soaking up some early Australian pressure, the Netherlands took the lead when Jonas de Geus surged around the back of the Kookaburrasā defence before finding Glenn Schuurman who made no mistake from close range. Seve van Ass made it 2-0 in the second quarter when his attempted cross was inadvertently deflected into the Australian net by Tim Howard, giving the Dutch some breathing space. Australiaās response was fierce, with Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak producing numerous high-quality blocks to keep the title holders off the score-sheet ahead of the half time break. The match continued to move from end-to-end at breakneck speed, with Australia pulling a goal back through Howardās ferocious slap-shot from the top of the circle to give his team hope going into the final quarter. Blaak ā later named Odisha Player of the Match ā continued his sensational form in the fourth period by making further crucial saves, including a remarkable close-range block from Flynn Ogilvie who seemed almost certain to score. Australiaās equaliser arrived with just 26 seconds of the match remaining, and there was little Blaak could do about it. Eddie Ockenden was the scorer, brilliantly intercepting an aerial pass before eventually getting a first time shot towards goal, only for the unfortunate Schuurman to edge the ball through his goalkeeperās legs to send the match to a shoot-out. With both teams missing twice, the shoot-out score was locked at 3-3 and went to sudden-death. Jeroen Hertzberger made no mistake with the first of the sudden-death efforts, piling the pressure on Daniel Beale, who needed to score to keep Australian hopes alive. However, it was Blaak and the Netherlands who would emerge triumphant, with the goalkeeper standing tall to make a superb stick save to put the Oranje into the World Cup final at the expense of the defending champions. Speaking after the match, Netherlands forward Jeroen Hertzberger ā who scored twice in the shoot-out ā said: āIt was great. I think we deserve to win. We made it very hard for ourselves but at the end of the day we kept our focus and deserved to win the game. To be honest, the shoot-outs were obviously a bit nerve-breaking but thereās also something amazing about it. I had real confidence that we were going to win. I had so much confidence in our goalie even after we missed. Belgium are a good team obviously. Itās not for