African Hockey Federation | General News Archives - Page 66 of 71

IOC President Thomas Bach amongst winners at FIH Honorary Awards in New Delhi

It was a night of celebration for many of the sport’s hardest working promoters and representatives on Thursday 1 November 2018 as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Honorary Awards took place at the Lalit Hotel in New Delhi, India. A wonderfully vibrant, colourful event containing a string of acts from the world of dance, music and entertainment, all showcasing India’s rich and diverse culture, were enjoyed by hockey delegates representing well over 100 National Associations, who have converged in New Delhi as part of the programme for the 46th FIH Congress. The FIH Honorary Awards ceremony is a crucial element of the Congress programme, rewarding those who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of hockey. There were 12 recipients of FIH President’s Award, which recognises individuals or National Associations having excelled with initiatives, projects or programmes that have contributed over a long period of time to the enrichment of the sport at international level. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was named as a winner of this hugely prestigious prize thanks to his longstanding support of both the sport and the Federation, but was sadly unable to be present in New Delhi to collect his award in person. Pam Elgar collects her President’s Award from FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra. Although Dr Bach was unable to attend, fellow recipients European Hockey Federation President Marijke Fleuren (NED), Oceania Hockey Federation President Pam Elgar (NZL) and Pan-American Hockey Federation President Alberto Budeisky (ARG) were all on hand to collect their honorary awards from FIH President Batra for their outstanding contributions in developing the sport in their respective regions and the constant drive towards gender equality. Former Belgium international and National Association President Marc Coudron (BEL) was also honoured, reflecting his key role in the growth of the sport in his homeland, as was Yokoyama Hide (JPN) for being instrumental in the development of hockey in Japan. Alberto ‘Coco’ Budeisky receives his President’s Award from FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra. Sheikh Al-Fahad Al-Sabah Ahmad, Naveen Patnaik, Raj Kumar Singh and HRH Prince Abdullah Shah were also revealed as winners of the President Award, as were The Hockey Museum for their role in ensuring that the history of the sport is being preserved for future generations. Wolfgang Hillmann, President of the Deutscher Hockey Bund, collected a President’s Award on behalf of the Germany Men’s U-21 team for their staggering display of sportsmanship at the EuroHockey Junior Championship in 2017. On the eve of their bronze medal match against Spain, a large number of the Spanish players were incapacitated by a virus and therefore unfit to play. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Germany U-21 team chose to share the bronze medal, going so far as to unveiling the Spanish flag in honour of their sick opponents when they took their place on the podium. The Germany men’s U-21 team were honoured for their remarkable sportsmanship at the EuroHockey Junior Championship in 2017. Credit: European Hockey Federation. Away from the President’s Award, the Pablo Negre Award was presented to Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond (KNHB) in recognition of their innovative programme to embrace the spirit of hockey, while the Federacion Deportiva Peruana de Hockey took the Theo Ykema Award thanks to their wonderful efforts in sustainable hockey development. Chaiyapak Siriwat (THA) was named as the winner of the Sultan Azlan Shah Award for his dedicated commitment to hockey, with Herman Kruis (NED) taking the Etienne Glichitch Award in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of the sport. Harchan Singh Dillon (HKG) and the China Women’s Hockey Team were the respective winners of the Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy and the Super Fair Play Trophy René G. Frank, while Sue Catton (ENG), Alain Renaud (FRA), Yoshida Motohito (JPN) and Peter Wefers-Bettink (NED) were named Order of Merit winners. Diploma of Merit Awards went to Nii Quay Kumah (GHA), Brigadier Mussarat Ullah Khan (PAK) and Choi-Cho Yoon (KOR). A list of the FIH Honorary Award winners for 2018 can be found below. To see an overview of all FIH Honorary Award winners both past and present as well as background information about the prizes, please click here. The FIH Honorary Awards Ceremony took place on the second day of proceedings at the 46th Congress, with the Congress session itself taking place on 3 November. Some 250 delegates from all over the world have gathered in New Delhi for the Congress, where key strategic decisions are made for the development and governance of hockey globally. The Congress agenda includes an overview of the status of the game, its evolution and development worldwide. Furthermore, delegates will elect four members to the Executive Board, while the Athletes’ committee will be renewed. Other items on the agenda include the ratification of the appointment of the President of the Judicial Commission, an update on the IOC Solidarity Foundation as well as a report on the FIH finances. Welcoming all guests of the 46th FIH Congress, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “It is a great pleasure to have you here in my country and my home town of Delhi. I have your permission to express my gratitude to Hockey India for looking after us, so a big thank you to them for their hospitality in hosting this event.” Hockey India Chief Executive Officer Elena Norman expressed her delight in hosting the awards ceremony and the Congress itself. “Over the past years, the FIH Congress has proved to be one of the most critical platforms for dialogue, which has paved the way for the Hockey Revolution throughout the world, including India. All of us at Hockey India, especially our President Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, feels privileged to have been chosen as the host of the 2018 FIH Congress, and we do hope that everyone present experiences a memorable four days in our capital city New Delhi.” Source: FIH

46th FIH Congress kicks-off in New Delhi

Some 250 delegates from all over the world gather in New Delhi, India, this week, for the 46th Congress of the International Hockey Federation. The Congress is the supreme body of the FIH and meets every second year. This is where strategic decisions are made for the development and governance of hockey globally. While the Congress session itself will take place on 3 November at the Lalit Hotel, the week will kick-off on 31 October with the FIH Executive Board meeting as well as a meeting of the Continental Federation CEOs. The FIH Honorary Awards ceremony, rewarding personalities having made an outstanding contribution to the game, will be held on 1 November. The Congress agenda includes an overview of the status of the game, its evolution and development worldwide. Furthermore, delegates will elect four members to the Executive Board, while the Athletes’ committee will be renewed. Other items on the agenda include the ratification of the appointment of the President of the Judicial Commission, an update on the IOC Solidarity Foundation as well as a report on the FIH finances. FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “Over the past years we have worked tirelessly to develop and expand hockey worldwide. As we find ourselves almost half way through our ten-year Hockey Revolution strategy, we have a busy week ahead of us and I am looking forward to holding fruitful discussions together and making good decisions as we strive constantly to develop our sport globally and strengthen our governance to make hockey a global game that inspires the next generation.” The full Congress agenda is available here. Source: FIH

More teams progress to Quarter-Finals at YOG 2018

Day four of the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games saw more teams qualify for the Quarter-Finals of the men’s and women’s Hockey5s events in Youth Olympic Park. For all the day 4 results, click here. In the women’s event, Australia, China and Poland qualified from Pool B. Reigning champions China beat fellow qualifiers Australia this morning, but it proved their most challenging match so far. Two goals from Zou Meirong plus another from Gu Yangyan was enough to secure their 3-1 win to maintain their 100% record in the competition. Poland meanwhile edged Namibia 1-0 to qualify thanks to a goal from Dzesika Mazur, while earlier in the day Zimbabwe kept their Quarter-Final hopes alive by defeating Mexico 2-1. Uruguay women got today’s Pool A proceedings off to a stunning start as they picked up their first win in some style by defeating Vanuatu 18-0, which included six goals from Pilar Oliveros. Argentina meanwhile continued their winning streak whilst also ending India’s 100% record as the hosts won 5-2. The last women’s Pool A match of the day say South Africa clinch their place in the Quarter-Finals thanks to a narrow 2-1 win against Austria. In the men’s competition, Poland pulled off the biggest win of day four as they defeated Vanuatu 15-1 in Pool A. Their win included five goals from Eryk Bembenek. The Pool A leaders, Argentina and Malaysia, also went head to head today, with the hosts emerging 4-2 winners to maintain their undefeated record in front of another bumper crowd. Speaking afterwards, Argentina’s Tadeo Marucci said: “We are feeling really enthusiastic going into the next matches. I’m really proud of our performances so far but we need to keep improving.” Teammate Santiago Micaz added: “The dynamic and attitude of the team has been really impressive. We are always attacking but also working hard for each other. The fans have also been amazing and been a huge boost for us.” Mexico meanwhile picked up their first win as they defeated Zambia in a 6-4 thriller this afternoon. In men’s Pool B, Australia remain the only unbeaten team as they beat Asian rivals India 4-3. Austria picked up their third win of the event, but Kenya made them work for their victory with the final score also 4-3. Bangladesh were another team to secure their first win of the event as they defeated Canada 5-2, with Safiul Alam grabbing two goals for his team. To find out who is playing on day 5 click here. #YOG2018

Namibia stuns Australia in Buenos Aires

Namibia women recorded a famous victory in the second day of play at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games as they defeated Australia 4-3 in a late morning thriller. For all the day 2 results, click here. Captain Kiana-Che Cormack inspired her team with two goals whilst Joane van Rooyen and Taramarie Myburgh also grabbed a couple to earn Namibia their first win in Pool B. Elsewhere in Pool B, Poland edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in a close encounter while reigning champions China kept up their fine form as they beat Mexico 7-0. Speaking after their second successive win, China’s Ning Ma said: “Today I think our match and our performance was great. I am so excited to be here at Youth Olympic games, it is my honour to to be representing my country here and thank you Argentina for setting up such a good pitch and incredible venue. Everyone in the team is really happy and I feel good here in Buenos Aires.” Women’s Pool A is topped by hosts Argentina on goal difference. They continued their high scoring streak this evening, this time defeating Austria 6-0 to the delight of the home crowd. The other matches in Pool A saw India make it two wins from two as they won 2-1 against Uruguay. However it was South Africa who picked up the biggest win of the day in the women’s event as they defeated Vanuatu 11-0. Afterwards, South Africa’s Ammaarah Hendricks said: “We are feeling great after this match and are exited for the Youth Olympic Games. We know our next match is going to be tough. We will tweak some things and work as a team to play better.” On their experience so far she added: “The Youth Olympic Games is an amazing experience, we get to meet many different people and get to play such a high level. It is fantastic and are really enjoying it.” In the men’s competition, India continued their dominance as they beat Austria in Pool B. Four goals from Sudeep Chirmako helped them to a 9-1 win. Bangladesh meanwhile while pushed Australia to their limits, making for an edgy end to their Pool B game as Sawon Sarower brought the score to within one goal with three minutes to go. Australia however held on to take the 4-3 victory to maintain their 100 percent record. In the other Pool B match, Canada picked up their first win as they defeated Kenya 4-3 to continue day two’s excitement. Zambia captain Joseph Mugamba was the star of the show as his two goals helped his team to a 4-3 win against Poland in Pool A. The winning goal came within three minutes of full-time through Phillimon Bwali. Argentina remain top of Pool A however as they treated the home fans to 18 goals without reply in their win against Vanuatu. Every Argentine player except captain Lisandro Zago scored, including four goals each fom Ignacio Ibarra and Tadeo Marcucci. Despite their heavy loss, Vanuatu Coach Kitto Todd explained the value in participating in such events. He said: “This is so good for Vanuatu and the boys. This is amazing for them to get to play the best team in the world. They are loving every minute of their time at the village and this amazing hockey venue.” Hot on their tails at the top of the Pool are Malaysia who picked up their second successive win as they won 4-2 against Mexico. To find out who is playing on day three click here. #YOG2018

Stage is set for Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Hockey5s

5 October 2018 Australia men aim to make it three successive wins China women seek to defend 2014 title Argentina’s Head Coach seeks to repeat double medal success Buenos Aires, Argentina: The men’s and women’s hockey events at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games get underway this Sunday, 7 October, in Argentina’s capital city. In the women’s event, hosts Argentina will be joined by Australia, Austria, China, India, Mexico, Namibia, Poland, South Africa, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe. The men’s event will see Argentina welcome Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Vanuatu and Zambia. The opening match of the men’s event is a Pool A clash between Mexico and Poland while India and Austria open the women’s competition. The Hockey5s events run until Sunday 14 October, with the gold medal matches taking place at 15:00 (men) and 16:30 (women) on the final day (all times Argentina Standard Time – GMT/UTC -3). For the 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams competing, it is the first steps to realising a dream. The Youth Olympic Games provides the platform from which promising young athletes aged between 15 and 18 can launch spectacular international careers in their chosen sport. The 216 athletes playing in the men’s and women’s hockey events at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games couldn’t have wished for a better place to become a young Olympian. Argentina is a country that is passionate about hockey and the packed stands will be full of fanatical and knowledgeable hockey spectators. One athlete who knows all about playing on the biggest stage is India women’s Lalremsiami. Winner of the Under-21 Rising Star at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy in Korea, the prolific striker made her senior team debut in 2017. Earlier this year she was one of India’s star players at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London. With India women making their debut at these Games, a medal would be a nice entry point to the competition. Hockey is well-known for its family values, with young players being introduced to the game by their hockey-playing parents. At the third Youth Olympic Games, those family ties are very much in evidence. Brothers Tomasz and Eryk Bembenek will be hoping to bring home a medal and shine the spotlight on hockey in Poland. Austria’s Isabella Klausbruckner will be very conscious of following her coach’s instructions, because Head Coach Heinz is her father. Hockey heritage runs deep in the Klausbruckner household with mother Sandra playing for Austria in the 2011 Indoor World Cup. Brothers Brad and Craig Marais are just two of the Australian team that are looking to continue Australia’s unbeaten run at this event. The team won gold in 2010 and 2014 and will be looking to repeat that feat this year. The Australia team has a number of multi-talented sportspeople. Christian Starkie is also a talented squash player while James Collins is a promising cricketer. Reigning women’s champions China will be looking to repeat their win from 2014. In Nanjing 2014, the China team beat the Netherlands in a highly competitive final – it finished 5-5 and China went on to win the shoot-out. This year, competition will be fierce however, and no team will be searching for gold more determinedly than the young Leonas of Argentina. At their helm is a Head Coach who knows all about winning. Carlos Retegui led the Argentina men’s team to a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He also won bronze with both the men’s and women’s teams at the 2014 World Cup. ‘Chapa’ as he is also known, is now hoping to better that performance by leading both the men’s and women’s teams to gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in his homeland. Five continents are represented at the Games and the inclusion of debutant teams such as Zimbabwe – whose women’s team remain the only African side to win a medal at an Olympic Games when they took gold in 1980 – is a demonstration of the increasing global reach of the game. Another African nation, Zambia, has called on youth as well as experience. Their men’s coach is Samuel Tagwireyi, who competed in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. To keep up to date with all the Hockey5s action from the Youth Olympic Games, click here. Fans wanting to attend the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games can now apply for free access to all events via the official website. For more information, click here. #YOG2018

2nd President’s Cup Announcement

As AfHF received no entries for the 2nd President’s Cup scheduled for 19-26 Nov. 2018 in Uganda, this is to announce that the 2nd President’s Cup will not take place & that both Uganda’s Men & Women teams are 2018 President’s Cup winners.

Teams confirmed for Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games

August 9, 2018 Hosts Argentina joined by 11 other nations in men’s and women’s events Every continent represented in Hockey5s competition Hockey5s taking place between 7 and 14 October in Youth Olympic Park The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed the 12 women’s and 12 men’s teams that will participate in the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Hockey5s events taking place between 7 and 14 October. In the women’s event, hosts Argentina will be joined by Australia, Austria, China, India, Mexico, Namibia, Poland, South Africa, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe. The men’s event will see Argentina welcome Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Vanuatu and Zambia. “The Youth Olympic Games are a fantastic opportunity for the world to see the future of our sport, whilst also giving these athletes the first taste of Olympism.” – Thierry Weil, FIH CEO The confirmation of these teams follows the conclusion of all continental qualifying events, the last being the African Youth Games, which concluded on 28 July. Thereafter, each qualified National Olympic Committee (NOC) was invited to send a Hockey5s team to the event in Buenos Aires, which will take place within the Youth Olympic Park in the southern area of the city. As NOCs are only allowed to send one team sport, the FIH had to wait on confirmation before publishing the official list of qualified nations. The range of teams participating in this event once again highlights hockey’s global reach, with nations participating from every continent, including many nations who will be participating in their first ever Youth Olympic Games. This includes Argentina, Austria, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland and Vanuatu in the men’s event and Australia, Austria, India, Mexico, Namibia, Poland and Zimbabwe and in the women’s competition. While all of the teams will have different squads to the ones that participated four years ago, Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games medallists Australia (gold) and Canada (silver) men and China (gold) and Argentina (bronze) women will be hoping to add to their Hockey5s success. Speaking about this, FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “This is going to be a fascinating event, combining raw talent with great potential. The Youth Olympic Games are a fantastic opportunity for the world to see the future of our sport, whilst also giving these athletes the first taste of Olympism. We can’t wait to get underway in Buenos Aires this coming October.” Fans wanting to attend the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games can now apply for free access to all events via the official website. For more information, click here. For more information about the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, visit the official website. #YOG2018 Source: FIH

Netherlands women retain top ranking following World Cup win

August 7, 2018 Dutch remain world’s best team, a position they have held since 2011 Silver medallists Ireland biggest climbers as they rise to eighth Spain seventh following historic bronze win Following their Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 win last weekend, Netherlands remain the world’s number one women’s team in the FIH Hero World Rankings. In taking their eighth World Cup title thanks to a 6-0 win against Ireland in the final, the Dutch retained top spot, a position they have held since October 2011. Netherlands have been on an impressive run as of late, having not lost a match since 29 July 2017. It was Ireland however who made the biggest of gains as they moved from 16th up to eighth position after securing the silver medal following their historic run to the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup final. Their previous highest ranking was 14th. England (Great Britain) remain in second spot following their sixth place finish in London while Australia jumped up to third, leapfrogging reigning Pan American champions Argentina, who move to fourth and Commonwealth Games champions New Zealand who dropped to sixth. Germany meanwhile move up to fifth. Spain took the bronze medals in London to achieve their highest ever finish in World Cup history. Their 3-1 victory against Australia has seen them move up to seventh in the rankings. Asian rivals India (9) and Korea (10) round out the top 10, while China (11) and the USA (12) drop further down the rankings. The next women’s FIH Hero World Rankings will be updated following the conclusion of the Hockey Series Open in September 2018. For the latest FIH Hero World Rankings for women’s teams, click here. Source: FIH

Glorious Dutch dominate and record books are re-written

August 5, 2018 Relentless and magnificent. The Netherlands have absolutely owned the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup since their opening 7-0 scoreline against Korea. The women in orange might have been slightly stunned by the reception their opponents received as they walked out for the final but then it was business as usual – except in this case, the word ‘usual’ is a synonym for unparalleled excellence. If ever a World Cup title was warranted, it was this one and the question every other coach has to be asking is “How do we beat the Dutch?” London turned green for the afternoon as Ireland women played out the final chapter of their fascinating World Cup journey. The crowd sang the Irish national anthem with a pride and a passion that moved even the most neutral of spectators and the Netherlands were, for just a moment, a sideshow to the main event. Then the action started on the pitch. Every Irish pass was greeted with a roar of approval. A heavy tackle by Caia van Maasakker was booed, albeit with an undercurrent of humour. But this is the Dutch and it was going to take a lot more than a noisy crowd to put them off course. For Chloe Watkins and Eva de Goede, this final was a particularly special occasion as both players were representing their respective nations for the 200th time. Ireland started brightly, with the excellent Nikki Evans showing the confidence to take the Dutch on and create opportunities for her team mates. Gradually though, the Dutch felt their way into the game and, as is their style, a sweeping team move allowed Vitality Best PLayer Lidewij Welten to give them a lead in the seventh minute. After the quarter break it was again a team move that doubled that lead. Frederique Matla took the ball down the Dutch right-hand side of the pitch, before slipping to Xan de Waard. Her shot was weak and dealt with easily by Goalkeeper of the Tournament Ayeisha McFerran but the rebound fell to Kelly Jonker who made no mistake as she shot home with a clipped backhand shot. Netherlands began to turn the pressure up, winning two penalty corners in quick succession. Unusually for the world number one team, the shots failed to produce goals, but this was rectified a few minutes later as the tournament’s Top Scorer Kitty van Male pounced on a rebounded effort from van Maasakker and shot home for her eighth goal of the tournament. With just 30 seconds left on the clock, Malou Pheninckx unleashed a shot from the edge of the circle that flew into the top corner of the Ireland goal. McFerran, who has been so excellent all tournament could do nothing about the rocket of a shot – Pheninckx’s third goal for her nation and her third of this tournament. The half time break gave Graham Shaw a chance to regroup his shattered troops but it also gave Alyson Annan an opportunity to put her foot down even more firmly on the pedal. “We deservedly won, we played the best hockey throughout the tournament and this was shown today.” Alyson Annan, Netherlands Head Coach The Netherlands came out with every intention of making each attack count and just two minutes into the half, Marloes Keetels was on hand to knock the ball into the goal after another defence splitting run by Welten. Caia van Maasakker finally found her groove as she scored from the penalty corner – her third of the tournament. The shot was perfectly placed just out of McFerran’s reach. Irish hopes were lifted for a moment when a Netherlands penalty corner broke down and a quick move saw the Deirdrie Duke alone with just one Dutch defender. A lot is said about the Netherland’s attack but on this occasion it was the defence that showed its class. Irene van Assem made the tackle and the danger was averted with composure. And so to the last 15 minutes of this compelling story. The Netherlands were within touching distance of the trophy for an amazing eighth time, and for the second consecutive edition. But Ireland had played their own part in this story too. As one highly ranked team after another had fallen by the wayside, the story just got more amazing and that is why millions were tuning in across the world and the stadium was full of people determined to see how the final chapter panned out. With their total domination of the sport since 2016, harking back to a single loss in July 2017, the Netherlands are one of the best sports team in the world at the moment, but for sheer exhilaration, this World Cup also belongs to the teams that overturned the rankings and entertained the crowds for 15 glorious days of hockey. The final score of 6-0 is an all-time record for World Cup finals, and it is a signal to the hockey world that the Netherlands have set the bar very high indeed. Ireland’s inspirational captain Kathryn Mullan reflected back: “It was a tough, tough game. We prepared as we did for all the other games. The turn around time was tight and we knew it was going to be a real physical effort from us and we weren’t perhaps as fresh as we would have liked. But credit where credit is due, the Dutch are phenomenal. “We may be disappointed when we look back at the game as to how they got in, but the better team on the day won. The effort my teammates put in was brilliant. “It’s tough right now, but in a few weeks or month we will look back with pride. We came in ranked 16th and we wanted to cause an upset. I’m wearing a silver medal, so we have definitely caused an upset.” Netherlands’ Frederique Matla, said: “This is my first world cup so I am really excited. We set out to attack. We knew they had

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Lock leads Spain to first ever World Cup medal

August 5, 2018 Spain’s incredible journey at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup came to a bronze-tinted end as they defeated Australia with a consummate display of creative, attacking hockey. The bronze medal match was a clash between Australia, the world number five team and 2014 silver medalists, and Spain who, with a FIH Hero World Ranking of 11, have played way beyond initial expectations. The Australian team had lost in shoot-out to the Netherlands less than 24 hours earlier, while Spain had lost to Ireland in similar fashion in the first semi-final. Australia certainly looked the more battered of the two teams contesting the bronze medal. Jodie Kenny was sporting heavy strapping on her shoulder and Renee Taylor was unable to play, so Lily Brazel had come into the squad as a replacement. Spain in contrast looked lively as they chased their best finish in a World Cup – their best previous result was fourth in 2006. Certainly it was Spain who came flying out of the blocks and were rewarded with a goal just ten minutes into the game. Maria Lopez was the scorer after yet another innovative penalty corner routine saw Lynch unable to react to the quick switch of play. Australia were still looking flat as Spain kept pushing and pushing for a second goal. Where Australia were looking to play the ball wide and up the sides, the Spain side were happy to create and push forwards through the middle of the pitch. Georgina Oliva, who has enjoyed a wonderful tournament, was able to architect several attacks with her clever passing. Both Rosie Malone and Brooke Peris showed their own determination to leave this World Cup with a medal as they made several bursting runs from the midfield but every Australia attack was met by a stoic Spanish defence. It was the strength of the defence that led to the second goal. Australia attacked but lost possession. The ball up the pitch found Beatriz Perez, who in turn found Berta Bonastre. The player, who had been so devastated after her team’s loss to Ireland the previous day, was on hand to fire home. As the team’s re-emerged into the sweltering hot Arena after the half-time break, Bonastre said: “We know it is not how we start the game but how we finish it. We are here to win a medal, we really deserve it.” The third quarter saw Spain look to increase their lead; again their defence were solid as the Australia midfield and attack tried to unpick them. The breakthrough eventually came as Emily Hurtz found Emily Smith. The Hockeyroo’s captain’s shot was goal bound but Kathryn Slattery just made sure and got a nick on the ball to halve the deficit. As the fourth quarter counted down, both teams began to look as if they were suffering from the heat and the previous day’s exertion. A crucial moment in the match however saw Alicia Magaz strike the ball home to extend the lead to 3-1. Australia’s Head Coach Paul Gaudoin removed Rachael Lynch and the Australia side ramped up the pressure. Slattery and Maddy Fitzpatrick both ran at the Red Sticks defence but found the wall impenetrable. The last chance for Australia came with just over two minutes left. A penalty corner was taken by Georgina Morgan but her shot was not strong enough to give Smith the chance of a deflection. As Australia’s most recent recruit Lily Brazel thumped the ball forwards, the excellent Rocio Gutierrez swept the ball forward and Spain were able to celebrate their first medal at a World Cup. “We didn’t put in a performance yesterday, the girls were gutted and they wanted to put it right today,” said Spain’s Head Coach Adrian Lock. “We took it to Australia. the goals went in and once they went in we weren’t going to let that go. “We talked about the opportunity to do something that no-one has ever done before. We wanted to make our own history. We have played them five times this year, we hadn’t beaten them but we drew four times. We knew we could win today,” he added. Australia’s Head Coach Paul Gaudoin said: “Spain were very good today and we weren’t quite there today. We will learn a lot from today’s performance. We can’t use yesterday’s match as an excuse for today.” A jubilant Cristina Guinea said: “It’s like a dream come true and we are so grateful that our hard work has paid off. We have a great team attitude and everyone takes responsibility for defence and attack. There are more medals to come.” #HWC2018