03 Aug, 2024 The race for the men’s hockey gold medal intensifies on Sunday 4 August as the magnificent Yves-du-Manoir Stadium hosts the Paris 2024 Olympic quarter-finals. Fascinatingly, the men’s quarter-final line up is identical to that seen three years ago at Tokyo 2020, with India playing Great Britain, Belgium meeting Spain, the Netherlands taking on Australia and Germany doing battle with Argentina. We look ahead to a potentially thrilling day of knock-out action in Paris. India v Great Britain – 10:00 CEST Lead by inspirational captain Harmanpreet Singh, eight times Olympic champions India have been outstanding at Paris 2024. Wins against New Zealand, Ireland and Australia – their first Olympic win against the Kookaburras since Munich 1972 – earned them a second-place finish in Pool B. India’s only defeat came at the hands of reigning Olympic champions and pool winners Belgium, a match in which they could easily have come away with a share of the spoils. While India have been exceptional, Great Britain’s form has been equally eye-catching. After thrashing Spain 4-0 in their opening Pool A match, GB fought back from losing positions against South Africa, the Netherlands and France to seal qualification before pool winners Germany edged them in their final match. The quarter-final between the two sides at Tokyo 2020 was won by India, who took a 3-1 victory before going on to take the bronze medal. Belgium v Spain – 12:30 CEST After dominating Pool B, reigning Olympic champions Belgium have been marked as the team to beat here in Paris. Following narrow wins against Ireland and New Zealand, the team hit devastating form with a 6-2 win over Australia before beating India to effectively top the standings, a position confirmed by a 3-3 draw with Argentina. While Belgium will take some stopping, Spain have also shown in Paris that they are capable of mixing it with the very best. A fourth place finish in Pool A does not do justice to their performances, the highlight being a 2-0 triumph over world champions Germany. At Tokyo 2020, Alexander Hendrickx (2) and Tom Boon helped Belgium’s Red Lions to a 3-1 quarter-final win over the Red Sticks on their way to winning their first ever Olympic gold medal in hockey. Netherlands v Australia – 17:30 CEST After convincing Pool A wins against South Africa and France, two-time Olympic champions the Netherlands dropped five points from their next six by drawing with Great Britain before falling to defeat against Germany. However, the European champions ended the pool phase in thrilling fashion, fighting back from 2-0 down to secure a 5-3 victory against Spain, confirming a second-place finish in the Pool B standings. Despite finishing third in Pool A, the Kookaburras are always a dangerous animal in knock-out hockey. While much of the focus has been on their defeats against Belgium and India, it is worth remembering that the Tokyo 2020 silver medallists actually won three of their five pool matches, defeating Argentina, Ireland and Oceania rivals New Zealand. They also have the tournament top scorer amongst their ranks, with Blake Govers having netted seven times in five matches. Australia emerged as winners of the Tokyo 2020 quarter-final, beating the Netherlands in a shoot-out 3-0 after the regular time finished with the scores locked at 2-2. Germany v Argentina – 20:00 CEST As reigning world champions, Germany were always going to be seen as genuine medal contenders here in Paris, a fact proven by finishing top of Pool A. Die Honamas recorded wins over France, South Africa, the Netherlands and Great Britain to top the standings, with a 2-0 defeat against inspired Spain in their second match being their only blip. They are the joint highest scorers with 16 goals (tied with the Netherlands) and have the joint best defensive record, having conceded just six. Interestingly, the team that Germany share their defensive record is Argentina, who will no doubt prove stubborn opponents in this quarter-final clash. Despite finishing fourth in Pool B, Los Leones have lost just once here in Paris, going down to Australia in the opening match but defeating New Zealand and Ireland while claiming superb draws against India and Belgium. The presence of Gonzalo Peillat – who fired Argentina to Olympic glory at Rio 2016 – in the Germany line-up certainly adds extra spice to the occasion. The Tokyo 2020 quarter-final meeting between Germany and Argentina ended with a 3-1 victory for the Europeans. It will be fascinating to see how this and all of the quarter-final matches play out here at Paris 2024. The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Men’s Quarter-Finals – Sunday 4 August 2024 (all times CEST) 10:00: India v Great Britain – Match 2 12:30: Belgium v Spain – Match 4 17:30: Netherlands v Australia – Match 3 20:00: Germany v Argentina – Match 1 Semi-finals – Tuesday 6 August 2024 (times TBC) Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey

Despite both teams being eliminated from the Paris Olympics ahead of their meeting, there was no shortage of noise and excitement in the build-up as South Africa and France locked horns at Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Friday evening. South Africa settled first and were rewarded with an early penalty corner. Matt Guise-Brown finished it superbly into the bottom left corner and the South Africans led 1-0. South Africa produced again before long but Tevin Kok’s leading run and deflection was wide. The French crowd were doing everything they could to impact the game, cheering on every half-chance massively. The South Africans were dialed in well in the opening quarter though and created a brilliant opening just before the hooter, but the shot was over the top of the goal and it was 1-0 at the break. The French leveled with a goal out of almost nothing. An overhead was lifted into the circle, the ball across lacked venom, but Timothee Clement did brilliantly to divert it past Gowan Jones. France was starting to show poor discipline and were collecting a couple of cards as a result. South Africa re-established the lead with a brilliant finish from Keenan Horne after great work by Bili Ntuli on the baseline to fire in the cross. But the lead didn’t last long. France was gifted a penalty corner and Victor Charlet made no mistake to restore parity. France took advantage of an error in the South African defense to create a shot at goal but Gowan Jones was able to keep it out. And despite the rising tension in Paris, the score remained deadlocked at 2-2 at the half-time break. The second half started with the same tension the first had finished with, further cementing the desires of both teams to get the win. Jacque van Tonder was given a yellow card as South Africa would need to play out five minutes with a player short. They did that without any problem, returned to a full complement, and immediately were awarded a penalty corner that was very close to being a penalty stroke. The injection wasn’t quite right and South Africa lost their referral in the resultant shot. Three-quarters complete, the scoreline remained 2-2. South Africa had a surprise lead early in the final quarter when Dayaan Cassiem crossed the ball into the circle and it was deflected home by the defender. The goal was disallowed though, as on referral it was ruled to have not gone five meters before entering the circle. South Africa countered again but couldn’t find the telling touch to get it in. Seven minutes remained. South Africa won a penalty corner and the quick-thinking Mustapha Cassiem threw in a variation with a slap finish that caught a deflection and went in. France pulled their keeper to try and go for the result, but the South Africans punished them when Dayaan Cassiem pulled into the circle and fired home to make it 4-2. It probably should have been five, but Ntuli fired wide. And it was five shortly afterward as Dayaan Cassiem punished in the way he knows how. A massive victory for the South African men against the French in front of a packed home crowd will live long in the memory, serving as a further reminder of the quality this team possesses. Source: sahockey.co.za | August 2, 2024

South Africa faced the daunting task of taking on FIH Nations Cup champions Spain, hoping to keep their Quarter Final dream alive. With Antonet Louw ruled out, it was Kayla Swarts’ second Olympic game, closely watched by her brother, Wayde van Niekerk. In the second minute, South Africa launched a superb counter-attack and, after a referral, were awarded a penalty corner. However, they couldn’t capitalize on the chance, keeping the scoreline blank. Spain then enjoyed a period of possession, but South Africa struck again on the counter. Celia Seerane’s shot earned another penalty corner, yet again, South Africa failed to convert the opportunity. Despite promising attacks, the game awaited its first goal. Spain broke the deadlock with their first penalty corner, executed perfectly for Belen Iglesias to tap home, ending the first quarter 1-0 in favor of Spain. The second quarter began with both sides failing to create significant chances until an unforced error invited Spain to attack. Laura Barrios fired wide, letting South Africa off the hook. Although South Africa saw more of the ball, they struggled to create scoring opportunities. The first half ended with Spain leading 1-0 under the brutal sun. Early in the second half, Spain earned their second penalty corner but were thwarted by South Africa’s defense. A successful referral overturned another penalty corner for Spain, maintaining the 1-0 scoreline. Kayla de Waal’s snapshot from the top of the circle was saved by Clara Perez. The game entered the final quarter with South Africa still trailing. Kristen Paton won a penalty corner for South Africa at the start of the final quarter, but the variation failed to hit the target. Erin Christie’s solid defense stopped a cross, but Spain earned a penalty corner from a deflection. Anelle Lloyd made a crucial save, keeping it 1-0. South Africa continued to press for an equalizer, putting immense pressure on the Spanish defense but failing to find the telling connection. Thati Zulu’s penalty corner led to calls for a stroke from the crowd, but the shot was saved amidst a goalmouth scramble. With five minutes remaining, South Africa’s chances dwindled further after Thati Zulu received a yellow card. Spain won another penalty corner, but South Africa’s defense stood firm. Another corner followed, but this time, the defense was beaten along with the goal. Despite a valiant effort, South Africa could not find the equalizer, falling short in a hard-fought match against Spain. Source: sahockey.co.za | August 1, 2024

02 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 7: Following the completion of men’s pool phase, the line up for the men’s quarter-finals at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is now known. On Sunday 4 August, Pool A winners Germany face a quarter-final meeting with Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina, who finished fourth in Pool B, with Pool B table-toppers and reigning Olympic champions Belgium meeting Pool A’s fourth placed team Spain. The Netherlands finished second in Pool A and will now face a mouthwatering last eight clash with Pool B’s third placed team Australia, with Pool B runners up India taking on Great Britain, the third placed team in Pool A. The timings for these matches can be found below or by clicking here.   There were also two significant matches in women’s Pool A, with the Netherlands and Germany both snatching wins ahead of the final day of pool action on Saturday (3 August). More information on today’s matches can be found below. For additional information about the Pool Rankings and the various splitters and the progression of the competition, please click here (Appendix 2, art. 2.2).   Men’s Pool A Christopher Rühr scored twice as Germany secured their place at the top of pool A with a 2-1 win against Great Britain, who finished third in the pool. Rühr netted a backhand rocket and a penalty stroke to send Die Honamas into a quarter-final against Argentina on Monday. Reflecting on the result, Germany’s Martin Zwicker said: “It was a really tough game but we are glad to have the three points to finish top of the board.” The Netherlands recovered from two goals down to claim a remarkable 5-3 victory over Spain, with Jip Janssen and Tjep Hoedemakers both netting doubles. The result put the Netherlands temporarily at the top of the pool ahead of the evening match between Germany and Great Britain, with Spain finishing in fourth. Netherlands ace Seve van Ass said: “They did really well in the first quarter. From then you can make it or break it as a squad, and it helps if you have some experience, if you know what to do, if you know how to step it up. And we really took up the challenge.” South Africa completed their Olympic competition with a 5-2 win over hosts France in front of a raucous, partisan crowd at Yves-du-Manoir. The Cassiem brothers contributed three goals to South Africa’s cause, with Mustaphaa firing home before Dayaan added a late brace after France had replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player in a bid to salvage something from the contest. Men’s Pool B A last-gasp equaliser from Thibeau Stockbroekx earned Belgium a point in their final pool match, tying 3-3 with Argentina. The goal ensured that the Red Lions completed the pool phase unbeaten, with four wins and a draw from five matches to finish top of the standings. A point was not enough for Argentina to climb up the table, remaining in fourth position. It was a special day for Belgium’s Florent van Aubel, who made his 300thappearance for his country. India men claimed their first Olympic hockey victory over Australia since Munich 1972, some 52 years ago, as team captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in a 3-2 victory against the Kookaburras to ensure a second place Pool finish. “We started (the tournament by) winning, and we decided we were going to finish with a winning match” said Harmanpreet, who hopes to guide India to their first gold medal since Moscow 1980. “We put them under pressure and the pressure was so good from the frontline.” India’s Shamsher Singh achieved a personal milestone against Australia, playing his 100th international match. As South Africa did in Pool A, Ireland ended their Paris 2024 campaign on a high note with a hard-fought victory over bottom of the table New Zealand, as goals from Benjamin Walker and Jeremy Duncan sealed 2-1 win to finish fifth in Pool B. Women’s Pool A There were two significant matches in women’s Pool A, with the Netherlands taking control of the group with a 3-1 win over the previously unbeaten Belgium while Germany defeated China 2-0. Pien Sanders, Yibbi Jansen and Maria Verschoor scored the goals to give the Oranje victory over the Red Panthers, putting them three points clear at the top of the table. “I feel quite good, it was a good game”, said Netherlands scorer Verschoor. “I think we were playing very solid. We weren’t in any kind of danger. I’m just really happy with the win.” The contest brought up a milestone for umpire Hannah Harrison (GBR), who took charge of the 100th international match. Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz both scored twice for Die Danas in their victory over China, a win that left them second in the table at the end of the day’s play. “It was a tough game”, said Germany’s Amelie Wortmann. “China is always a strong opponent, so we wanted to defend well, and then it’s good for us. We made an early goal.” Despite the defeat, it was a milestone moment for China’s Dan Wen, who played her 100th international match. Further information and statistics on all of today’s matches can be found by clicking here. Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey at Yves-du-Manoir on Day 7 included Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Greg Barclay, Chairman of the International Cricket Council. The Paris 2024 Olympic hockey competition continues on Saturday 3 August with the completion of the women’s pool phase, which will finalise the fixtures for the quarter-finals. In Pool A, Netherlands (1st – 12 pts) meet Japan (5th – 1pt) on Pitch 2 at 10:30 CEST, with China (4th – 3pts) and France (6th – 0pts) going head-to-head on Pitch 1 at 17:00. The final match of the pool phase also takes place on Pitch 1, with Germany (2nd – 9pts) playing Belgium (3rd – 9pts). In Pool B, Great Britain (4th – 6pts) and Argentina (2nd – 10pts) feature in the 10:00 match on Pitch 1, with Australia (1st – 10pts) facing Spain (3rd – 7pts) at

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Both South Africa and Great Britain had started the Paris Olympic Games with back-to-back defeats as they met on Wednesday morning in the hope of igniting their Olympic challenge. It was 4-1 to Great Britain when they met in Tokyo. Great Britain had the first opportunity to strike, winning a penalty corner, but they failed to execute a shot on target. South Africa had the next chance, also from a penalty corner. South Africa capitalized as Bobbs’ shot was deflected in by Kayla de Waal for her third goal in the tournament. Paris-Gail Isaacs had a shot go narrowly wide as South Africa was well and truly up for the competition. Without further goal-bound opportunities, the opening quarter came to a conclusion with South Africa leading 1-0. The second quarter struggled for true quality. Great Britain had the first opportunity to strike and won a penalty corner. Amy Costello fired in a low, hard shot that deflected off a South African stick and into the back of the net to make it 1-1. South Africa found space in the circle and Ntsopa Mokoena had a rare opportunity to make some magic, but she was crowded out of the play quickly. Great Britain started to have more of the ball but weren’t doing anything of substance with it. South Africa created another entry from industrious work by Dirkie Chamberlain, but Taheera Augousti was unable to create a shot. The score remained 1-1 at the half-time break. The second half saw South Africa produce another exciting counter-attack with Ntsopa Mokoena and Kayla de Waal combining, only for the former to be denied by a ball-and-all save. Great Britain thought they had found the go-ahead goal when they beat Anelle Lloyd, but they struck the upright. A penalty corner was given to Great Britain, but South Africa reviewed and lost the referral. Although they didn’t make the penalty corner count, Great Britain produced a moment of quality to take the lead. An aerial ball into the circle was collected by Hannah French, who finished on the first attempt to make it 2-1. South Africa should have found themselves level when Thati Zulu effected a turnover and set it through to Celia Seerane, whose shot was inches wide of restoring parity. The third quarter ended with Great Britain leading 2-1. Anelle Lloyd made a good low save from a penalty corner early in the final quarter. South Africa looked to try and find a goal back but were not finding the connections needed. Great Britain had another penalty corner, but Erin Christie charged it down to keep the gap to 1 with 5 minutes remaining. South Africa were guilty of giving the ball away too easily when they were looking to counter, making the task a little easier for the 2016 gold medallists. Thati Zulu drove hard into the circle, but her shot was over the top. Despite their best efforts, the African champions were unable to find a goal, and the game ended 2-1 in favor of Great Britain. Edith Molikoe shared her thoughts post-game: “It was another tough game. We really put in our all. It’s a game we wanted to get a result from so we are disappointed with the result. We are excited with the style of hockey we are playing and we hope that we can add the result in the final two games.” Source: sahockey.co.za | July 31, 2024

30 July, 2024 Paris, France – Day 4: Reigning Olympic men’s gold medallists Belgium recorded an astonishing victory over Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia, with Tom Boon netting a sensational hat-trick as the Red Lions triumphed 6-2 to move top of Pool B in an absorbing Olympic Games Paris 2024 hockey encounter. On a day that featured only men’s matches, India and Argentina were also winners in Pool B, while Pool A leaders the Netherlands were pegged back by Great Britain as the race for the quarter-finals heated up on a scorching hot day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. More information on today’s matches can be found below. For additional information about the Pool Rankings and the various splitters, please click here (Appendix 2, art. 2.2). Men’s Pool A The Netherlands (7pts) finished Day 4 sitting at the top of the standings thanks to a 2-2 draw against Great Britain (5pts), who rescued a valuable point thanks to a brilliant late double from Lee Morton. “I don’t score many” said GB’s Morton on his brace. “It’s my first Olympic goal, and I get to score two.” Third placed Great Britain sit one point behind second placed Germany (6pts), who bounced back from Sunday’s loss to Spain in brilliant style. Gonzalo Peillat (2), Christopher Rühr, Justus Weigand and Mats Grambusch all netted in a 5-2 win over South Africa (1pt), who are fifth in the table. “South Africa showed (by drawing against Great Britain on Sunday) that they can compete on the highest level”, said Germany scorer Rühr. “So we had to play our A-game today, and we played really well and scored five goals, which is not even undeserved.” Spain (4pts) ended the day occupying fourth place in Pool A having twice trailed host nation France (6th – 1pt) – who led early thanks to two wonderful goals from Timothee Clement – before a Pepe Cunill’s 51st minute penalty corner earned a 3-3 draw for the Red Sticks. “We obviously wanted to win this match because we would have had six points and would be in a very good position”, said Spain’s Cunill. Although we drew the match, we know that we gained a really important point that gives us more chances to qualify.” Men’s Pool B Belgium (1st – 9pts) produced easily their best performance of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, crushing Australia (3rd – 6pts) 6-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Tom Boon and additional goals from Alexander Hendrickx, Florent van Aubel and Antoine Kina. The Red Lions thrilled the thousands of watching Belgian fans by securing their place in the competition quarter-finals, although Belgian midfielder Victor Wegnez was cautious in his post-match assessment. “I think we got lucky a few times, and while it is a great result it is only a pool match so we don’t want to get too excited”, said Wegnez, a gold medallist from Tokyo 2020. “It was just amazing to play in front of those fans. It was a pretty much a home crowd, which is the beauty of Belgium being so close to Paris.” Earlier in the day, eight times Olympic champions India (2nd – 7pts) – who are yet to face Australia and Belgium – claimed their second win of the competition, seeing off Ireland (6th – 0pts). Harmanpreet Singh scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over the Green Machine, a result which also confirmed their safe passage through to the quarter-finals. “It was a good result for us”, said India striker Sukhjeet Singh. “We played well in a structured way to stop the Ireland team, so we are very happy.” Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina (4th – 4 pts) battled to their first victory in Paris, with New Zealand (5th – 0pts) being downed by goals from Tomas Domene and Lucas Martinez. Argentina goal-scorer Thomas Domene said: “For me, it had always been a dream to be in the Olympic Games and I always also imagined scoring a goal. So I’m very happy. I had a lot of confidence in the team. This was a very important game for us.” Further information and statistics on all of today’s matches can be found by clicking here. Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey at Yves-du-Manoir on Day 4 included Her Royal Highness Princess Anne of the British Royal Family and Ms Amélie Oudea Castera, the Minister of Sports for France. The Paris 2024 Olympic hockey competition continues on Wednesday 31 July with six women’s and two men’s matches taking place. In women’s Pool B, Argentina (1st – 6pts) and Spain (3rd – 4pts) meet at 10:00 CEST on Pitch 1, with South Africa (5th – 0pts) taking on Great Britain (6th – 0pts) on Pitch 2 in the 10:30 game. The final Pool B match of the day sees Australia (2nd – 6pts) facing USA (4th – 1pt) on Pitch 2 at 13:15. In Pool A, France (6th – 0pts) clash with Germany (4th – 3pts) at 15:45 on Pitch 1 before Belgium (1st – 6pts) play Japan (5th – 0pts) at 17:00 on Pitch 1. Reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands (2nd – 6pts) are in action in the final match of the day, meeting China (3rd – 3pts) at 20:15 on Pitch 2. The two men’s matches take place in Pool A, with second placed Germany (2nd – 6pts) facing table-topper the Netherlands on Pitch 2 at 17:30 before Spain and South Africa, respectively ranked fourth and fifth, go head-to-head at 1945 on Pitch 1. The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey 30 July 2024 – Day 4  Results Men’s Pool A Spain 3-3 France South Africa 1-5 Germany Great Britain 2-2 Netherlands Men’s Pool B  Ireland 0-2 India Argentina 2-0 New Zealand Australia 2-6 Belgium Pool standings overviews Men: click here. Women: click here. Source: FIH.hockey

On a blisteringly hot morning at Stade Yves du Manoir, South Africa faced Germany in their third pool stage match. The two teams had previously met in the 2021 pool stage, where South Africa achieved a remarkable victory. This time, they aimed to deliver another memorable performance as a birthday present for head coach Cheslin Gie. However, the match began unfavorably for South Africa. Gonzalo Peillat fired home at the near post, giving Germany an early lead. South Africa quickly earned a penalty corner but failed to convert, keeping the score at 1-0. Using their referral effectively, they overturned a penalty corner and began creating half chances. In the final minute of the quarter, Germany was awarded a penalty stroke, which Christopher Ruhr converted to double the lead. Justus Weigand made it 3-0 for Germany when he found himself open in the circle and finished past Gowan Jones. South Africa had a good chance, but the shot went just wide. The second period was cagey, with few moments of quality, and Germany maintained their 3-0 lead at halftime. Early in the second half, Gowan Jones made several saves before a brilliant counterattack from South Africa almost resulted in a goal, drawing massive appreciation from the crowd. South Africa then won a penalty corner, which Matt Guise-Brown converted to make it 3-1. However, Germany reestablished their three-goal lead when Gonzalo Peillat scored from a penalty corner, with Calvin Davis unable to save on the line. South Africa won another penalty corner after good work from Bili Ntuli, but Mustapha Cassiem’s shot was saved, and his rebound effort went over the crossbar. The third quarter ended with Germany still holding a three-goal advantage. In the fourth quarter, South Africa had an early penalty corner and Germany received a yellow card for the tackle, but the shot was narrowly wide, keeping the gap at three goals. Gowan Jones made another save to deny Niklas Wellen. With three minutes remaining, an error in South Africa’s defense allowed the ball to land on Mats Grambusch’s stick. The German captain fired brilliantly into the top right corner, making it 5-1. Despite the defeat, South Africa’s focus now shifts to their next game against Spain on Wednesday evening, where they will battle for potential quarter-final places. Head Coach Cheslin Gie: “It wasn’t the result we wanted. We played within ourselves at stages, which is quite frustrating. Germany was very efficient and punished all our errors. We are still looking forward to the games against Spain and France, knowing that two victories will put us in the Quarter Finals.” Source: sahockey.co.za | July 30, 2024

South Africa continued their Olympic journey with a challenging encounter against world number 2, Argentina. This match marked just the second meeting between the two sides in Olympic history, with Argentina winning their previous clash by a large margin in London. Adding to the challenge for South Africa, their most experienced player, Dirkie Chamberlain, was ruled out, and Kayla Swart had the opportunity to emulate her older brother and become an Olympian. The game began poorly for South Africa as Argentina scored early. However, the umpires had missed a foot violation, which was well noticed by Erin Christie, leading to the goal being disallowed. Despite Argentina’s pressure, South Africa’s defense, led by Anelle Lloyd, held strong. Near the end of the first quarter, South Africa earned a penalty corner, and Antonet Louw’s low, hard drag shot found the back of the net, giving South Africa the lead. In the second quarter, Argentina won an early penalty corner, but their deflected effort went wide. Despite South Africa’s defensive efforts, Argentina equalized through Augustina Gorzelany’s near-post penalty corner. Argentina continued to threaten but failed to capitalize on their chances, including another disallowed goal for lifting the ball on the first strike from a penalty corner. South Africa produced an outstanding counter-attack led by Taheera Augousti, which saw Celia Seerane’s cross well saved. Shortly after, Kayla Swart’s lifted cross earned South Africa a penalty corner. From this, Quanita Bobbs fed the ball to Kayla de Waal, who deflected it home, putting South Africa ahead 2-1 at halftime—a surprising result. In the second half, Argentina’s frustration showed as they received two green cards, reducing them to nine players for a minute. Despite this, Argentina saw out the suspensions without conceding. An exciting counter-attack from South Africa almost resulted in a goal, but Mokoena couldn’t control the ball in the circle. Argentina won a penalty corner in the final minute of the third quarter but failed to capitalize, leaving the score 2-1 in South Africa’s favor. Early in the final quarter, South Africa missed a counter-attack opportunity, and Argentina quickly won a penalty corner. Gorzelany executed perfectly into the bottom left corner, leveling the score. With 10 minutes remaining, Argentina believed they could win and secured another penalty corner, with Gorzelany completing her hat-trick. Julieta Jankunas extended Argentina’s lead to 4-2 with a brilliant shot from the right of the circle. Argentina’s increased intensity in the final quarter overwhelmed South Africa, who ultimately had to settle for a two-goal defeat despite a tremendous effort. SA captain on the day Quanita Bobbs reflected on the result: “It was a tough day today. It was really hot. We had a great first half. We set about to get the first outcome and we did exactly that. I think we just ran out of steam in the final quarter unfortunately but overall I am tremendously proud of our team. We know what we need to do in the next games and we will go out and do it!” Source: sahockey.co.za | July 29, 2024

As is the way at a tournament, the games come at you thick and fast. Just over 24 hours after South Africa took on the Netherlands in their Paris 2024 opener, they were back taking on former head coach Paul Revington and his Great Britain charges. Great Britain showed their early attacking intent with a break into the circle, but Gowan Jones made the save to deny any early opportunity. South Africa also denied the first penalty corner for Great Britain with a good post clearance to keep the game scoreless. It was an even match, and South Africa were the next to have an opportunity, winning a penalty corner. That chance was taken by the South Africans. Guise-Browns’ shot was saved, the rebound was saved before it bobbled to the back post, and Andrew Hobson tapped it home to give the Africans the lead, which they held at the end of the first quarter. South Africa created a chance in the second quarter which eventually fell to Keenan Horne, but it was pulled narrowly wide. Great Britain won a penalty corner, but it was brilliantly charged down by Van Tonder and Horne, and South Africa still had the lead. Great Britain were awarded a stroke, but it was correctly overruled. South Africa asked a couple of questions in the concluding minutes of the half, but Sherwood was unable to breach the British backline, and at the half-time break, it was a 1-0 lead for South Africa. Great Britain leveled early in the second half. Gowan Jones saved from the initial penalty corner shot before Phil Roper reacted quickest and fired the ball home. South Africa had a penalty corner chance but were unable to find the goal as a game of very few chances continued to ebb its way forward. Gowan Jones was called on to make a save, but the ball was over the line already, and the third quarter ended with the score still deadlocked at 1-1. Great Britain won a penalty corner in the opening minute of the final quarter when Gowan Jones made a save, but the resultant ball was lifted into a crowd of players. Despite a variation move, South Africa answered the question and remained deadlocked. On the counter, it was the South Africans who took their moment brilliantly. Brad Sherwood received the ball and, with a brilliant touch, created space and fired it into the bottom corner to give South Africa the lead again with 7 minutes remaining. Keenan Horne fired a brilliant reverse stick shot that was heading into the top corner, but it was superbly saved by Ollie Payne. South Africa had to do incredible defensive work as Great Britain surged forward looking for a leveller. Great Britain won a penalty corner with two minutes on the clock, and it was re-awarded, adding to the tension. GB got the equalizer with 90 seconds still to play. Neither side found a winner and ultimately had to settle for a share of the points. SA Goal scorer Brad Sherwood: “I am obviously chuffed to be an Olympic goal scorer, but I’m really disappointed that we weren’t able to get the result. We put in a tremendous effort, and we frustrated them. We are South African; we will be back for the next game, of course!” Source: sahockey.co.za | July 28, 2024

Team South Africa began their women’s Olympic journey against long-time Southern Hemisphere rivals Australia on Sunday afternoon in Paris. The South Africans knew the challenge that lay ahead, facing the world number 5, a team they had never scored against in Olympic history, despite three previous meetings. After successfully appealing an early penalty corner, the South Africans created the best opportunity when they countered superbly and almost tapped in at the back post through Ongeziwe Mali. South Africa then produced a brilliant move from a free hit, with Celia Seerane crossing for Dirkie Chamberlain, whose goal-bound deflection was sensationally stopped by Jocelyn Bartram. The balance of play was in favour of the South Africans, and they were duly rewarded as Kristen Paton fed Kayla de Waal, who, after rounding Bartram, put it into the back of the net to give the Africans the lead. This was the first goal a South African woman had scored against Australia at the Olympics. Australia had their first chance of the quarter at the hooter, but Anelle Lloyd made the save to take SA into a 1-0 lead at the first break. Australia must have received a rollicking at the first interval as they leveled matters just 15 seconds into the second quarter. A good run down the left saw Grace Stewart get the deflection just ahead of Anelle Lloyd to restore parity. Australia won the game’s opening penalty corner, but it was easily defended. Australia broke again with a one-on-one opportunity, but it was brilliantly saved by Lloyd with her stick to deny the Hockeyroos in a quarter where they were asking questions. Half-time in Paris ended 1-1. The second half started with a successful referral for the South Africans, overturning a penalty corner. Thati Zulu produced a wonderful tackle to deny an Australian attack, much to the delight of the crowd, as South Africa won a penalty corner up the other end. Despite two re-awards, the South Africans were unable to make it count and very quickly found themselves defending a penalty corner. Australia made it count from the penalty corner with a deflected effort into the roof from Tatum Stewart to give Australia the lead for the first time. Thati Zulu then created her own chance with tenacity but saw it saved well at the near post, marking the last meaningful chance of the quarter, with 15 minutes remaining. It was a cagey final quarter, with neither team wanting to make a mistake in the quest for points. Australia were not creating anything of substance, but a yellow card for the South Africans meant they would have to cope with a player short in the final exchanges. Nevertheless, the South Africans continued to press for an equalizer. Despite a tremendous effort from the team, they were unable to create the game-defining moment and, unfortunately, had to settle for an opening game defeat. Post game thoughts from SA Captain Erin Christie: “We are disappointed to not have earned the result. We fought hard and put in a massive performance. We put out a marker and we competed with a very good side. I am very proud of my team and we will go work on the points that we need to ahead of the next game.” That next game is against Argentina on Monday at 17:30. Source: sahockey.co.za | 28th July, 2024