GRAND MASTERS HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2010 – CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is set to host yet another World Cup! This time it’s the 5th Grand Masters Hockey World Cup and the first in Africa, following on from tournaments previously held every two years in Kuala Lumpur, Athens, Leverkusen and Hong Kong.

The international tournament is made up of three separate age group sections, Over 60 (Grand Masters), Over 65 (Great Grand Masters) and Over 70 (Senior Grand Masters). Also in the Over 60 and Over 65 categories, there is a Trophy pool, for National “B” and Invitation teams. South Africa has entered a team into the over 60 Grand Masters category as well as a South African B side in the Trophy pool.

26 hockey teams will be participating from 9 hockey nations across all the different age groups as well as some invitational teams. The international teams competing are South Africa (3 teams), Australia (3), England (5), Germany (4), Scotland (2), New Zealand (1), Netherlands (4), Italy (1), Wales (1) and the Alliance Club (2). New Zealand will be participating for the first time.

“The other country’s teams come from seriously strong masters leagues and we will certainly have our work cut out in much the same way as our National side does” says Des Yeats, the coach of the SA A team. This is the 2^nd time that South Africa has participated in the WGMA World Cup after Hong Kong in 2008. Des continues to say, “The side previously ended joint 7^th out of 9 and we are certainly looking to improve on that performance.”

The SA A team has struggled to get together to train as the players come from Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Eastern Gauteng, Gauteng, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.  The majority of the team, however, met at the National Masters Tournament in George in August and had training sessions over 3 days after playing 2 games already during the day, rather taxing on the 60 plus year old bodies.

The tournament will run from the 15th to the 24th of September 2010 at the Hartleyvale Olympic hockey stadium in Observatory, Cape Town. The opening day will see South Africa take on Australia in the Grand Masters +60 category at 15h00 on 15^th of September.

For a full list of fixtures and results you can visit the event webpage, www.wgmahockeyworldcup2010.co.za.

For more information please contact:

Jack Thonissen
WPHU Marketing portfolio
Email: jack_thonissen@hotmail.com
Cell no. 072 444 7274

Jane McKenzie
Organising Committee Chairperson
Email: jane.mc@vodamail.co.za
Cell no: 082 972 9552

World Grand Masters Association website
www.wgma60plusworldhockey.com

FURTHER MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

14 Sep – Meet and greet at Newlands Cricket Ground with a team march past on the field
22 Sep – Final dinner (African theme at Mzoli’s restaurant)
24 Sep – Medal Awards at Hartleyvale Olympic Hockey Stadium, Observatory, Cape Town

Korea produced a superb fight-back from 3-1 down to claim a 5-3 victory over South Africa. The result has sealed Korea’s place in the 5th-6th place classification match, while South Africa will now play in the 9th-10th place play-off.

Sulette DAMONS scored her second goal of the tournament in just the second minute of the match, finding the net with a close range tap-in. It took Korea until the 34th minute to find an equaliser, with captain LEE Seon Ok scoring from the penalty spot.

South Africa took the initiative in the 50th minute when Cindy BOTHA slid in to force the ball into the net from the left, giving her side a 2-1 lead. Things went from bad to worse for Korea when CHEON Seul Ki was given a Yellow Card in the 52nd minute for a poor challenge on Pietee COETZEE, and South Africa made their opponents pay when BOTHA netted her second less that sixty seconds later from open play to make the score 3-1.

Despite being down to ten players, Korea pulled a goal back when KIM Bo Mi deflected a penalty corner high into the roof of the net in the 55th minute before CHEON made amends for her Yellow Card by sending a low penalty corner flick beyond South Africa keeper Mariette RIX to tie the scores. Korea moved ahead for the first time in the match when KIM Young Ran smashed a reverse stick shot into the net after South Africa failed to clear their defensive lines, before the 5-3 result was sealed by PARK Mi Hyun’s 67th minute field goal.

Match Review 26 – Korea v South Africa 5-3

> Korea came back from two goals down (1-3) to beat South Africa 5-3.
> Korea will now play the play-off for fifth place against Australia or Germany.
> South Africa qualify for the Final 9-10, exceeding their performance at the last two World Cups when they finished 13th (2002) and 12th (2006).
> The last time Korea scored at least 5 goals in a World Cup match was in 2002 when they beat Scotland 6-2.
> Sulette Damons opened the score in the 2nd minute of the game. This was South Africa’s fastest World Cup goal since 2002, when Pietie Coetzee scored in the first minute of the game against Russia (4-1).
> Cindy Botha scored twice in two minutes to become the first RSA player in eight years to score twice in a World Cup match. The last one to do so was Pietie Coetzee in 2002 (vs UKR 3-1).
> Five different players scored for Korea in today’s match.
> Korea converted two of six penalty corners awarded today. Before today’s match they had only converted  only 1 of 14.

Source: www.worldhockey.org

England – bronze medal winners at the recent Champions Trophy in Nottingham – took a giant leap towards claiming a place in the Semi Finals by securing their third win of the tournament, defeating South Africa 2-1. Helen RICHARDSON netted twice to give her side the win, but a strong South Africa surge in the second half saw Pietee COETZEE claim her third goal of the tournament. Despite a brilliant effort from South Africa, England held on to claim all three points in front of a big crowd here in Rosario.

England were certainly the better team in the first half, attacking at will and pinning the South Africa team deep in their own territory for long periods. A number of chances were missed before RICHARDSON’s low, powerful shot from the right of the circle hit the bottom left corner of Mariette RIX’s goal in the 9th minute. Crista CULLEN had a a couple of penalty corner chances to extend England’s advantage, but her low flicks were off target.

South Africa’s Star forward Pietee COETZEE had been kept out of the game for great lengths of the first half, but her influence began to grow during the second period as her team-mates began to find her with their passes. However, RICHARDSON – a player who was in stunning form throughout the match – grabbed England’s second with a perfectly aimed penalty corner deflection from Crista CULLEN’s low flick (48mins). South Africa pulled a goal back when the dangerous COETZEE launched a penalty corner flick inside Beth STORRY’s right post (58mins). The crowd sensed that South Africa could perform a rescue act and began to support their every touch of the ball. However, the England defence held strong to claim all three points and move a step nearer to reaching the last four. 

The win moved England to the top of the table ahead of the two remaining Pool B matches that take place later today.
Match 19 – England v South Africa 2-1

> England are still unbeaten after four matches at Rosario 2010 (3 wins – 1 draw).
> If Korea fail to beat Spain later today, England progress to the semi-finals.
> Helen Richardson (ENG) has now scored in back-to-back games, she also scored in the match against Korea.
> This is the first time Richardson scored twice in World Cup match in three World Cup participations.
> Pietie Coetzee (RSA) scored her third PC goal this tournament. At the 2002 World Cup she also netted against England.
> Lisa-Marie Deetlefs (RSA) is the first to collect 2 yellow cards this tournament.
> England converted 1 of 6 penalty corners today.
> South Africa scored 1 of 3 penalty corners in today’s match.

Source: www.worldhockey.org

The first match of six matches here at the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina saw China defeat South Africa 1-4 in a game rescheduled from yesterday. GAO Lihua was the hero for her team, scoring three times in the game for her team. The win was a vital one for China, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the Semi Finals.

An entertaining first half saw both sides defy the early start, attacking hard from the very first moments. South Africa took an early lead when Jennifer WILSON deflected a low penalty corner flick from Pietie COETZEE in the third minute, but China grabbed an equaliser thanks to REN Ye’s instinctive reverse stick tip-in from a penalty corner cross shot by GAO Lihua (26mins).  Sulette DAMONS almost moved RSA ahead a minute later, but failed to make contact with her attempted close range volley. Despite this missed chance for South Africa, it was China certainly finished the half as the stronger team, creating a number of excellent goal-scoring opportunities thwarted by the RSA defenders.

China continued their domination in the second half, and deservedly took the lead when the ever-reliable FU Baorong found the target from open play in the 43rd minute. South Africa were up against the ropes for much of the period, as the newly confident China team went in search of more goals. Two strikes in just over three minutes from GAO Lihua completed the scoring, the first being a fierce reverse stick shot into the bottom corner before a close-range tap-in sealed the win. 

Match 13 – South Africa v China 1-4

> China join South Africa on 3 points in Pool B.
> China equal their record for most goals scored in a World Cup match beating South Africa 4-1.
> At the 2006 World Cup China beat SA 4-0. They also scored four against Ukraine in 2002 (4-1) and India in 1998 (4-2).
> Jennifer Wilson (RSA) has now scored in the last three World Cup tournaments (2002, 2006 and 2010), 4 WC goals in total.
> Ren Ye (CHN) netted her fourth career World Cup goal and her second against South Africa. In 2006 she also netted against SA.
> Ren Ye’s goal is China’s only PC goal in 11 attempts at Rosario 2010.
> All three South Africa games at Rosario 2010 have seen a 1-1 half-time score.
> Fu Baorong netted a field goal against RSA like she did the last times these teams met at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
> Gao Lihua netted her fist two World Cup goals today. She has now scored in all three major tournaments.

Source: www.worldhockey.org

The globally respected official is participating in her third World Cup event in Rosario, and has also umpired at no less than three Olympic Games’.

Marelize was presented with her flowers by FIH Vice-President Antonio von ONDARZA (FIH) and Umpires Manager Jan HADFIELD (AUS), who both offered their warm congratulations to her.

A joint statement from Jan HADFIELD (AUS) and fellow Umpires Manager Jane NOCKOLDS (ENG) regarding the achievement stated: 

‘We are delighted Marelize has umpired her 200th international match here in Rosario. She is hugely respected by umpires all around the world. We look forward to seeing her umpiring for many more years to come.’

Australia powered to a 6-3 triumph against India, with Ashleigh NELSON scoring twice to help her side claim all three points.  The second game saw The Netherlands trounce New Zealand’s 7-3, with Ellen HOOG (2) and Maartje Paumen amongst the scorers in a game which also saw a hat-trick for Black Sticks player Krystal FORGESSON on her 100th international appearance. The third and final match of the day was a close and intense affair, and Germany overcame  thanks to a winning goal from legendary striker Natascha KELLER.

Today’s results have left The Netherlands and Australia tied at the top of the table with six points each, but the Dutch have a far superior goal difference thanks to scoring 14 goals in their first two games. 

Day five of the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup takes place on Thursday 2 September, with the third round of matches from Pool B taking place. South Africa and China are the first teams to take to the field at 14.30 (GMT +3) before England aim to keep their 100% win record by defeating Korea (17.00). The final match of the day (19.30) sees home favourites Argentina doing battle against a Spain team in desperate need of a win. 

More information about the tournament can be found at http://www.bdofihworldcup2010.sportcentric.com/ 

Nelson guides Hockeyroos to victory over India

A double strike from Ashleigh NELSON helped Australia to a 6-3 victory over India on Day 4 of the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina. The result gave the Hockeyroos their second successive win of the tournament, ensuring that their goal of reaching the Semi Finals remains firmly on track.

The early stages of the match were a scrappy affair, with both teams struggling to retain possession in the cold conditions. Slowly though Australia began to get the upper hand in the game and took the lead in the 16th minute when Madonna BLYTH opened the scoring with her second goal of the tournament from open play in the 16th minute. India hit back six minutes from the end of the period thanks to a beautiful reverse stick effort from 15 year old Rani RAMPAL, but Australia’s Ashleigh NELSON re-established the Australian lead moments before half time.

India again bounced back early in the second period when Ritu RANI found the target, but Australia stepped up their game to score three times without reply to establish a 5-2 lead thanks to goals from Casey EASTHAM, Nicole ARROLD and a second for Ashleigh NELSON. Rani RAMPAL reduced the deficit seven minutes from the end of the game before the result was put beyond all doubt by Shelly LIDDELOW’s field goal. 

Defeat for India leaves them without a point after two matches, greatly reducing their chances of reaching the medal classification matches.

Match 10 – India v Australia 3-6

> Today’s match saw nine goals being scored. The last time this happened was in 2002 when England beat Germany 7-2.
> Australia are the first team to get two wins in Pool A after beating Japan 2-1 and India 6-3.
> India have now conceded 13 goals in two matches (7 vs Netherland and 6 vs Australia).
> Madonna Blyth (AUS) and Rani Rampal (IND) join RSA’s Pietie Coetzee as players to have scored in their first two matches at Rosario 2010.
> Casey Eastham scored her first World Cup goal. She has now scored in all three big tournaments: Olympics Champions Trophy and World Cup.
> Nicole Arrold (AUS) scored her second career World Cup goal and her first in eight years since scoring against Ireland at the 2002 World Cup.
> Ashley Nelson scored twice today, to become the first Hockeyroo since Wendy Beattie in 2006 (vs ARG) to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.
> Surinder Kaur (IND) also netted twice today, to become the first Indian player since Surinder Kaur in 2006 to score two goals in a World Cup match.

Forgesson hat-trick not enough to deny rampant Netherlands

A hat-trick from Krystal FORGESSON in her 100th game could not stop a rampant The Netherlands side from scoring seven times for the second successive game to run out comfortable winners against New Zealand in the second game of the day here in Rosario. Oranje fully deserved their victory, producing a master class of attacking hockey that included a period of four goals being scored in 14 breathless minutes.

New Zealand blasted into the lead in only the second minute of the game when FORGESSON fired in a field goal to give her side a shock lead. However, the advantage was short lived as the dangerous Ellen HOOG scored an equaliser just one minute later. Dutch striker Kim LAMMERS then got her name on the score-sheet with an open play goal in the 16th minute, a lead which they held until the half time break.

The first half had been evenly contested, but The Netherlands were clearly the better side in the second half and proved it by scoring four times in just 13 minutes. Marilyn AGLIOTTI tapped in from close range in the 36th minute before a penalty corner effort from Maartje PAUMEN slammed into the goal two minutes later. Michelle van der Pols made the score 5-1 in the 39th minute before veteran captain Janneke SCHOPMAN netted in her third consecutive World Cup in the 49th minute. The Netherlands were in rampaging form, with New Zealand struggling to contain the skilful Dutch forwards for much of the half. Ellen HOOG grabbed her second of the game from open play with ten minutes of the match remaining, before FORGESSON scored two late goals to complete both the scoring and her hat-trick.

The high quality performance of the Netherlands would certainly make them most people’s favourites to finish top of Pool A, but there is still a long way to go. With an incredible 19 goals in just two games, the action on Day 4 is looking likely to be the highest scoring day of the tournament.

Match 11 – Netherlands v New Zealand 7-3

> Netherland beat New Zealand 7-3 to go top of the table in Pool A.
> This 10-goal match is the joined second on the list of World Cup matches with most goals. Other World Cup matches with at least 10 goals are Germany-Nigeria (10-1) in 1978 and Netherlands – Soviet Union (7-3) in 1981.
> The Dutch have now scored 14 goals in 2 matches:  7 goals per match on average. Their highest World Cup average of 4 goals per match dates back to 1981.
> This match saw both teams score within 3 minutes of the start of the game. The last time this happened in a World Cup match was in 2002 in the RSA – ENG match (2-2) when Helen Grant (ENG, 2’) and Johke Koornhof (RSA, 3’) scored early goals.
> Four of the six Dutch goalscorers today also scored the match against India (Paumen, Hoog, Lammers and Agliotti).
> Janneke Schopman (NED) has now scored in the last 3 World Cups (2002, 2006 and 2010).
> Krystal Forgesson (NZL) scored a hat-trick while picking up 100 caps for New Zealand.

Japan beaten by Keller strike

Germany legend Natascha KELLER came to the rescue of her team yet again, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Japan. The veteran goal-scorer was at her brilliant best throughout the match, thoroughly deserving her goal after a sensational individual performance. The result puts Germany level on points with The Netherlands and Australia at the top of Pool A, but sit in third place on goal difference.

After the amazing 19 goals that had been scored in the first two games of the day, a goal-less first half between Germany and Japan may have came as a disappointment to the fans in the stadium, but the contest was not without incident. Despite the lack of goals, the first period saw a number of significant moments, with goalkeepers Kristina REYNOLDS (GER) and Yuka YOSHIKAWA (JPN) coming to the rescue of their respective sides. 

The first goal of the match arrived early in the second half courtesy of a low penalty corner flick from Ai  MURAKAMI which sailed into the bottom right corner of Kristina REYNOLDS goal. the goal opened up the game, with Germany determined to score an equaliser whilst Japan looked to capitalise on the counter-attack. Eventually though, Germany found an equaliser through a field goal from Maike Stoekel, which gave Germany the momentum to fight for the win. KELLER’s winning goal arrived with just nine minutes of the match remaining, smashing a beautiful shot into the corner of the goal from the top of the circle. The final minutes were frantic, but Germany secured their second win of the tournament to stay well in the race for a semi final berth.

Match 12 – Germany v Japan 2-1

> Japan suffered their fourth straight defeat against Germany in World Cup competition.
> Maike Stöckel (GER) added to her two goals scored at the 2006 World Cup.
> Natascha Keller (GER) scored the winning goal like she did in the match against Japan at the 2008 Champions Trophy which Germany also won 2-1.
> Germany joins the Netherlands and Australia at the top in Pool A on six points, leaving Japan, New Zealand and India pointless.

Source: www.worldhockey.org

South Africa forward Sulette DAMONS scored a candidate for goal of the tournament to give her team a thrilling victory over Spain in the second match of the day here in Rosario. The win moves South Africa onto three points, and is their first win in a World Cup match since 2002.

Pietee COETZEE opened the scoring for South Africa in the 21st minute with a penalty corner goal. It was her second goal in successive matches at this World Cup, proving that her decision to come out of international retirement at the age of 31 was a good choice both for herself and her team. Spain were soon level when Nuria CAMON hit back with a penalty corner goal of her own ten minutes later, and it was no more than they deserved.

The second half was an even battle, but the decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Sulette DAMONS brilliantly deflected a high cross into the net with her reverse stick which gave Spain keeper Maria LOPEZ DE EGUILAZ absolutely no chance of saving. Spain protested to the video umpire regarding the high cross into the circle, but the goal was allowed to stand. Spain rallied hard towards the end, but could not force an equaliser.

The result leaves Spain without a point after the completion of their opening two games of the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup.

Match 8 – South Africa v Spain 2-1
> South Africa record their first World Cup match win since the 2002 Final 13-14 against Ukraine (3-1).
> They had gone eight World Cup matches without a win since (2 draws – 6 defeats).
> Pietie Coetzee (RSA) and Nuria Camón (ESP) scored today, like they did eight years ago in the RSA-ESP (3-1) match at the 2002 World Cup.
> Coetzee has now scored in each match for RSA at the 2010 World Cup.
> Spain and China are the only teams still without any points after 2 matchdays in Pool B.

Source: www.worldhockey.org

The second day of competition at the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina saw victories for The Netherlands, Germany and Australia as the Pool A kicked into action.

The Netherlands were in rampant form against India, surging to a 7-1 victory. Penalty corner star Maartje PAUMEN was in electrifying form, netting a hat-trick while Kim LAMMERS also chipped in with two goals as The mighty Dutch began the defence of the World title in stylish fashion.

Germany’s victory against New Zealand came courtesy of two in less than three first half minutes, with Celine WILDE and Tina BACHMANN getting their names on the score-sheet. The goals – which arrived in the 15th and 17th minutes – proved to be enough to give Germany a 2-0 win, although The Black Sticks were certainly not without goal-scoring chances.

Australia secured a narrow victory over Japan in the third and final match of the day, with Kobie McGURK and Madonna BLYTH scoring the crucial goals. The game was played in cold and wet conditions, but that did not stop the Hockeyroos from claiming all three points in their opening match of the tournament.

More information about all of the matches can be found below. To find out more details about the tournament, including action photos, league tables, official documents and more, please visit the BDO FIH Hockey World Cup microsite: http://www.bdofihworldcup2010.sportcentric.com/

India crushed by Paumen’s Netherlands

India were on the receiving end of a 7-1 score-line as The Netherlands turned on the style to record a big win in their opening fixture of the BDO FIH Hockey WOrld Cup 2010. Penalty corner star Maartje PAUMEN scored a hat-trick in the match, with midfield maestro Naomi van AS playing a starring role in the triumph.

The Netherlands opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the match when Marilyn AGLIOTTI volleyed home from close range, but the Olympic champions were soon pegged back thanks to a powerful 24th minute strike from India forward Rani RAMPAL. Ellen HOOG restored the Dutch advantage two minutes later from open play before the ever dangerous Kim LAMMERS established a 3-1 half time lead.

PAUMEN got her name on the score-sheet six minutes after the break, sending a typically powerful penalty corner flick into the India goal. Naomi van AS was the creator of the Netherlands fifth goal, evading a number of challenges with a surging midfield run before LAMMERS drilled home from the top of the circle (45th minute). The scoring was completed by PAUMEN in the 49th and 60th minute, the first of which came from the penalty spot and the second coming courtesy of another ferocious penalty corner effort.

The Netherlands appear to be in great shape, and will look forward to their next fixture – on Wednesday against New Zealand – with anticipation. 

Match 4 – Netherlands v India 7-1

> The Netherlands beat India 7-1 today to record their biggest World Cup victory since beating Ireland 6-0 in 2002.
> For India today’s defeat by a 6-goal margin marks their biggest defeat in World Cup competition.
> The last time Netherlands scored at least 7 goals in a World Cup match was 29 years ago in 1981 when they beat Belgium 7-0 and Soviet Union 7-3.
> Their record for most goals in a World Cup match is eight in 1976 vs Mexico (8-0).
> The Netherlands saw four different players score in today’s match. The last time this happened in a World Cup match was in 2002 when they beat USA 5-2 through goals by Ellis Verbakel, Mijntje Donners, Ageeth Boomgaardt and Aniek van Hees (2).
> Marilyn Agliotti netted her first World Cup goal for The Netherlands. At the 2006 World Cup she scored once playing for South Africa.
> Netherlands’ Kim Lammers and Maartje Paumen (PC) also netted against India in the last World Cup in 2006.
> Paumen scored a hat-trick and is now joined top scorer at Rosario 2010 with Luciana Aymar (ARG).
> Paumen is the first Dutch player to score a World Cup hat-trick since Kim Lammers and Sylvia Karres scored three goals each in Holland’s 6-1 win over China in 2006.

Germany defeat Black Sticks with quick-fire double

Germany struck twice in less than three first half minutes to defeat New Zealand, with Celine WILDE and Tina BACHMANN getting their names on the score-sheet in the second match of Day 2 here in Rosario. The goals – which arrived in the 15th and 17th minutes – proved to be enough to give Germany a 2-0 win, although The Black Sticks were certainly not without goal-scoring chances.

Germany started the game as the livelier of the two sides, winning a brace of penalty corners early in the match which were not converted. New Zealand had early chances of their own when Charlotte HARRISON and Kayla SHARLAND fired wide of the mark in quick succession. The opening goal of the game came courtesy of a tip-in from Celine WILDE, who brilliantly force the ball into the net after a great cross-shot from Germany legend Natascha KELLER, before their lead was extended by Tina BACHMANN’s penalty corner effort.   

The second half saw both sides go close to scoring, with Germany’s KELLER and New Zealand’s Anita PUNT failing to take their chances. Gemma FLYNN and Krystal FORGESSON also had decent goal scoring opportunities late on, but could not take advantage.

Victory for Germany moves them level on points at the top of Pool A, alongside The Netherlands who recorded a 7-1 win over India earlier in the day.

Match 5 – Germany v New Zealand 2-0
> Germany secured their fourth successive win over New Zealand after beaten them at the 2006 CT (3-0), 2008 Olympics (2-1) and 2010 CT (5-2).
> Germany are the first team to keep a clean sheet at this World Cup and New Zealand are the first team that failed to score at Rosario 2010.
> 20-year-old Celine Wilde is the youngest goalscorer for Germany at a major tournament (OG, CT and WC) since he 2000 Olympics when Fanny Rinne scored also at the age of 20.
> Tina Bachmann’s only previous World Cup goal came in 2002 against Russia, also from a penalty corner.
> Germany scored one of 8 penalty corners awarded in this match. New Zealand were awarded 2 PC’s.

Australia claim the spoils against Japan

Australia secured a narrow victory over Japan in the third and final match of Day 2 here at the BDO FIH Hockey Champions Trophy in Rosario, Argentina. The game was played in cold and wet conditions, but that did not stop the Hockeyroos from claiming all three points in their opening match of the tournament.

Australia started the match with a clear intent of scoring the first goal, but the match quickly descended into a battle for possession in midfield.  Eventually though, Australia found a breakthrough when Kobie McGURK fired into the net with a direct penalty corner strike from the top of the circle. The goal swung the match in Australia’s favour, but despite large spells of possession could not increase their advantage in the first half.

The Hockeyroos scored what proved to be the winning goal through team captain Madonna BLYTH, who turned well before sending a low shot into the net via the left post in the 61st minute. However, Japan hit back almost immediately when Kaori CHIBA brilliantly guided a cross from the right into the goal with her reverse stick. Japan went in search of an equaliser, but Australia defended well to secure their victory.

The win was enough to move Australia level on points with The Netherlands and Germany, who were also winners on the first day of action in Pool A. All of the Pool A teams return to the field of play on Wednesday, with tomorrow’s action consisting of matches from Pool B. 

Match 6 – Australia v Japan 2-1
> Australia have extended their unbeaten streak against Japan to eight competitive encounters (6 wins – 2 draws).
> Kobie McGurk (AUS) netted her first goal in eight World Cup matches, by converting a penalty corner.
> Australia’s captain Madonna Blyth scored her second World Cup career goal. In 2006 she netted in the match against South Africa (1-0).
> Koari Chiba ended Japan’s streak of four top level matches against Australia without scoring.
> Chiba is now on five World Cup career goals, adding to the four goals she scored in 2006.

Source: www.worldhockey.org