Defending champions Netherlands added one other victory to their haul as FIH Hockey Professional League motion resumed in Bhubaneswar, India on Tuesday.
They had been pushed all the way in which by an ever-improving Chinese language aspect, nevertheless, to tug off their 3-1 victory
Within the second match of the day, Australia dominated the USA, outgunning the Individuals 3-0 for a return to successful methods.
(Ladies’s) China 1 – 3 Netherlands
The Netherlands struggled within the first half however discovered their rhythm to beat a wonderful Chinese language aspect 3-1. Each groups had scoring probabilities all through however China had been left to rue missed alternatives after executing their plans brilliantly within the first half to penetrate the Dutch centre channel repeatedly, solely to have their ending allow them to down. Zhong Jiaqi did handle to place China forward within the second quarter, nevertheless, skilfully flipping the ball off her reverse stick in entrance of the goalkeeper. However Freeke Moes equalised for the Dutch, turning onto her reverse stick and touchdown an ideal strike. Marijn Veen then put the Netherlands forward after 25 minutes when a goalmouth scramble noticed the ball popping to her for a simple tap-in. Though China stored enjoying optimistic hockey, they trailed 2-1 at half-time.
The Netherlands tightened up the centre channel within the second half and took extra management, Moes giving them a welcome two-goal cushion after being allowed to run unchecked throughout the highest of the circle earlier than blazing her shot in. China did nicely in defence to disclaim the Dutch any penalty nook alternatives, however then failed to attain from three of their very own.
Participant of the match went to Netherlands’ Freeke Moes who mirrored on the difficult sport: “It was a superb sport I feel, so we’re proud of the win. I feel the second once we actually began to move and actually transfer ahead, the targets got here. I feel we had a number of different alternatives nevertheless it’s OK for at present.”
(Ladies’s) USA 0 – 3 Australia
Australia utterly bossed the USA within the first half of their 3-0 win, Tatum Stewart placing them forward within the first quarter with a bulleted drag flick. Stephanie Kershaw prolonged that lead within the second quarter, combating for possession in opposition to a pack of defenders earlier than getting a clear shot away for a 2-0 benefit at half-time.
The USA had been higher within the second half, however Australia grabbed a 3rd with Grace Stewart making a wonderful deflection above her head as she moved throughout the goalkeeper. The Hockeyroos put themselves below stress within the remaining quarter, receiving one inexperienced and two yellow playing cards, and with seven minutes remaining had been decreased to 9 gamers and dealing with a penalty stroke, however the USA didn’t take any benefit because the clock ran down.
Australia’s Alice Arnott was named participant of the match and was happy to get again to successful methods, saying: “I don’t assume the final sport in opposition to China was precisely how we needed to begin, however I feel that was a very good response from us so that you’ve received to be proud of that.”
Prime Scorer Armband
To have a good time the gifted goal-scorers all through the season the FIH has launched the Prime Scorer Armband, which is being worn by the main goal-scorers within the males’s and ladies’s competitions within the present season, as a visible mark for the followers, and for the gamers to put on proudly, match after match.
Present Prime Scorers:
Ladies – Yibbi Jansen (NED) (9 targets)
Males – Thierry Brinkman (NED), Tomas Domene (ARG), Sam Ward (GBR), Struan Walker (GBR), Terrance Pieters (2 targets)
To see the present standings within the FIH Hockey Professional League, click on right here.
FIH Hockey Professional League – 6 February 2024
Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar, India (IND)
End result: Match 11 (W)
China 1 – 3 Netherlands
Participant of the match: Freeke Moes (NED)
Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL), Zeke Newman (AUS), Rawi Anbananthan (MAS-video)
End result: Match 12 (W)
United States 0 – 3 Australia
Participant of the match: Alice Arnott (AUS)
Umpires: Xiaoying Liu (CHN), James Unkles (AUS), Kelly Hudson (NZL-video)
