Australia defeated Spain 4-1 to win a record-equalling ninth men's hockey Champions Trophy title here on Sunday.
Australia assistant coach Colin Batch hailed the win which matched Germany's titles in the tournament as useful preparation for the Beijing Olympic.
“It was an excellent tournament for us and great preparation for the Olympics and to find our Olympic squad,” Batch said.
Australia will announce their Olympic squad on July 10.
But coach Barry Dancer admitted he now faces a selection headache.
“Selection was always going to be very, very difficult and this tournament has not made it any easier,” he said. “I always anticipated that next week would be a difficult time for the players.”
Spain coach Maurits Hendriks was critical of his side's finishing.
“We started well and took the game to Australia in certain moments and created chances in front of goal but we did not capitalise on those chances,” Hendriks said.
Earlier Argentina drew 2-2 with Holland in regular time, and won a penalty shoot-out 5-3, to take bronze for their best finish in the tournament.
In another match, Germany scored twice in the last ten minutes to beat South Korea 3-1 and take fifth place.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Argentina avenge loss to New Zealand to enter final
Argentina exacted revenge over New Zealand here yesterday, scoring a 2-1 victory to register their fourth win and a place in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament with a match to spare.
The South Americans topped the seven-nation standings on 13 points from five matches. They will complete their round-robin fixtures against Canada on Saturday.
Argentina, who failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics after losing 2-3 to the Kiwis in the final of the qualifiers in Auckland in February, went on the offensive from the start.
The Argentines took the lead through forward Martin Juan Lopez in the ninth minute and went two-up with a penalty stroke conversion by Ignacio Juan Gilardi eight minutes later.
New Zealand pulled a goal back through Benjamin Collier in the 27th minute.
In the second half, Kiwis surged forwards and earned five penalty corners but goalkeeper Manuel Juan Vivaldi stopped all their attempts.
Argentina coach Jose Carlos Retegui said: “We started off well by taking a 2-0 lead. But my players were exhausted in the second half because of the humid weather.
“It was difficult to play in such hot conditions. Besides that it was also our fifth match in six days.”
Three-time champions Pakistan fell to a surprise 3-5 defeat by Belgium and need to beat India today to qualify for the final.
The scorers for Belgium were Thomas Briels (2nd), John-John Dohmen (18th), Charles Vandeweghe (24th), Jerome Dekeyser (37th) and Loic Vandeweghe (69th). Pakistan got their goals from Shakeel Abbasi (4th), Rehan Butt (23rd) and Muhammad Ateeq (35th).
The South Americans topped the seven-nation standings on 13 points from five matches. They will complete their round-robin fixtures against Canada on Saturday.
Argentina, who failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics after losing 2-3 to the Kiwis in the final of the qualifiers in Auckland in February, went on the offensive from the start.
The Argentines took the lead through forward Martin Juan Lopez in the ninth minute and went two-up with a penalty stroke conversion by Ignacio Juan Gilardi eight minutes later.
New Zealand pulled a goal back through Benjamin Collier in the 27th minute.
In the second half, Kiwis surged forwards and earned five penalty corners but goalkeeper Manuel Juan Vivaldi stopped all their attempts.
Argentina coach Jose Carlos Retegui said: “We started off well by taking a 2-0 lead. But my players were exhausted in the second half because of the humid weather.
“It was difficult to play in such hot conditions. Besides that it was also our fifth match in six days.”
Three-time champions Pakistan fell to a surprise 3-5 defeat by Belgium and need to beat India today to qualify for the final.
The scorers for Belgium were Thomas Briels (2nd), John-John Dohmen (18th), Charles Vandeweghe (24th), Jerome Dekeyser (37th) and Loic Vandeweghe (69th). Pakistan got their goals from Shakeel Abbasi (4th), Rehan Butt (23rd) and Muhammad Ateeq (35th).
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup:
Malaysia took the lead twice but due to poor defending resulted in them settling for a 2-2 draw against Canada in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament here last night.
The Malaysia forwards were also a letdown, especially in the second half for failing to score when the team created numerous chances.
With the draw Malaysia have four points from one win, a draw and two defeats. They are in fifth position in the seven-nation tournament and getting into the playoff for third place looks doubtful.
Malaysia were pinned in defence for the first 13th minutes of the match. Canada earned a penalty corner in the seven minute but failed to convert. Five minutes later, Bindi Kullar's attempt from the top D was well saved by goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Forward S. Selvaraju made the first attempt for Malaysia at the Canadian goal in the 14th minute but his reserve stick hit went out.
Six minutes later, Chua Boon Huat had only goalkeeper Michael Mahood to beat but he muffed the golden chance.
But Boon Huat got it right a minute later. He deflected the ball into goal off a through pass from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Canada equalised four minutes later – thanks to a blunder by Kumar. He failed to clear the ball at top of the D and Sukhwinder Singh easily collected it to push into an empty goal.
Malaysia fought back and earned two penalty corners in the 31st minute and defender Mohd Amin Rahim regained the lead for Malaysia with a low flick.
The Canadian found the equaliser again in the 62nd minute off the penalty corner with Scott Tupper putting his name on the scoresheet.
Selvaraju, Tengku Ahmad and Boon Huat managed to break through the Canada defence several times in the second half but lost the ball in the D.
“We should have won the match as we created more chances. But we gave away two soft goals. The forwards also failed to click well in the D despite creating so many chances,” said coach Sarjit Singh.
“Forwards like Tengku Ahmad, Selvaraju, Ismail (Abu) and Mohd Amerullah (Abdul Aziz) must score in the tournaments to boost their confidence.”
Malaysia will play against Belgium today and wrap up their round-robin fixtures against India on Saturday.
Sarjit said that they can expect a tough match against Belgium, who chalked up a surprise 5-3 win over Pakistan yesterday.
The Malaysia forwards were also a letdown, especially in the second half for failing to score when the team created numerous chances.
With the draw Malaysia have four points from one win, a draw and two defeats. They are in fifth position in the seven-nation tournament and getting into the playoff for third place looks doubtful.
Malaysia were pinned in defence for the first 13th minutes of the match. Canada earned a penalty corner in the seven minute but failed to convert. Five minutes later, Bindi Kullar's attempt from the top D was well saved by goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Forward S. Selvaraju made the first attempt for Malaysia at the Canadian goal in the 14th minute but his reserve stick hit went out.
Six minutes later, Chua Boon Huat had only goalkeeper Michael Mahood to beat but he muffed the golden chance.
But Boon Huat got it right a minute later. He deflected the ball into goal off a through pass from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Canada equalised four minutes later – thanks to a blunder by Kumar. He failed to clear the ball at top of the D and Sukhwinder Singh easily collected it to push into an empty goal.
Malaysia fought back and earned two penalty corners in the 31st minute and defender Mohd Amin Rahim regained the lead for Malaysia with a low flick.
The Canadian found the equaliser again in the 62nd minute off the penalty corner with Scott Tupper putting his name on the scoresheet.
Selvaraju, Tengku Ahmad and Boon Huat managed to break through the Canada defence several times in the second half but lost the ball in the D.
“We should have won the match as we created more chances. But we gave away two soft goals. The forwards also failed to click well in the D despite creating so many chances,” said coach Sarjit Singh.
“Forwards like Tengku Ahmad, Selvaraju, Ismail (Abu) and Mohd Amerullah (Abdul Aziz) must score in the tournaments to boost their confidence.”
Malaysia will play against Belgium today and wrap up their round-robin fixtures against India on Saturday.
Sarjit said that they can expect a tough match against Belgium, who chalked up a surprise 5-3 win over Pakistan yesterday.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Malaysia aiming to salvage battered pride against Canada
After a humiliating 0-5 defeat by Argentina, Malaysia will set out to get the better of Canada today to salvage their battered pride in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament.
Malaysia have three points from a 2-1 win over New Zealand after losing the opening match against Pakistan (2-3) and they are virtually out of contention to reach the final of the tournament.
Defensive midfielder Jiwa Mohan said that expectations were high on them to give their best against Argentina after the win over Olympic-bound New Zealand but they let down the fans with a pathetic show.
“We had the chances and earned six penalty corners. We have only ourselves to blame for the heavy defeat,” said Jiwa.
He added that they had to lift their spirits and look at getting into the playoff for third place in the seven-team tournament.
“We have to get full points against Canada. We beat Canada (2-0) in the tournament last year and we can do it again,” said Jiwa, who has 230 international caps to his credit.
Canada, who will feature in the Beijing Olympics, also have three points from three matches.
Coach Sarjit Singh conceded that Canada would be tough to beat.
“Although they lost (1-2) to Pakistan, they played an exceptionally good match. Canada have improved a lot since we beat them last year,” he said.
“I hope the team will put behind them the humiliating defeat by Argentina. I also hope that defender Mohd Amin (Rahim), who failed to score against Argentina from penalty corners, will deliver against Canada.”
Sarjit added that he would give the reserves, among them goalkeeper Mohd Hanafi Hassan, midfielders Jivan Mohan and Mohd Riduan Nasir and forward Mohd Amerullah Abdul Aziz, the chance to play against Canada.
“They need high quality matches in preparation for the Asia Cup next year, which is also a qualifying tournament for 2010 World Cup in New Delhi,” he said.
Malaysia, who were the runners-up to Australia in last year's tournament, will play Belgium tomorrow and India on Saturday.
Malaysia have three points from a 2-1 win over New Zealand after losing the opening match against Pakistan (2-3) and they are virtually out of contention to reach the final of the tournament.
Defensive midfielder Jiwa Mohan said that expectations were high on them to give their best against Argentina after the win over Olympic-bound New Zealand but they let down the fans with a pathetic show.
“We had the chances and earned six penalty corners. We have only ourselves to blame for the heavy defeat,” said Jiwa.
He added that they had to lift their spirits and look at getting into the playoff for third place in the seven-team tournament.
“We have to get full points against Canada. We beat Canada (2-0) in the tournament last year and we can do it again,” said Jiwa, who has 230 international caps to his credit.
Canada, who will feature in the Beijing Olympics, also have three points from three matches.
Coach Sarjit Singh conceded that Canada would be tough to beat.
“Although they lost (1-2) to Pakistan, they played an exceptionally good match. Canada have improved a lot since we beat them last year,” he said.
“I hope the team will put behind them the humiliating defeat by Argentina. I also hope that defender Mohd Amin (Rahim), who failed to score against Argentina from penalty corners, will deliver against Canada.”
Sarjit added that he would give the reserves, among them goalkeeper Mohd Hanafi Hassan, midfielders Jivan Mohan and Mohd Riduan Nasir and forward Mohd Amerullah Abdul Aziz, the chance to play against Canada.
“They need high quality matches in preparation for the Asia Cup next year, which is also a qualifying tournament for 2010 World Cup in New Delhi,” he said.
Malaysia, who were the runners-up to Australia in last year's tournament, will play Belgium tomorrow and India on Saturday.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Argentina seek revenge against Kiwis for dashing Olympic hopes
Argentina have a score to settle with New Zealand today.
The South Americans' hopes of playing in the Beijing Olympics were dashed by the Kiwis in a qualifying tournament in Auckland in February. Argentina won the preliminary round match 3-2 but lost when it counted most –2-3 in the final.
Argentina coach Jose Carlos Retegui said: “We were the favourites to qualify for the Olympics and losing the place to New Zealand was a big blow for us. We want to avenge the defeat tomorrow.”
Argentina have 10 points from four matches and leads the standings on better goal difference than Pakistan. Their final round-robin fixture is against Canada on Saturday and a win over the Kiwis today will seal their place in the final.
Argentina are making their third consecutive appearance in the tournament.
In their debut outing in 2006, they finished seventh in an eight-team tournament and were placed fifth last year.
They now have a team with 16 Europe-based players showing good form.
“Nine of our players feature in the Dutch league, four in Spain and two in Belgium and their presence have definitely boosted our chances of reaching the final,” said Retegui.
The Sultan Azlan tournament is part of the Argentines preparation for the Champions Trophy in Holland next month.
Three-time champions Pakistan should have no problem defeating basement side Belgium today to qualify for the final.
Olympic-bound Pakistan wrap up their round-robin fixtures against India tomorrow.
The South Americans' hopes of playing in the Beijing Olympics were dashed by the Kiwis in a qualifying tournament in Auckland in February. Argentina won the preliminary round match 3-2 but lost when it counted most –2-3 in the final.
Argentina coach Jose Carlos Retegui said: “We were the favourites to qualify for the Olympics and losing the place to New Zealand was a big blow for us. We want to avenge the defeat tomorrow.”
Argentina have 10 points from four matches and leads the standings on better goal difference than Pakistan. Their final round-robin fixture is against Canada on Saturday and a win over the Kiwis today will seal their place in the final.
Argentina are making their third consecutive appearance in the tournament.
In their debut outing in 2006, they finished seventh in an eight-team tournament and were placed fifth last year.
They now have a team with 16 Europe-based players showing good form.
“Nine of our players feature in the Dutch league, four in Spain and two in Belgium and their presence have definitely boosted our chances of reaching the final,” said Retegui.
The Sultan Azlan tournament is part of the Argentines preparation for the Champions Trophy in Holland next month.
Three-time champions Pakistan should have no problem defeating basement side Belgium today to qualify for the final.
Olympic-bound Pakistan wrap up their round-robin fixtures against India tomorrow.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan wait till late to edge Canada
Two quick goals in the last six minutes gave Pakistan a crucial 2-1 win over Canada to take them a step closer to reaching the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament here yesterday.
Three-time champions Pakistan now have 10 points from three wins and a draw. They have two matches left – against Belgium tomorrow and India the next day.
Canada, who have three points from a win and two defeats, surprised Pakistan by taking the lead in the very first minute when a Sukhwinder Singh through pass from the top D was turned in by Kullar Bindi.
Pakistan threw men forward in search of goals but had to wait until the 64th minute for Rehan Butt to turn in Muhammad Saqlain’s cross from the left for the equaliser.
Three minutes later, Muhammad Saqlain netted the winner off a penalty corner set-piece.
In an earlier match, India fielded 12 juniors in their squad and were still too good for Beijing Olympic-bound Belgium, winning 6-4.
India have six points from four matches. As for Belgium, it was their third straight defeat.
Forward Shivendra Singh (9th, 68th minutes) and defender Sandeep Singh (29th, 35th) scored a brace each while Diwakar Ram (22nd) and S.V. Sunil (32nd) added the other goals for India.
Thomas Briels struck twice for Belgium in the 45th and 59th minutes while Alexandre De Sadeleer (24th) and Charles Vandeweghe (61st) chipped in with one each .
Three-time champions Pakistan now have 10 points from three wins and a draw. They have two matches left – against Belgium tomorrow and India the next day.
Canada, who have three points from a win and two defeats, surprised Pakistan by taking the lead in the very first minute when a Sukhwinder Singh through pass from the top D was turned in by Kullar Bindi.
Pakistan threw men forward in search of goals but had to wait until the 64th minute for Rehan Butt to turn in Muhammad Saqlain’s cross from the left for the equaliser.
Three minutes later, Muhammad Saqlain netted the winner off a penalty corner set-piece.
In an earlier match, India fielded 12 juniors in their squad and were still too good for Beijing Olympic-bound Belgium, winning 6-4.
India have six points from four matches. As for Belgium, it was their third straight defeat.
Forward Shivendra Singh (9th, 68th minutes) and defender Sandeep Singh (29th, 35th) scored a brace each while Diwakar Ram (22nd) and S.V. Sunil (32nd) added the other goals for India.
Thomas Briels struck twice for Belgium in the 45th and 59th minutes while Alexandre De Sadeleer (24th) and Charles Vandeweghe (61st) chipped in with one each .
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Pathetic Malaysia virtually out of final after loss to Argentina
Malaysia played one of their worst games and were hammered 0-5 by Argentina in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament here last night.
With the defeat, Malaysia are virtually out of the final as they only have three points from a win and two losses.
Argentina, with 10 points after their third win in four matches, need just one win in their two remaining matches to seal a place in the final. The Argentines face New Zealand tomorrow and Canada on Saturday.
The Malaysians were pathetic yesterday, making numerous errors in defence and failing to create much up front.
Argentina, who failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, played a fast attacking game from the start but had to wait until the 18th minute to open accounts when Facundo Callioni turned in Nicolas Mario Almada’s cross from the right.
Eight minutes later Callioni got his second goal off a penalty corner set piece.
Trailing 0-2, the Malaysian forwards got their game going and even earned two penalty corners, which came to nought.
Malaysia’s task was made even more difficult when defender Jiwa Mohan was sent to the sin bin in the 40th minute for bringing down Callioni outside the D.
Malaysia’s problems worsened seven minutes later.
Argentina were awarded a penalty stroke when defender Mohd Madzli Ikmar Mohd Noor stopped a penalty corner flick with his body.
Umpire Peter Alan Wright of South Africa pointed to the spot and Ignacio Juan Gilardi cooly converted. Argentina 3-0.
Argentina piled on the pressure to make it 5-0 through Hernan Lucas Cammareri’s close range attempt in the 54th minute and a Tomas Innocente Argento field goal in the 68th minute.
National coach Sarjit Singh said the defeat taught his players a good lesson – that they must stay focused for full 70 minutes.
”We made several mistakes in defence and gave away some soft goals. We also allowed the Argentines to control the midfield and they made full use of their chances,” said Sarjit.
Although he was unhappy that his players wasted a number of penalty corners, Sarjit admitted that they lost to a better team.
“However, I am pleased with my boys’ attitude as they did not give up and kept attacking until the final minute,” said Sarjit.
Argentian coach Jose Carlos Retegui was understandably delighted with the win.
“We never expected to beat Malaysia 5-0 as they played well in the first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand,” said Retegui.
“The win has put us in a good position to qualify for the final.”
With the defeat, Malaysia are virtually out of the final as they only have three points from a win and two losses.
Argentina, with 10 points after their third win in four matches, need just one win in their two remaining matches to seal a place in the final. The Argentines face New Zealand tomorrow and Canada on Saturday.
The Malaysians were pathetic yesterday, making numerous errors in defence and failing to create much up front.
Argentina, who failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, played a fast attacking game from the start but had to wait until the 18th minute to open accounts when Facundo Callioni turned in Nicolas Mario Almada’s cross from the right.
Eight minutes later Callioni got his second goal off a penalty corner set piece.
Trailing 0-2, the Malaysian forwards got their game going and even earned two penalty corners, which came to nought.
Malaysia’s task was made even more difficult when defender Jiwa Mohan was sent to the sin bin in the 40th minute for bringing down Callioni outside the D.
Malaysia’s problems worsened seven minutes later.
Argentina were awarded a penalty stroke when defender Mohd Madzli Ikmar Mohd Noor stopped a penalty corner flick with his body.
Umpire Peter Alan Wright of South Africa pointed to the spot and Ignacio Juan Gilardi cooly converted. Argentina 3-0.
Argentina piled on the pressure to make it 5-0 through Hernan Lucas Cammareri’s close range attempt in the 54th minute and a Tomas Innocente Argento field goal in the 68th minute.
National coach Sarjit Singh said the defeat taught his players a good lesson – that they must stay focused for full 70 minutes.
”We made several mistakes in defence and gave away some soft goals. We also allowed the Argentines to control the midfield and they made full use of their chances,” said Sarjit.
Although he was unhappy that his players wasted a number of penalty corners, Sarjit admitted that they lost to a better team.
“However, I am pleased with my boys’ attitude as they did not give up and kept attacking until the final minute,” said Sarjit.
Argentian coach Jose Carlos Retegui was understandably delighted with the win.
“We never expected to beat Malaysia 5-0 as they played well in the first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand,” said Retegui.
“The win has put us in a good position to qualify for the final.”
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