Kiwis hold Germany, Chile revive semi hopes
Published: 06:01 PM,Jan 16,2024 | EDITED : 10:01 PM,Jan 16,2024
Kiwis hold Germany, Chile revive semi hopes
MUSCAT: The tight clash between Germany and New Zealand ended at a 2-2 draw at Oman Hockey Stadium in Pool B of FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier which is underway in Muscat.
New Zealand, coached by Greg Nicol, began the match perfectly as they managed to earn an early goal by Findlay Sean in the first minute through a field goal. The rivals awaited for more than 15 minutes to bring the match into parity as Peillat Gonzalo equalised in the 17th minute from a penalty corner. The equaliser gave the world champions better encouragement as they took the lead for first time in the match after Grambusch Tom netted the second goal in the 17th minute from a penalty corner.
In the third quarter of the game, Phillips Hayden made it 2-2 for New Zealand with a field goal in the 43th minute.
The draw meant Germany will remain on top with four points and New Zealand are in second place with goal difference while Chile are third and Canada in fourth place.
In an earlier Pool B match on Tuesday, Chile revived their hopes to advance into the semifinals after they defeated Canada 3-2.
Chile began their campaign at FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier event with a 3-1 loss against New Zealand.
Both teams started strongly as they needed a win to keep alive their hopes to make it into the last 4. Canada’s Johnston Gordon opened the scoring with a penalty corner goal in the seventh minute.
Seven minutes later, Chile’s Renz Felipe equalised from a brilliant field goal to end the first quarter at 1-1.
Maldonado Jose added another field goal in the second quarter for Chile in the 28th minute to make it 2-1. Jose found the target in the 45th minute to extend his team’s lead.
Canadian players missed the focus and concentration as they did not convert many scoring attempts to goals. Before the match end, Canada's Johnston Gordon reduced the gap to make it 3-2. The second successive loss for Canada meant their chances to move into the next round dashed as they suffered a 9-0 loss against Germany in the opener.
CHINA, GBR WIN
In late matches of Monday, China registered a strong came back to beat Malaysia who were ahead in the second quarter. Chinese players managed to end the match at 3-2 in the dying moments after they rallied to lead 2-1 heading into the final quarter.
Gao Jiesheng fired the all-important goal and took the full advantage of a penalty corner and won it for China 3-2 in the final moments of the game to clinch crucial three points in their first match.
Great Britain finished the first day's matches with an outstanding show as they thrashed Pakistan 6-1. World No 4 Great Britain players did not get much difficulty to end their match with a comfortable win.
Waller Jack took the lead from a penalty corner in the 10th minute before Ward Sam doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a field goal. He came back again to score the third goal in the 41st minute. Two minutes later, Calnan Will increased the margin to make it 4-0.
The first actual presence of Pakistani team were in the 50th minute as Shahid Hannan reduced the scoring gap in the 50th minute with a field goal. Wallace Zachary and Bandurak Nicholas sealed the victory for the Great Britain as they netted the fifth and sixth goals.
Great Britain topped Pool A with China in second place with goal difference while Malaysia are in third place. Pakistan will be looking to register a comeback as they are placed fourth and last place in the pool.
New Zealand, coached by Greg Nicol, began the match perfectly as they managed to earn an early goal by Findlay Sean in the first minute through a field goal. The rivals awaited for more than 15 minutes to bring the match into parity as Peillat Gonzalo equalised in the 17th minute from a penalty corner. The equaliser gave the world champions better encouragement as they took the lead for first time in the match after Grambusch Tom netted the second goal in the 17th minute from a penalty corner.
In the third quarter of the game, Phillips Hayden made it 2-2 for New Zealand with a field goal in the 43th minute.
The draw meant Germany will remain on top with four points and New Zealand are in second place with goal difference while Chile are third and Canada in fourth place.
In an earlier Pool B match on Tuesday, Chile revived their hopes to advance into the semifinals after they defeated Canada 3-2.
Chile began their campaign at FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier event with a 3-1 loss against New Zealand.
Both teams started strongly as they needed a win to keep alive their hopes to make it into the last 4. Canada’s Johnston Gordon opened the scoring with a penalty corner goal in the seventh minute.
Seven minutes later, Chile’s Renz Felipe equalised from a brilliant field goal to end the first quarter at 1-1.
Maldonado Jose added another field goal in the second quarter for Chile in the 28th minute to make it 2-1. Jose found the target in the 45th minute to extend his team’s lead.
Canadian players missed the focus and concentration as they did not convert many scoring attempts to goals. Before the match end, Canada's Johnston Gordon reduced the gap to make it 3-2. The second successive loss for Canada meant their chances to move into the next round dashed as they suffered a 9-0 loss against Germany in the opener.
CHINA, GBR WIN
In late matches of Monday, China registered a strong came back to beat Malaysia who were ahead in the second quarter. Chinese players managed to end the match at 3-2 in the dying moments after they rallied to lead 2-1 heading into the final quarter.
Gao Jiesheng fired the all-important goal and took the full advantage of a penalty corner and won it for China 3-2 in the final moments of the game to clinch crucial three points in their first match.
Great Britain finished the first day's matches with an outstanding show as they thrashed Pakistan 6-1. World No 4 Great Britain players did not get much difficulty to end their match with a comfortable win.
Waller Jack took the lead from a penalty corner in the 10th minute before Ward Sam doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a field goal. He came back again to score the third goal in the 41st minute. Two minutes later, Calnan Will increased the margin to make it 4-0.
The first actual presence of Pakistani team were in the 50th minute as Shahid Hannan reduced the scoring gap in the 50th minute with a field goal. Wallace Zachary and Bandurak Nicholas sealed the victory for the Great Britain as they netted the fifth and sixth goals.
Great Britain topped Pool A with China in second place with goal difference while Malaysia are in third place. Pakistan will be looking to register a comeback as they are placed fourth and last place in the pool.