Germany and Austria dominate on Day One at the 5th Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin

    Germany and Czech Republic top Pool A with two wins apiece Pool B leaders Austria two points clear of second-placed Iran  Christopher Ruhr leads goal scoring table with eight The opening day of the 5th Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup saw two impressive winning performances from hosts Germany (FIH Hero Indoor World Ranking:1) as they hit the ground running with a comprehensive 15-0 win over Kazakhstan (WR:16) and a 7-1 goal spree against Australia (WR:11). The result puts the three-time World Cup winners in the driving seat in Pool A. Also going well in Pool A is the Czech Republic (WR:6) who beat Trinidad and Tobago (WR:18) 7-2 before turning the screw on Kazakhstan in their second game. The Czech team turned a close 4-2 half-time scoreline into a 9-3 rout by the time the final whistle sounded. The high scoring Czech team were led from the front by Jakub Lyndl, who scored seven goals – five of them against Kazakhstan. These results leave Czech Republic in second place in the pool behind Germany on goal difference. Despite a surprise 5-3 loss at the hands of Australia, Poland bounced back in some style against Trinidad and Tobago. A match that saw the Pan American team take an early 3-0 lead was turned on its head as Poland brought the score back to 3-2 going into the break. The European team then took control of the game and enjoyed an eight goal scoring fest in the second half to run out 11-5 winners. Trinidad and Tobago were their own worst enemies as they lost two players to yellow cards during the match and thus spent a large amount of the game a player down. The result leaves Poland sitting third in Pool A. Australia enjoyed mixed fortunes on Day One, finishing on equal points with Poland but with an inferior goal difference. The Oceania representatives defied the world rankings to beat Poland (WR: 5) 5-3 – a match that saw Poland play almost 10 minutes with a kicking back as they sought to get back on terms. However, the Australian’s were undone by Germany’s sheer brilliance as they simply couldn’t find their way out of the tight German attacking press. In Pool B, Austria’s (WR:2) opening game was a chance to prove their class as they beat Belgium (WR:16) 7-2 and then emerged as 6-3 winners against South Africa. Second place in the pool currently belongs to Iran (WR:7) who continue to impress at this level as they beat Switzerland 5-1. A second win eluded them as they found Belgium in determined mood not to lose a second consecutive match. Play flowed back and forth with missed chances, courageous defending and great goalkeeping on display throughout. In the end nothing could separate the teams and they played out a 3-3 draw. The result leaves Iran in second place and Belgium fifth, ahead of South Africa who have yet to register a point. Speaking after their opening game, Iran’s team manager Hadi Shariatisaravi, said: “We have worked really hard from the last (Indoor) World Cup in Leipzig, and this was what we wanted. We are going to finish first, second or third. We are going to do it, for sure. As we say, life is hockey and hockey is life, in Iran.” Russia were another team with mixed results. They were clinical as they put five goals past South Africa (WR:12) but they then lost an exciting and closely fought match against Switzerland (WR:8). The match was one of the most tightly contested of the day as the scores stood at 1-1 until the final two minutes of the game. Switzerland scored through Florian Feller and then found an empty net for a third goal as Russia removed their ‘keeper to try to push for an equaliser. A superior goal difference puts Russia in third place in Pool B but Switzerland are snapping closely at their heels. Results – Men’s Indoor World Cup Day 1 Pool A Germany 15, Kazakhstan 0. Czech Republic 7, Trinidad and Tobago 2. Poland 3 Australia 5. Poland 9, Trinidad and Tobago 3. Kazakhstan 3, Czech Republic 9. Germany 7, Australia 1. Pool B Russia 5, South Africa 0. Iran 5, Switzerland 1. Austria 7, Belgium 2. Russia 1, Switzerland 3. Austria 6, South Africa 3. Belgium 3, Iran 3. #IHWC2018 Source: FIH

    Indoor Hockey World Cup: The Underdogs

      The Indoor Hockey World Cup brings together the best indoor hockey teams from across the world as they seek to lift the trophy on 11 February. For many of the players and teams competing at the Max Scheming Halle in Berlin, Germany, this is the pinnacle of their indoor hockey careers and for some, this is a moment that has, at times, seemed unlikely. The romantic and headline-grabbing story has to be the presence of Trinidad and Tobago team in the men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup. Against the odds, Trinidad and Tobago won the Indoor Pan Am Cup in 2017, knocking the pre-tournament favourites Canada out in a thrilling 7-5 encounter before defeating Argentina 7-0 in the final. “We’re not here to make up numbers but to prove that Trinidad and Tobago belongs on the world stage.” Douglas Camacho, President of Trinidad and Tobago Hockey  Ranked 18 in the FIH Hero Indoor Hockey World rankings, Head Coach Raphael Govia and Assistant Coach Darren Cowie, will have been plotting their course to further success as they take on Poland (WR:3), Czech Republic (WR:6) not to mention their final match of the pools against the world number one team, Germany. Douglas Camacho, President of Trinidad and Tobago Hockey said: “We’ve been drawn in Pool A to face European teams and Australia, so we hope to bring our exciting brand of hockey to the tournament and show them what we’ve got. We’re not here to make up numbers but to prove that Trinidad and Tobago belongs on the world stage.” Making their debut at the Indoor World Cup will be Kazakhstan. The team that is currently ranked 16th in the world have a baptism of fire as they face Germany in the opening match of the men’s competition. Head Coach Olga Urmanova will be looking for her young team to adapt to the cauldron of international hockey very quickly. European teams dominate the top world rankings in the women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, with the Netherlands top of the list at number one. However, they suffered a defeat at the hands of Germany (WR:2) in the recent EuroHockey Indoor Championship. At the other end of the scale, USA are ranked 20th and they come to the competition as tournament debutants. Ali Campbell, who was voted best player at the Pan American Indoor Hockey Cup, will be hoping to continue her fine form in front of goal, but a pool that comprises Netherlands, Poland and Belarus will prove a stern testing ground for the USA team. For USA Head Coach Jun Kentwell, team selection (12 players from a group of 24) for the event has been tough: “The selection of the squad to travel to the Indoor World Cup has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to face,” Kentwell said in a statement released by USA Field Hockey, “I have never worked with a group of players who shown so much commitment and determination.” Another side who sit low in the women’s rankings are the African champions, Namibia. Ranked 14th in the world, Namibia have a habit of overturning the form book. They beat red hot favourites South Africa in the race to the Indoor Hockey World Cup thanks to a pulsatingly exciting final in the African Indoor Cup and, according to Netherlands Coach Marieke Dijkstra, whose team played them in a friendly, they are: “A very physical and skilled team.” In Dijkstra’s words: “When it gets to quarter-final stage, anything can happen.” The action starts on 7 February. Fans can follow all the matches from the main hall via a free live-stream on FIH YouTube. #IHWC2018 Source: FIH

      ACCC 2017: El Sharkia show dominance to win 23rd ACCC title

        Group stage matches for Africa Cup for Club Champions ended with Niger Flickers facing Police Machine in the 5th and 6th position match, GRA going head to head with Trustees in the Bronze Medal Match with El Sharkia and Eastern Company playing their second debut in the finals. Niger Flickers after losing 2-1 Police Machine in their group stage debut, reversed the score to a 4-3 advantage. Danladi Umar was the man for Niger Flickers scoring a brace in the 4th and 33rd minute. His appearance in this match proved vital as he created numerous chances for the Flickers. Kelvin Linus added his 39th minute goal to keep Niger Flickers in the game. Michael Agbaegbu’s brace and Muiz bello goal in the 42nd minute wasn’t enough for Police Machine to secure them the 5th position as Danladi Umar’s goal in the 58th minute cemented The Flickers win for the first time in 4 years. Trustees Bronze medal was shutterd as GRA Men kept their composure to steal it easily from them. The 8 seconds penalty shoot out was left to decide the fate of the two teams as Trustees Johnny Botsio 34′ and GRA Luke Damalie’s 38 goal wasn’t enough to pick the Bronze Medal. GRA’s keeper, Eugene Acheampong saved 4 out of 5 whilst Trustees Karikari saved 2 out 5. This granted GRA momentum to become bronze medalist after 24 years of drought. The biggest ACCC continental rivalry saw defending champions face all time record holders in the finals. It was an Egyptian debut as El Sharkia faced Eastern Company. Their last encounter saw El Sharkia beat Eastern Company by 4 goals to 2. Match started with much expectation from El Sharkia but it was their opponents who showcased great defending and attacking techniques. Eastern Company tightened their defence to stop Ahmed Aly and Gobran attack. The first 30 minutes was intense for both team as penetration into opponents shooting circle proved futile. Edres Al Sayed’s only goal of the game came in the 42nd from s penalty corner. This goal stepped up the game for El Sharkia. Eastern Company tried but the final whistle caught them with no hope of retaining the title. El Sharkia with this counts their 23rd gold medal for this tournament. Source: isports360.com

        ACCC 2017: Ghana wins first ever gold at ACCC

          The 20th edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) womens category came to an end yesterday with exciting and heartbreaking moments . The Theodosia Okoh hockey stadium was filled with joy and wild celebrations as GRA ladies emerged winners in the women’s category beating Telkom to give Ghana her first ever gold in the competition. The duel was a repeat of the 2017 final. The sides had also met earlier in the round robin stage with Telkom beating GRA by a lone goal. The final started with a much packed stadium and GRA dictating pace from the blast. With revenge on their minds, the ladies from GRA mounted huge pressure on Telkom but the defense and goalkeeper stood tall. The first two quarters saw GRA play great hockey but their front line failed to convert chances that came their way. Telkom on the other hand had their own share of the cake from penalty corners, but failed to make it count. The final quarter gave spectators what they desire with excitements, misses, suspensions and chances. In the 56th minute, goalkeeper Cynthia Onyango paried a hit from a GRA player into the path of Roberta Sarfoa who made no mistake to slot it home. The goal brought the entire stadium into rapturous mood as Ghana was on her way for a first ever gold medal in ACCC. The final whistle came and GRA ladies emerged champions ending the dominance of Telkom Kenya. Speaking to isports360 after the match, skipper of GRA Monica Grant expressed her joy in the victory. “We are so happy for this victory. We really prepared for this tournament and wanted to revenge on Telkom…thanks to all who came in to support us. We will defend this trophy come next year” she said. Ghana Police ladies also came third beating Kada Queens on penalties after the game ended 1-1. Strathmore did the double over Yobe Desert beating them 3-1 in the 5th and 6th place match. Final standings GRA Telkom Ghana Police ladies Kada Queens Strathmore University Yobe Desert Queens Other award winners were Nafisatu Umaru who won the top scorer award with 8 goals. Telkom’s Cynthia Onyango was adjudged best goalkeeper with Mavis Berko of GRA named the best player. The President of the Ghana Hockey Association thanked the Africa Hockey Federation for the privilege to host and also to all the teams, technical directors, tournament officials and media for making the 2018 ACCC a success. Source: isports360.com

          Police Machine resist oppression on Debut day

            The day of Men’s Local Debuts was set on Match Day 4 with Police Machine facing Niger Flickers, El Sharkia matching boots with Eastern Company and Trustees keeping up with local champions GRA men. Police Machine after 3 defeats, grabbed their first win to announce dominance in their local debut. The team outweighed Niger Flickers whose performance in this year’s competition proved outstanding in their last 3 games Michael Agbaegbu in the 33rd minute gave Police Machine the early lead scoring from another worked out counter attack. The defence of Niger Flickers couldn’t resist this attack as Agbaegbu dribbled pass 3 defence and landed the final touch into the post of the Flickers. Niger Flickers most promising player – Victor Kish levelled the score from a PC in the 54th putting pressure on Police Machine. Police Machine’s Michael Agbaegbu again, smashed Niger Flickers in the 59th minute after goalkeeper Abdulkadir blocked an earlier shot from him. Police Machine ended their consecutive streak of losses beating Niger Flickers 2-1. The second debut of the day was between continental champions – El Sharkia and defending champions Eastern Company. The Egyptian debut was a match of sorrow for defending champions after they conceded heavily to El Sharkia. Ahmed Ahmed Aly in the 3rd minute placed El Sharkia ahead of the game ending the first quarter in their favour. Gobran Mohammed shot at goal in the 24th minutes from a well-organized counter attack by Ahmed Ahmed Aly. Ibrahim Sameer added his name to the score sheet from a PC, placing it at the top left corner of Eastern Company’s post. Eastern Company joined the party of goals just before the end of the 3rd quarter. Aboutaleb Mahmoud converted his 4th PC to a goal putting smiles on the bench of Eastern Company. The smiles short-lived as Edres Al Sayed striked hard to the top left corner of Eastern Company’s post increasing their tally to 4. Aboutaleb Mahmoud doubled his name on the scoresheet from a penalty stroke in the 49th minute but wasn’t to pick a point. Defending champions – Eastern Company lost their first game to continental champions – El Sharkia by 4 goals to 2. Ghana’s debut increased the numbers at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch as local champions GRA Men held Runners Up to 2 goal draw. GRA showed sportsmanship taking control of the game in the first 2 quarters. Prince Ashrifie and Damalie Luke in the 14th and 25th minute, secured GRA’s full control of the first two quarters cementing their dominance over Trustees. The jubilation ended for GRA in the 40th and 56th minute after Trustees talismen, Johnny Botsio and Osumanu Mohammed levelled the score. GRA’ struggled to make an impact as all balls hit into Trustee D left the field of play with nobody to convert them to goals. Table at the end of Day 4 Source: isports360.com