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Germany began their Hockey World Cup campaign in an efficient, if slightly underwhelming fashion as they outplayed South Africa 4-0 yesterday. |
The match against 12th-ranked South Africa saw the reigning Olympic champions and second-ranked team begin at a steady pace, building patterns of play and feeling their way into the game. Four different players tallied for Germany including Christopher Zeller, Mats Grambusch, Oliver Korn and Thilo Stralkowski. South African keeper Rassie Pieterse was outstanding in goal.
Meanwhile, the Kyocera Stadium turned orange as 15,000 people turned up to cheer the home team in their opening match against Argentina. The Netherlands did not disappoint as they were spectacular and stylish to win their opener 3-1.
And Argentina added their own substantial skill and flair to the occasion, keeping the Dutch attack at bay for periods of the game and forcing goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann to make saves from the top drawer of goalkeeping. Three different goal scorers got on the board in the win for Netherlands, while Gonzalo Peillat made good on a penalty corner flick for Argentina.
New Zealand registered a thrilling 2-1 win over Korea. New Zealand took an early lead through Steve Edwards (1), but the closely-fought contest was not decided until the final minute of the game, when one of the Black Sticks most experienced players, Phil Burrows, took his chance in front of goal. Korea, driven on by their captain Lee Seungil, fought back but could find no way past the solid New Zealand defence.
India look to bouNCe back
After losing 2-3 to fifth ranked Belgium in their opener, India will battle it out against England today. Going by past records, India and England clashed twice in 2012. At the first meeting in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne, India registered a 3-1 victory but the second time they lost 1-2 at the International Super Series in Perth. Since then, they only met once at the World League Finals in January, where India lost 0-2. “England is a formidable opponent and we will be strongly challenged. We will have to move the ball effectively which will help to create opportunities,” India’s chief coach Terry Walsh said.
