The United States pulled off a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Great Britain’s women as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in London on Thursday. The Americans’ first win in the series since February last year was not enough to save them from relegation but provided a pre-Olympic boost as their campaign came to an end.
In other matches, Spain’s victory over Germany’s men meant they’ll be playing in next season’s FIH Hockey Pro League while newcomers Ireland will be relegated. The Irish wrapped up their campaign with another defeat against GB’s men. In Thursday’s other match, Germany’s women prevailed in a closely fought contest against China.
(Women’s) China 2 – 3 Germany
Germany had to work hard to eke out an exciting 3-2 win over China. The Germans survived some early Chinese penalty corners before Charlotte Stapenhorst pounced on a rebound from open play to put them ahead in the 11th minute. The start of the second period saw Germany briefly lose focus, allowing Yu Anhui to score for China from the restart. The Chinese then had another clear opportunity within a minute but Germany recovered well and Li Xinhuan was called on repeatedly in China’s goal to keep her team alive in the match.
China pressed much higher and dominated the third quarter and Gu Bingfeng put them in front just before the final break. Germany then kicked off an action-packed fourth quarter with 11 outfield players and Sonja Zimmermann equalised for them with a drag flick in the 47th minute. The Germans persisted without a goalkeeper, and Sara Strauss tapped in for the lead in the 55th minute. A period where neither team had a goalkeeper on the pitch followed, and Germany successfully defended a penalty corner before bringing their keeper back with a little over two minutes remaining to hold on for the victory.
The player of the match went to Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst who said: “We’re glad we won I think. We had some really tough defending situations and we were able to make sure that they didn’t score, so we’re just happy for the win.”
(Women’s) Great Britain 1 – 3 USA
The USA ended their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign in fine style, coming from behind for a deserved 3-1 win over hosts Great Britain. Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in an evenly contested first half, with GB starting energetically to take the lead with a 6th-minute Katie Robertson field goal. The USA gradually took more control as the half progressed and Megan Valzonis pulled them level with a field goal.
The USA dominated a goalless third quarter and carried tremendous momentum into the final period. Ashley Sessa escaped her marker for a deflection to put the Americans ahead, and Meredith Shoulder added a 56th-minute field goal to take the match away from GB. The Americans let a couple of excellent teams off the hook earlier in the competition so the win isn’t enough to avoid relegation, but they’ve fired warning shots for any teams who might underestimate them at the Olympic Games.
An ecstatic Meredith Shoulder of the USA was named player of the match and said: “I’m really proud of my team for pulling it together and ending on a really good note. The leadership has been incredible throughout this tour and we never gave up once.”
(Men’s) Germany 0 – 3 Spain
Spain were rock solid in defence and creative on attack as they outclassed Germany 3-0. The winning margin could easily have been higher were it not for the heroics of Jean-Paul Danneberg in Germany’s goal. The Germans dominated possession and territory in the first half, but it was Spain’s José Basterra who grabbed the lead with a quick reverse strike from the top of the circle.
Spain took control of the second half, making skilful circle entries and testing Danneberg repeatedly before Basterra doubled the lead in the 40th minute with the easiest of tap-ins. Basterra completed his hattrick less than 10 minutes later as Spain strung together some intricate passes in the circle to set him up. The result ensured Spain will remain in the competition for another season while confirming Ireland’s relegation.
A delighted José Basterra was awarded the player of the match and said: “Very happy with the performance of the team. That game was very important for us because we want to play next season the FIH Pro League… Now we have two last games hopefully that we have to be very focused and try to win more games and play good.”
(Men’s) Great Britain 3 – 0 Ireland
Hosts Great Britain were clinical when it mattered as they logged a comfortable 3-0 win over Ireland. The Irish were looking to bounce back from a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the same opposition over the weekend to end their campaign on a high. They dominated the first quarter, but it was GB who scored two quick goals against the run of play. Sam Ward pounced on a penalty corner rebound in the 12th minute and Phil Roper added a second from a botched penalty corner two minutes late. Ward then extended GB’s lead in the second period, getting on the end of a direct pass through the centre of the Irish circle.
The second half failed to come alive as play ebbed and flowed between the 25m lines. GB had a penalty corner and a couple of half chances, and Ireland had two unsuccessful penalty corners at the death, but there were no more goals. The Irish put in some excellent performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League, including beating Olympic champions Belgium twice, but their campaign ultimately ended in relegation.
The player of the match was Stuart Rushmere of Great Britain who said: “I think we took our chances really well, very clinical, and in deep defence kept them out very well.”
Top Scorer Armband
To celebrate the talented goal-scorers throughout the season the FIH has introduced the Top Scorer Armband, which is being worn by the leading goal-scorers in the men's and women's competitions in the current season, as a visual mark for the fans, and for the players to wear proudly, match after match.
Current Top Scorers:
Women - Yibbi Jansen (NED) (15 goals)
Men – Jip Janssen (NED) (12 goals)
To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Pro League, click here.
FIH Hockey Pro League – 6 June 2024
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London (UK)
WOMEN
Result: Match 55 (W)
China 2 - 3 Germany
Player of the match: Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER)
Umpires: Martin Madden (SCO), Magali Sergeant (BEL), Sébastien Michielsen (BEL-video)
Result: Match 56 (W)
United States 3 - 1 Great Britain
Player of the match: Meredith Shoulder (USA)
Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP), Sébastien Michielsen (BEL), Magali Sergeant (BEL-video)
MEN
Result: Match 55 (M)
Germany 0 - 3 Spain
Player of the match: José Basterra (ESP)
Umpires: Coen Van Bunge (NED), Michiel Otten (NED), Sébastien Michielsen (BEL-video)
Result: Match 56 (M)
Great Britain 3 - 0 Ireland
Player of the match: Stuart Rushmere (GBR)
Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Ivona Makar (CRO), Michiel Otten (NED-video)
