The last day of pool play at the BDO Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Quilmes saw the Czech Republic defeat Chile, the USA forcing Belgium to a draw, and Argentina securing their place in the final with an easy win over Ireland.
Czech Republic - Chile 2:1 (2:0)
Starting off a rainy day, the Czech team and Chile met for a match slowed down by the dreary weather conditions and a soaked pitch. Despite the less than inviting circumstances. both teams displayed a considerable amount of enthusiasm, pushing to win the game and reach the bronze medal play-off tomorrow.
The Czech soon built a considerable advantage, scoring in the 10th minute through Martin Babicky and again seven minutes later through Jakub Kyndl, and were able to carry that advantage through until the final whistle. In the second half, Chile played increasingly aggressively to salvage at least a point from the encounter, but struggled with unforced errors.
With seven minutes on the clock, Chile finally managed the elusive first goal when Alexis Berzcely deflected a ball into the net from close range, but the the subsequent rush of the Chileans on the Czech goal had no effect: the scoreline stayed at 2:1, with the Czech Republic winning the match thanks to their early, efficient goals, and the stamina to see the victory through to the end. The Czech will thus be playing for bronze tomorrow, while Chile are confined to the 5th/6th place match.
Belgium - USA 3:3 (1:0)
In the second match of the day, a clear result was expected, with table leaders and certain finalists Belgium taking on the USA, previously without a point in four matches.
And so it was no surprise when the match started with Belgium scoring an early goal through Cedric Charlier who struck the ball into the net in the fifth minute. As time went by however, the USA found more rhythm and was able to hold the Belgians at only one goal until halftime. Ten minutes after the break, despite pressure from the Red Devils to extend their lead, the USA even managed to win a penalty corner which Pat Harris used wisely to get his team the equalizer.
Eight minutes later, Cedric Charlier re-established Belgium's lead with his second goal of the day, but only to find Gurpal Kundi pulling the US team level again a few minutes later. Eager not to give away the match, Tom Boon scored for Belgium to regain the lead within 30 seconds of Kundi's goal, but the Belgians could still not avoid the draw, as Jarred Martin sank a powerful hit from the edge of the circle in the match's last minute to give the US team their first point in the tournament.
The result does not change tomorrow's clashes however, Belgium having already qualified for the final yesterday, and the USA already tagged for the 5th and 6th place match against fellow Panamericans Chile.
Ireland - Argentina 0:4 (0:3)
The final match of the day paired Ireland and Argentina, with Ireland needing a win with at least 3 goals difference to push Argentina out of the final.
Argentina soon established their dominance however, and controlled the game well throughout the match. Three goals in the first half, including a field goal from veteran striker Mario Almada, a penalty corner by Pedro Ibarra and a deflection into the net by Lucas Cammareri put the home team far ahead, and when Pedro Ibarra added his ninth goal of the tournament from a penalty stroke fifteen minutes into the second half, the match was decided.
The Irish fought valiantly today, but could not challenge a focussed Argentinean side that had their hearts and minds all set on the final. Ireland will thus be facing the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game tomorrow, while Argentina take on Belgium in the decider final for the very last ticket to Delhi.
For all information on the tournament, please visit our tournament website www.quilmes2009.sportcentric.com.
Czech Republic - Chile 2:1 (2:0)
10min CZE Martin BABICKY (FG)
17min CZE Jakub KYNDL (FG)
63min CHI Alexis BERZCELY (FG)
Belgium - USA 3:3 (1:0)
5min BEL Cedric CHARLIER (FG)
44min USA Pat HARRIS (PC)
52min BEL Cedric CHARLIER (PC)
59min USA Gurpal KUNDI (FG)
60min BEL Tom BOON (FG)
70min USA Jarred MARTIN (FG)
Ireland - Argentina 0:4 (0:3)
12min ARG Mario ALMADA (FG)
19min ARG Pedro IBARRA (PC)
24min ARG Lucas CAMMARERI (PC)
49min ARG Pedro IBARRA (PS)
