In the men’s spellbinding semi-finals, Canada advanced with their second consecutive challenge shoot-out win, defeating Spain today, while Australia fought their way past South Africa.
After a strong start by Spain in the first semi-final, Canada held Spain within striking distance throughout regulation time. Canada forced the match into a challenge shoot-out with a last minute goal, and just like in their quarter-final, the Canadians used the opportunity wisely. Amrit Sidhu was the man of match with two goals during the match and three shoot-out conversions for Canada.
The match between South Africa and Australia was another thriller in Nanjing’s hockey arena. South Africa was the stronger team early on but conceded a pair of easy goals. When Australia opened up a two-goal gap towards the end of the match, a last minute goal wasn’t enough and the South Africans, unlucky today, had to watch Australia go on a victory lap.
In the 5th to 8th place bracket, Pakistan scored three goals in the final period to defeat a well-playing Zambian team, and New Zealand were out of Mexico’s reach.
The match for 9th place saw two equal contenders do battle, but in the end, Germany claimed victory with the narrowest of margins.
Results
Men
9/10th place: Bangladesh – Germany 4:5 (0:2; 3:4)
5-8th place: Zambia – Pakistan 2:5 (1:0; 2:2)
5-8th place: New Zealand – Mexico 9:2 (4:1; 8:2)
Semi-final: Spain – Canada 4:4 (2:1; 3:2) – Challenge Shoot-out 5:6
Semi-final: South Africa – Australia 3:4 (1:0; 1:2)
You can keep up to speed on all of the action from the 2014 Youth Olympic Games on the official event website - www.nanjing2014.org, with hockey specific info available by clicking here. To learn more about the Youth Olympic Games, click here.
