The first set of cross-over matches featured both sides of the penalty corner. As for Germany, although they managed to secure a 1–0 win over South Africa, they would look back on a number of begging occasions with disappointment. Belgium then stepped up and produced a stunning set-piece finishing performance to beat Chile 5-0.
The result means that Chile now play China and South Africa face Ireland in the race for the top spot at 13-16. Germany will now play New Zealand in the quarter-finals, while Belgium will face neighbors and defending champions the Netherlands.
Watch: Chilean Hockey Player Francisca Tala Proposes to Boyfriend After Scoring Against The Netherlands
Germany vs South Africa (crossover)
Germany FIH . ranked fourth in World Ranking and South Africa are ranked 16th, it was always a tough challenge for the lower ranked team. However, a combination of resilient, stubborn defence, superb goalkeeping and luck kept the score at 1-O and South Africa would have gained a great amount of international respect for their performances.
The first half was all about German pressure and a somewhat resilient South African defence, scoring 0–0. Emily Wortman came closest in those opening exchanges but her shot just went wide.
German head coach Valentin Altenberg said at half-time that he was pleased with the way his team was approaching and playing the game, except for the final action in front of the goal.
Surely South Africa’s two penalty corners gave Germany every chance to score, but things just didn’t click for the higher-ranked team in the first 30 minutes
South Africa’s head coach Jyle Bonnet talked about the element of luck his team enjoyed, though he also praised his defense work.
In the second half, Germany really put a lot of pressure on the South Africa circle. There was a significant increase in intensity and a series of penalty corners were awarded at the opening pressure. Phumela Munde defended a brilliant double from first, and then Germany messed up the routine for the next.
It was on the third attempt that Nike Lorenz finally broke the deadlock with an excellent shot. The goal seemed to lift the lid on tensions within the German side and the attacking moves began to flow. Victoria Huss sent a shot over the South Africa crossbar and Pia Martens and Anne Schroeder began to make a real fuss of themselves in and around the circle.
Despite this, the score remained 1-0 as the teams entered the final quarter. This was mainly due to a daring run on penalty corners by Kristen Patton and Jean-Leigh du Toit. Germany would be worried that they won 16 penalty corners and scored with just one.
As Bonnet was considering a last-minute goalkeeper, Edith Moliko received a card and so that option was discarded.
Player of the Match Nike Lorenz (GER) said: ‘It was a tough game. We never played against South Africa and scored a lot of goals, so it was no surprise. We definitely need to make the most of the penalty corner next time. We have to score more goals to get a chance to win this World Cup.
Belgium vs Chile
Belgium made a great start as they faced Chilean movement in their circle, intercepted the ball through good position from Michel Struijk, accelerated to the other end of the pitch and won a penalty corner. Stephanie Vanden Sacks made no mistake as she hit the ball into the corner of Claudia Schouler’s goal.
A second penalty corner was brilliantly saved by Schouler, but the Belgian won two re-awards in quick succession. However, it was a beautiful piece of free-running from Louis Versavel, after receiving a pass from Alix Garniers, leading to the second goal. Versavel ran fast to the left side of the pitch and then pushed the ball home across Justin Rasir.
Just before the quarter-time whistle, Stephanie Vanden Borre scored her second goal to put the Belgian in the driving seat.
Chile’s pain intensified in the second quarter when Charlotte Engelbert found herself in the right place to score a rebound penalty corner shot into the goal.
The third quarter scored another goal and it was a cracker. Charlotte Engelbert picked up the ball in her own half and then changed gears to run across the pitch, scoring the last defender and then shooting the oncoming goalkeeper.
In the fourth quarter, Chile really did not let their highly ranked opponents rest on their laurels as they won a series of penalty corners. Unfortunately for Sergio Vigil and his players, the Belgian defense was fired up as the front line.
Belgium had a chance to score sixth in the final minutes of the game, but Schuler made another brilliant athletic save to deny Ambre Balenghin.
Player of the Match Charlotte Engelbert (BEL) said: ‘I thought it was going to be a bit tough but we scored early and that calmed us down. It’s good to play in front of our supporters and now we look forward to playing in Holland next week. We have nothing to lose.
Chile captain Camila Carram said: ‘It was a tough game. It was tough to maintain the levels throughout the tournament. I think our level dropped a bit in this game. Now we have to turn the page and focus on our next match tomorrow. Everything is a first for us, so we are just trying to stick with the bigger teams.
Action at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup continues on Sunday 10 July, with the first two matches at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelwein. Ireland will play South Africa in the 9-16 play-off at 13:00, followed by China against Chile at 15:30.
Then it is the second set of cross-over matches, with England against Korea at 18:00, then against Spain. India at 21:30. Both these matches will be played at the Estadi Olympique de Terrassa.
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