FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup | Argentina edge South Africa in opener
1 489 days since Belgium lifted their first-ever FIH Hockey World Cup title at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the same venue played host to the opening game of the next edition. FIH Hockey Nations Cup champions South Africa taking on the 2016 Olympic champions Argentina.
The opening exchanges had an element of early tournament jitters as neither side were able to create any significant moment of quality, with both offering a glimmer of the threat available as a potential warning sign. Nic Spooner was instrumental...
FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 | Late goal snatches victory for France
South Africa and France renewed their rivalry in their first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup encounter in Bhubaneswar this morning. The two teams were the invited FIH Pro League participants in 2022 and played a thrilling group match in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Potchefstroom.
South Africa had big hopes for the game but like their encounter in Potchefstroom the South Africans would have to chase the game as they trailed to an early Victor Charlet goal from a penalty corner.
Dayaan Cassiem came close with a quick-fire...
SA v Aus
The South African Men’s team was facing an uphill battle as they had suffered two narrow defeats, making it unlikely for them to qualify for the crossovers. However, they were determined to test their mettle against the world’s top-ranked side and prepare for the playoffs with the goal of finishing in the top 12 still very much within reach.
As the match began, the South Africans were met with frustration as their keeper, Gowan Jones, made a fantastic save, but the rebound was picked up by the Australian player, Blake Govers. Despite this setback, the South Africans were...
FIH Hockey World Cup | South Africa show class to defeat Malaysia
The South African Hockey Men, ranked 15th in the world, took on the 10th ranked Malaysians in a match to decide which of the two sides would play in the 9-12th bracket and who would drop to 13-16 pool.
The South Africans looked the better team from the start and almost had a lead with an early penalty corner. But they did get the lead their early dominance deserved. Sam Mvimbi received the ball in the circle, waited for the pass, and picked out Brad Sherwood who finished superbly. The South Africans could and probably should...
FIH Hockey World Cup | India shows cutting edge to seal top 10 finish
It was a venue and crowed befitting a World Cup final as 20 000 fans packed into Rourkela to watch South Africa and India play for a top 10 spot at the global showpiece. The game marked the 200th game for Mandeep Singh, a remarkable achievement.
The African Champions will be disappointed by their slow start to the game and found themselves trailing five minutes in. Abishek received the ball at the top of the circle, created space with his first touch and fired a blistering strike into the backboard.
The...
