Hockey: England and Germany win in Four Nation Hockey Tournament
The Four Nation Hockey Tournament opened in Highfields Sports Club in Nottingham, England with two thrilling contests. Hosts England and former World Champions Germany both marched off with victories over their opponents in their opening games.
The hosts struck in the 4th minute to take an early lead against Japan through a spectacular finish from, World Young Player of the Year, Ashley Jackson, who sent home a cross from Jonty Clarke. The Japanese responded well with a few attacks but failed to score. In the meantime the hosts added another goal to take a 2-0 lead. Nick Catlin played a superb ball right towards the face of the goal where James Tindall did not have to do much to tuck it in.
With a comfortable lead the English team started to enjoy the game and kept the lion’s share of possession. In the 24th minute England delivered another blow to the Japanese when the English defender Niall Stott drilled in a powerful shot in the area. The shot was helped on the way by the Captain Barry Middleton and deflected towards the goal to make it 3-0.
With 28 minutes on the clock, Japan won a penalty corner and did not miss the golden opportunity to reduce the deficit. The goal however was scored on the second attempt from the corner. The initial shot hit the post and came back to Katsuyoshi Nagasawa who did not miss the second time and registered their first goal of the game.
On the other end England won an instant penalty corner but Takase did well to prevent further damage as he deflected Middleton’s strike. The first half ended at 3-1 in favour of England.
Japan came on strong in the second half and started a wave of attacks. In the 40th minute England dispossessed Japan and made the most of a counter attack opportunity when Catlin came running down the field and put a powerful shot beyond the keeper from close range. Japan pulled one back instantly when Anai pushed a shot high into the net. Things worsened soon afterwards for England when Japan scored their fourth goal through a Nagasawa penalty corner.
Japan sensed victory and started to advance more and more and missed a few very good opportunities. Just before the 50 minute mark, however, Japan converted a beautifully taken indirect penalty corner to equalize at 4-4.
Japan failed to find the lead, and, on the other end, Richard Alexander’s cross met a diving Tindall, who made no mistake in the 62nd minute. As Japan tried to find the equalizer once again, England broke and added their 6th goal through Clarke.
England’s Coach Jason Lee, who introduced six debutants before this game, was extremely pleased with his side’s effort and said that they were willing to give youngsters a lot of opportunities and it paid off. England will meet Germany in the next game for the contest of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Germany posted an easy victory over New Zealand in a game that was goalless at half time. Both teams missed a few easy chances to and Germany won three penalty corners all of which were wasted.
Germany struck three quick goals at the start of the second half to take the game away from the Black Sticks. New Zealand conceded the goals due to some defensive errors as Germany scored three quick field goals through Benedikt Frk, Florian Fuchs and Christoph Menke. Near the close of play New Zealand found some consolation when Hilton scored their only goal by deflecting a shot from Captain Shea McAleese. Germany won the game 3-1.
New Zealand Coach, Shane McLeod said his team was on a learning curve as he fielded a young side keeping in mind the Summer Olympics in 2012. He said that despite the loss he was happy that his team put on a good performance against a team which is ranked number 2 in the world.
New Zealand will play their next game against Japan which will be another mouth watering contest. The last round of games will feature New Zealand against England while Germany will play Japan.
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