August 2010

Netherlands 7 India 1
Germany 2 New Zealand 0
Australia - Japan
With all twelve teams now having shown their wares, the Netherlands and day-one star turns Argentina look the most likely finalists at the end of day two of the women's hockey world cup.
It was the Dutch who shone brightest on a grey and cold day in Rosario. The women in orange showed the rest of the world how to run a penalty corner routine. Maartje Pauman produced superb drag-flick ball speed, and the whole routine was immaculate - injection, stop and flick - the complete package. Pauman completed a hat-trick (two PCs, one stroke). Kim Lammers scored twice while Ellen Hoog and Marilyn Agliotti scored singles.
India did cause a few problems with goalscorer Rani Rampal the pick of a skilful bunch who however struggled to match the conditioning of the Dutch.

The other two lower ranked teams in the group - New Zealand and Japan - both caused problems for their supposed betters. Anything like decent finishing would have seen New Zealand shock the Germans. The Kiwis created a hatfull of chances with Stacy Mitchelsen and Gemma Flynn taking the lead in producing some of the best attacking moves seen in the tournament so far. Unfortunately Flynn (pictured) was also one of the prime goal evaders of the night. A very angry New Zealand coach Mark Hager put it succinctly: "You've got to put the ball in the back of the net. Germany made the most of their chances and we didn't and that is why we couldn't win.
"I'm pretty gutted. It's disappointing to create so many chances and not put them away. Yes their keeper played well but also if you keep hitting her she is going to have a good game," he said.
But even so, this Kiwi team will produce a shock either here or at the upcoming Commonwealth Games - they are seriously good. Germany's goals both came in the first half - from a Celine Wilde field goal and a Tina Bachmann PC. Germany had seven corners in all.

Latest on TV coverage is that Zee Cafe tv is free to air on SKY 846 FREE TO AIR on Sky 846 FROM TUESDAY. England v Spain tonight at 9pm on same channel is on subscription. Alternative is www.laola.tv

(UK time in brackets)
Sunday August 29
2.30pm (6.30pm) China v Korea
5pm (9pm) Spain v England
7.30pm (11.30pm) Argentina v South Africa

Monday August 30
2.30pm (6.30pm) Netherlands v India
5pm (9pm) Germany v New Zealand
7.30pm (11.30pm) Australia v Japan

Tuesday August 31
2.30pm (6.30pm) China v England
5pm (9pm) South Africa v Spain
7.30pm (11.30pm) Argentina v Korea

Wednesday September 1
2.30pm (6.30pm) India v Australia
5pm (9pm) Netherlands v New Zealand
7.30pm (11.30pm) Germany v Japan

Implementaion of the new, 2011-12, rules will start THIS season.
The basic changes are that the 'manufactured foul' disappears. As does the option to take a free hit anywhere in the circle for a foul (by the attack) in the circle.
The full details are in the two attachements. The England Hockey Statement reads as follows:
The Board of the England Hockey Board has approved the introduction of the new 2011-12 Rules of Hockey (Outdoor and Indoor) at the start of the coming hockey season (1 September 2010).