Day 2 of the FIH Series Finals in Banbridge was dominated by powerful performances by hosts Ireland and Malaysia as they put on a goal-fest to entertain the fans. Korea and Ukraine also registered wins in their pool.
France vs Ukraine
It was a bright morning in Banbridge and the French team complemented the sunshine with some positive intent from the start as they pressed in the Ukranian’s half in the first few minutes, until Ukraine got a grip on their game. Ukraine showed a flair of their indoor style of play as some good set pieces saw them take lead in the 7th minute.
Ukraine imposed themselves on France by exploiting the gaps they found between the French midfield and defence as they doubled their lead through Valeriia Tyshchenko.
France put up a better show after a two-goal deficit and pulled one back in the second quarter through a penalty corner.
Just two minutes into the final quarter, Ukraine extended their lead to 3-1 but France reduced the deficit two minutes later as Victorine Vankemmel created a great opportunity for Yohanna Lhopital.
France further stepped up the ante in the last 150 seconds as they removed the keeper in search of an equalizer. They came close in the last 30 seconds by earning a penalty corner but Ukraine’s keeper Tetaiana Stepanchenko kept the ball out.
After this match both France and Ukraine have a win each but France are placed above Ukraine in the standings because of a better Goal Difference.
Ukraine’s Yevheniya Kernoz: “Really happy to get the team to win today and scored two goals and we were mentally strong today. Despite the 5-0 loss versus Korea we were together today and played like one team”
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FIH Women’s Series Finals Banbridge, 2019
Result: Ukraine 3, France 2 (Pool B)
Umpires: Durga Devi (IND), Mariana Reydo (ARG)
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Scotland vs Korea
Coming from a surprise defeat to France in their opening match, the Scottish team started with a spark as they created pressure on the Korean team in the initial minutes of the match. They reaped rewards as well as they took a lead in the 6th minute through Kate Holmes. After the early goal, Korea upped the intensity and took the game to Scotland’s half and had a few opportunities in the first quarter.
However, the equalizer came only in the 22nd minute as Hyejin Cho converted a penalty corner. They didn’t have to wait long to take the lead as just a minute later Jina Kang put one past behind the keeper, also bringing in her second goal of the tournament.
In the third quarter also, Korea maintained the intensity and extended their lead through another Penalty Corner.
The final quarter saw a sudden burst of rain forcing both the teams to slow down their game. At full-time the scoreline remained the same (3-1) taking Korea to the top of their pool
Korea now face France on 11th June while Scotland play Ukraine in a must-win game!
Korean Captain Hyoju An: “We will play to win versus France on Tuesday and would want to top the pool.”
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FIH Women’s Series Finals Banbridge, 2019
Result: Scotland 1, Korea 3 (Pool B)
Umpires: Claire Druijts (NED), Junko Wagatsuma (JPN)
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Ireland vs Czech Republic
Five goals in a span of 15 minutes in the second half with Anna O Flanagan scoring three of those summed up the dominance Ireland enjoyed against Czech Republic. The hosts started as favourites while Czech Republic were hoping to put up a tough fight, especially after their 5-0 win over Singapore.
Ireland’s dominance started right from the first whistle and they again scored early as O’Flanagan created an excellent chance for Nikki Daly to tap in. Towards the end of the first quarter it was turn for the experienced O’Flanagan to score her first of the four goals of the match.
After a quiet second quarter, the Irish team began a goal fest as they pumped in six goals in the second half. O’Flanagan was at the centre of the action as she completed a hat-trick and also helped in creating a few chances.
Czech Republic pulled one back in the 54th minute but it was too little too late. Nikki Daly restored their seven goal advantage as she scored her second of the day in the 58th minute.
With this win Ireland climbed to the top of the table with six points and next play Singapore on Tuesday.
Ireland’s Anna O’Flanagan: “Compared to our match versus Malaysia we moved the ball faster and took our opportunities.”
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FIH Women’s Series Finals Banbridge, 2019
Result: Czech Republic 1, Ireland 8 (Pool A)
Umpires: Hannah Harrison (ENG), Ana Faias (POR)
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Malaysia vs Singapore
After a fighting performance vs Ireland on 8th June, today, Malaysia looked competing with Ireland for the biggest win margin of the day.
Malaysia scored 12 goals as a young Singaporean team looked helpless on the field.
The first goal of this match set the tone of what to expect. Malaysia’s Hanis Onn raced solo from the half-line and beat couple of defenders to open Malaysia’s account. Onn’s goal would be considered as one of the better goals of the tournament.
What followed was a flurry of goals by the team in white as they left no stone unturned to better their Goal difference ahead of their next match against Czech Republic.
Malaysia’s Nuraini Rashid showed her prowess as she converted three penalty corners with her powerful drag flicks.
Malaysia’s dominance reflected not only in the scoreline (12-0) but also in the amount of possession they held and number of opportunities they allowed Singapore to enter their circle or have a shot on the goal.
Malaysia now face Czech Republic on the 11th June.
Malaysia’s Nuraini Rashid: “I am really happy that I scored three goals today and it gives me confidence that I can score more goals in the next match.”
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FIH Women’s Series Finals Banbridge, 2019
Result: Malaysia 12, Singapore 0 (Pool A)
Umpires: Andrea Nicholson (RSA), Violeta Eismayer (AUT)
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The action in Banbridge returns on 11th June.
1300 (CET) Malaysia – Czech Republic
1500 (CET) Ireland – Singapore
1700 (CET) Korea – France
1900 (CET) Ukraine – Scotland
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