Japan, China, Korea play classification matches

Japan joined the ranks of China and Korea into classification matches

30 Nov
Back

Santiago (Chile) 29 Nov, 2016: Japan joined the ranks of China and Korea into classification matches in the Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile on Tuesday.

The Japanese, who are making their debut here, saw their challenge for quarterfinal berth go up in smoke by giving the Germans 2-0 victory in a crucial Group B match.

Germany needed a draw against Japan to secure qualification for the quarterfinals but went one up instead against their Asian opponents. Victoria Huse converted a penalty corner after 26 minutes whilst Teresa Pelegrina Martin doubled their lead in the 34th minute from open play.

The defeat means the Japanese, who finished third in the group with just one point to show in three matches, will play in classification matches together with China and Korea. The Koreans and Chinese will now play in the 9-12th classification matches while Japan entertains host Chile.

Defending champions Netherlands, bidding for a third consecutive title, Germany, England, Australia, Argentina, United States, Spain and Belgium all raced through to the quarterfinals.

The match-ups for Wednesday’s (Nov 30) quarterfinals encounters sees two-time champions Netherlands takes on Germany; Spain entertains England, Argentina faces off United States and Australia plays Belgium.

Korea and Asian junior champions China had earlier seen their foray here fizzled out in Pool A and B after finishing third in their respective groups. Argentina made sure of top spot in Pool A by defeating France 8-0 after going through the motion following Germany’s win against Japan earlier.

A 3-3 draw with South Africa was equally good enough for England to take second spot in Pool C as Australia defeated hosts Chile 2-1 to finish top.

The French defence remained defiant in the first half, denying Argentina’s attack on several occasions to keep the score 0-0 going into half-time break. Argentina however persevered and broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half through Eugenia Trinchinetti. The Pan American champions went on to score eight goals, including a hat-trick from Julieta Jankunas.

England also dominated early proceedings against the South Africans with Holly Hunt and Holly Munro giving the Englishwomen a 2-0 lead. South Africa captain Natalie Estevez scored seconds going into the end of the first from a penalty corner. But England restored their two-goal advantage as Megan Crowson converted a penalty stroke after 41 minutes but South Africa fought back again.

However, two goals from open play through Donna Small brought the African champions back on level terms and gave England a fright day moments in the closing stages.

“We started well. Our goal was to play the full 70 minutes at 100 per cent and I think we did that. At half-time we were down but came back firing. But in the end it’s a little bit disappointing we didn’t finish third in our Pool,” said Donna.

The Australians, who needed a point to secure qualification in Group C while Chile needed a win to remain in the medal hunt, struck a painful cord into the hearts of the local fans as Renee Taylor scored her second goal of the tournament from a penalty corner after only six minutes.

Chile upped the ante and continued to attack. Their determination and resilience paid dividends when Denise Krimerman equalised in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner. Australia always looked dangerous in attack and after 55 minutes Mariah Williams scored the decisive goal after a scramble in the D to win 2-1.

“That was a really intense game tonight. The Chilean fans are brilliant! But going into the quarter-finals we have to start well from the beginning (of matches), that’s how we will improve on our performances so far,” said Australian forward Mariah.

RESULTS
Pool B:
 Japan 0 Germany 2; Argentina 8 France 0.

Pool C: South Africa 3 England 3; Australia 2 Chile 1.

Quarterfinals (30 Nov): Netherlands v Germany; Spain v England; Argentina v United States; Australia v Belgium.

Follow us on: www.asiahockey.org   |   Twitter:  @asia_hockey  |   Facebook:  Asian Hockey Federation

worldsportpics
worldsportpics
Real Time Analytics