London - The South African women's hockey team have lost their Test to Germany in Chiswick on Wednesday night but still qualified for the London Cup semi-finals on Saturday.
World No 12 South Africa lost 1-0 to world No 3 Germany thanks to Eileen Hoffman’s 30th minute deflection goal in an action-packed London Cup clash.
For world No 4 Great Britain, who were upset 3-1 by South Africa in an epic clash on Tuesday night, to reach the semis they have to beat Germany by two clear goals in Thursday’s final pool match. Should they achieve that, then the Germans would fall out.
The South African defence was outstanding while the forwards, with Sulette Damons having a great second half, were playing at pace and with determination up front and deserved at least one goal, particularly after the changeover.
Kate Woods, Dirkie Chamberlain, Marsha Marescia and Pietie Coetzee deserved more but German 'keeper Kristina Reynolds played a blinder. Germany also had their chances in what was a very even match.
In Wednesday’s earlier match Australia beat Ireland 4-1.
Tuesday’s opening round saw world No 1 Holland beat the Aussie Hockeyroos 2-1.
Thursday’s other pool fixture in this six-nation event sees Ireland face Holland.
The semi-finals are on Saturday and feature the top two teams in each pool with the winners going through to Sunday’s final and the losers tackling each other in the bronze medal match. The teams that end third in their pool will play off for fifth and sixth places on Sunday.
World No 12 South Africa lost 1-0 to world No 3 Germany thanks to Eileen Hoffman’s 30th minute deflection goal in an action-packed London Cup clash.
For world No 4 Great Britain, who were upset 3-1 by South Africa in an epic clash on Tuesday night, to reach the semis they have to beat Germany by two clear goals in Thursday’s final pool match. Should they achieve that, then the Germans would fall out.
The South African defence was outstanding while the forwards, with Sulette Damons having a great second half, were playing at pace and with determination up front and deserved at least one goal, particularly after the changeover.
Kate Woods, Dirkie Chamberlain, Marsha Marescia and Pietie Coetzee deserved more but German 'keeper Kristina Reynolds played a blinder. Germany also had their chances in what was a very even match.
In Wednesday’s earlier match Australia beat Ireland 4-1.
Tuesday’s opening round saw world No 1 Holland beat the Aussie Hockeyroos 2-1.
Thursday’s other pool fixture in this six-nation event sees Ireland face Holland.
The semi-finals are on Saturday and feature the top two teams in each pool with the winners going through to Sunday’s final and the losers tackling each other in the bronze medal match. The teams that end third in their pool will play off for fifth and sixth places on Sunday.