FIH Pro League: Netherlands Women Overpower Germany; England Men Stage Late Comeback

Santiago del Estero (Argentina), Dec 12 (NationPress) The Netherlands women's team achieved a resounding victory in their first match of the new FIH Pro League season, dominating Germany with a score of 6-1. Frederique Malta netted two goals, celebrating her 100th goal for the Oranje.

After a challenging match against Argentina that ended in shootouts less than 24 hours prior, Germany faced the daunting task of competing against the reigning Pro League champions, the Netherlands. Despite having limited possession early on, Germany managed to defend well, keeping the Netherlands scoreless in the first quarter.

The Oranje had several scoring opportunities, including a backhand attempt from Freeke Moes that went just over the crossbar, a shot by Pien Dicke that was saved by Germany’s Nathalie Kubalski, and a penalty corner from Jansen that was thwarted by the German defense.

The breakthrough came a minute and a half into the second quarter when Moes struck a backhand shot past Kubalski. As Germany fell behind 1-0, they began to create some opportunities, which frustrated the Oranje. Just as it seemed the quarter would end with no further scoring, Frederique Malta skillfully maneuvered around the goalkeeper in the dying seconds to extend the lead to 2-0.

Germany earned their first penalty corner opportunity seven minutes into the second half and, after a video referral, were awarded a penalty stroke. However, Anne Veenendal denied Stine Kurz in a crucial moment. This miss ignited the Netherlands' offense, leading to a goal from Jansen in the 41st minute.

The Netherlands maintained their attacking prowess in the fourth quarter, earning another set piece chance in the 49th minute. Despite a shaky reception, Jansen found the bottom right corner to score. The next minute, Malta converted a penalty stroke, bringing the score to 5-0.

Germany managed to score a consolation goal in the 52nd minute through a penalty corner shot by Lisa Nolte. In response, Moes weaved through the German defense and delivered a clean reverse shot for the Netherlands' sixth goal.

Meanwhile, the Ireland men nearly created an upset against England in their opening Pro League match of the 2024-25 season. The score was knotted at 3-3, with England ultimately winning in shootouts 3-2.

Adam Walker, making his senior debut for Ireland, opened the scoring with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner in the fourth minute. As both teams settled into the match, they exchanged offensive chances, but none could find the back of the net. In the first period's final moments, James Mazarelo of England blocked two shots from an Ireland set piece.

Just 35 seconds into the second quarter, Ireland doubled their lead when Jonathan Lynch executed a one-time reverse chip into the cage following a fast break. The remainder of the half saw England pressuring, but James Milliken made crucial saves to keep Ireland ahead. In the 26th minute, a flick from England’s Stuart Rushmere went wide, while another chance from Sam Ward was blocked by Milliken.

At the start of the third quarter, Ireland swapped in Luke Roleston in goal, who matched the performance of his predecessor. England maintained a high tempo but couldn’t convert their chances, including a well-placed pass to an unmarked Sam Ward that went unfulfilled. Despite holding significant possession, England trailed 2-0 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was filled with action. England finally broke through when James Albery converted a penalty corner rebound. With ten minutes left, a penalty stroke opportunity was awarded to Ireland, successfully converted by Cole Lee despite a blocked shot on the line by Thomas Sorsby.

With seven minutes remaining to score two goals, England opted to pull their goalkeeper for an extra field player. This decision paid off; Nicholas Park dribbled along the baseline, centering it for Jack Waller to score. In a surge of momentum, England quickly added another goal from Zachary Wallace, leveling the match at 3-3.

The shootouts began with Daragh Walsh scoring for Ireland, followed by Albery tying it with a reverse shot. Walker was denied by Mazarelo, and Conor Williamson faced a similar fate against Roleston. Lynch added another for Ireland, but Stuart Rushmere equalized for England, making it 2-2 after three attempts.

With everything on the line in the fourth round, C. Empey and Jack Waller both missed for their respective teams. In the decisive fifth round, Ireland’s A. Empey was stopped, and Zach Wallace successfully scored, clinching the shootout victory for England.