June 28, 2009
On Sunday afternoon, the Canadian men’s national field hockey team lost to South Africa (1-8) in the final of the 4-Nations Tournament in Elektrostal, Russia.
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Photo: Yan Huckendubler |
South Africa started the game at full speed and immediately unbalanced the Canadian defense, finding unmarked forwards in the 25 and scoring field goals in the 5th and 8th minute. Canada tried to react but could not generate any dangerous opportunities.
Then the Canadians, who were playing their sixth game in a week, allowed South Africa to score 5 unanswered goals between the 18th and 31st minute to reach half-time with a compelling lead of 7 goals.
Canada reacted at the beginning of the second period with a goal by Wayne Fernandes on a penalty-corner in the 40th minute. However South Africa promptly re-establish their 7 goal lead in the 44th minute. The remainder of the game was more balanced, with chances at both ends, but no more goals were scored and South Africa went on to win the trophy handily.
Ken Pereira, who was voted Canadian Player of the Tournament by the organizers, said “We had a development team and it was tough to compete with a South African team peaking for the Africa Cup in a few weeks. Overall, the young players played well, raised their game a few notches and gained valuable experience, so the purpose of the Tour was met. But at times our international inexperience was exposed, such as during the end of first half today”.
The Canadian Team will continue its preparation for the 2010 World Cup in Delhi with a Tour in Australia at the end of July, where they will compete in a 4-Nations tournament with Australia, ranked #2 in the world, and Malaysia.
In the other match of this 4-Nations tournament in Elektrostal, an official FIH competition, Russia beat Bangladesh (6-3) to grab the Bronze Medal.
2009 4-Nations – Elektrostal, Russia – Final Standings