Field Hockey Canada > Disappointing loss for Team Canada
Canada’s flat performance allows Russia a 3 – 5 victory
“We had a disappointing performance,” said Head Coach Robin D’Abreo. “The guys started off flat and did not rise to the occasion. We came on this tour to be stretched and to expose our weaknesses, and they have been. It’s our job now to move forward as a team. I remain confident in the guys.”
“Losing the match was obviously disappointing,” said Matthew Guest (Vancouver). “We will simply need to have a much better performance to turn things around. The team is still unified in its goal, and we have the capability to bounce back.”
Canada and Russia faced each other in The Hague on August 11th. The match started with a balance of possession, but Russia quickly set the tone by scoring in the 10th minute. Two minutes later Russia had a short corner, but David Carter (Vancouver) stepped up defensively to clear the ball.
By the 15th minute, Canada’s Guest was able to gain possession of the ball inside the Russian circle, spin, and unleash a low shot directly into the net. The score was tied 1 – 1. However, Canada soon gave up the ball allowing Russia to score their second goal in the 18th minute.
In the 51st minute Russia had a penalty corner – their drag flick went straight into the net. Canada was down 1 – 3. Six minutes later Russia scored another easy goal. Canada responded to the 1 – 4 deficit, earning a short corner in the 62nd minute. Scott Tupper’s (Vancouver) low stick side drag flick was successful, earning Canada its second goal. Four minutes later Canada earned a penalty corner. After a series of attempts and additional short corners, Iain Smythe (Vancouver) was able to put a rebound into the Russian net. The men were unable to maintain momentum, and Russia earned a penalty corner in the 68th minute. After an initial save, Russia took possession of the ball and scored, securing a 5 -3 victory.
Canada is now travelling to Amsterdam where they will face the Netherlands.
