FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers: Germany rout Czech Republic 10-0 to sail into semis; Japan defeat Chile 2-0

Sonja Zimmermann recorded a hat-trick while Jette Fleschutz and Charlotte Stapenhorst netted a brace each as Germany routed Czech Republic 10-0 to sail into FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier semifinals, on Tuesday. Zimmermann sounded the board from a field effort in the 42nd minute and then scored from penalty strokes in the 46th and 52nd minutes to complete her hat-trick. Fleschutz struck two field goals in the 22nd and 44th minute whereas Charlotte Stapenhorst (19th, 43rd), Nike Lorenz (39th), Pauline Heinz (54th) and Selin Oruz (55th) were the other goal-scorers for the winning side. In a lopsided contest, Germany dominated from the beginning with the action taking place mostly inside the Czech half. The gulf between the two sides was evident with the world No 5 Germany showing aggressive intent throughout the contest. On their part, the 25th-ranked Czech Republic appeared to be content in sitting back and defending — a ploy that did not seem to work. The Germans were all over Czech Republic as they earned as many as 13 penalty corners as against their opponent’s nil. German goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski stood as a mere spectator for the entire 60 minutes as the Czech forwardline hardly created any chances. The mismatch was noticeable since Czech players lacked the skills to tide over the former two-time world champions and 2004 Olympic gold medallist. The big victory means Germany are set to top Pool A with seven points from three games and a goal difference of plus 13. In such a scenario, they will take on the second-placed team from Pool B in the semifinals on Thursday. Japan defeat Chile 2-0 Japan scored a goal each in the first two quarters to beat Chile 2-0 and enter the FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier semi-finals. Kana Urata (1st minute) handed Japan the lead within the first 23 seconds of the game via a field effort before Miyu Hasegawa (23rd) doubled the scoreline by converting a penalty corner. Japan, thus, finished second in Pool A with seven points from three games. Germany too have seven points but ended on top of the pool by virtue of better goal difference. Japan will now take on USA, who topped Pool B after beating New Zealand 1-0, in the semi-finals on Thursday. Germany, meanwhile, will be up against hosts India, who finished second after their 5-1 thrashing of Italy. The Japanese came out with purpose and sounded the board with their first move through Urata who scored from a penalty corner. Japan kept up the pressure and soon earned their second penalty corner but wasted the chance. Japan doubled their lead in the second quarter when Hasegawa scored from Aimi Kobayaashi’s pass. World No 23 Chile looked more positive after the change of ends and put pressure on the Japanese defence for a brief period in the third quarter. In that period, the Chileans secured three quick penalty corners but failed to find the back of the net. Japan, however, got their act together soon and broke the Chilean defence to secure two penalty corners in the third quarter but they were wasted. The Japanese kept up the pressure on the Chilean defence in the fourth and final quarter. Japan earned two more penalty corners in the final six minutes of the match but to no avail.