Sloppy SA slump to Chile defeat

WE WEREN’T POTENT ENOUGH ON ATTACK Game against the Americans becomes a must-win clash.

South Africa’s women’s hockey team slumped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chile, a side ranked seven places below them, in the Hockey World League semifinals at the Wits Astro yesterday, meaning they face a tough battle to make the quarterfinals.

All South Africa had to do to make the knockout round was beat Chile and, judging by their performance in pushing South American giants Argentina all the way in their previous game, confidence and expectations were high. But the shock defeat now means the hosts have to beat the US, the world’s No 6 team, on Sunday.

The match was goalless at halftime, with South Africa doing some good things on attack, but making lots of basic mistakes and allowing Chile to spend too much time on the ball. The skilful duo of Agustina Venegas and Manuela Urroz bossed the midfield and Chile were able to earn several short-corners. South Africa, on the other hand, struggled to get numbers covering the attacking circle and could only earn one short-corner.

So it was no surprise when Chile scored the only goal from a penalty corner just two minutes after the break, Urroz sliding in to deflect Denise Krimerman’s pass into the net.

The sluggish home side only managed to lift their tempo in the final quarter – the best way to describe the work-rate was “flat” – but the swarming Chile defence kept them out. Tarryn Glasby found a bit of space but her shot was well saved by Chile goalkeeper Claudia Schuler on her stickside.

But the chance of the game came five minutes from the end when Bernie Coston could not scramble the ball into an open goal and the dejected South Africans plodded off the astroturf while Chile enjoyed emotional celebrations.

South Africa coach Sheldon Rostron (left) admitted the effort was below-par.

“We didn’t have enough go-forward ability, you can’t just keep defending. We weren’t potent enough on attack and we left it too late to start playing in combinations, it was only in the final quarter that we saw some movement and passes going forward.

“The approach of the team has to be better, sometimes it’s easier against the bigger teams because there’s not as much expectation. But against the teams ranked below you, you have to make sure you go out and perform, it’s about consistency. It’s about execution and we have to make sure it all comes together against the US,” Rostron said.