Germans defeat SA 3-1

World No 6 Germany had a superb start to their campaign for glory with a deserved 3-1 win over 14th-ranked South Africa in the opening game of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London on Saturday.

A crowd packed into east London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre to witness fabulous action on day one.

Germany produced a classy performance to overpower Pool C rivals South Africa, before the partisan crowd watched England claimed a 1-1 draw against India in Pool B.

The Germans were the better side in the opening period, controlling possession and creating chances to force some good early saves from South Africa goalkeeper Phumelela Mbande before the opening goal arrived a minute before the quarter-time break.

Scoring the first goal, Viktoria Huse deceived Mbande with a smart turn, before passing into an open goal.

Germany extended their advantage two minutes into the third quarter, when the excellent Charlotte Stapenhorst fired home from close range.

South Africa, growing in confidence, hit back with a deflected penalty corner slap-shot by Lisa-Marie Deetlefs.

However, few would argue that Germany were worthy winners, with Huse claiming her second goal from the penalty spot in the 54th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

“We have been together for three weeks and had a tournament in Germany that was the start of all of this”, Germany’s two-goal star Huse said.

“We are here to win, for sure. We have a good team and we know each other very well. There is a great atmosphere.”

The second session had the best match of the day, as the United States (ranked seventh) and Ireland (16th) were involved in a hugely entertaining and fiercely contested game.

In the end, Ireland claimed a stunning 3-1 victory over the Americans.

In the final match of day one, Australia (fifth seed) edged Japan (12th) 3-2.