AHF: Key Victories Shape Semi-Final Race on FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, Day Two

Day two of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 brought another round of enthralling action as teams edged closer to the semi-finals. South Africa came from behind to secure a crucial 3-1 win over Malaysia, Wales got their first win on the board with a composed 2-0 victory against Czechia, France booked their semi-final ticket with a clinical 4-0 triumph over Italy, while hosts Poland and Uruguay couldn’t be separated in a gritty 1-1 draw.

Wales 2-0 Czechia

Wales earned a hard-fought first win of the tournament, following an opening day draw, with a solid 2-0 victory against a courageous Czechia. The result gives them a wonderful opportunity to progress to the semi-final stage of the competition.

Wales survived a quick start from Czechia, which included two early penalty corners, to maintain parity. They slowly asserted their supremacy before scoring the only goal of the first half, as Elizabeth Bingham reacted first to a penalty corner save and slammed home the rebound.

In a second half best described as cool and controlled by the Welsh, Czechia gave everything they had but were unable to forge high-quality chances. As they pushed forward, Wales capitalised on a fortunate deflection—Beth Peers fired a shot that was saved by Anna Linkova, only for the rebound to deflect off a defender and into the net.

Player of the Match Sarah Jones (WAL) shared her thoughts on the win: “I think we learnt from yesterday, going ahead and managing the game effectively. To see our young side show such maturity is wonderful for Welsh Hockey, and it was great to get the three points.”

France 4-0 Italy

France delivered another sterling display, securing a second clean sheet and consecutive victory. The 4-0 result confirmed their place in the semi-finals, while Italy’s chances of progressing now hinge on other results going their way.

It took France just six minutes to open the scoring via a penalty corner from Mathilde Duffrene—a carbon copy of her opening day strike into the corner of the goal. Despite France creating the better chances, a tight contest saw them unable to extend the lead before halftime, which ended 1-0.

They continued to dominate in the second half and were rewarded when Ines Lardeur pounced on a loose ball and fired home. With Italy’s defence disorganised, Pauline Varoqui was left unmarked to tap in the third. Varoqui would then add a fourth, her cross deflecting off a defender to seal a commanding win.

Ines Lardeur expressed her delight with the attacking display: “We have a lot of confidence and trust our process. We’re very happy with our efficiency in attack. We’ll use the rest day to watch video and focus fully on Wales before the semi-final.”

Malaysia 1-3 South Africa

South Africa ignited their FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 campaign with a resilient come-from-behind 3-1 win over Malaysia, despite missing two penalty strokes. The three points breathe life into their campaign ahead of a crucial final group stage match against hosts Poland.

After Nur Zainal saved a penalty stroke from Quanita Bobbs, Malaysia capitalised with a beautifully worked team goal finished by Dayang Abang. Despite creating several chances, South Africa found themselves trailing at the halftime break.

The Africans returned rejuvenated in the second half and equalised when Bobbs sent Ntsopa Mokoena through, and the young striker fired low and hard to level. Just minutes later, Onthathile Zulu struck the same spot on the backboard to give South Africa the lead.

A third goal came through a penalty corner as Hannah Pearce fired through a crowd into the bottom corner. Nur Zainal would later deny Tegan Fourie from the spot, but South Africa had done enough.

South African stalwart Quanita Bobbs praised her team’s resilience: “We started the first half in a manner we didn’t want. We went back to basics in the second half and created chances. We played some great hockey in that second half.”

Uruguay 1-1 Poland

Uruguay had the better of the first half, but hosts Poland fought back to earn a 1-1 draw and keep both teams in strong contention for the semi-finals.

Determined to build on their opening performance, Uruguay came out firing and won a couple of early penalty corners. They made the pressure count when Kaisuami Dall’Orso reacted quickest to a loose ball from the left and slotted home the opener.

Despite their dominance, Uruguay couldn’t add to the tally before the break, and the first half ended 1-0 to the South Americans in a compelling contest.

Poland came out with renewed energy in the second half and were awarded a penalty stroke after a goalmouth scramble—but Marlena Rybacha fired wide. They eventually equalised in the final quarter as Oliwia Krychniak tapped in after a fantastic run by Julia Balcerzak.

Marta Kucharska, Player of the Match for Poland, reflected on the result: “Uruguay were much better than us in the first half. I’m very happy with how we fought back in the second. I think we may have been unlucky not to win. It’s great to play a tournament like this at home.”

To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, click here.

FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 – 17 June 2025

Walcz, Poland (POL)

Result: Match 1
Wales 2-0 Czechia
Player of the match: Sarah Jones (WAL)
Umpires: Sarah Craig (IRL), Rob Argent (IRL)

Result: Match 2
France 4-0 Italy
Player of the match: Ines Lardeur (FRA)
Umpires: Jamie Telfer (SCO),Teresa Lipsky (GER)

Result: Match 3
Malaysia 1-3 South Africa
Player of the match: Quanita Bobbs (RSA)
Umpires: Meghan McLennan(CAN), Yogita Pasi (IND)

Result: Match 4
Poland 1-1 Uruguay
Player of the match: Marta Kucharska (POL)
Umpires: Ana Ortega (ESP), Sharne Meyers (ZIM)

Source: FIH.hockey