AHF: New Zealand wins 2024-25 FIH Hockey Nations Cup!

New Zealand claimed the Nations Cup title after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Ireland, securing victory in a 4-2 shootout. Chile won bronze with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the USA. Scotland finished 5th after a strong 2-0 win over Japan, while Korea defeated Canada 2-0 to avoid last place.

Korea 2-0 Canada

In the battle for 7^th place, Korea took on The Canadian Wolfpack in the first match of the day. To begin the game, the Canadians looked the most threatening they have been all tournament, pouring on the pressure and creating circle entries. The Wolfpack seemed to be energized by the possibility of relegation and their veteran defender Kathleen Leahy reaching 100 caps. Korea increased their intensity in the second quarter, they had a shot on goal denied by the post, and finally a goal just before half time by Dabin Jeong who fired a low hard shot through the Canadian keeper’s legs.

Korea then finished another penalty corner in the 34^th minute by Seungae Park to put them ahead by two goals. The Canadians had hope at the end of the third quarter when a long video referral decision landed them a penalty corner. Thora Rae was able to pop the ball into the net past the Korean keeper. Unfortunately, the goal was called back, leaving Canada with zero goals, and Korea taking 7^th place with a 2-0 win.

Player of the match Seungae Park shared some thoughts post-game: “We lost four matches, but this is the last match and we won so I am happy!”.

©FIH/WorldSportPics

Japan 0-2 Scotland

Japan took on Scotland for the battle for 5^th place in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup. The last time these two sides faced off was nine years ago. As both teams were relatively unfamiliar with their opponents, neither team wanted to give up too much in the first half. The main highlight came from Japan, when Kaneko broke free on a counterattack and was face to face with Jessica Buchannan, the Scotland keeper. Kaneko’s speed was too much as she lost control of the ball as it rolled over the baseline.

After six penalty corner attempts, Scotland opened the scoring in the fourth quarter, with a hard shot from the top of the circle from Amy Costello. Scotland furthered their lead as Ellie Mackenzie ran end to end, she drove the ball hard into the circle where Fiona Burnet received the ball, tuned, and smashed it low and hard past the Japanese keeper. With this win, Scotland place 5^th in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup.

The Scottish team are happy with their 5^th place finish in their first appearance in the Nations Cup as Rebecca Birch describes: “We learned just to trust our game plan and to trust each other on the ball and working off the ball. We really made that a big impact and things happened, and it all worked out!”

©FIH/WorldSportPics

Chile 2-1 USA

The bronze medal match brought together two teams who faced each other just days ago. It was a tightly contested first half between Chile and USA, with Las Diablas opening the scoring in the second quarter. It was a frustrating half for the Americans, as they had plenty of chances, yet they could not find the back of the net.

Finally in the fourth quarter the USA squeezed one by the experienced Chilean keeper, with a quick reverse shot by Sanne Caarls in the 51^st minute. Chile quickly responded with high pressure and caught the American defenders off guard deep in their own circle. Fernanda Arrieta managed to poach the ball off an American defender just inches from the goal line, and pop it into the net. Despite receiving two yellow cards in the last six minutes of play, the home team was able to hold on to their lead to win the bronze medal on home soil.

Fernanda Flores (CHI) shared some thoughts on Las Diablas’ tournament overall: “It was not easy because we really dreamed of the Pro League and top ten. But we are very proud of the team and the staff, we have a full change of staff since last year. It’s not easy but we are moving in the right direction.”

©FIH/WorldSportPics

New Zealand 1-1 (4-2) Ireland

The much-anticipated gold match between New Zealand and Ireland was a back-and-forth battle. Both teams understanding the stakes of the match left it all out on the pitch. Even Lucianna Aymar, record 8 -time winner of the FIH Player of the Year, was in attendance for the match. The Black Sticks opened the scoring in the first quarter with Emila Surridge scoring in the 6^th minute.

The remaining quarters were fairly even, with both teams sharing possession. The Green Army pulled their goalie with six minutes remaining in the match. This proved to be successful as Kathryn Mullan fired a shot past The Black Sticks keeper to tie up the match 1-1. Regulation time ended in a draw, forcing the match to a shootout. New Zealand proved to be more clinical in the shootout, winning 4-2 and taking home the gold medal in the Nations Cup!

Holly Pearson (NZL) earned player of the match and shared some thoughts post-match: “Obviously during the match we were up 1-0 for majority of the game. But in the second half Ireland really put us under the pump and scoring that goal was tough for us. But yeah, very happy to get the win in the shootout. It’s something we have been practicing for a long time”.

To see the final standings in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup click here

FIH Women’s Nations Cup – 3 February 2025

Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Santiago Chile

Korea 2-0 Canada

Player of the match: Seungae Park (KOR)

Officials: Steven Bakker (NED), Melissa Taylor (RSA), Zoe Hall (ENG – video)

Japan 0-2 Scotland

Player of the match: Charlotte Watson (SCO)

Officials: Victoria Pazos (PAR), Federico Silva (ARG), Steven Bakker (NED – video)

Chile 2-1 USA

Player of the match: Fernanda Flores (CHI)

Officials: Megan Robertson (CAN), Cassidy Gallagher (AUS), Zoe Hall (ENG – video)

New Zealand 1-1 (4-2) Ireland

Player of the match: Holly Pearson

Officials: Officials: Seon Yoon Kim (KOR), Allison Mikelson (USA), Victoria Pazos (PAR – video)

Tournament Award Winners

Best Player: Holly Pearson (NZL)

HERO Top Scorer: Dabin Jeong (KOR)

Best Goalkeeper: Natalia Salvador (CHI)

Best Junior Player: Mikayla Power (IRL)