Asia: Netherlands, England, Belgium, and Argentina qualify for the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023

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It was a busy day for all the eight teams at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile with high stakes of qualifying for the semifinals of the prestigious event. While Netherlands and Argentina had easy wins and surged their way through to the semis, England and Belgium won by just one goal each, with their respective opponents giving them a tough fight till the end of the 60th minute.

Let’s take a look at all the four matches as it happened in Chile.

Netherlands vs Spain (Full-Time Score: 4-1)

In the opening match of the day, the Dutch women scored thrice in the first quarter to seal the game in their favor and enter the semifinals of the World Cup. It was Mette Winter’s brilliant goal in the 3rd minute that opened the scoring before Trijnjte Beljaars (8’) and Isis Van Loon (11’) added to make it 3-0 in the first quarter itself.

Although Spain got more penalty corners compared to the Netherlands (6:5), they failed to convert even one. It was more of a physical game and the Dutch women had started in their top gear and finished on the same too. The scoreline stopped at 4-1, with Teresa Lima (42’) being the lone scorer for Spain.

“It wasn’t easy at all. Although the scoreline looks pretty one-sided, it wasn’t the case on the field. We had strategically planned our game and played according to that, and hence the result”, said the Player of the Match Trijnjte Beljaars.

England vs Germany (Full-Time Score: 1-0)

Scarlett Spavin’s goal in the 39th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides as England piped Germany in a thrilling battle at the Junior World Cup. Both sides remained goalless in the first half, although there were end-to-end attacks. Germany got nine Penalty Corners but failed to convert any.

England will aim to reach their first-ever Women’s Junior World Cup final but the road won’t be easy as they will be facing one of the strongest sides in world hockey in the semifinals, the Netherlands.

Skipper of the team Beth Alexander expressed her emotions after the game saying “It was a tough game. I am incredibly proud of the whole team who stayed calm throughout the game and gave their best. It wasn’t easy to hold on to the lead with continuous attacks from Germany but luckily, we were able to do it”.

Belgium vs Japan (Full-Time Score: 1-0)

It was Maite Bussels brilliance in the goal and a last-minute screamer by Noa Schreurs that propelled Belgium into the semifinals of the Junior Women’s World Cup. Japan put in all their efforts to get off the mark as they attacked continuously earning 9 penalty corners, but were denied a goal.

Japan also had the opportunity to score one via a Penalty Stroke but again it was Bussels who dived to her stick side to affect an amazing save and keep the Japanese girls out of the game. It was chaos in the 60th minute with Belgium getting a penalty corner when the clock had already run down but managed to convert it via Schreurs.

“It’s unbelievable. Can’t put in words what just happened. I think it’s one of the most thrilling and amazing matches that I have played in my career till now. From the efforts we have put in today, we are incredibly proud of each other. Onwards and upwards for us from here,” said the goalkeeper and player of the match Maite Bussels.

Argentina vs Australia (Full-Time Score: 3-1)

Argentina was in their top gear right from the start as they defeated Australia 3-1. Sofia Cairo (20’), Lara Casas (26’), and Brisa Bruggeser (52’) scored for Argentina while Tatum Stewart (39’) netted the only goal for Australia.

Argentina will have to fight against Belgium for a place in the finals while Australia will face Japan in the 5th–8th place classification match.

To see the schedule of the upcoming matches, click here.

FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023 – 06 December 2023

Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional

Result: Quarterfinal 1

Netherlands 4-1 Spain

Player of the Match: Trijnjte Beljaars (NED)

Umpires: Kamile Mockaityte (LTU) and Katrina Turner (NZL)

Result: Quarterfinal 2

England 1-0 Germany

Player of the Match: Beth Alexander (ENG)

Umpires: Lizelotte Wolter (NED) and Melissa Taylor (RSA)