The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, played their first ever FIH World Cup semi-final (in any format) at the FIH Indoor World Cup in Croatia. They took on a team that has made the semi-final in every edition they have participated in, including three-time World Champions Germany.
It was always going to be a tough game in front of a packed crowd in Porec as the South Africans took on waters they had not experienced in their careers before. The South Africans were also without their most experienced player, Justin Domleo, who had been ruled out with injury, adding tremendous pressure to the backline.
Germany struck first to settle any early nerves, but South Africa responded through Dalpiarro Langford to level the scores and give themselves belief. However, Germany showed their class, adding two more goals before the break to take a firm grip on the game. South Africa had a golden opportunity to cut the deficit when Mustapha Cassiem stepped up for a penalty stroke, earned by his brother Dayaan, but the shot was saved.
The second half saw Germany continue their dominant display, adding an early goal to stretch their lead. South Africa, in pursuit of a comeback, removed their goalkeeper in the final minutes to push for goals, but Germany capitalized, scoring twice more to seal a 6-1 victory and secure their place in the final.
Despite the scoreline, the South Africans created multiple scoring opportunities, only to be denied by an outstanding performance from the German goalkeeper, who was named the Player of the Match. The team will take heart from their effort and shift focus to the bronze medal match, where they will look to finish their historic tournament on a high note.
by South Africa
