Goal-fests, Tight Wins, Entertaining Draws: The First Day at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024

The first day of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 saw ten games cover a full spectrum of results across venues in both Ranchi and Valencia. The Spanish women freely scored seven past Malaysia, whilst USA stunned hosts India in a tight 1-0 win. The late downpour of goals from Egypt and Korea’s men in a 4-4 thriller, was a far different game to the Irish women’s solid 0-0 draw against a threatening Belgium. The variety of results have begun to shape the standings in the pool stage, with draws meaning that several teams sit on level points. It was a promising first step on the road to Paris, showing a hint of what these qualifiers have in store for players and fans alike.

Ranchi

The Ranchi side of the women’s qualifiers saw each winning team hold onto a clean sheet, as convincing defensive performances prevailed. In Pool A, Germany’s 3-0 win over Chile dampened Fernanda Flores’ 200th international cap and gave the Germans a strong start to their qualification bid. Japan won the second game of the pool, a penalty stroke and a penalty corner earning them a 2-0 win and second place, behind only the Germans on goal difference.

In Pool B, New Zealand’s 3-0 win against Italy gave Tarryn Davey even more reason to celebrate her 100th Blacksticks cap. Frances Davies’ two PC goals earned her Player of the Match, before another converted corner fired Italy to the bottom of the pool. An early field goal for Abigail Tamer clinched all three points for USA in an upset win over hosts India, securing second place with their 1-0 win.

Valencia (Women’s)

Valencia’s four games in the women’s qualifiers began in Pool B, with Great Britain's victory over Canada. Tess Howard and Katie Robertson were on target in their 2-0 win. Spain then registered the most convincing win of the day’s play against Malaysia. Despite only being 1-0 up at half-time, the Spanish forced open the floodgates in the second half, scoring six to cement their 7-0 win.

In Pool A, Belgium and Ireland played out the only 0-0 draw of the day. Despite winning eleven penalty corners throughout the game, the Belgians were unable to capitalise, as Irish goalkeeper Ayeisha Mcferran received a well-earned Player of the Match award. Korea’s three goals against Ukraine sent them top of Pool A. Korean Captain, Enubi Cheon, scored a brace of field goals to land the 3-0 win.

Valencia (Men’s)

The Men’s Olympic Qualifiers began in Valencia’s Group B, putting Spain up against Austria. Despite a fantastic equalising finish from Austria’s Josef Winkler in the first quarter, Spain put three more goals past the Austrian defences, securing first in the pool and a 4-1 win. In the second game of the pool, Korea and Egypt battled out an eight-goal thriller. Five goals in the final quarter left hearts racing and honours even, a 4-4 draw giving the sides a point each.

To see the current pool standings for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi, please click here.

To see the current pool standings for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia, please click here.

For more information about the qualifiers and the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey.

FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024

Ranchi, India - 13 January

Result Match 1 (W)

Germany 3-0 Chile

Player of the match: Sonja Zimmerman (GER)

Umpires: Annelize Rostron & Wanri Venter

Result Match 2 (W)

Japan 2-0 Czech Republic

Player of the match: Miyu Hasegawa (JPN)