Women’s team upbeat after clinching Croatia series

Hockey
The Namibian men's and women's teams are eagerly awaiting the start of the FIH Indoor World Cup in Croatia.
Andrew Poolman
  • 7 Hours Ago
Namibia’s women’s hockey team had reason to celebrate in Zelina, Croatia, on Wednesday night after they clinched their three-match indoor series against the host nation by two matches to nil.

Following their opening 4-0 victory on Monday, and the following night’s 1-1 draw, the Namibians played their cards right to dominate the deciding match 4-1.

Namibia survived a Croatian penalty in the first quarter which was saved by goalkeeper Petro Stoffberg, and then took the lead shortly before halftime when Danja Meyer hit the target with a field goal.

In the third quarter, they celebrated again when the 18-year-old defender Marika Neethling doubled the lead from a penalty corner.

Danja Meyer’s second field goal halfway through the fourth quarter gave the Namibians a further cushion.

Coach Shayne Cormack’s tourists also capitalised on Croatia’s decision to substitute their goalkeeper with another field player, especially after a costly yellow card to Lucija Cepo handed Namibia the numerical advantage for the last two minutes.

Although Katharina Wenserski hit back almost immediately for Croatia, barely two minutes remained and the Africans had the last say when Azaylee Philander rounded off another field goal to put the result beyond doubt.

In an interview after the match, striker Kiana Cormack said the physicality and intensity delivered by Croatia should stand the Namibians in good stead for the World Cup.

“We achieved many of the things we spoke about during this series. I think our performances was really good. At the World Cup we are aiming at making the top two in our pool, which we believe is possible, and to reach the semi-final.”



Countdown to the big matches

The international series win should give the Namibians some confidence and momentum going into the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, starting on Monday. Coach Trevor Cormack’s men’s side will open their campaign against Belgium (14:10 Namibian time), before the women take on Australia (16:30).

On Wednesday and Thursday, their respective opponents will be Australia and Trinidad & Tobago (men), New Zealand and Germany (women).

All World Cup matches will be streamed live on the WatchHockey app.

• Over the coming weekend, the Namibians have arranged more friendly encounters against the Argentina and Austria men’s sides, as well as against the USA women’s team, after they travelled to the coastal town Porec yesterday.