· South Africa inflict 4-1 defeat on England in Greenfields Stadium at 2014 Rabobank World Cup.
· England still to face two highest ranked sides in Pool B; Argentina & Germany.
· Head Coach Jason Lee says rest of the tournament is about restoring “self-esteem & pride”.
Friday 6 June 2014
SOUTH AFRICA 4 (2)
Kathleen Taylor 18 (FG)
Sulette Damons 32 (FG)
Shelley Russell 40 (FG)
Dirkie Chamberlain 52 (FG)
ENGLAND 1 (0)
Nicola White 55 (FG)
England’s 2014 Rabobank World Cup fate was sealed today as Jason Lee’s side fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of South Africa. The result means that any chances of making a semi-final and having the opportunity to play for a World Cup medal are well and truly over.
In the other Pool B matches of the day the USA thrashed China 5-0 and Argentina put three past Germany without reply to leave the USA and Argentina top of Pool B.
The run of play across the first 35 minutes followed very much the same pattern as England’s last game against China as Jason Lee’s side had the majority of possession but were unable to convert the half chances they created. South Africa on the other hand had two chances and they took them both; firstly through Kathleen Taylor on the 18th minute and then Sulette Damons just before the break to take the score to 2-0.
Another two goals from South Africa by Shelley Russell and Dirkie Chamberlain [both of whom played their club hockey in England last season for Holcombe and Reading respectively] inside 52 minutes took the score to 4-0 and left England with a mountain to climb and although Nicola White pulled one back for England in the 55th minute the match ended in bitter disappointment.
