Hosts South Africa threw everything they had at France in the final of the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup at Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town, but the visitors held their nerve to claim a thrilling 2-1 victory to lift the trophy.
The triumph secured France a coveted place in the FIH Pro League, while South Africa was left to reflect on what might have been after conceding two goals in the opening quarter as the eventual champions launched an early assault on their defence.
The home side responded with tremendous character and determination. Led by captain Dayaan Cassiem, they gradually worked their way back into the contest and were rewarded when Samkelo Mvimbi reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 48th minute.
That goal ignited the crowd and set up a gripping finale. South Africa poured forward in search of an equaliser, forcing six penalty corners in the second half as the pressure mounted on the French defence.
However, France stood firm, with goalkeeper Corentin Saunier producing an outstanding performance. Time and again he thwarted South African attacks and proved instrumental in preserving his side’s slender advantage.
French captain François Goyet admitted the final was a tale of two halves.
“We’re not really used to that sort of beginning because throughout the tournament we didn’t start very well and tended to play better in the second half,” he said.
“Tonight it was the opposite. We started really well, scored two goals and probably could have had more. I felt we deserved our 2-0 lead at halftime.
“South Africa came back strongly and full credit to them because it became a really tough battle.
“In the end we managed to keep them out. Our goalkeeper was outstanding and we worked incredibly hard on defence.
“I’m very happy because we’ve been trying to win this tournament for several years. We’ve played in the final before and won bronze medals, but this time we came for gold, and we’re delighted to have achieved it.”
South Africa captain Cassiem was disappointed with his side’s slow start but remained proud of their overall effort.
“We didn’t start the game well enough and in international hockey you have to start well,” he said.
“I wish we could have shown the same energy in the first half that we produced in the second, but I’m still proud of the boys for winning the silver medal.
“We’re not completely satisfied because there are still plenty of areas we can improve on, but these are important steps forward for us.
“We’ve got an upcoming series against Malaysia and a young squad with a lot of potential. I think there are exciting times ahead for this team.”
In the bronze medal playoff, New Zealand ground out a 3-1 victory over Japan in a gripping contest that showcased the discipline and resilience of both teams.
Japan struck early, opening the scoring in the fourth minute, but the Black Sticks responded in the second quarter to level matters at 1-1. Thereafter, the match ebbed and flowed as both sides produced organised displays on attack and defence, with neither willing to concede an inch.
The deadlock remained intact deep into the final quarter before Japan, temporarily reduced to 10 men, finally showed a crack in their defensive armour. New Zealand seized the opportunity with clinical efficiency as Jonty Elmes and James Hickson struck in the 56th and 57th minutes respectively to settle the outcome.
Black Sticks coach Greg Nicol praised his side’s patience against well-drilled opponents.
“Japan are a very structured, disciplined and fit team, so if you think you’re going to win the game in the opening stages, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
“This is international sport and you have to work your opponents over until the gaps come.
“Fortunately, we found a gap when they had a player off the field and we were able to take advantage of that through some of the strategies we had planned, so we’re happy with that.”
Malaysia had to dig deep in the Cape Town heat to hold off a spirited Scotland side, securing a 4-2 victory and fifth place in the tournament.
The Asian outfit made a far stronger start than in some of their previous matches and established a 2-0 lead by halftime.
However, Scotland, who showed admirable resilience throughout the tournament, mounted an impressive comeback and drew level late in the third quarter.
Malaysia responded immediately. With just 15 seconds remaining in the period, they restored their lead with a crucial goal before Mohammad Azrai Abu Kamal calmly converted a penalty stroke 10 minutes from time to re-establish a two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
Afterwards, Malaysia coach Brendon Carolan said his team’s focus had been on improving their ball retention and reducing unforced errors.
“Our focus was to be better on the ball and not turn it over too much,” he said.
“I think the heat probably helped us a little because it took some of the energy out of Scotland. They’ve been really good throughout this tournament and are a tough team to play against.
“They probably couldn’t go man-to-man as much as they would have liked and that worked in our favour.”
In the first game of the day, Ireland finished seventh with an emphatic 5-1 win over United States.
Reflecting on their campaign Irish coach Mark Tumilty said he was pleased to see his side end on a positive note, while acknowledging there were lessons to take from the tournament.
“It’s satisfying because we scored some of the goals we have been looking for,” he said.
“I don’t think we have been ruthless enough in the circle throughout the tournament. When you look at the top nations, they are all clinical in that area, so it was important for us to put together a decent scoreline today.”
