BRONZE MEDAL IN KAZAN



Our National Women Team finished 3rd place in the Olympic Qualifier in Kazan. In a tough encounter against India, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” fetching the well deserved Bronze Medal.

After having missed the Final and with this keeping hope alive to qualify for the next Olympic Games our Ladies were determined to show that they came to Kazan to win. In the Bronze Medal match against India our Team went into halftime with 0:1 behind but in the 2nd half was able to add another gear to level the match 1:1 with a well executed PC by Eliane Schreuder. The match went into extra time with a golden goal to decide for the winner. It took less than 3 minutes of extra time to get a penalty corner, which Terry Noorlander converted with a cracking shot into the Indian goal. Bronze Medal for the Netherlands Antilles!

Although our Team went to Kazan to qualify for the Olympics, however, their hopes were crashed by defeats from Belgium and USA. Nevertheless, this was the first time ever that a team from the Netherlands Antilles participated in a WorldHockey event. The 3rd place certainly must be valued as a fantastic achievement, considering the very limited financial means and international experience the Team had on record. For sure our Ladies can return home with their heads high for a tournament well played. Congratulations!

Match Results:

 

Our National Team will continue with its development path on top international level with its next appearance at the Pan American Cup 2009, Feb. 01-14, Hamilton, Bermuda.