BUILDING UP STEAM

Our National Women squad completed a tough training camp in Madrid / Spain
(22. – 27. Jan 2008) where it spend 5 days of intense hockey preparation putting steam into the engine of the ‘Antillean Express’. In Madrid our Team played 3 test matches against Spain (world No.8) and an additional match against a Spanish club side. Daily training sessions completed the tough program. Unfortunately Chile which was originally scheduled to be in Madrid as well could not come due to apparent financial difficulties.

Nevertheless, with the good cooperation of the Spanish Hockey Federation which extended great hospitality to our Team, the match schedule was quickly rearranged with 3 matches against Spain (of which the 2. match to be registered as an official FIH Inter-Nation-Match) and one more match against a local club side from Madrid. Here are now the main match highlights:
 

1st Test Match 23.01.2008:  SPAIN  vs   AHO   -   5 : 3 (2 : 2)

Our Team played a very good match against Spain being currently world No.8. The first ten minutes of the match our Team had some difficulties handling the opponents’ full press but managed to get eventually the pressure under control. Strong midfield actions from our Team forced the Spanish side more and more back into their own half. At half time the match was leveled at 2:2. In the second half both teams continuously kept playing high tempo on the same level keeping the match open for anybody to win. Our Team opened the score again with a well worked PC. Spain kept their posture showing that they are among the best in Europe. Two PC’s brought Spain back into the race. Our Team remained focused and created several good opportunities for them to draw. In the 71’ the Spanish side, however, Spain capitalized on a defense mistake increasing their lead to the final score of 5-3.
 

Country	Minute	Player	Action	Score
Spain	23’		PC	1 : 0
AHO	25’	Clair Visser	PC	1 : 1
Spain	27’		FG	2 : 1
AHO	33’	Claire Visser	FG	2 : 2
AHO	28’	Marijn Hinskens	PC	3 : 2
Spain	45’		PC	3 : 3
Spain	57’		PC	4 : 3
Spain	71’		FG	5 : 3

 

2nd Test Match 24.01.2008: SAN PABLO VALDELUZ  vs   AHO - 0 : 8 (0 : 5)

Throughout the match our Team was all the way in cruise control against a well motivated Spanish club side. Overall a good practice match to test several attack motions and practicing press and full press keeping the opponent under constant pressure  resulting in many scoring possibilities. Although our Team was too strong for San Pablo Valdeluz, the Spanish girls kept the game at all times competitive. 

Country	Minute	Player	Action	Score
AHO	13’	Terry Noorlander	PC	1 : 0
AHO	15’	Marijn Hinskens	PC	2 : 0
AHO	29’	Marijn Hinskens	FG	3 : 0
AHO	31’	Bernadette Wesdorp	FG	4 : 0
AHO	33’	Kim de Haas	FG	5 : 0
AHO	42’	Sophie van Noort	FG	6 : 0
AHO	61’	Pauline Roels	FG	7 : 0
AHO	65’	Floor Joosten	FG	8 : 0

 

3rd  Test Match 25.01.2008:  SPAIN  vs   AHO   -   2 : 3 (2 : 1)

This match was classified as an official FIH Inter-Nation-Match. Naturally, stakes were high for both teams. A good head start from our Team with Floor Joosten opening the score line in the 3’. After this ‘wake-up call’ the Spanish side worked themselves back into the match showing their experience and good technical skills. Spain scored twice before the empires send both teams into the locker rooms. In the second half the Spanish side started off with strong press doing a lot of running forcing our Team to go the distance. Though our well positioned defense block kept the Spanish attackers at arm’s-length. Marlieke van de Pas showed once again that she is one of the best goal keepers around with brilliant safes and full D-control. After the initial Spanish pressure our Team was able to manage a couple of promising breaks one of which leveled the match 2 : 2.  Spain started to lose concentration and players were showing nerves against a well positioned and focused Antillean Team. Though, Spain kept running strongly always remained dangerous with well worked attacks over the wings. In this process our Team became stronger triggering additional physical reserves resulting in a number of good scoring opportunities. On one of these breaks a terrific tip-in from Floor Joosten completed her success in the game putting our Team ahead on the score board. The Spanish side launched their final attempt to level the match, nerve racking minutes followed, but our Team showed its posture and routine bringing the well deserved victory home. Both Teams demonstrated a marvelous and highly entertaining hockey performance in front of the many Spanish spectators.

Country	Minute	Player	Action	Score
AHO	3’	Floor Joosten	FG	1 : 0
Spain	5’		FG	1 : 1
Spain	22’		FG	2 : 1
AHO	38’	Floor Joosten	FG	2 : 2
AHO	57’	Floor Joosten	FG	3 : 2

 

4th Test Match 26.01.2008:  SPAIN  vs   AHO   -   4 : 0 (3 : 0)

Without doubt, Spain took revenge on their previous day’s loss against our team. Although our team was able to keep up with the Spanish side throughout most of the match length, yet, the Spanish team proved to be physically fitter and was able to clinically capitalize on the decisive moments. The match was a clear win for Spain over a tied looking Antillean squad which had completed 5 days of daily training sessions and test matches. 

Country	Minute	Player	Action	Score
Spain	12’		FG	1 : 0
Spain	17’		FG	2 : 0
Spain	27’		FG	3 : 0
Spain	40’		FG	4 : 0