US blank Oman to reach semis, Egypt in last four
LEAD
Published: 05:02 PM,Feb 18,2025 | EDITED : 09:02 PM,Feb 18,2025
Oman and US players in action. – Abdulwahid al Hamadani
MUSCAT: Oman suffered a 4-0 defeat against the US in their second match of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025 at Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat on Tuesday night. They will face Austria in their next match on Thursday.
The match began with both teams exchanging early chances, but the US took the lead in the 11th minute through Marius Leser. Oman pushed forward for an equaliser, earning a penalty corner, but failed to capitalise, ending the first quarter 1-0. In the second quarter, Oman continued pressing, but the US controlled possession, maintaining their lead at half-time.
The US increased their intensity in the third quarter, forcing Oman into a defensive stance. Sekayi Charasika extended the lead in the 43rd minute, making it 2-0. In the final quarter, Charasika struck again (48’), and Hanzor Motta sealed the win with a fourth goal in the dying seconds. With the 4-0 victory, the US secured their second win, topping the group with six points and sealing a spot in the semifinals. Oman remained at the bottom with no points. Kayi Charasika was awarded the best player of the match.
POLAND SECURE LAST-MINUTE DRAW
In the opening Pool A match, Poland secured a late draw against China in a tight 1-1 battle.
China started aggressively, taking an early lead in the second minute through Jieming Chao. Despite Poland’s counterattacks, a disallowed goal kept China ahead 1-0 at the end of the first quarter. Poland pushed hard in the second quarter but struggled against China’s solid defence, while Chao nearly doubled the lead, only to be denied by Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Popiołkowski. The third quarter saw Poland earn its first penalty corner, but Chinese goalkeeper Runze Cu made a crucial save, keeping the score unchanged. In the final quarter, Poland dominated, earning seven penalty corners but failing to convert. Just as China looked set for victory, Jieming Chao committed a late foul, giving Poland a penalty, which Jarzynski Gracjan converted to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw. Runze Cu’s outstanding performance earned him the best player award, leaving Poland in second place with four points, while China remain third with one.
EGYPT IN SEMIS
In the second Pool A match, Egypt reached semifinal with a 3-1 win over Chile.
Chile struck first in the fifth minute through Juan Amoroso’s penalty corner, but Egypt responded late in the first quarter, with Mohamed Nasr assisting Ahmed El Genini to level the score at 1-1. The second quarter saw Egypt dominate but fail to break through Chile’s solid defence. In the third quarter, Egypt continued pressing, with El Genini and Mahmoud Mamdouh missing key chances, while Chile struggled to create real threats. The final quarter was decisive — Mostafa Ragab put Egypt ahead in the 55th minute, and Mohamed Ragab sealed the victory with a last-minute goal (59’). With the 3-1 win, Egypt advanced to the semifinals, while Chile lose their chance to qualify for the semifinals after suffering two consecutive losses. Mohamed Nasr was awarded the best player.
AUSTRIA EDGE SCOTLAND
In the second Pool A match, Austria edged Scotland 3-2 in a thrilling comeback victory.
The match began cautiously, with both teams creating minimal chances in the first quarter. Scotland came close through Andrew McConnell, but the Austrian goalkeeper denied the attempt, ending the quarter goalless. In the second quarter, Scotland's Jamie Golden finally broke the deadlock with a powerful penalty corner goal in the 26th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead at half-time, despite Austria's late pressure.
Austria upped the intensity in the third quarter, equalising through Joseph Winkler (36’) after a clever pass from Fulop Losonci. Florian Steyrer then converted a penalty corner (42’), putting Austria ahead 2-1. The final quarter saw Scotland push for an equaliser, but Austria maintained their lead.
Losonci extended Austria’s advantage to 3-1 with a powerful strike in the 55th minute. Scotland responded quickly, with Golden scoring in the 56th minute to make it 3-2. Despite Scotland’s relentless pressure in the final moments, Austria held firm to secure a crucial 3-2 victory. Florian Hackl won the player of the match award.
Florian Hackl expressed his excitement after his team's strong comeback following their loss the previous night. He emphasised the strength and potential of their young squad, stating that despite their first-game setback, they showed great resilience and development. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of improving with each game. Hackl also took a moment to appreciate his teammates, thanking them for their efforts and dedication. With their next match in two days, he highlighted their determination to secure another victory. Reflecting on the team's solid defensive performance in their 1-0 win against the Scotland’s, he remained optimistic about their progress in the tournament.
The match began with both teams exchanging early chances, but the US took the lead in the 11th minute through Marius Leser. Oman pushed forward for an equaliser, earning a penalty corner, but failed to capitalise, ending the first quarter 1-0. In the second quarter, Oman continued pressing, but the US controlled possession, maintaining their lead at half-time.
The US increased their intensity in the third quarter, forcing Oman into a defensive stance. Sekayi Charasika extended the lead in the 43rd minute, making it 2-0. In the final quarter, Charasika struck again (48’), and Hanzor Motta sealed the win with a fourth goal in the dying seconds. With the 4-0 victory, the US secured their second win, topping the group with six points and sealing a spot in the semifinals. Oman remained at the bottom with no points. Kayi Charasika was awarded the best player of the match.
POLAND SECURE LAST-MINUTE DRAW
In the opening Pool A match, Poland secured a late draw against China in a tight 1-1 battle.
China started aggressively, taking an early lead in the second minute through Jieming Chao. Despite Poland’s counterattacks, a disallowed goal kept China ahead 1-0 at the end of the first quarter. Poland pushed hard in the second quarter but struggled against China’s solid defence, while Chao nearly doubled the lead, only to be denied by Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Popiołkowski. The third quarter saw Poland earn its first penalty corner, but Chinese goalkeeper Runze Cu made a crucial save, keeping the score unchanged. In the final quarter, Poland dominated, earning seven penalty corners but failing to convert. Just as China looked set for victory, Jieming Chao committed a late foul, giving Poland a penalty, which Jarzynski Gracjan converted to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw. Runze Cu’s outstanding performance earned him the best player award, leaving Poland in second place with four points, while China remain third with one.
EGYPT IN SEMIS
In the second Pool A match, Egypt reached semifinal with a 3-1 win over Chile.
Chile struck first in the fifth minute through Juan Amoroso’s penalty corner, but Egypt responded late in the first quarter, with Mohamed Nasr assisting Ahmed El Genini to level the score at 1-1. The second quarter saw Egypt dominate but fail to break through Chile’s solid defence. In the third quarter, Egypt continued pressing, with El Genini and Mahmoud Mamdouh missing key chances, while Chile struggled to create real threats. The final quarter was decisive — Mostafa Ragab put Egypt ahead in the 55th minute, and Mohamed Ragab sealed the victory with a last-minute goal (59’). With the 3-1 win, Egypt advanced to the semifinals, while Chile lose their chance to qualify for the semifinals after suffering two consecutive losses. Mohamed Nasr was awarded the best player.
AUSTRIA EDGE SCOTLAND
In the second Pool A match, Austria edged Scotland 3-2 in a thrilling comeback victory.
The match began cautiously, with both teams creating minimal chances in the first quarter. Scotland came close through Andrew McConnell, but the Austrian goalkeeper denied the attempt, ending the quarter goalless. In the second quarter, Scotland's Jamie Golden finally broke the deadlock with a powerful penalty corner goal in the 26th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead at half-time, despite Austria's late pressure.
Austria upped the intensity in the third quarter, equalising through Joseph Winkler (36’) after a clever pass from Fulop Losonci. Florian Steyrer then converted a penalty corner (42’), putting Austria ahead 2-1. The final quarter saw Scotland push for an equaliser, but Austria maintained their lead.
Losonci extended Austria’s advantage to 3-1 with a powerful strike in the 55th minute. Scotland responded quickly, with Golden scoring in the 56th minute to make it 3-2. Despite Scotland’s relentless pressure in the final moments, Austria held firm to secure a crucial 3-2 victory. Florian Hackl won the player of the match award.
Florian Hackl expressed his excitement after his team's strong comeback following their loss the previous night. He emphasised the strength and potential of their young squad, stating that despite their first-game setback, they showed great resilience and development. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of improving with each game. Hackl also took a moment to appreciate his teammates, thanking them for their efforts and dedication. With their next match in two days, he highlighted their determination to secure another victory. Reflecting on the team's solid defensive performance in their 1-0 win against the Scotland’s, he remained optimistic about their progress in the tournament.