The Belgium versus Korea match on day five of the ATAHolding Qualifier was full of exciting hockey as both teams fought for a shot in the final and the chance to head to the World Cup.
Under overcast skies, Korea asserted themselves early by taking the lead in the fourth minute of play off a Mihyun Park field goal (her sixth of the tournament). Belgium, however, was relentless and prevented Korea from dominating the match, let alone on attack. With the halftime score 1-nill in favor of Korea, both teams came out with even more desire to win in the second half. Play was quite even, but Korea earned their second goal of the match in the 43th minute off a Miyoung Eum field goal, which almost stopped by Belgium’s Achten. But Belgium came roaring back and in the same minute Captain Sofie Gierts made it a 2-1 game. And a minute later, with scoring seeming hot for both teams, Jongeun Kim dished in Korea’s third goal. Gierts notched her seventh goal of the tournament (to stand as the top tournament scorer above Mihyun Park) in the 58th minute, but Korea maintained their lead and held on to the 3-2 victory; and Korea secured themselves a place in the final match against host USA.
The first match on day five of the ATAHolding Qualifier was between France and Mexico who were each looking for their first tournament win. France scored first in the 5th minute off a penalty corner goal by Philippine Berly. Berly’s goal was France’s first goal of the ATAHolding Qualifier; and gave France an early one goal lead over Mexico. Goals by France’s Rogeau and seventeen year old Juliette Parent gave France a three goal advantage with ten minutes remaining in the first half. Mexico made it a 3-1 match from a goal by Captain Jésus Aide Castillo Marin. But another goal by Parent and one by Elise Preney made the score 5-1 at the halftime whistle. For the second half of the match between France and Mexico, Castillo Marin suited up in goal; and helped prevent further France scores rather than try to score for Mexico. In the second half, Berly and Parent scored again, respectively; with Mexico unable to score another goal, the match ended France 7, Mexico 1.
The final match on day five of the ATAHolding Qualifier was between host USA and local rival Canada. Host USA took the lead in the 14th minute off a Rachel Dawson penalty corner; and the 1-0 score stood at halftime. Competitive play between the two teams ensued. The USA generated multiple offensive chances, but Canada’s defensive was there to break up play. Another Dawson penalty corner goal in the 47th minute, however, gave the USA a two goal advantage. Canada had a series of runs down to their attacking end, but couldn’t find a way to score. Host USA took a 3-0 lead over Canada in the 65th minute after Jesse Gey collected the ball, that had rebounded off the umpire (off a USA shot attempt that might have otherwise gone out of bounds), and scored. In the final minute, Canada’s Diana Roemer sent a penalty stroke past the USA’s keeper, Jackie Kintzer; making the final score USA 3 Canada 1.
After a rest day tomorrow (Friday 02 April), the final day of the ATAHolding Qualifier takes place on Saturday 03 April. Host USA and Korea will battle for the chance to compete in the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina; while Belgium and Canada will play for third place. France and Mexico will play for fifth place.
Please click here for direct access to the micro site of the AtaHolding World Cup Qualifier.
