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SA Men’s Hockey Team Overcomes Early Setback to Beat Croatia 8-6 at IHF Indoor Hockey World Cup

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Picture: SA Hockey Association

The South African men’s hockey team began their IHF Indoor Hockey World Cup campaign on a positive note, overcoming a shaky start to secure an 8-6 win over hosts Croatia on Monday. The BlitzStoks, despite conceding the first goal in the second minute, battled back with impressive performances from the Cassiem brothers, Dayaan and Mustaphaa, as well as debutant Hans Neethling.

Croatia’s captain, Mario Mucic, opened the scoring with a brilliant angled finish, giving the hosts an early advantage. South Africa responded when Neethling scored off a rebound after Litha Kraai’s shot was saved. However, a defensive lapse allowed Croatia to retake the lead, and they were ahead 3-1 at halftime.

“We started very slowly, tentative,” said South African head coach Justin Rosenberg. “It was obviously the first-game jitters. We changed our formation in the second chukka, put them under pressure, and turned the game around.”

The second half saw South Africa fight back with determination. Mustaphaa Cassiem pulled a goal back for the BlitzStoks, followed by a moment of brilliance from him off a penalty corner, where he flicked the ball into the net with a roundhouse motion (3-3). Neethling then added another goal, and Dayaan Cassiem, with a dazzling run, set up Mustaphaa for another low shot to give South Africa a 5-3 lead.

The South African defence, led by veteran Jethro Eustice and supported by young Leruo Dithlakanyane, controlled the match. Anton van Loggerenberg’s vital saves in goal helped maintain a two-goal lead into the final quarter.

Neethling completed his hat-trick, with Dayaan Cassiem providing the assist, and later, Dayaan scored his own goal after driving the ball to the net. Mustaphaa Cassiem sealed the win with a penalty stroke.

Croatia attempted a late comeback by sacrificing their goalkeeper, scoring two goals, but South Africa held firm to claim the victory.

Despite the win, Rosenberg acknowledged areas for improvement ahead of their next match against defending champions Austria. “We need to protect our defensive lines better, start the game with more intensity, and be clinical from the outset,” he said.

Austria, the world champions, dispatched Poland 6-2 in their opening game, sending a strong message to their rivals. For South Africa to pull off an upset, they will need to maintain consistency and improve their overall game.

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