Scotland edged out at Hockey World Cup as 24-year wait comes to an end
Keeper off as Scots go for broke
Scotland, making their return to the Hockey World Cup after a 24-year absence, were defeated 3-2 by the USA in their second match at the tournament in Belgium in what was a closely fought affair at the Belfius Hockey Arena.
Seventeen-year-old Rees D'Ariano gave the Americans an early lead with a superb strike but experienced Scotland captain Sarah Robertson equalised in the seventh minute from a well-worked corner move, sweeping the ball home from a tight angle.
It was 1-1 at the end of the first quarter but Sophia Gladieux capitalised on uncertainty in the Scottish defence to restore America’s lead and the Scots trailed 2-1 at half-time.
They fell further behind when Mia Schoenbeck scored in the 39th minute but cut USA’s lead to 3-2 when Millie Steiger deflected in a shot from a short corner by Amy Costello who was winning her 100th Scotland cap.
Keeper taken off
The Scots went all out for an equaliser, taking off goalkeeper Jess Buchanan with five minutes remaining, but it wasn’t to be and the Americans held on for the win in Wavre.
The Scots, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, lost their opening match 3-0 to Germany on Friday. Their final Pool B match is on Wednesday against Argentina who drew with the US in their first game.
While Scotland can no longer qualify for the elite knockout phase of the tournament, they will take part in classification matches to determine the final standings.
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