NAMIBIA’s women’s hockey team finished bottom of Pool B after losing their final group match 6-0 to the Czech Republic on Thursday.
In a tactical first quarter the Czech Republic spread the ball wide but Namibia’s defence stood firm, while goalkeeper Petro Stoffberg also saved well from a Czech short corner on 7 minutes.
The Czech Republic upped the tempo in the second quarter, forcing two short corners in quick succession and although Stoffberg managed to save both, she couldn’t stop a third by Adela Lehovcova who hit the ball high into the roof of the net.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Natalie Hajkova scored from a short corner, as the Czech Republic went into half time with a 2-0 lead.
Namibia won their first short corner early in the third quarter but Caitlin Gillies’ shot went wide, while Maggy Mengo, Jivanka Kruger and Gillian Hermanus also launched some promising attacks.
The Czech Republic, however, finished stronger with 2 having a shot well saved by Stoffberg, while 18 shot narrowly wide.
In the final quarter Kruger had a backstick shot saved, but the Czech Republic upped the tempo and three goals in three minutes put them well in control.
Anna Vorlova scored from a quick counterattack, Katerina Lacina scored from the penalty spot, and after Namibia pulled their goalie off for an extra outfield player, Vorlova added her second goal from a counterattack to steer the ball into an empty net.
With a minute to go Vorlova completed her hattrick, once again steering the ball into an empty net.
Namibia will now play New Zealand in the play-off for 11th and 12th position on Friday morning.
