Scotland finish 12th at the FIH World Cup after loss to Japan

Scotland dominated the game but ruthless Japanese finishing was the difference as the Scots lost 2-1 at the Women’s FIH World Cup. The result sees Scotland finish 12th in the tournament to finish off a tournament of high-quality performances.

Scotland started the game with intent with an aggressive press and good connections all over the pitch. The first opportunity of the match went to the Scots when Heather McEwan skipped into the circle and snapped a shot goal-ward, to no avail.

Then Sarah Jamieson latched onto a crass ball from Sarah Robertson and fizzed a shot just wide of the right post.

Against the run of play, Japan took the lead. A penalty corner led to a penalty stroke and Miyu Suzuki found the bottom right corner for 1-0.

The second quarter saw Japan look dangerous on the counter and one break resulted in Amy Costello clearing the ball off the line, to keep Scotland in touching distance.

The possession and attacking intent of Scotland couldn’t find an equaliser and the half ended with the cherry blossoms in front.

Scotland’s tempo went up a notch in the second half. Scotland had a chance to equalise early in the half but Costello saw two penalty corners charged down, and a third booted clear by the goalkeeper.

The final quarter saw Scotland chase with everything they had, but an early sucker punch took the wind out their sails. A slick attack down the left was finished off by an Akari Nakagomi deflection into the roof of the net to give Japan a 2-0 lead.

The Scots responded by taking off Jess Buchanan in goal and playing an extra outfield player.

It allowed Scotland to pile on the pressure, and it resulted in a goal. An exceptional penalty corner routine saw the quick exchange from Costello to Robertson, and to Ellie MacKenzie for a deflection into the back of the net for 2-1.

The late surge couldn’t find an equaliser it was Japan who took the 11th spot at the FIH World Cup.

 

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