Sunday, February 3, 2008

United States Lost the Second Match of Olympic Qualifying Men’s Hockey Tournament

After the 1-9 humiliating defeat to Argentina in the first match, United States suffered another big margin defeat on Sunday in the Olympic men’s hockey qualifying tournament. This time the opposition was France. Argentina and New Zealand also won their respective matches over Trinidad and Tobago and Ireland respectively.

In the 4-7 loss, United States also had chance to win the match as they were leading 4-3 at one stage in the second half. However, United States conceded four straight goals with what their likely victory went out of their hand. Now, United States has three matches left in the tournament and they need a miracle to win the tournament in order to get the ticket of Beijing Olympics Games 2008.

ESPN Sports reported:

The Americans (0-2) must win the six-team event to advance to the Beijing Games. The U.S. men haven't appeared in the Olympics since 1996.

Jarred Martin, Pat Harris, Nate Coolidge and Andy Sheridan scored for the Americans, who led 4-3 in the second half before allowing four straight goals.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland Won in Olympic Qualifying Hockey Tournament

Men’s field hockey Olympic qualifying tournament has been started from Saturday. In the opening day, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland projected easy victory. Lucas Vila steered Argentina to a 9-1 victory over United States. New Zealand got his highest margin victory of the day with 12-0 smashing over Trinidad and Tobago. Ireland won against France 4-0 in their first match. The winner of the tournament will get the ticket of Olympics Games.

International Herald Tribune reported:

Ireland beat France 4-0 and New Zealand beat Trinidad and Tobago 12-0 on the opening day of the six-nation tournament which continues until Feb. 10.

The winner qualifies for the field hockey tournament at the Beijing Olympics in August.