Spar South Africa endured a difficult evening at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, falling to a 10-0 defeat against an impressive Austrian side at the Zatika Sport Centre in Poreč, Croatia, on Tuesday, 4 February, 2025.
The result leaves South Africa’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals hanging by a thread, with a crucial final Group B encounter against Poland – who tied their opening match 1-all against Austria – awaiting on Thursday.
Runners-up at the 2018 edition, Austria wasted no time in asserting their dominance, netting three goals in the opening quarter to seize early control of the contest.
Their relentless attacking pressure continued into the second quarter, where they added two more to take a commanding 5-0 lead into the halftime break.
Despite South Africa’s efforts to regroup in the second half, Austria remained in control, adding two more goals in the third quarter before closing out the match with a further three in the final period.
Their scoring was well-balanced, with six field goals, two penalty corner conversions, and two successful penalty strokes highlighting their efficiency in front of goal.
South Africa had moments of quality, particularly through Daniella de Oliveira and Laylaa Davids, who looked to create opportunities in attack, but the Austrian defense remained resolute, preventing the hosts from finding the back of the net.
The result places immense pressure on South Africa heading into their next fixture against Poland. A strong response will be needed if the team is to keep its hopes of progression alive and regain momentum in the tournament.
South Africa’s Pool B Fixtures at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia from 3 – 9 February, 2025
Monday, 3 February: South Africa 4 – 4 Thailand
Tuesday, 4 February: South Africa 0 – 10 Austria
Thursday, 6 February – 10:50am: South Africa vs Poland
Spar SA Indoor Hockey Women’s Squad for the 2025 FIH Indoor World Cup in Croatia (Name and Caps)
Laiken Brisset 26
Laylaa Davids 8
Daniella de Oliveira 37
Kayla de Waal 50
Cailynn den Bakker 14
Tegan Fourie 71
Cheree Greyvenstein 70
Malikah Hamza 20
Jessica Lardant 66
Edith Molikoe 69
Sarah Paget 14
Jamie Southgate 95
Original Copy: SA Hockey, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Substitute SA keeper Sarah Paget had no chance against Austria’s hat-trick scorer, Katharina Bauer, who contributed three goals from open play to the 2024 runners-up Austria’s 10-nil demolition of SA at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup being played at the Zatika Sport Centre in Poreč, Austria, on Tuesday, 4 February, 2025. Photo: World Sport Pics for FIH
Photo 2 Caption: Looking to move play forward for South Africa, Laikén Brisset is dispossessed by Austrian forward Katharina Bauer. Photo: World Sport Pics for FIH
Photo 3 Caption: Daniella de Oliveira seeks a chink in the impenetrable Austrian defence during their second Group B clash at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia. Photo: World Sport Pics for FIH
Photo 4 Caption: Scorer against Thailand in their opening encounter, Cailynn Den Bakker along with South Africa team-mates were held scoreless against Austria on Tuesday. Photo: World Sport Pics for FIH
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