Lower than two hours after almost masterminding one of many largest upsets within the historical past of the game, China girls’s head coach Alyson Annan confronted the world’s media within the post-Olympic closing press convention.
Previous to the competition, the vast majority of reporters within the room (and people watching each within the stadium and on TV) believed that sizzling favourites the Netherlands – the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Professional League champions – would comfortably take the title.
That proved removed from being the case, with China surprising their illustrious opponents within the sixth minute due to Chen Yi’s completely angled close-range deflection. It was a lead they held till the 51st minute, with match prime scorer Yibbi Jansen as soon as once more showcasing her penalty nook prowess with an unstoppable low drag-flick, forcing a shoot-out that her workforce managed to win their fifth Olympic gold medal.
Whereas the Netherlands – one of the vital dominant sporting groups the world has ever seen – had been rightly praised for his or her astonishing achievement, the contribution made by China to the event was huge. The continental champions of Asia stood toe-to-toe all through, absolutely deserving their common time draw in opposition to the mighty Dutch in a gripping match.
Due to the tactical brilliance of Annan – an all-time nice participant who guided the Netherlands girls to the Olympic title at Tokyo 2020 – China are as soon as once more a worldwide pressure, with their efficiency in Paris matching the silver medal they received at Beijing 2008, their residence Olympic Video games. They earned the respect of the world, evidenced by the unimaginable reception they obtained from lots of Dutch supporting followers at Yves-du-Manoir and the questions that Annan and workforce captain Ou Zixia confronted within the press convention.
“The technique at present was to attain early”, mentioned Annan, when requested a few sport plan that was executed to close perfection. “We needed to place loads of stress on their defence. I believe we did that. We began doing that, and we did that very properly to start with.
“It’s important to transfer the ball round in opposition to the Netherlands. Tactically, we needed to play one-on-one to get rid of a couple of of their gamers. I believe we did that fairly properly. (There have been) a couple of issues we might have performed higher that we talked about earlier than the sport, eliminating sure passes.
“One of many largest issues we needed to do, and knew we needed to do at present, was to work exhausting and defend properly. And our workforce did that extraordinarily properly.”
Whereas Annan made clear her intentions to take a well-deserved relaxation following China’s silver medal successful show at Paris 2024, the Hockeyroos legend and two-time FIH Participant of the 12 months was usually trustworthy when requested concerning the workforce’s ambitions for 2028 Olympic Video games in Los Angeles.
“(We’ve to goal for) gold in LA. We will solely search for. We’ve performed extraordinarily properly, in a brief time frame now we have medalled. We’ve to search for and above from the place we at the moment are. We’ve gone from No.14 on this planet to No.6 in a short while, a yr and a half, however now we have to maintain pursuing the next podium.”
With the dream of successful Olympic gold at LA being 4 years away, each Annan and workforce captain Ou are hopeful that successful silver at Paris 2024 could have a optimistic influence on hockey in China. After matching their greatest ever Olympic efficiency, the highlight is shining brightly on each the game and the gamers within the nationwide workforce.
“I hope with this medal and the standing of our gamers now in China, there shall be extra individuals enjoying hockey in China, and we can arrange some form of membership system in China”, mentioned Annan. “It’s all about amenities, and the variety of individuals enjoying.”
It was a sentiment echoed by workforce captain Ou Zixia, saying: “I imagine that successful the silver medal will imply that hockey will develop into extra in style, and folks shall be extra conscious of hockey. I additionally hope that our love of the game can even influence the youth, in order that they are going to be all in favour of enjoying hockey.”
No matter what occurs subsequent, Annan and her gamers will bear in mind what they achieved at Paris 2024 for the remainder of their lives.
