The South African women took to the court playing much fancied Poland knowing that they needed a massive win to secure a place in the World Indoor Cup quarter-finals in Croatia. The South Africans produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell short, 4-2, Porec.
Poland would take the lead from a penalty corner but it was the South Africans who showed great intensity and were looking for the equaliser. It deservedly arrived. Jamie Southgate forced a high turnover and Kayla de Waal turned perfectly and fired home to level the match.
South Africa showed great industry but were having to do a tremendous amount of work from the penalty corners. Daniella de Oliveira twice ran down the penalty corner on the stroke of half-time and the score was still level at the break.
South Africa conceded a penalty corner and from the resultant play the lack of clearance on the second phase saw Poland regain the lead, 2-1. They doubled that lead late in the third quarter with another penalty corne.
But South Africa withdrew their keeper and went full throttle in the final quarter. They would concede on the counter to make it 4-1 but pulled a goal back through Jess Lardant.
The South Africans will now play in the 9-12 bracket.
Photo: World Sports Pics/FIH