Lower than two hours after practically 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 ultimate press convention.
Previous to the competition, nearly all 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 stunning their illustrious opponents within the sixth minute because of 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 crew managed to win their fifth Olympic gold medal.
Whereas the Netherlands – probably the most 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.
Because of 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 world power, with their efficiency in Paris matching the silver medal they received at Beijing 2008, their house Olympic Video games. They earned the respect of the world, evidenced by the unbelievable reception they acquired from plenty of Dutch supporting followers at Yves-du-Manoir and the questions that Annan and crew captain Ou Zixia confronted within the press convention.
“The technique at this time was to attain early”, mentioned Annan, when requested a couple of recreation plan that was executed to close perfection. “We wished to place a whole lot of stress on their defence. I feel we did that. We began doing that, and we did that very effectively to start with.
“It’s important to transfer the ball round in opposition to the Netherlands. Tactically, we wished to play one-on-one to eradicate just a few of their gamers. I feel we did that fairly effectively. (There have been) just a few issues we might have finished higher that we talked about earlier than the sport, eliminating sure passes.
“One of many largest issues we wished to do, and knew we needed to do at this time, was to work exhausting and defend effectively. And our crew did that extraordinarily effectively.”
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 sometimes trustworthy when requested concerning the crew’s ambitions for 2028 Olympic Video games in Los Angeles.
“(Now we have to purpose for) gold in LA. We are able to solely search for. Now we have finished extraordinarily effectively, in a brief time frame now we have medalled. Now we have to search for and above from the place we are actually. Now we have gone from No.14 on this planet to No.6 in a short while, a 12 months and a half, however now we have to maintain pursuing a better podium.”
With the dream of successful Olympic gold at LA being 4 years away, each Annan and crew captain Ou are hopeful that successful silver at Paris 2024 could have a constructive affect on hockey in China. After matching their finest ever Olympic efficiency, the highlight is shining brightly on each the game and the gamers within the nationwide crew.
“I hope with this medal and the standing of our gamers now in China, there can be extra folks enjoying hockey in China, and we can arrange some type of membership system in China”, mentioned Annan. “It’s all about amenities, and the variety of folks enjoying.”
It was a sentiment echoed by crew captain Ou Zixia, saying: “I imagine that successful the silver medal will imply that hockey will turn into extra common, and folks can be extra conscious of hockey. I additionally hope that our love of the game may also affect 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 keep in mind what they achieved at Paris 2024 for the remainder of their lives.
