USA women dominate FIH Hockey Olympic Qualification tournament pool games to secure spot in semi-finals
After upset victories against India and New Zealand, as well as a third win over Italy, the United Eagles could secure their quota for Paris and the chance to medal at the Games for the first time in four decades
Hockey
The United States women’s field hockey team are one step closer to the Olympic Games after ending the pool stage of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualification tournament in Ranchi, India with a perfect winning record and zero goals conceded.
After opening the tournament with an upset victory over hosts India, the American women (currently ranked No. 12 in the International Hockey Federation world rankings) have stormed into the semi-finals where victory will see them secure a quota for the Paris 2024 Games. Even a loss would not end their hopes of qualification, with the winner of the third-place match between the two semi-final losers also securing a quota for the Games.
As they prepare to face Japan in the semi-finals on Thursday 18 January, here is a recap of play so far, what it takes to make it to Paris and the history of United States women’s field hockey at the Olympics.
Recap of USA in the FIH Olympic Qualification tournament - Pool Games
The United Eagles wrapped up pool games at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualification tournament in Ranchi with a perfect winning record and not a single goal against them.
They began the tournament with a shock win against world No. 6 India. After a goal by the Eagles 45 seconds into the second quarter, India couldn’t break through the United States’ solid defense to make a comeback.
The Eagles' 1-0 victory ignited their confidence and opened the door for the winning streak that followed.
The second pool game saw the U.S. secure another shutout with second and fourth quarter goals against Italy leading to a 2-0 victory.
With so much on the line, the pressure was palpable during the USA's final pool game against No. 11-ranked New Zealand. However, midfielder Beth Yeager and keeper Kelsey Bing were both exceptional for the USA, as the Eagles clinched a third consecutive shutout to cruise through to semis.
The winning streak means they they will now face off against Japan on Thursday 18 January.
The road to Paris in Ranchi
To obtain an Olympic quota, the US need to land on the podium in Ranchi. Japan, their rivals in the semi-finals, sit one place above them in the world rankings.
From pool B, India also made the semis by defeating Italy 5-1 in their final pool game and, along with Japan, Germany have qualified from pool A.
Germany have been in excellent form, with their 10-0 victory over Czechia in their final pool representing the biggest win margin of the tournament thus far.
*The Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, South Africa and People’s Republic of China have already obtained quotas for Paris after winning their respective continental championships. As Paris 2024 hosts, France have qualified automatically for the Games. A total of 12 teams will compete in the Paris 2024 women's field hockey competition.
Team USA’s history in Olympic hockey
If the Eagles are able to continue their winning streak through Paris, they could make Olympic history for the United States field hockey team.
With six Olympic appearances, the women have only landed on the podium once - four decades ago. The Eagles missed out on the last Olympic Games in Tokyo after failing to qualify.
The U.S. women's sole Olympic medal came when they won bronze at Los Angeles 1984, which was also their first Olympic appearance. A medal in Paris would represent their first at the Games in 40 years.