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Edward ‘hat-trick’ Horler lives up to billing, puts England in Hockey Junior World Cup semis
Before coming for the Junior Men’s World Cup Hockey, Edward Horler had been nicknamed the hat-trick hero of England after he struck thrice against Croatia in the EuroHockey Championship in January. He didn’t disappoint against Canada.
Before coming for the Junior Men’s World Cup Hockey, Edward Horler had been nicknamed the hattrick hero of England after he struck thrice against Croatia in the EuroHockey Championship in January.
But he scored just once against India as England lost 3-5 in the crucial Group D tie on Saturday, and it was the vigil mounted by the Indian defenders that kept him in check.
On Tuesday, Horler proved to be unstoppable at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, as his hat-trick helped the European bronze medallists score a 6-0 win over Canada.
England made the quarterfinals from Group D behind group toppers India, and will take on Group C toppers and six-time champions Germany on Thursday.
After Will Calnan opened the account in the 10th minute, Horler converted penalty corners in the 15th and 20th minutes to help take a 3-0 lead.
Calnan netted his second in the 23rd minute before Horler completed his hat-trick in the 46th to top the scorers’ list with six goals so far. Chris Proctor completed the tally with a field goal in the 54th minute.
“We wanted to be attacking from the start as Canada is a good side, and that’s the reason we didn’t slow down even after leading 4-0 in the break,” said England captain James Gall.
He admitted the side would come out with a plan against Germany in the quarterfinals as the defending champions are in good form.
Former champions Australia also confirmed their entry in the quarterfinals from Group A, blanking Korea 5-0 after leading 3-0 at the lemon break. The win also helped them top the pool with nine points from three games.
Frazer Gerrard (25th) drew first blood, while Blake Govers struck in the 33rd and 34th minutes. Things didn’t change for Korea as Max Hendry (61st) and Kiran Arunsalam (68th) completed the formality.
QUARTERFINAL LINE-UP
Belgium vs Argentina (11.15 am), Germany vs England (1.30 pm), Australia vs Netherlands (3.45 pm), India vs Spain (6 pm)
WEDNESDAY’S FIXTURES
Egypt vs Japan (11.15 am), Austria vs South Africa (1.30 pm), Malaysia vs New Zealand (3.45 pm), Korea vs Canada (6 pm).
