“We started making mistakes by maybe holding on the ball a bit too long, which allowed [them to play to] their strength, which is a counterattack turnover type of mentality — and they were clinical.
“When they had their chances they took them and maybe we just left a few too many out there.”
Mustapha was unaware of how his strike rate might rank. “I’m a person who doesn’t really worry about statistics. You put in the hard work and that comes naturally when you back yourself and the work you put in.”
But he was confident his team could make their mark on the tournament.
“We’re looking to recreate history and write this team into South African history books. I really think we can medal but it’s going to be tough and we’re looking to first get to the quarterfinal.”
The South African men play the Czech Republic on Monday (8.10pm).
In later men’s action on Sunday Belgium waltzed past Kazakhstan 7-1, defending champions Austria beat New Zealand 7-1, the Netherlands beat Namibia 7-1, the US beat the Czech Republic 4-3 and tournament debutants Argentina fought back from two goals down to stun Iran, bronze medallists five years ago, 5-4.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Indoor Hockey World Cup
Mustapha strikes twice, but Jet's 'low blow' clinches draw against Aussies
'It was a nice spot between his legs'
Image: SUPPLIED
Mustapha Cassiem continued his incredible scoring spree with two early goals against Australia at the Indoor Hockey World Cup on Sunday, but it was skipper Jethro “Jet” Eustice’s calm penalty corner late in the game that clinched a 3-3 draw for the South African men’s team.
Earning his 23rd indoor cap Cassiem claimed his 53rd goal from a penalty flick and then finished off an offence for No 54 to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
“When you go 2-0 up in an indoor game you can never get comfortable, especially against the Aussies,” Mustapha said.
The Australians clawed back to 2-1 just before halftime through Ben Staines and then Jake Sherren struck twice in the third quarter for a 3-2 lead.
The pressure was on South Africa when they awarded a penalty corner with five minutes remaining, but Eustice was up to the task.
He felt calm knowing that, in that situation, he was about to be substituted, and he thought through the routines they had practised and how they’d played previous corners in the match.
“I think maybe the zones we were trying to flick early on were a bit too high and maybe [Benjamin] Rennie, the Australian goalkeeper, knew that.
“I decided to flick low and see how it goes and it was a nice spot between his legs.”
Eustice said the team had let it slip in the third quarter.
“In the first half we were very confident. I thought we controlled most of the game, but I think in the third quarter we put ourselves under a bit of pressure.
Pyjama queen Jess aims for top eight at Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria
“We started making mistakes by maybe holding on the ball a bit too long, which allowed [them to play to] their strength, which is a counterattack turnover type of mentality — and they were clinical.
“When they had their chances they took them and maybe we just left a few too many out there.”
Mustapha was unaware of how his strike rate might rank. “I’m a person who doesn’t really worry about statistics. You put in the hard work and that comes naturally when you back yourself and the work you put in.”
But he was confident his team could make their mark on the tournament.
“We’re looking to recreate history and write this team into South African history books. I really think we can medal but it’s going to be tough and we’re looking to first get to the quarterfinal.”
The South African men play the Czech Republic on Monday (8.10pm).
In later men’s action on Sunday Belgium waltzed past Kazakhstan 7-1, defending champions Austria beat New Zealand 7-1, the Netherlands beat Namibia 7-1, the US beat the Czech Republic 4-3 and tournament debutants Argentina fought back from two goals down to stun Iran, bronze medallists five years ago, 5-4.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE
South African stars ready to switch to quick pace at Indoor Hockey World Cup
Decision on Indoor World Cup venue in Pretoria to be decided next week
Hockey’s delayed World Indoor Cup marches to Pretoria
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos