Hockey: Draw against Chile not enough for Scots

THE scenario was simple for Gordon Shepherd’s Scotland squad after a surprise loss to Uruguay the previous day. They had to beat Chile yesterday to qualify for the third round of the World League in Brazil.

But, despite a spirited performance, they could only manage a 2-2 draw and third spot – leaving the United States and Chile in the third-round draw.

The game opened brightly with chances at both ends, Nikki Kidd had a good effort saved by the goalkeeper while Chile had two shots just wide. Shepherd’s charges played with plenty of character but could not find the net. So it was a cruel blow when Chile’s Camila Caram netted five minutes from the interval with their first penalty corner.

In the second half Chile struck again, Paula Infante’s solo run 
allowing Agustina Venegas to deflect her shot past Gibson.

Scotland then pulled one back on 50 minutes through Kidd, and with three minutes left won a penalty corner which Kidd drove low into the net.

Scotland won an additional point in the penalty shoot-out to guarantee them third place but it wasn’t enough to progress.

Prior to the game there were presentations to Linda Clement and Vikki Bunce for their 200th and 150th caps respectively.