USA upset the rankings as they outplay England

Paige Selenski celebrated her 100th cap in the best way possible, scoring the USA's first goal within three minutes of the start and helping to secure a 2-1 victory in their opening pool B match of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup. 

The match was most notable for the high percentage of turnovers, with England in particular failing to keep possession of the ball or mount any sustained pressure on the USA goal. For their part, the USA worked hard and made the most of their chances, maintaining their recent impressive string of victories. Talking after the game, England skipper Kate Richardson-Walsh spoke of her team's nervousness at the start of the game. "I am angry with our opening few minutes. A couple of passes went astray and that tentativeness was infectious throughout the team. You can't come to a World Cup and start like that."

Selenski's (3') goal came after she made a tricky run into the circle, drawing a foul and winning her team a penalty corner. Caroline Nicholls struck the ball, but it was Selenski who slotted home. The second goal was scored in similar circumstances; Michelle Vitesse wove her way through the England defence to win a penalty corner, and Nicholls' shot went to the left of the goal for Kelsey Kolojejchick (15') to tap home.

England won five penalty corners in the first half, but were unable to get past Jackie Kintzer, who had an outstanding game in the USA goal, denying England the chance to get back into the game. Richardson-Walsh singled Lily Owsley out for praise as one of the few England players who looked to have the measure of their hard-working opponents. "The younger members of the team need to play like that… without fear."

Across the pitch for the majority of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half, the USA continued to dominate the ball in midfield, but Maddie Hinch in the England goal was up to anything the USA threw at her. Eventually England found the net, through a Richardson-Walsh penalty corner but that goal, and the subsequent shots from Owsley and Alex Danson, were not enough to stop the USA from getting their campaign off to a winning start.

A delighted Selenski said: "Of course it was a great experience and amazing to go out and get a win. England are a great team but we matched them out there. We had a game plan and we executed it. Our coaching staff have brought a different programme to our squad and we really focus on our strengths. Our team confidence is high right now."

Official Match Report (PDF)