Guyana came from behind for the second time in as many matches in the Pan-American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge to draw with hosts Brazil on one goal apiece. After a 2-1 victory against Paraguay in their opening encounter, the John Deere sponsored Guyanese would have to settle for a hard-fought draw with the hosts who routed Bermuda by 3-0 in their opening match. Brazil began the match looking purposeful and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening minutes, but Guyana settled and changed the momentum of the game as the half wore on. With Guyana seemingly enjoying the better run, it was Brazil who would score first in the 28th minute. A well executed penalty corner by Brazil saw their lead midfielder Patricia Boos deflecting the ball into the net after it had crossed the goal too far ahead of Alysa Xavier in goal.
Guyana would hold their nerve and make several good runs to threaten the Brazil goal and their efforts paid off in the final minute of the half when Trisha Woodroffe was first onto the rebound from a penalty corner shot. Woodroffe settled the ball in a split second and flicked it powerfully high in the net and over the diving Brazilian goalkeeper for the equalizer.
The second half would see end-to-end action with chances for both sides but as the game entered the closing minutes it was Brazil who seemed to gain the edge and pressed into the Guyana half for the win. Fine defending from Guyana sweeper, Ulrica Sutherland and goalkeeping from Alysa Xavier however shut out the Brazilians leaving the game drawn at full time. Coach of the Guyana team, Philip Fernandes, expressed satisfaction at his team’s performance indicating that the last time the two teams met, which was in 2005, Guyana lost 0-5. Fernandes indicated that inexperience caused his team to lose focus and structure in the dying minutes and that they would need to improve in that area.
Guyana and Brazil are now tied on top of the pool with 4 points each from two matches followed by Uruguay with 3 points from one match while Paraguay and Bermuda are yet to secure points. Matches continue today (August 3rd) with Uruguay taking on Paraguay at 10:00hrs and Guyana facing Bermuda at 12:00hrs.
By Philip Fernandes