South Africa and Chile played in the unwanted seventh place playoff in Spain at the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup. The two sides had played off in the pool stage with Chile emerging victorious 2-1.
The first half belonged to Chile who were dominating all important aspects of the game but through a combination of defensive brilliance, goalkeeping resolves and the crossbar they were unable to take a lead for almost 25 minutes. But eventually Maria Maldonado gave the South Americans a deserved lead with just a few minutes to the half time break.
South Africa though fought back and almost immediately Erin Christie emerged as the hero popping up at the back post to finish a deflected penalty corner and restore parity as the game headed into the half time break.South Africa consistently put pressure on Chile and were able to force a number of turnovers as a result. Their pressure earned them a penalty corner but once again they lacked the finishing needed to convert. Thati Zulu also had a shot from an acute angle, but it was relatively easily saved. However, on the back of a good spell for the South Africans had to defend a penalty corner themselves but it was well done. 15 minutes remained before a penalty shootout would decide the game.
Unfortunately for the South Africans it was 15 forgettable minutes that ended with three goals for the South Americans. Two penalty corners and one field goal enough to confirm the victory for Chile and to consign the South Africans to 8th spot.
