Scotland’s Men Put Ten Past Poland In Clinical Display At World Cup Qualifiers

Scotland’s men bounced back from the heartbreak of missing out on the World Cup in emphatic fashion as they thrashed Poland 10-2 in Cardiff at the 2023 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Alan Forsyth, Struan Walker and Cammy Golden all scored twice to put the disappointment of yesterday’s shootout loss firmly behind them.

Dan Coultas, Duncan Riddell, Andy Bull and Andrey McConnell were also on target to see the Blue Sticks qualify for the fifth/sixth-placed play-off on Sunday.

It was the worst possible start for Scotland as Polish captain Jacek Kurowski put his team ahead from a penalty corner in just the second minute.

Walker equalised shortly after as Scotland found their momentum, with Forsyth squeezing one past the ‘keeper at his near post in the 12^th minute before following up with a penalty stroke early in the second quarter to see his team lead 3-1 at half-time.

Coultas converted a penalty corner to add a fourth in the 38^th minute before Riddell finished off a clever set piece routine four minutes later.

They then went on the rampage in the final quarter, Bull also scoring from a corner before Golden fired home from close range in the 52^nd minute.

Two minutes later McConnell finished off a neat move to get his name on the scoresheet, with Golden adding his second with a fierce drag flick moments later.

Walker produced a delightful chip for his fifth goal in just six international appearances in the 58^th minute, with Poland’s Mikolaj Gumny adding a late consolation.

Scotland have a day off tomorrow before playing either Russia or Italy to determine who finishes fifth at 12:00 BST on Sunday 24 October.

The World Cup Qualifier semi-finals are taking place tomorrow, with Scotland and Wales’ women meeting at 13:30 BST. Wales men then entertain Ireland in front of what promises to be a packed crowd in Cardiff once again at 14:30 BST. Both games will be shown live on the EuroHockey TV website.