The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered Tops at SPAR, created history in Croatia on Friday as they produced a perfect performance to defeat World number 2 Iran 6-0 and secure a historic first semifinal in any FIH World Cup.
South Africa started the game with the news that Justin Domleo, their most experienced player, was out for the remainder of the tournament with an injury.
The team were almost spurred on to make sure that they won the game for their man.
𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗘
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) February 7, 2025
The South African Indoor Hockey Men have made history securing a first ever Indoor World Cup Semi-Final after thumping world number 2 Iran 6-0.
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From the first whistle to the last the South African defensive effort was sensational, marshalled by Jethro Eustice and supported tremendously by Rusten Abrahams, Keegan Hezlett and Leruo Ditlhakanyane.
South Africa opened the scoring through Mustpaha Cassiem with another excellently executed penalty corner that gave Hataminejad no chance in goals.
South Africa then earned a penalty stroke when Litha Kraai was pulled down in the circle.
Surprisingly Cassiem was unable to hit the target despite sending the big keeper the wrong way and it remained 1-0.
The South Africans came out with renewed vigour in the second half and duly delivered on their goal-scoring threat.
Cassiem earned his second with a slightly different execution at the penalty corner but with the same net result.
Cassiem then turned provider for Dalpiarro Langford as Iran failed to cope with the South African precision.
In the second half Langford earned a second for himself and Litha Kraai made it 5-0 with what is becoming his characteristic goal on the reverse flick.
There was time for Cassiem to complete his hat-trick while the South African goalkeepers were given very little work as a clean sheet was secured and history was made.
South Africa now face Germany in the semifinals knowing they have already secured their best ever finish at an FIH World Cup.