Chile’s “Las Diablas” Advance to Hockey World Cup Semifinals: A Rising Force in Women’s Hockey
The Chilean women’s field hockey team, affectionately known as “Las Diablas,” have secured their place in the semifinals of the Santiago 2026 Premundial, defeating France 1-0. This victory marks a significant step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Dominating the Group Stage
Las Diablas finished the group stage undefeated, with wins against Switzerland (6-0) and Australia (2-1), alongside their recent triumph over France. Their performance places them first in Group A with nine points. Australia secured the second spot with six points.
Josefa Salas: The Decisive Goal Scorer
The winning goal against France came in the 8th minute, scored by Josefa Salas. This goal proved to be the sole difference in a closely contested match. Both teams had opportunities to score through penalty corners, but these were ultimately unsuccessful.
Facing Japan in the Semifinals
Las Diablas will now face Japan, the second-place team from Group B, in the semifinals. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM at the Hockey Center of the National Stadium. The other semifinal will pit Australia against Ireland at 8:15 PM.
Cristóbal Rodríguez: Leading the Charge
The team is coached by Cristóbal Rodríguez, who took the helm in June of last year. His leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, particularly in preparing them for the challenges of the Premundial tournament.
The Road to the World Cup
The winners of the semifinal matches will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, representing a crucial opportunity for Chile to return to the global stage in women’s field hockey. The team’s current form and strong group stage performance position them as strong contenders.
The Growing Popularity of Women’s Hockey in Chile
The success of Las Diablas is contributing to a growing interest in women’s field hockey within Chile. Increased visibility and positive results are attracting new players and fans to the sport.
Investment in Grassroots Development
Alongside the success of the national team, there is a growing focus on developing the sport at the grassroots level. Initiatives aimed at introducing hockey to schools and communities are helping to build a sustainable future for the sport in Chile.
FAQ
Q: When is the semifinal match between Chile and Japan?
A: Saturday at 6:00 PM at the Hockey Center of the National Stadium.
Q: What do Las Diablas need to do to qualify for the World Cup?
A: Win their semifinal match against Japan.
Q: Who is the coach of Las Diablas?
A: Cristóbal Rodríguez.
Q: Where will the 2026 World Cup be held?
A: The Netherlands and Belgium.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on Josefa Salas – her goal-scoring ability could be crucial in the upcoming matches!
Want to learn more about the Chilean national hockey team? Explore other articles on our sports page here.
Worth a look