With the Proteas women's team narrowly losing to Austria 3-2 and the men's team drawing 3-3 with Australia, the buzz in the stadium was electrifying at the opening of the sixth World Cup.

After seven minutes, Jess O'Connor, the women’s captain of South Africa, scored the game's opening goal. The game subsequently evolved into one in which neither side could capture control completely, but Austria made enough progress to win 3-2.

With 17 seconds left on the clock, South Africa had an opportunity to play to a draw as the Austrian players strayed outside of their circle, resulting in a penalty corner. Unfortunately for South Africa, Tegan Fourie’s shot was saved by the Austrian goalkeeper Stella van Rahden.

Despite the outcome, according to O'Connor, the players enjoyed the energy in the arena, especially when they scored the game's first goal. “It was unbelievable and to have this crowd behind you, it’s never happened before for us, so the turnout was amazing and really exhilarating.”

Although South Africa lost focus in the second half of the men's match against Australia, it was still a fiercely contested battle overall. South Africa forced a draw through a penalty corner with just four seconds left remaining. Captain Jethro Eustice scored the goal for the hosts to start their campaign with points.

“We started making mistakes in the third quarter which allowed them to take control, so we are a bit disappointed not to go the whole way,” said Eustice after the match.

“Coming back from 3-2 down to 3-3 was good, but we had a couple of chances at the end to take the result.

“Thanks to the crowd – they really helped to provide some great inspiration.”

The next fixture for the South African women’s team is on Monday at 19:00 against the Netherlands which is another difficult one, followed by the men’s team as they will play against the Czech Republic at 20:10.

Zenande Mpame/OFM Sport