Santiago, Chile – The Chilean women’s national field hockey team, nicknamed “Las Diablas” (The Devils), are on the cusp of qualifying for the Hockey World Cup after a dominant performance in the group stage of the current tournament. Playing at the Center of Hockey Césped Claudia Schüler, the team completed its group play undefeated, fueled by a recent victory over France.
This achievement marks a significant moment for Chilean hockey, building on the legacy of players like Claudia Schüler, a pivotal figure in the nation’s field hockey history. Schüler, who represented Chile from 2004 until her passing in March 2023 at the age of 35, was a celebrated goalkeeper and instrumental in the team’s successes at the Pan American Cup, earning the tournament’s goalkeeper award four consecutive times – in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022 . The stadium where the current tournament is being held was recently renamed in her honor, a testament to her impact on the sport in Chile.
Chile’s Path to the World Cup
The Chilean team’s undefeated run through the group stage culminated in a hard-fought victory against France. Details of the match score are currently unavailable, but the win secured their position as group leaders. This success follows a period of growth for the program, highlighted by their qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands – their first appearance in the tournament in history . At that 2022 World Cup, Chile achieved a 13th-place finish.
The team’s goalkeeper, Claudia Schüler, played a crucial role in securing that World Cup berth, stopping four shootouts during the Pan-American Cup against the United States. Her performance instantly established her as a figurehead for the sport in Chile. Tragically, Schüler was diagnosed with liver cancer with metastases in August 2022 and passed away on March 26, 2023 .
Remembering Claudia Schüler
The opening ceremony of the 21st World Cup in Santiago included a moving tribute to Schüler. The hockey stadium was officially renamed Estadio Claudia Schüler in her honor. Sergio Vigil, her former coach with the Chilean national team, delivered an emotional speech, expressing his gratitude and love for his former pupil . Vigil recalled Schüler’s performance at the 2022 World Championship in Amsterdam, just eight months before her death.
Schüler’s dedication to the sport extended beyond her on-field performance. She made her junior debut at the 2005 Junior World Cup, held in Chile, a year after joining the national senior team . She represented Chile in numerous international competitions, including the Pan American Games (2011, 2014, 2018), South American Games (2014, 2018), and Pan American Cup (2009, 2013, 2017, 2022) .
What’s Next for Las Diablas?
With the group stage complete, Chile now faces a crucial match to secure their place in the Hockey World Cup. The opponent and date of the qualifying match have not yet been announced. The team will undoubtedly be playing with extra motivation, honoring the memory of Claudia Schüler and striving to continue her legacy of excellence. The nation will be watching closely as “Las Diablas” aim to make history and represent Chile on the world stage.
What do you think Chile needs to do to secure their spot in the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow hockey fans!
