Turkey makes the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship semi-final for the first time with a 1-1 draw with Belarus. Poland dominate their Pool and finish top and from the B Pool, both Austria and Russia also play in the semi-final.
Poland started the game with their intent clear, to win the game and ensure a top of the Pool finish and earn themselves a longer rest time in preparation. The first goal from WESSOLOWSKA from play in the 5th minute was very much a team effort from a well worked and patient buildup and her forehand shot was clean and clear and beat the keeper. 1-0 to Poland. The second goal from Poland came from a skillful run and one on one with the keeper from WITTKE, her third of the Tournament.Poland’s third goal came from MISIAK a direct strike from a corner. Poland led the game 3-0 at halftime.
The Swiss girls worked hard for any possession with TROSH and HYVAREINEN controlling the ball from the back. A bad tackle in the 31st minute earned them a PC, struck by TROSCH to be deflected in, but the ball found a Swiss foot. Poland countered well and earned a 4th PC of the game, captain SLAWINSKA struck it low and hard, taking the tally to 4-0 in the 34th minute.
After a disappointing day yesterday when CZE were unable to capitalize on a number of chances, both from play and corners, it was a rejuvenated home team that turned up in the hall this morning. KOLAROVA was lethal in front of goal today, scoring four, 2 corners and 2 from play. An acomplished performance from the home team and an essential 3 points that they carry into the C Relegation pool.
Turkey makes the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship semi-final for the first time with a 1-1 draw with Belarus.
With a semi-final place at stake it was an intense game of indoor hockey played in the Sparta Arena this morning. Turkey earned two corners in the first half. KÜÇÜKKOÇ was on strike, but no goal.
The second half was a battle of wits, as the 1-0 win would be enough to put Turkey into the semi-final. KÜÇÜKKOC, number 10 for Turkey and SKURAT, also number 10 for Belarus had a running battle resulting in a 3 minute yellow for SKURAT. Turkey failed to extend their lead when they had the extra player on the court. With 4 minutes on the clock Turkey earned a stroke which would probably have finished the game but Belarus keeper CHAREI had other ideas and pulled off an excellent save. Belarus pressed hard but were blocked by a well organised defense, however they finally found a way through having taken off their keeper with 2 minutes on the clock, SHTSIN scoring and a frantic last minute as Belarus tried to find the second goal they needed. Turkey however prevailed with no errors from their defenders and the 1-1 draw was enough (due to their better goal difference) to put them into the semi-final.
The final match of the morning session was a battle between Austria and Russia for top of Pool B and a chance to avoid Poland in the semi-final, who dominated Pool A.
Russia opened the scoring with a cracking runaway goal from BORISOVA a forehand strike after a 1v1 with VAN RAHDEN the Austrian keeper. EROSHINA made her usual darting runs, such an elegant and effective player for Russia. In the 16th minute EROSHINA, away again with plenty of space, laid the ball off beautifully to BORISOVA who pushed the ball home and Russia went 2-0 ahead. The half time score was 2-0 to Russia.
Russia ran away with the second half of the game as EROSHINA put them 3-0 ahead in the 27th minute. Austria, having been awarded 9 penalty corners in the game did convert in the 29th minute. BORISOVA was on target again in the 34th minute and the win was in no doubt when ZELENOVA scored a sublime corner, the switch going to her and she effortlessly roofed the ball high and left. The final score of 1-5 for Russia was a fair result and put them top of Pool B on 9 points.