Austria stay in the Championship Division

26/07/2014 – The last game in the mens Pool C between France and Austria was an important one as it decided who would relegate to EuroHockey Championships II. France needed a win to be save, as Austria had a better goal difference.
The high stake of the game clearly made the teams nervous and the both Austria and Spain didn’t dare to take any risks in the first 15 minutes. After the opening quarter the first nerves had disappeared and the play got faster. 17 minutes into the game a PS was awarded to Austria and Oliver BINDER flicked the 0-1 into the net. There weren’t many chances in the remaining minutes of the first half but after an error by Florian Steyrer France regained possession on Austria’s side and could build up quickly toward the goal. The ball went out but in the retake Jean-Laurent KIEFFER scored the equalizer.
Four minutes into the second half Mathias PODPERA fired the ball hard into to the D from the hind the 23m. line. Pit RUDOFSKY deflected the ball into the goal with an ultimate sliding dive. France had 19 minutes to score 2 goals, they build up the pressure and made some good actions but they couldn’t get past the strong Austrian defence. Austria was struggling under the French pressure and 10 minutes before full time France took off their goalie. The pressure payed off and France was awarded a PC in the 68th minute. Cristoforo PETERS-DEUTZ dragged it on the board 2-2. France gave it their all in the last minute but didn’t manage to score the necessary 3-2.
France ends 3rd in Pool C and relegates to EuroHockey Championships 2, Austria stays in the highest division.
Final score 2-2
’17 Oliver Binder (AUT) 0-1 (PS)
’27 Clemens RUSNJAK (FRA) 1-1 (FG)
’41 Pit RUDOFSKY (AUT) 1-2 (FG)
’68 Cristoforo PETERS-DEUTZ 2-2 (PC)