Following two great semi-finals it is Poland and Austria that progress to the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Champiosnhip Final here in Torun.
2 cracking goals in the first half without reply from Poland’s KUROWSKI put Poland in real contention for a Final place here in Torun. Their 3rd goal came courtesy of captain RUTKOWSKI from a well rehearsed corner. Out to the stopper and pushed wide to him which he then powered home. In a repeat move 3 minutes later, the same result and Poland led 4-0 with 10 minutes to go in the first half. Belarus worked hard to contain Poland and had their chances, being awarded a PC in the 30th minute. KAROL struck it sweetly but it went well over the bar. The score remained 4-0 to the hosts. A fifth goal came from GRUSZCZYNSKI in the 31st minute. A PC for Belarus, stopped on the line earned BLR a stroke, which KAROL slotted home to put Belarus on the score sheet in the 34th minute. With the outcome of the game now assured, Poland’s keeper was subbed off in favour of LIBERKOWSKI for the final minutes. KUROWSKI got his hat-trick in the last seconds of the game finishing off a powerful display by Poland.
Belarus v Poland – Final Score 1-6
POL ‘8 21 KUROWSKI Jacek FG 0-1
POL ’17 21 KUROWSKI Jacek FG 0-2
POL ’26 15 RUTKOWSKI Arkadiusz PC 0-3
POL ’29 15 RUTKOWSKI Arkadiusz FG 0-4
POL ’31 5 GRUSZCZYNSKI Robert FG 0-5
BLR ’34 13 KAROL Mikita PS 1-5
POL’ 40 21 KUROWSKI Jacek FG 1-6
Austria v Russia
The Final game of today was Austria v Russia in the second semi-final. Austria started the game stronger with an opener from THÖRNBLOM in the 5th Minute. They certainly had the better chances with a PC saved and LINDENGRUN had an excellent shot that just went wide left of the post. Russia won their first PC of the game in the last minute of the first half – PROSKURYAKOV’s flick was saved and an after whistle shot earned ARTEMOV (RUS) a green card. With 4 seconds still on the clock Austria were attacking the Russian circle, but saved by the ‘bell’ the score remained 1-0 at the half.
Russia needed to find their form again in the second half. However it was Austria that had the perfect start to the second half with a goal from STEYRER but that was quickly countered by Russia’s GILEV in the 24th minute. A classy individual goal from THÖRNBLOM in the 28th minute, gliding through the defence to take a clean and clear direct shot just inside the circle pushed Austria ahead 3-1. Russia had a fantastic chance but even at full stretch LEPESHKIN couldn’t quite get the touch he needed. Russia called a Time Out with 3 to go and took their keeper off. This was quickly countered by Austria calling a Time Out. An intense last 2 1/2 minutes saw Russia hold possession and build several times but they didn’t quite get the break or force a corner and the score remained 3-1 to Austria. A really excellent performance from both teams, but it is Austria that progress to face Poland in the Final tomorrow.
Russia will now play Belarus tomorrow for Bronze.
Austria v Russia Final Score
AUT ‘5 22 THÖRNBLOM Leon FG 1-0
AUT ’23 15 STEYRER Florian FG 2-0
RUS ’24 12 GILEV Aleksandr FG 2-1
AUT ’28 22 THÖRNBLOM Leon FG 3-1
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Fantastic set of photographs from all the games are here
Live Streaming – http://live.tvtorun.net/
Photograph – The Polish team engaging with their thrilled fans ( FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT Sander UIJLENBROEK)