Czech Republic have claimed the bronze medal at the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Leipzig courtesy of a dramatic shoot-out triumph against Austria.
A tense, hard-fought match finished with the scores locked at 0-0, with the goalkeeper Barbora Chechakova keeping a clean-sheet in the shoot-out to give Czech Republic their first ever Indoor World Cup medal. The shoot-out finished 2-0, with Katerina Lacina and Adela Reinosova getting the crucial goals.
The bronze medal success was clearly a very special moment for a visibly emotional Chris Faust, the man who has had the exhaustive role of coaching both the women’s and men’s Czech teams here in Leipzig. “I’m speechless”, said Faust. “We have worked very hard for four years now and I am so happy for the girls. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators here in Leipzig.”
Austria’s Julia Busch was sad to miss out on a medal but felt very happy with the team’s displays at the Indoor World Cup. “We knew that it would be a tough game. A shootout is always something for the nerves and the luckier team will win it. Overall we are happy. We can take a lot of positives away from this tournament.”
5-6 classification match
Poland women secured a fifth place finish in Leipzig with a convincing 7-3 victory over Ukraine. Malgorzata Sztybrych scored twice for the Poles to seal the win, with Amelia Katerla, Pauline Okaj, Oriana Walasek, Joanna Hawrot and Marlena Rybacha all on target. The result condemned Ukraine to a 6th place finish at the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup.
7-8 classification match
Belarus secured a 7th place finish at the Indoor World Cup by degeating Australia 3-1. The Aussies took an early lead in the match through talented youngster Kyah Gray, an advantage they held until seven minutes into the second period. A double strike from captain Volha Shyntar gave Belarus the lead midway through the second half with Yuliya Kurhanskaya sealing the win three minutes from time.
Source and photograph: FIH