12.07.2015; Italy takes the EuroHockey Youth Championships II in Calais with flair and style with a 7-0 victory over Czech Republic.
Results:
Pool C:
Turkey – Poland 1 : 6 ( 0 :4)
France – Austria 1 :2 ( 0 :1 )
3rd/4th place
Wales – Switzerland 1 :2 ( 1 :2 )
Final
Czech Republic – Italy 0 : 7 ( 0 :3 )
Turkey – Poland: The first match very early on Sunday saw the strong favorites Poland show their skills. From the start Poland took charge converting Penalty Corners to lead 3 :0 at Halftime. Turkey scored early in the second half, but Poland were undisturbed and continued to secure their win. Unfortunately Turkey is relegated to Championship III
France – Austria : another close match in the last game of Pool C. Austria playing a great game against France opening the score few minutes before halftime. Austria extending the lead but France scored their first goal in the last minute to secure a 5th place in the Championship.
Medal Games
Bronze Wales vs Switzerland: Great hockey by both of the Teams. Switzerland taking the initiative and scored a great Field Goal to lead 1:0. Wales never gave up and trying hard to get the swiss under pressure which led to the equalizer just 5 minutes later. Just a the end of the first half the Swiss scored again. In the second no goals were scored and the Swiss celebrated their first medal in a U18 tournament. Both Teams played great offensive hockey.
Gold Medal game
Czech vs Italy. Both teams already promoted to the next U18 Championship I continued their strong appearance in the tournament. Italy however got their usual perfomance relatively quick scoring goals and led the match 3:0 at halftime, a well deserved lead.
Czech unable to come back. Italy mainly the attacking team and finally won the Final in style. 7:0 the final score in favour of the Azzurri.
Big celebrations for Italy and Czech.
Price giving Ceremony
Best Goal Scorer: Luca Valentino (ITA)
Best Player : Fabio Blom (ITA)
Best Goalkeeper : Jonas Verest (SUI)
Fairplay Trophy : Austria
Quote of the Day
Mayor of Calais: “Great Sport, hope to see more Hockey international events in Calais”
Final Ranking
1 Italy
2 Czech Republic
3 Switzerland
4 Wales
5 France
6 Austria
7 Poland
8 Turkey
Very many thanks to all the Organisers in Calais for their reports and photographs.
Photograph: Italy celebrates their win