20.07.2015, Brussels, as the Women’s teams took a well earned break from competition, the Men were under the spotlight in Prague:
Scotland – Croatia 6-0 (3-0)
From the beginning of the match it developed quickly who was possibly going to win with Scotland scoring in the second minute from Alan Forsyth. In the 21st minute it was the very same player who managed to score again. The whole first period was under control of Scotland. Even though when Croatia finally got to the ball, their opponents answered quickly and didn’t give them any space to play. In the second half of the match the same dominance by Scotland was experienced by the Croatians. Croatia did had few chances but not enough to score. The final score stopped at 6:0 but this match was dominated by player number 7, Alan Forsyth, who scored unbelievable four goals.
Ukraine – Poland 0-3 (0-2)
In the second match of the day we saw a really tough fight with even ball possession on both sides. However it was the Polish team with a bit more luck on their side that managed to score their chances. Unlucky performance from the Ukrainians who lost 0:3.
Azerbaijan – Switzerland 2-0 (1-0)
The Swiss started actively, in the first minutes had more ball possession and set the game pace. It was therefore a surprise, as Azerbaijan scored a brilliant goal from a breakaway hitting precisely an uncovered top-left corner. This goal cooled the Swiss and the game was suddenly balanced. Switzerland tried to overcome Azerbaijan combinations, Azerbaijanis relied on speed, strength and 3D hockey. This way the match continued also in the second half. Unfortunately for the Swiss team, 8 minutes before the end Azerbaijan used another breakaway 3 v 1 and changed the score table to 2:0. After the second goal Azerbaijanis also showed that they are able to hold the ball with many short passes. The Swiss weren’t able to interrupt Azerbaijan and when Swiss didn’t score from the penalty corner in extra time, Azerbaijan celebrated their first tournament win.
Austria – Czech Republic 2-0 (0-0)
Austria dominated the start of the game but failed to break through the Czech defense. Czechs threatened rather from breakaways. However both teams didn’t make any serious mistakes and when Austria didn’t score from the overtime series of short corners, the first half ended without goals. After the break Czechs were more active, they worked out a few goal chances and 4 consecutive corners, but they didn’t convert. Instead of that Austria punished Czech with two fast goals in 51. and 52. minute. But Czechs didn’t give up and started to press Austria. Austrians weren’t able to get out of Czech pressure, but Czechs didn’t score from their chances again. And the score remained 2-0 at the end.
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