21.07.2015, Brussels; Another busy day in Lithuania with a full programme of games for both Pools.
Hungary – Norway 0-1
The first game of Day 2 saw a completely changed Norway side. After Day 1’s big loss to Denmark, Norway started of controlling the game, creating chances and putting Hungary under pressure from the first minute. Hungary was again looking for fast breaks but it was Norway who got the goal just short before half time.
In the second half Hungary took over and again and again pushed the Norwegians back, gaining one PC after the other. But the Norwegians and the goalkeeper in particular, stood firm and kept until the final whistle.
Denmark – Slovakia 4-4
The top game in Group A showed a lot of tension and high quality from the start of the game. Both teams were eager to gain possession and put pressure on the other team.
Slovakia went 1-0 up after only 5 minutes when Tomas Romanec efficiently converted their first PC. Both teams had chances, and where Denmark went close in open play, Slovakia was the danger on PC’s. The equalizer came after 23 minutes from striker Lasse Christensen, who took advantage of some sloppy defending hitting the ball in the top corner.
Second half started as the first, with Slovakia again taking the lead after a few minutes and then extended it after 15 minutes of the second half.
Just as the Slovak team looked to have the upper hand, Denmark hit back with three goals in 8 minutes earning Lasse Christensen a hat trick and giving Denmark the lead for the first time in the game.
Slovakia kept cool and with three minutes to go got the equalizer ending the game in a fair draw serving both teams well.
Finland – Malta 1-5
For both team this game of the second day, would be decisive for their progress in the rest of the tournament.
After 11 minutes Finland took the lead but only 5 minutes later Malta was back in the game putting the score to 1-1. Chances came in both ends but it was Malta who was in the driver seat. The team controlled more and more and before half time two PC’s were converted into a 3-1 lead.
Second half Finland was back in the game, fighting for possession, putting pressure and trying to gain ground but they were not able to made the break through. Instead it was two more goals from Malta that sealed the faith, leaving Finland in the bottom of Pool B.
Lithuania – Cyprus 3-0
The day after the first ever EuroHockey win, Cyprus was facing the hosts. The home site took the lead after 8 minutes on a superb PC in the low left corner. Even though Lithuania had most ball possession and kept pushing Cyprus back, the team had their chances in the first half but not the luck.
In the second half it seemed that Cyprus ran out of breath and with 20 minutes to go, Lithuania got their second PC goal and again 5 minutes later, showed ability on PC for the third and final goal of the game.
Live scoring: https://tms.fih.ch/competitions/489
Pictured: Finland v Malta