Semi-Finalists are confirmed at the EuroHockey Indoor Championships, Women

After the morning session at the EuroHockey Indoor Championships here in Minsk when the Pool games were finished, the semi-finalists are Netherlands, Poland, Belarus and Germany .

Netherlands v Belgium 5-1

The Dutch team continued their dominance of Pool A with a final win over Belgium, finishing on 9 points and a comfortable progression into the semi-final. Lieke HULSEN opened the scoring with a field goal in the 3rd minute. The Dutch were ahead 2-0 at the half, and cruised through the second half. Belgium scored a well worked PC in the 37th minute via Perrine MOTTE but this just reduced the scoreline. The Netherlands will play in the semi-final and Belgium go into the Relegation Pool C.

Poland v Czech Republic 4-0 

With Czech just needing to draw the game and Poland needing the win, the second game of Day 2 of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships, Women started slowly as both teams were loathe to make errors. The scoreline was reflected in this caution with a 0-0 tally after the first 20 minutes. Czech pushed forward in the second half, but chances went amiss and it was Poland who opened the scoring via Amelia KATERLA . This gave Poland the confidence to press the Czech defence hard and this was rewarded in another field goal via ZTYBRYCH Malgorzata. Towards the end of the game the Czech Republic went for a power-play, knowing that they needed a draw. but Poland took advantage and went ahead 3-0 and then a PC in overtime stretched their lead to 4-0 and a semi-final place.

Germany v Ukraine 1-0 

With both teams having the possibilty to go forward to the semi-final, this was a very tight and well played game. Germany were awarded a penalty stroke in the 7th minute but it went wide and the score stayed 0-0. Ukraine then earned a penalty corner but inspite of a well struck drag by Yevheniya ERNOZ it went high and wide. The game continued with chances for both sides until the deadlock was broken in the 36th minute by Julia MEFFERT who put Germany ahead. So Germany will play in the semi-finals and Ukraine will fight to stay in the Championship division in Pool C.

Belarus v Austria 3-1 

Once again in front of a partisan crowd, the hosts took to the field with their ‘7th man’ in the crowd. Assured of their semi-final place, but wanting to avoid facing the on- form Dutch team, a first in Pool finish was required. The hosts went about their business in what has become their trademarked form at this event. Positive hockey, going forward and creating goal scoring chances. They did not disappoint and went ahead via Sviatlana BAHUSHEVICH in the 8th minute. They led 2-0 by half-time, Austria continued to battle and were rewarded in the 25th game with a PC strike from Marta LAGINJA . Belarus came back again and finished the game 3-1, topping Pool B and securing a semi-final v Poland.

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For Results from the EuroHockey Indoor Championship II, Cambrai– click here

Main photograph: Germany Qualify for the Semi-Final (FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK and All Galleries)