Ukraine and Czech Republic stay in Championship Division at the EuroHockey Indoor Championships

At the final day of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships in Minsk, we started the day with the final games of the Pool C, relegation pool with much at stake for all 4 teams. Ukraine were the only team from the 4 that were already safely into the Championship Division in 2018, the other 3 Austria, Czech Republic and Belgium could all stay or leave depending on the results. Ultimately it was Czech Republic who joined Ukraine safely into the Championships in 2018.

Pool C – Relegation Pool:

Ukraine v Belgium 3-3 

Ukraine, knowing that they are safe in this division got off to a better start going ahead via Yuliia SHEVCHENKO in the 9th minute. Their second goal was a well worked move which ended in Nataliia HONCHARENKO tapping in at the back post. Belgium did have a good chance with a good corner routine, but the Ukraine defence held and the score remained 2-0 at the half. In the second half, again Belgium had a chance early on to reduce the scoreline via a PC but again the Ukriane defence held strong. Yana KOROTAIEVA scored a beautiful strike on the run, giving the keeper no chance. Minutes later Belgium did claw back with a good  solo effort from a free hit, Tiphaine DUQUESNE  dummying the keeper and putting Belgium on the scoreboard. In the 32nd minute Marie RONQUETTI put a PC away, bringing the score line to 3-2. Belgium, now with their tails up pressed hard for the final quarter of the game, creating more chances than Ukraine, opting for a powerplay which delivered a third goal in the 38th minute and brought the game back on even terms. Belgium, now with a chance to perhaps stay in the division if they won this game, pressed hard, but without a keeper and conceding a corner in the last minute which UKR mis-trapped. A huge performance in the second half from Belgium, but in the end the game stayed level 3-3.

 Czech Republic v Austria 3-3 

In the Final C Pool game of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships, it was still all to play for for both teams. A lively start Czech Republic needed only a draw to stay in the Division, but a win would be required by Austria. AUT won a PC in the first minute and opened the scoring with a direct shot from captain Corinna ZERBS. In the 3rd minute CZE won a PC which was upgraded to a stroke and scored by Adela BIZOVA. In the 7th minute Julia BUSCH put Austria ahead via a fantastic reverse strike from the end line. Another great strike from Corinna ZERBS in the 29th minute brought the score to 3-1 to Austria. An incredible second half as Czech clawed their way back to draw level at 3-3 and this was enough to finish second in Pool C and stay in the Championship Division and qualify for the World Cup!

Final Ranking in Pool C:  

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Main photograph: Czech Republic celebrates (FFU PRESS AGENCY COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK and All Galleries)