12th July 2017: After 6 games and 74 goals the EuroHockey5s U16 Championships is shaping up to be a real battle to see who will be in the semi-finals by end of play tomorrow!
Game 1: AUT v GIB 21 – 0
Austria scored 2 quick goals early in the game as Gibraltar was just settling into the pace of the game. It became clear early in the game that Austrian’s indoor hockey skills would stand to them as they used the rebound balls far more effectively than Gibraltar. The ball being constantly in play was again a big challenge for the girls from Gibraltar as they failed to clear the ball around their keeper, leaving the defence open to very clinical striking from Austria. The final score of 21-0 was a tough one for the Gibraltar girls.
Austrian Captain Helene Herzog spoke very highly about her ‘strong team’ who are happy to score goals and she is very happy to be a part of this team. She agreed that indoor has helped them ‘Oh yes, we have similar boards in indoor hockey and that really helps with Hockey5s.
Game 2: WAL v CRO 3 – 5
Wales got the better start in this game scoring twice in the opening period although Croatia missed a fantastic chance with a 1v1 with the Welsh keeper. Just on the hooter Croatia’s Ema Bahlen hit a sweet strike slamming the backboard and the score was 2-1 at the first break. Croatia’s captain Petra Hrupec ran the show in the 2nd period scoring twice and twisting and turning her marker to put Croatia ahead 2-3. Croatia, settling into the game in the final period looked solid on the ball, both teams scored in the final period, meaning Croatia took the full 3 points!
Game 3: POL v LTU 4 – 1
Poland had a very mature and polished performance in the 3rd game. Striking in the 2nd, 9th and 11th minute. Captain Julia Balcerzak finished off the game with her 3rd. Lithuania on the back foot, but they worked hard and the keeper had an excellent performance. The were rewarded for their resilience in the 21st minute with a goal from Kamile Liekyte.
Game 4: FRA – TUR 3 – 5
Turkey’s captain Melis KÖŞKER set the tone of the game in the opening minute as she struck past the French defence who appeared a little nervous in front of their home crowd. A feisty game where both teams had chances, but France never appeared to have a free player ready to take advantage of rebounds, a real feature of Hockey5s. Victoire ARNAUD did equalise the score in the second minute, but Turkey then went ahead 3-1 and France were chasing the game. A delighted Turkey finished the game 5-3 ahead of the home side.
Game 5: BLR – GIB 22 – 0
A tough day for the girls from Gibraltar, they worked hard, but had no answers to the Belarusian attack, again a team with lots of indoor experience and they were well able to finish all their opportunities. Gibraltar were under no illusions coming into the games today, speaking to their manager, she said they were happy to have the day finished and are looking forward to a more even competition tomorrow.
Game 6: AUT – CRO 9 – 1
The final game of the day was contested under beautiful sunshine and Austria, already with 3 points under their belts they were determined to finish the day on top of Pool A and this they did with some style. A 9-1 finish over Croatia, captain Helene HERZOG leading from the front with another 3 goals. Bringing her personal tally to 7 and leading the goal scoring after Day 1.
Ranking Day 1:
********************************
We will be LIVE STREAMING on 14th and 15th July – click here
We will be active on our social channels – so keep up to date on:
- Instagram – @eurohockeyorg – watch out for #takeovers #EuroHockey5s
- Facebook – our EuroHockey5s gallery – click here
- Twitter – @eurohockeyorg – follow us for all the final results of the games
- Results and standings – click here