14th July 2017: Another full day of games here in Wattingies as Pool A came to a conclusion and after a much needed break for the players the play continued with Pool C and the 2 semi-finals. Ultimately it will be Poland and Austria who will content the Final tomorrow.
Game 15: Wales 2 – 12 Austria
Austria ensured their semi-final slot with a decisive win over Wales in the first game of the day. They put 12 past Wales, with their captain Helene HERZOG (total 10 goals to date) and current top scorer Laura KERN (total 11 goals to date) getting 7 of the 12. The Welsh team worked hard but were well beaten by a very well organised team who pounced on every rebound and took their chances.
Game 16: Belarus 5-1 Croatia
Croatia knew that nothing short of a comprehensive win over Belarus would be enough to catapult them from the C Pool into the semi-finals. However Belarus, also on 6 points were undeterred by this and set about to keep their perfect performance of wins in tact. Belarus scored in the 2nd, 8th and 10th minute and didn’t look like conceding in the first period. They controlled the second period scoring twice again with no return. Croatia worked hard to come back into the game, but the Belarus defence held firm and the score was 5-0 going into the final period.
Game 17: Pool C Lithuania v Wales 2-2
A quiet start to the first Pool C game, as both teams eased their way into the game.
Lithuania went ahead first, but Wales’ Nell Butler had a excellent game scoring twice. Wales’s keeper Ffion HORRELL also had an excellent game and kept out 3 challenges. However almost on the whistle Lithuania equalised.
Speaking to Welsh coach Alistair ADDISON after the game he said of his feelings at the end of the EuroHockey5s “It was a steep learning curve for us as we haven’t played much 5s. There were lots of improvements but also some key areas that we need to work on. We leave with mixed feelings, we feel we let a few games slip, but we will learn from that.” Speaking in particular about his keeper today she had a great spell of 5/6 minutes where she kept out 3 challenges.
And what will he take away from this event and learnings for Hockey5s in wales? “We are looking into the boards as is a key u16 event for us. We are looking at how we develop 5s. I think it’s really good for skills and developing skills and the players are always engaged in the game. I think it’s an an exciting game.”
Game 18: Semi-Final Belarus v Poland 3 – 3
The first semi-final was a tight game as both teams had chances early on. Belarus scored early in the game and it was quickly negated by Poland’s captain Julia Balcerzak scored twice to put Poland ahead. Belarus levelled in the second period an excellent reverse flick past the keeper. As the minutes ticked down the tension mounted, the score remained 3-3 at the whistle. It took a sudden death penalty shoot out to separate the teams.
Game 19: Semi-Final Turkey v Austria 2-10
A class performance from a quality side as Austria could do no wrong in this game. Turkey looked tired, especially their captain who was their player. Notwithstanding that it was an incredible display of Hockey5s and teamwork from the ladies of Austria.
The challenge is certainly laid down for a fantastic final tomorrow!
Line-up for tomorrow’s games:
09:30 GIB – LTU 7-9
10:45 CRO – FRA 5-6
12:00 BLR – TUR 3-4
13:15 POL – AUT 1-2
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We will be LIVE STREAMING:
15th July – EuroHockey5s U16 Championship (Women) – Wattignies, France – Final Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9jvNP3HCNs
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