12th August: It was semi-final day in Cardiff yesterday, as Belarus faced a strong Italian size and Russia took on the hosts Wales. Belarus and Russia
France v Austria
The second quarter of the match bought Austria to life. After a relatively even start, Austria’s #3 Corinna DVORAK scored during the last 5 minutes before half time.
From then on Austria dominated the game with their playing skills but France kept up with speed. They couldn’t however prevent a field goal delivered by #12 Marie REICHSTEIN not long after half time and a further goal from #9 Alexandra SANDNER before the last quarter; a result of a penalty corner.
During the 55th minute France’s #11 Astrid LANSIAUX managed to get goal through, ending the match 3-1.
Ukraine v Poland
The first game of the tournament to end 0-0 after several missed opportunities from both teams.
During the 2nd quarter Ukraine came painfully close to scoring and again just before the 3rd after a penalty corner was awarded but to no avail. The final quarter saw some great attempts from Ukraine as well as a final missed penalty corner for Poland; ending the match with no goals.
Belarus v Italy
Within the first two minutes of the match Belarus had already put in a strong start after a successful penalty corner goal from #9 Ryta BATURA; a goal which thanks to a penalty stroke Italy’s #18 Federica CARTA minutes later equalised.
Thanks to a goal in the 30th minute from #5 Krestina PAPKOVA the game ended half time 2-1 to Belarus; quickly drawn equal during the second half with a quick goal from #4 Eugenia MASTRONARDI.
The last quarter saw a yellow card for both teams as well as two final goals for Belarus; resulting in a 4-2 win.
Russia v Wales
The final match of the day began as intensely as it ended. Russia saw no goals from two early penalty corners and Wales endured a disallowed goal after the ball came off the Russian defence.
Half time ended 0-0 but the 30 minutes had seen strength from both teams.
Within the first minute of the second half, #26 Bogdana SADOVAIA saw through a penalty stroke taking Russia 1-0 ahead; equalised minutes later by Wales’ #17 Leah Wilkinson.
The final quarter saw many near misses and two saved drag flicks by #1 Rose THOMAS (GK); all next to a final goal from #26 Bogdana SADOVAIA leading Russia to victory and ending the match 2-1.
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