Spain assured themselves of a place in the top tier of the European Championships with a 2-1 win over Scotland, a result that leaves Ireland and Scotland battling for the final place in the 2019 edition.
Women’s Pool C: Spain 2 Scotland 1 (1-0)
Carlota Petchame’s dramatic 55th minute goal saw Spain retain their place in the top level of the EuroHockey Championships. It was eventually awarded after a long video referral, getting a touch to a right wing cross from Marta Segu.
Petchame was later named player of the match and was delighted with the outcome.
Spain v Scotland – Women's Rabo EuroHockey Championships – Match Highlights pic.twitter.com/n8JygqFSDT
— EuroHockey (@eurohockeyorg) August 24, 2017
“We know it was a very important result for our confidence. It’s so important for Spanish hockey and scoring a goal to win a match like that is the best thing!”
For long periods, her side had major control over the game with Scotland defending deep. They went ahead in the 12th minute via Begona Garcia, applying the finishing touch to a classy run from Bea Perez.
But, as she has done all tournament, Amy Gibson made some key saves to keep Scotland in the mix and they grew further into the game as time went on.
And they got the chance to level the game in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot, again after a video review, which Nikki Lloyd planted high into the net. They had a corner chance to go ahead, too, before Spain finished strong and nabbed the all-important winner through Petchame.
Spain – Scotland
12’ Begona Garcia 1-0
42’ Nikki Lloyd 1-1 (ps)
55’ Carlota Petchame 2-1
Ireland 3 Czech Republic 1
Ireland gave their hopes of staying the top level of the European Championships a big boost as they struck late on to take the game away from the Czech Republic.
Elena Tice had opened the scoring with barely 20 seconds gone from a penalty corner, her second of the competition, but it was not indicative of what was to come as the sides played out an even first half. Roisin Upton saw a penalty stroke hit the post from the pick of the chances.
Ireland dominated the second half for the most part but found themselves back on level terms when Barbora Haklova volleyed in from a deflected Klara Hanzlova shot with 13 minutes to go.
Czech Republic v Ireland – Women's Rabo EuroHockey Championships – Match Highlights pic.twitter.com/u10CvhxKgv
— EuroHockey (@eurohockeyorg) August 24, 2017
Upton, though, got her name on the score sheet when she dragged in from a corner for 2-1. Anna O’Flanagan then got a lovely touch at the near post to Emily Beatty’s cross, Ireland’s first goal from open play of the tournament to date.
And that is how it remained through to the final whistle with Ireland winning 3-1.
Shirley McCay earned her 250th cap for Ireland on the day; speaking afterwards she felt her side could have enjoyed an easier day if they had take a few more opportunities.
“We knew if we didn’t take our chances, we were always going to be in a battle. We created enough and were fairly comfortable all game so we are just delighted to get the win.
“This European tournament is the hardest you will play in. There’s no second chances and if you don’t play well, you don’t do well. In the relegation playoffs, there’s almost more pressure than the top four so these are key games for us.”
Czech Republic – Ireland
1’ Elena Tice 0-1
47’ Barbora Haklova 1-1
49’ Roisin Upton 2-1
54’ Anna O’Flanagan 3-1