13th January 2018: An important morning here in Antwerp as the Pools would be decided and the semi-finalists confirmed along with those who will be competing for a place to stay in this division in the C Pool. After 12 games of hockey, Germany, Poland, Belgium and Austria will compete in the semi-finals! A big step up for Belgium who are newly promoted to this division.
Germany 7-1 (4-1) Denmark
Germany solidified their position on top of the pool with a 7-1 win over Denmark. Fuerste added 2 to keep him top of the scorers, a tally of 7 so far.
Czech 2-3 (0-2) Poland
Poland needed a win to secure the second semi-final place, whilst a draw would suffice for Czech. MIKULA pounced on a pc rebound to put Poland ahead in the 10th minute. MAKOWSKI doubled from the flick spot in the 14th minute. Czech went for a power play and were rewarded with a goal early in the second half, but MAKOWSKI was on target again. VACEK was on target in the 39th minute for Czech but the Polish defence held it’s nerve and the win was enough to put them in the semi-final.
SUI 3-4 (1-3) RUS
A vital game for both teams as a win for Russia could, in theory, put them in a semi-final should Austria fall to Belgium. Failing that the result of this game will be carried into the relegation C Pool and could prove vital in keeping either team in this division for 2020. An early goal from Russia settled the nerves, Russia added 2 more to go 3-0 ahead. Switzerland did reply almost on the half time hooter to bring the score to 3-1 at the half. A superb strike from MORRARD and another from FELLER brought the game to level pegging. Russia went ahead again via a solo run from GOLUBEV and that’s how the game ended, with Russia taking all 3 points into the relgetion pool.
BEL 3-3 (3-2) AUT
An opening goal from KORPER who was perfectly placed on the backline got Austria the perfect start to this game. An important save a minute later from Austrian keeper SZYMCZYK kept the score to 1-0. STANZL added another to put Austria 2-0 ahead, but much to delight of the crowd Belgium scored from a pc in the 10th minute via POKORNY. CORNILLE ran the length of the pitch and scored to bring the game back to 3-2. An equaliser in the second half, a converted pc from Belgian’s VANDIEST in the 32nd minute and in spite of a power play and a couple of excellent chances from Austria they failed to find the net and now have the pleasure of facing the German’s in the semi-final.
This afternoon’s schedule:
16:30 Denmark–Switzerland – Pool C
17:40 Czech Republic–Russia – Pool C
18:50 Belgium–Poland
20:15 Germany–Austria
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