Belarus and Slovakia finished in the top two positions and gained promotion to the EuroHockey Indoor Championships (Men) II in 2020.
They played each other on the third day of the competition in Nicosia, and Belarus was the winner in a very exciting match that ended 5-2. Belarus was superb in the tournament, winning all six of its matches and scoring a total of 53 goals. Slovakia was also excellent, losing only once and deserving of second overall.
The winning Belarus sideScotland claimed third place following their 4-0 win against close neighbours Wales. Having suffered two losses the previous day, it was difficult for Scotland to finish in the top two, but nonetheless the Scots played very well and that win had given them a chance of second, putting pressure on Slovakia to get a result.
The host team Cyprus, in their debut indoor appearance, played with a lot of heart and promise for the future. Although claiming only one win, they were excellent hosts and put in a huge effort.
At the prize-giving ceremony, in the presence of local sponsors and dignitaries, the top three teams were honoured and individual awards were given to Uladzislau Belavusau (voted Best Player), Uladzislau Kochkin (Best U-21 Player), Raman Vitko (Best Goalkeeper), Yauheni Mikheichyk and Ivan Lutsevich (joint top Scorers with 18 goals apiece), all from Belarus.
It was a great tournament and a big thanks to the judges, umpires and above all, the volunteers.
Day Three results: Scotland 11-0 (7-0) Slovenia; Wales 10-0 (6-0) Greece; Slovakia 2-5 (1-2) Belarus; Slovenia 1-0 (1-0) Cyprus; Scotland 4-0 (2-0) Wales; Greece 2-12 (1-2) Belarus; Cyprus 2-7 (1-2) Slovakia
Final Ranking:
1. Belarus
2. Slovakia
3. Scotland
4. Wales
5. Slovenia
6. Cyprus
7. Greece