18th July 2018: First up today were the Pool B games as Germany faced Belarus and England faced Ireland. Germany had already booked their place in the semi-final, but topped the group with a strong showing against the Belarussians, winning 8-1. England and Ireland faced each other, Ireland needing the win, England needing the draw. England took an early lead and dominated the game to finish it 4-0.
In Pool A, the Dutch girls had a comprehensive win over France, in spite of an excellent performance from the French keeper in the first half. The hosts, Spain, bowed out to Belgium in a very tight game that ended 3-4 in favour of the Belgians.
Germany v Belarus 8-1
The German girls are going from strength to strength here in Santander. SIPPEL struck home with a hat-trick of field goals, HOFMEISTER with 2 from play and both HOFMEISTER and NOLTE also adding 2 of their own. Captain KURZ also scored a powerful strike from a pc.
Ireland v England 4-0
The clash between Ireland and England was an important game towards the semi-finals. The winner takes it all. England dominated the first half and took the lead in the 6th minute. With a great individual action from HAMILTON, England increased their lead just a few seconds before halftime. The third English goal was a rebound from a penalty corner. GREENWOOD scored her second goal of the day on a well-executed penalty corner. Ireland took their goalkeeper off with 11 minutes left on the clock but England controlled the rest of the game. England will play the semi-final on Friday afternoon.
Netherlands v France 8-0
An impressive display from the young French keeper PIERRARD, as she kept the Dutch out on several occasions in the first half. Indeed she even saved a penalty stroke attempt from OMRANI and earned the applause of not only the French but also the Dutch fans. The Dutch did find a way through as they countered in the 14th minute and van der VELDT tapped it in to break the deadlock. Early into the second half, The Netherlands doubled their lead via TUKKERS, a nice finish as she slapped it home on the run.
France was under pressure in the 3rd quarter as the Dutch upped their game VAN DER VELDT and TUKKERS both on target again in the 33rd and 36th minute, taking the score to 4-0. 4 more goals, from 4 different players in the 4th quarter demonstrated the incredible strength and depth of this young Dutch team.
Spain v Belgium 3-4
A game of 2 halves, as they say! Belgium took full advantage of a nervous looking Spain. Belgian captain DUQUESNE put her side ahead from close range, a rebound from a pc, in the 14th minute. Spain drew the game in the 26th minute, a pc strike from SANTACRUZ. A straight slap from BLOCKMANS in the 35th a field goal from VAN BAUWEL in the 36th minute and Belgium were on the ascension. A 4th goal in the 44th minute and surely Belgium would be home and dry, 4-1 to the good. But Spain fought hard and was rewarded in the 47th minute as the BARRIOS twins caused havoc in the Belgian defence. Sara being the one to pop it into the net. Her twin Laura, determined to get onto the scoresheet snook it in past GRIGNARD. The score was now 3-4 in the 47th minute. Belgium dug deep in defence to hold onto the win and a semi-final slot Germany.
Tomorrow is a rest day, we resume on 20th July:
| Time | Teams | Title | Pitch | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:45 | ESP – IRL | Pool C | Pitch 1 | ||
| 10:15 | FRA – BLR | Pool C | Pitch 2 | ||
| 12:00 | GER – BEL | SF1 | Pitch 1 | ||
| 14:30 | NED – ENG | SF2 | Pitch 1 |
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