Match 9: Scotland v Italy 2:3
A game, where both teams were trying to get more points to reach the semi-final, it started better
for the Italian team. In the 4th minute, Manuel Mondo converted a penalty corner to take lead. It
wasn´t until the 10th minute when the Scottish team got their chance in penalty corner but without
getting the ball into the net. It was again Manuel Mondo, who in the 13th minute doubled the lead
for Italy – 0:2. The second quarter started in the same manner and Italy added one more goal from a penalty corner via Pietra Laga. Italy eased up slightly and suddenly there was a space for the Scots. Great zone defence by Italy didn´t allow them any real chances. It was Italy again who were the more attacking team at the start of the second half but failed to increase the lead. The Scottish supporters kept going and their team responded with a goal from a penalty corner – 1:3. At this point, the match was even, chances on both sides. And again, Scotland converted another penalty corner – 2:3. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Match 10: Portugal v Russia 1: 9
The second game of the day and first match of the group B between the teams of Portugal and Russia
predicted a big battle as the Russian team was aware that six-goal difference would secure them a
spot in the semi-final instead of Italy. However, Portugal was ready to fight hard.
The first goal was scored in the 3rd minute after a nice combination of the Russian team. Three
minutes later and there was another goal into the Portuguese net. At that point, everyone knew that
the leading team has the outcome of this match in their hands. The goal-scoring did not stop as the
captain, Gregorii Arusiia, scored the third goal from a penalty corner.
The Russian team was awarded another penalty corner in the 13th minute but a nice setup play
did not end in a goal.
The first quarter was dominated by Russia, which managed to put Portugal under pressure and
wait for errors. It was a matter of time when the scoreboard would be changed again. The
Portuguese goalkeeper Carlos Pedro made some great saves and helped his team to hold the three-
goal difference. The second quarter was played in a calmer mode. It was the Portuguese who started to fight back and were awarded by a first penalty corner in the 19th minute. But they did not manage to convert
it. The Russian team had many chances but were unable to convert them. During the third quarter, the score rose to 6-0. But in the last quarter, the Portuguese played faster and more attacking hockey and scored their first goal in the 49th minute. The score 6-1 was held for a while and again there were some excellent saves from the Portuguese goalkeeper. But it was the Russian team which put the foot on the pedal and managed to score 3 more goals. The final result 9-1 secured Russia a spot in the semi-final.
Match 11: Ireland v Turkey 7:1
So far, the fastest goal of this tournament, just 40 seconds into the game, opened the score. A high
ball from the Irish over a half-pitch, followed by a great pass into the circle and a David Mawhinney
deflection slipped it in behind the goalie. One minute later and Ireland doubled the lead – 2:0. This
time a converted penalty corner via Guy Sarrat. Despite a dozen penalty corners, Turkey could not
pull back any goal. Ireland answered back with a fast counterattack on the left side with a finish into
the left corner of the goal 3:0.
Turkey was awarded a penalty corner in the 19th minute and this time they finished strongly 3:1. The
Irish team responded quickly with an attack on the right side which ended with a penalty stroke. It
was Guy Sarrat who took it and scored again. It didn´t take long and the Irish team to add another
goal. Ireland controlled the game and with two more goals in the second half. The final score was 7:1.
Match 12: Belarus v Czech Republic 4:2
The last game of the day started at 6 pm and all the Czech supporters were looking forward to
watching their home team. Neither of the teams has won yet and both teams were trying to get the
important points. As predicted, the game started at a fast pace and the game was going from one end to the other end. The first chance of the match came in the 2nd minute where the Belarus team was awarded penalty corner. Luckily for the Czech team, the ball missed the target. The first quarter did not bring any
more real opportunities for either side. Then it was Czech players, Pavel Matoušek a Čeněk Zuna,
who had chances but without success. The first goal scored Dzianis Tsaluika in the 9th minute and Belarus took the lead 1-0. It was the Belarus who were more active and playing attacking hockey that was causing the Czech team to play under pressure. Five minutes later the same player scored the second goal of the game. This goal woke up the Czechs, and with their home supporters cheering them on, scored by Eduard
Gerlický. The score could be even before half time, but the Czechs did not convert the penalty
corner. Determined to show their home crowd the Czech team picked up their game and it was Čěněk Zuna
who levelled the score in the 32nd minute. Then it could be either side who could take lead, but the Belarus team was the luckier team today. They added two more goals in the 37th and 45th minute. The Czech Republic fought till the end but without any more conversion. The final score was 4-2 for Belarus.
All games will be live-streamed, on www.eurohockeytv.org
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Photos by Petr Růžek