Netherlands and Spain will contend the EuroHockey Junior Championship Final

Match 18: Netherlands v Belgium 3-1

The first women’s semi-final of today was between the Netherlands and Belgium. Five minutes into the game, Netherlands had a one time shot chance but the Belgian goalie saved. A few minutes before the first break, the Belgian had a double chance but it was deflected wide by the Dutch defence. On the counter, Netherlands shoot wide. The Dutch had more ball possession and Belgium was playing on counters. Both teams were defending strong and creating chances. In the 24^th minute, on their second penalty corner of the game, Netherlands scored the opening goal on a rocket of a flick from Jansen. In the next minute, the ball crossed the goal but no one was there to deflect for the Dutch.

In the second half, Belgium saved a penalty corner on the line. Two minutes later, scramble in front of the Dutch goal but the Belgian couldn’t put the ball behind the line. With 2 minutes into the last quarter, the Netherlands doubled their lead via Albers. Belgium had a few chances to get back in the game in the last 6 minutes of the game. But in the 56^th minute, a loose defending from Belgium was punished by Omrani to settle the game for the Netherlands. In the last minute of the game, the Dutch team was awarded the last penalty corner, well defended by Belgium, and on the counter, Breyne grabbed a consolation goal at the death for Belgium.

The Netherlands are the first team to qualify for the final after a 3-1 against Belgium.

Match 19: Germany v Spain 1-1 

The second semi-final was between hosts Spain and Germany. Spain had the better of the first half as Zaldua rounded the last defender and slotted home for Spain’s first of the half. 10 minutes later Germany’s keeper pulled off a great save to deny Spain a second.

Germany had the first chance of the second half as Boerman’s shot was saved in the opening minute. After the initial pressure, Spain went on the attack with Spain’s Alvarez’s reverse strike in the 36th minute went just wide. Spain earned a pc in the 39th minute but failed to convert. The score remained a tight 0-1 to the hosts going into the final quarter

Germany equalised in the 47th minute, a quick free in from the right and a deflection roofed by Pluta. Spain had the chance to go ahead minutes later via a penalty corner, Amundson’s direct shot was high and not allowed. A frantic final 5 minutes saw the Spanish keeper in action as Germany pressed high, with long balls coming from the midfield in an attempt to nick the winner. With 1 1/2 minutes to go, Germany found a Spanish foot in the circle, the shot was deflected wide. The score remained 1-1, all the pressure was on the Spanish defence and with 44 seconds Germany earned another pc. The shot was saved and batted away by the Spanish. Again the Germans were piling the pressure on Spain. The game ended 1-1 and went to the first shoot out of the competition. Spain won 3-1 in the shootout.

Match 17: Belarus v France 0-1 

Earlier today France beat Belarus to earn a 7th/8th match-up v Ireland tomorrow. The only goal of the game was scored by Lhopital in the 48th minute.

Matches 21st July: 

All games on Pitch 1 will be live-streamed on www.eurohockeytv.org 

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Photographs: World Sport Pics (c)