Day 1 got underway in Gibraltar with all 8 teams in action.
Match 1: CRO – SVK Pool B 7 – 0
The first match of the tournament sees Croatia and Slovakia go head to head. A short corner was called within the first 4 minutes of the game, which was saved by Slovakia’s goalie, followed shortly by a second short corner which awarded Croatia with their first goal. For the first half of the game, Croatia pushed hard and managed to make several counterattacks which resulted in many opportunities to shoot at goal. Multiple shots were successfully defended thanks to the strong efforts from the Slovakian defenders and goalie. The remainder of the game was mainly dominated by Croatia, with the ball often remaining in their possession and four more goals being scored. Two more final goals were then scored in the last quarter by Croatian players. Despite a number of good stop’s by Slovakia’s goalie and good efforts from Slovakia’s defence, Croatia won with an overall score of 7-0.
Goalscorers:
#2 Lucas Maximilian Bachmann
#13 Filip Zlimen
#27 Anže Fujs
#7 Pavel Markovic
#10 Petar Hršak
#15 Josip Krleža
#6 Zvonimir Vuk (C)
Match 2: POR – MLT Pool B 6 – 0
The second match of the day saw Portugal versus Malta compete in an intense match. Within the first few minutes of the game, a penalty stroke was awarded to the Portuguese team after an intentional foul was carried out by a Maltese player. After this, the Portuguese team continued to thrive throughout the game with another goal scored by Portugal within the first 10 minutes, after a short corner was called. A Portuguese player was awarded a yellow card shortly after. The second quarter saw Portugal score another goal, securing their lead. A further two more cards were awarded to another Portuguese player and a Maltese throughout the last quarter, as well as 3 more goals for Portugal. Despite great efforts from the Maltese team, Portugal was able to use their skills and teamwork to come out on top with a score of 7-0.
Goal Scorers:
#2 Luis Tavares
#7 Miguel Rodrigues
#19 Rodrigo Castro
#7 Miguel Rodrigues
#8 José Santos
#3 Vasco Ribeiro
Match 3: SUI – LTU Pool A 11 – 1
The third match of the day sees Switzerland go head to head with Lithuania. Switzerland asserted their dominance quickly, scoring a goal within 2 minutes of the match. The Swiss team was then awarded two short corners soon after their first goal, in which they were able to score in both. Switzerland dominated the majority of the match, although Lithuania made some exceptional counter attacks. A Swiss player received a green card due to an unintentional but dangerous tackle and a yellow card was given to a Lithuanian player for sliding for the ball. Lithuania never gave up regardless of the score and gave it their all, and their efforts rewarded them with a goal in the last 7 minutes of the match with a deflection. Both teams fought hard and the overall score was 11-1 to Switzerland.
Switzerland Goal Scorers:
#3 Elias Brönnimann
#10 Lorenz Gassner
#16 Nicolas Bergler
#17 Boris Stomps
#23 Gael Wyss-Chodat
#24 Pascal Knabenhans x2
#27 Martin Greder x4
Lithuania’s Goal Scorer:
#10 Rokas Galkus
Match 4: TUR – GIB Pool A 1 – 5
Gibraltar and Turkey faced off in the last match of the day. In the first quarter, both teams were equal in strength when it came to both attacking and defending. Gibraltar kick-started their success with their first goal 10 minutes in. No goals were scored in the second quarter and it seemed an even match as both teams were fighting hard for a goal. In the last half, Gibraltar managed to score 4 more goals as a result of their excellent communication and teamwork. Turkey also managed to score a goal in a penalty shot. Overall, both teams were very determined to win and utilised their skills to the best of their ability. The match ended with a result of 5-1 to Gibraltar.
Gibraltar’s Goal Scorers:
#9 Julian Lopez
#10 Shane Ramagge
#23 Eric Casciaro
#30 Julian Hernandez x2
Turkey’s Goal Scorer’s:
#8 Müslüm Elagöz
Tomorrow’s games: