Pool Standings after 8 games:
Pool A:
Pool B:
Match 2: Pool A – Austria v Russia 5-3
Russia upset the form book by going 3-1 ahead in the opening half of the game, taking the Austrian’s by surprise. Austria clawed 2 back in the 3rd quarter to draw the game 3-3 heading into the final quarter. In the final quarter, Austria showed their class and took control of the game to win 5-3.
Match 3: Pool B – Czech Republic v The Netherlands 2-6
In the opening Pool B game, again it was a well-contested game in the first half, but the Dutch firepower from their forwards proved too strong for the Czech defence.
Match 4: Pool B – Germany v Belgium 12-1
In front of a packed and low hall in Berlin, Germany eased into the tournament with a strong performance against the Belgian side. Gucassoff finding himself far too busy in defence. Germany led 3-0 at the half.
In the opening seconds of the second half, Germany extended their lead with two quick goals from play and the second half was simply a stunning display from the Germans as they rocked up a 12-1 scoreline.
Match 5: Pool A – Russia v Ukraine 5-3
The second session of the day started with a really even game of hockey. Both teams attacked at pace, forcing errors of the defences. It was Russia who held their nerve and took the win, the goals in the 3rd and 4th quarter pushed the scoreline to 5-3 and the small cushion they needed to ensure all 3 points.
Match 6: Pool A: Poland v Austria 3-5
Austria opened the scoring in this important Pool A game. Just before the break, Poland equalised a surprise goal which seemed to take the Austrian’s off guard. 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. Poland went ahead but 2 Korper penalty strokes put Austrian back in the driving seat heading into the final quarter. Poland scored again and went for a power play in the last minutes to get the equaliser but a quick turnover ball gave Austria an open goal and the win.
Match 7: Pool B: Belgium v The Netherlands 4-7
Belgium came back from their earlier heavy defeat to Germany to out in a much better performance against the Dutch. A 3-3 scoreline at the half time break was a fair reflection of the even game. The Netherlands nudged ahead in the 3rd quarter and proved too good for the Belgians as they lost some of their discipline in the final stages of the game allowing The Netherlands to earn penalty corners which they converted. A powerplay from the Belgian’s earned them a goal but they also conceded the final score was 4-7 in favour of the Netherlands.
Match 8: Pool B: Czech Republic v Germany 2-12
Germany was firing on all cylinders this evening in Berlin as the put 12 past the Czech Republic in the final game of the day. The result ensures a place in the semi-final for this young German team, who they meet there will be determined in the morning.
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All photographs: World Sport Pics, Frank Uijlenbroek (C)
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