Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Netherlands defend their European title!

FINAL of the GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach: Germany – Netherlands 0:3 (0:2)

28.08.2011 - The Netherlands are the old and the new European Women’s Hockey champions. In the final of the GANT EuroHockey European Championships in Mönchengladbach, Dutch coach Max Caldas’ team defeated hosts Germany 3:0 (2:0) thus winning the title for the eighth time. The goals for the Oranje team were scored by Marilyn Agliotti, Ellen Hoog and Lidewij Welden.

In front of more than 7,500 spectators in the Warsteiner HockeyPark, the defending champions from the Netherlands took the initiative immediately after the starting whistle, putting the DHB under pressure from the beginning. Kim Lammers narrowly missed a shot in the third minute. Shortly afterwards Naomi van As earned the first penalty corner, which Marilyn Agliotti converted to put the guests into an early lead.

Maike Stöckel seemed to have Germany’s first real chance after 21 minutes, but there was a foul by the Dutch keeper, which did not bring the expected 7 metre penalty shot. Shortly afterwards Kim Lammers’ shot was cleared from the line by Mandy Haase. Just three minutes later, Ellen Hoog rounded off a dream attack with a backhand 0:2. But the DHB team fought back and soon won the first two penalty corners, both of which were thwarted by the defence. Janine Beermann then had a good chance at goal, which was saved by the goalkeeper Floortje Engels.

The first half ended 2:0 for Holland. After the break the Germans applied a little more pressure and Natascha Keller’s shot led to a penalty corner which gave them their first good chance. But after that the DHB could not penetrate the Dutch defence and had trouble with their passing game. Naomi van As and Ellen Hoog went on to create chances, all of which were parried by Yvonne Frank. The German keeper also held a scoop from Maartje Paumen, but was then powerless to stop the stroke from Lidewij Welden a minute before the end.

This meant that the women in orange could finally launch the celebrations of their eighth European title, and not even the hail storm which set in punctually as the final whistle blew could dampen their enthusiasm or that of their fans.

Goals:

0:1 Marilyn Agliotti (PC, 11)

0:2 Ellen Hoog (24)

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0:3 Lidewij Welden (PC, 6)

Penalty corners:

GER: 5(-) / NED: 4 (2 goals)

Spectators: 7,500

Umpires:

Iparraguirre / Metchette

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=20&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - England wins the bronze medal

27th August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, women: England – Spain 2:1 (0:0)

27.08.2011 - England had to be very patient against the defensively strong Spanish team. It wasn’t until three minutes before the end of the game that Helen Richardson scored the winning goal and presented her team with the bronze medal. There were no goals before half time. Both teams concentrated fully in the match for third place, but neither side gave away many chances.

England’s goalkeeper Storry took the sting out of a Spanish penalty corner in the fourth minute, and only a minute later there was no one in the English circle to accept a cross pass from Anabel Flores. Spain did not see many more chances – one corner was defended by England. England had more possession, but was usually stopped on the Spanish quarter line, and so there were no more conclusive scenes to report in the circles during the last 15 minutes.

England improved after the break, but had bad luck after two minutes when they hit the Spanish post. Lopez de Eguilaz in the Spanish goal had to stretch in the 42nd minute to disarm an Argentinian backhand from Alex Danson. Spain went into the lead somewhat surprisingly in the 49th minute as the result of a penalty corner. Georgina Oliva’s shot could be blocked, but Silvia Muñoz was able to poke the ball over the English line from the melee.

England didn’t give up and equalised just three minutes later, when Georgina Twiggs found Helen Richardson at the far post, and she safely put the ball home. And England remained strong while Spain could only counter singly. The winning goal came just before the end, when an English free hit was quickly carried out, and Helen Richardson again scored with an Argentinian backhand. The usually reliable Lopez de Eguilaz was not able to block the goal.

England deservedly won the bronze medal and could even afford to concede a final penalty corner. England’s coach Danny Kerry was very pleased with the success: “Spain played very defensively, as they have throughout the tournament, as we knew that we couldn’t force success. Our patience paid off.” Captain Kate Walsh was still a bit sad about the semi-final loss to the Netherlands on Thursday.

“Yesterday we got together in the team and had long discussions. It was very good that we could round up the tournament with this success. Even if it may sound a bit strange after a long hockey year, I’m already looking forward to the preparations for the Olympics. With our Scottish and Welsh players, we’ll be able to put together a really good team for Great Britain in London.”

Goals:

-

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0:1 Silvia Muñoz (48, PC)

1:1 Helen Richardson (51)

2:1 Helen Richardson (67)

Penalty corners:

ENG 3 (no goal) / ESP 3 (1 goal)

Green cards:

Ashleigh Ball (31) / Olalla Piñeiro (9)

Umpires:

Julie Ashton-Lucy / Stella Bertlema

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=19&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Belgium stays in Championship

27. August, EHC in Moenchengladbach Azerbaijan - Belgium 1:3 (0:2)

27.08.2011 - The Belgian women won their decisive game in GANT EuroHockey Championships against Azerbaijan with 1:3 (0:2). Pascal Kina’s team used counter-attacks to score their goals. Azerbaijan tried everything to score a goal, but they could not use their chances successfully. After this result, the Azerbaijani team must be relegated.

The Belgians scored their first goal in the third minute, when captain Charlotte de Vos used the confusion in the east European defense and scored the leading goal. After this, the team from Azerbaijan tried to equalize. They had a lot of chances, but in spite of this they could not score. Instead Belgian extended the lead. After a counter-attack from the left side, Barbara Nelen scored the 0:2, in the 17th minute. Afterwards the Azerbaijani had many opportunities to get one back, but they were not successful. In the second half, the Azerbaijanis tried to attack the Belgian goal.

However, the good Belgian defense didn‘t allow them a lot of chances. In the 63rd. minute, Jill Boon ended all Azerbaijani hopes of staying in Championship. After an illegal kick inside the Azerbaijani circle the Belgian team got a penalty. Boon converted the chance and scored the 0:3 from seven meters. In the last minute of the game, Hyesook Shukurzade scored the consolation goal after a short corner. Therefore, Belgium and Ireland will stay in Championship. Azerbaijan and Italy will be relegated.

Goals:

0:1 Charlotte de Vos (3.)

0:2 Barbara Nelen (17.)

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0:3 Jill Boon (63.)

1:3 Hyesook Shukurzade (70.)

short corners:

AZE 4 (1 Tor) / BEL - (-)

green cards:

AZE - Yoon Seon Kim (26.) / Soyoon Lee (56.) / Emine Muzaffarova (69.) BEL - Lieselotte Lindt (27.) / Laura Patriarche (54.) / Louise Cavenaile (56.)

Umpires

Meister / Mulder

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=18&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Ireland beats Italy 4:1 and prevents relegation

August 27th, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Italy - Ireland 1:4 (0:3)

27.08.2011 - The Irish women won 4:1 (3:0) against Italy. Because Azerbaijan lost its match against Belgium, Ireland prevented relegation. Three great attacks in the first half were enough to win the match.

Italy started well prepared and had the first chances. After a few minutes Ireland took control and the team of headcoach Gene Muller played three really strong minutes. Emma Clarke exploited the first chance of the Irish team in the 17th minute. Nicola Symmons and Aine Connery increased the Irish lead to 3:0 (19th/20th). In the second half Italy got stronger and Alessia Padalino scored after 43 minutes with a backhand shot.

Ireland didn`t become nervous and controlled the match. The last goal of the day was successfully scored by Shirley McCay two minutes before the end. After the final whistle the Irish women had to wait until the end of the Azerbaijan match, then they celebrated staying in the A-Division.

Goals:

0:1 Emma Clarke (17.)

0:2 Nicola Symmons (19.)

0:3 Aine Connery (20.)

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1:3 Alessia Padalino (43.)

1:4 Shirley Mc Cay (68.)

Penalty Corners:

ITA – / IRL 5 (1 goal)

Green cards:

Matilde Canavosio (35.); Chiara Padalino (53.) / Emma Smyth (44.)

Yellow cards:

Agata Wybieralaska (63.) / -

Umpires:

Eskina / Sanders

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=17&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Germany new European Champion!

28. August, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Men: Germany – Netherlands 4:2 (2:1)

28.08.2011 - Germany is the new European Champion. They beat the Netherlands in a dramatic final 4:2 (2:1). Oliver Korn decided the match with his goal two minutes from the end. Germany showed a fantastic performance but Holland was always dangerous. The 9000 spectators saw an epic final.

After only one minute Moritz Fürste showed great play, passed to Philipp Zeller and he brought Germany 1-0 in front. Pushed by the loud crowd both teams were trying to break fast and create chances. In the 19th minute Roderick Weusthof beat Max Weinhold with a reverse stick shot and equalized 1-1. Germany was not phased and penetrated the Dutch circle.

In the 32nd minute Germany won a stroke, Moritz Fürste took it and put it low into the corner – 2-1. After the beak both teams went a high speed. After some ping pong in the circle the ball got passed around and Stralkowski managed to lob the ball over the keeper for Florian Fuchs, who finished superbly (43th minute). But Holland didn`t give up and fought back.

In the 54th minute Teun de Nooijer converted a penalty corner and the Netherlands were back in the game. One chance followed another. Two minutes before the end Germany won another penalty corner – the chance to decide the match. The ball went to Oliver Korn, he deflected it over the keeper into the net and the stadium exploded. The final score was 4-2 and the thrilled capacity crowd started celebrating a 7th European title for Germany.

Goals:

1:0 Philipp Zeller (1.)

1:1 Roderick Weusthof (19.)

2:1 Moritz Fürste (7m; 32.)

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3:1 Florian Fuchs (43.)

3:2 Teun de Nooijer (54.)

4:2 Oliver Korn (69.)

Penalty corners:

GER 5 (-) / NED (2 goals)

Umpires:

Gentles / Mair

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=20&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - England wins Bronze with Golden Goal

28th August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: Belgium – England 1:2 GG (1:1, 0:1)

28.08.2011 - And the bronze medal goes to England! In a tense, technically first class ‘mini final’, the 2007 European champions needed a golden goal to defeat the surprisingly strong Belgians. The Belgians put up a good fight from the beginning, even if England was the more active and determined team in the opening stages of the game.

The reward for the then reigning European champions was the first penalty corner, which was safely put into the Belgian goal by defence boss Richard Mantell (7). The game developed into a very balanced game in front of the almost sold-out stands at the Warsteiner HockeyPark. Belgium also had a few worthy scenes in the English circle – including a penalty corner which was well parried by the English keeper James Fair – but until the break England managed to hold onto their slight lead.

The same picture continued in the second half, but the Belgian team still had something to offer. In the 44th minute Alexandre de Paeuw was successful with a chip, though this first had to be confirmed by the video umpire (1:1). Afterwards Belgium was the more dangerous team, but didn’t take advantage of their few good shooting chances. The English team also continued to threaten, but after 70 minutes the score still remained at 1:1 – extra time was needed.

Only four minutes into extra time the ball came out of the melee to James Tindall, and he almost playfully looped it into the goal with a backhand shot. The video umpire confirmed the goal and England and their fans could celebrate the bronze medal.

Goals:

0:1 Richard Mantell (PC, 7)

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1:1 Alexandre de Paeuw (44)

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1:2 James Tindall (GG, 74)

Penalty corners:

BEL 1 (no goal) / ENG 2 (1 goal)

Green cards:

Benjamin van Hove (47) / -

Umpires:

Francisco Vazquez Lopez / Christian Blasch

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=19&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Ireland reaches fifth place

28. Augst, GANT EHC, in Moenchengladbach: Spain - Ireland 2:3 (1:1)

28.08.2011 - On the last day of GANT EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach, the Irish team sprang an upset. The team from Ireland defeated against the Olympic vice-champion Spain 2:3 (1:1) and celebrated the best ever result of an Irish team in European championships. Timothy Cockram scored two goals and became the man of the match.

In the first half, both teams played on the same level. It became an open game. During the first 30 minutes Spain started to control the match, and the Olympic vice-champion from Beijing scored the lead in the 24th minute (1:0). Pau Quemada converted a short corner with a strong hit in the left corner of the goal. In spite of this, the Irish team did not give up. The equalizer was scored by Eugene Magee. He converted a short corner in the 33rd minute (1:1).

After the break, the favorites from Spain started to control the match. Daniel Martin‘s team played well and had a lot of opportunities to score a goal, but they did not use these consequently. In the 42nd minute, Spanish captain Santi Freixa again converted a short corner and put Spain into the lead for the second time (2:1). Afterwards, Spain tried to maintain the lead, the Irish team tried to equalize.

In the 64th minute, Timothy Cockram converted another short corner with a strong unstoppable hit in the left corner and scored (2:2). Following this, the Spanish team began to run out of steam. One green card and one yellow card weakened the team from the iberian peninsula in the 67th minute. Ireland tried everything to benefit from these penalties. In the last minute of the game, Cockram was successful. He converted a short corner and scored his second goal in six minutes.

Ireland celebrates its best result in European championships. The Spanish team must try to forget this tournament and look forward to qualifying for the Olympics.

Goals:

1:0 Pau Quemada (PC, 25.)

1:1 Eugene Magee (PC, 32.)

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2:1 Santi Freixa (PC, 42.)

2:2 Timothy Cockram (PC, 64.)

2:3 Timothy Cockram (PC, 70.)

Penalty Corners:

ESP 5 (2 Tore) / IRL 6 (3)

Green Cards:

ESP David Algere (58.) / Miquel Delas (67.)

IRL Joseph Brennan (16.) / David Ames (22.) / Christopher Cargo (70.)

Yellow Cards:

ESP Eduard Tubau (67.)

Umpires:

Knülle / Van Eert

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=18&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Russia finishes in 7th place

28th August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: France – Russia 2:5 (2:2)

28.08.2011 - The spectators in the Warsteiner HockeyPark enjoyed a free-wheeling game full of goalmouth action in which Russia defeated France 5:2 (2:2). There was no great pressure on either team, as both had been relegated on Friday. The Eastern Europeans started more strongly and finished their first two attacks with attractive field goals (2:0).

The favoured French team didn’t seem unduly bothered about that, and before the break struck back with a converted penalty corner (2:1) and a jab (2:2). At the beginning of the second half, Russia was again the more alert team and went back into the lead thanks to a corner scoop from Nikolai Yankun (3:2) and a skilful combination resulting in a field goal from Pavel Golubev (4:2). Captain Platonov put the game away shortly afterwards with his second goal (5:2).

France then did their best to improve the situation with a valiant effort, but only managed to achieve two penalty corners, which both came to naught. This well- deserved victory for the Eastern Europeans meant that they finished the tournament in seventh place.

Goals:

0:1 Pavel Golubev (4)

0:2 Aleksandr Platonov (7)

1:2 Lucas Sevestre (PC, 10)

2:2 Jean-Baptiste Pauchet (16)

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2:3 Nikolai Yankun (PC, 37)

2:4 Pavel Golubev (42)

2:5 Aleksandr Platonov (45)

Penalty corners:

FRA 6 (1 goal) / 4 RUS (1 goal)

Umpires:

Geoff Conn / Nathan Stagno

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=17&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Germany beat England to meet the Netherlands in the Final

Germany beats England and gets into the final

26. August, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Men: Germany – England 3:0 (1:0)

26.08.2011 - Germany won its semi-final against England 3:0 (1:0) and will challenge the Netherlands in the final on Sunday. Because of the horrendous rain the match was paused for over one hour 23 minutes before the end. Christopher Zeller, Oskar Deecke and Oliver Korn scored and shot Germany into the final.

In the first half the DHB-Team had more possession, but England had the more dangerous chances. Nevertheless Philipp Zeller got the ball after 15 minutes and flicked it in the goal. When play resumed for the final 23 minutes England got better, but Germany scored. In the 60th minute Oskar Deecke ripped a reverse high into the net and the DHB-team increased their lead.

After that Max Weinhold had to save two English penalty corners. Three minutes before the end Oliver Korn smashed the ball into the empty net after keeper Nick Brothers was beaten. In the last minutes Germany defended well and secured the victory.

Goals:

1:0 Philipp Zeller (15.)

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2:0 Oskar Deecke (60.)

3:0 Oliver Korn (67.)

Penalty corners:

GER 2 (-) / ENG 4 (-)

Umpires:

van Eert / Stagno

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=16&version=EN

Field Hockey EHC 2011 - Netherlands (men) beat Belgium to make the final!

26th August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: Belgium – Netherlands 2:4 (2:2)

26.08.2011 - The men from the Netherlands marched through to the final of the 2011 GANT EuroHockey Championships by beating the valiant Belgians 4:2 (2:2) on Friday evening. Corner specialist Taeke Taekema was once again the match winner with two goals for the Oranjes. Belgium had the better start in the semi-final and put pressure on the Dutch circle from the word go.

The favoured Dutch team needed time to find their form. In the seventh minute Billy Bakker didn’t get a full hit of the ball in the Belgian circle, so that there was hardly any danger of it getting past Belgian goalkeeper David von Rysselberghe. Belgium also had their chances: Simon Gougnard’s stroke was, however, not hard enough. In the fifteenth minute Holland’s Valentin Verga had the fastest reflexes when the Belgian goalie just let the ball drop – Netherlands in the lead.

But Belgium did not give up: once again fired on by the loud cheers of their numerous fans, they kept in the game. Florent von Aubel powered into the Dutch circle and scored the well-deserved equalizer with a terrific flat shot. Belgium now had control of the play. In a confused situation after a penalty corner Simon Gougnard stroked the ball over the line, but it wasn’t until after a long consultation with the video umpire that the goal was allowed to stand.

Holland’s corner specialist Taeke Taekema kept his team in the game with a converted corner shot into the right corner (32). Seconds before the half-time whistle, Bob Voogd had the Dutch lead on the tip of his stick, but his Argentinian backhand soared high over the Belgian goal, and so the score remained tied. At the beginning of the second half Holland was the dominant team. Taekema again used a penalty corner to put the Netherlands in the lead – this time with a flat shot into the left corner (40).

It wasn’t until his third set piece that Taekema’s luck run out. The Belgian defence was able to clear his shot from the line (45). Belgium now tried to get back in the game, but they could not create any action in the circle against the clever Dutch defence, whereas the Dutch countered dangerously again and again. De Voogd again reached the Belgian circle with a 20 metre solo, but mishit from an acute angle. Shortly afterwards Robbert Kempermann got through to the back line and shot the decisive 4:2 from a sharp angle (61).

Belgium then started to reapply the pressure but were not able to penetrate into the Dutch circle. The Netherlands protected their lead, and therefore their place in the final of the GANT EuroHockey European Championships, and even had a few excursions into the Belgian circle. But nothing came of them. One strong Belgian half was not after all sufficient to endanger the favourite’s victory.

Goals:

0:1 Valentin Verga (15)

1:1 Florent von Aubel (22)

2:1 Simon Gougnard (29)

2:2 Taeke Taekema (32, PC)

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2:3 Taeke Taekema (40, PC)

2:4 Robbert Kempermann (61)

Penalty corners:

BEL 1 (1 goal) / NED 4 (2 goals)

Green cards:

- / Seve van Ass (49)

Umpires:

Hamish Jamson / Christian Blasch

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=15&version=EN

Spain stays in Championships division, France demoted

Spain stays in Championships division, France demoted

26. August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: Spain – France 2:1 (1:1)

26.08.2011 - There was a lot less difference between the performances of Spain and France in the second duel of the relegation rounds. The Iberians, who before the tournament were still considered to be one of the favourites, had a hard fight against the determined French and at half time had to be satisfied with a 1:1 draw.

The second half, which was delayed by a break for rain, continued to be exciting despite the stronger looking Spaniards, as the French players always looked dangerous with their long balls. Towards the end, the 2008 Olympic silver medallists established themselves 2:1 thanks to a lovely backhand shot from Marc Salles. This result confirms that France and Russia are both relegated.

Goals:

1:0 Xavier Lleonart (19.)

1:1 Edi Tubau (23.)

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2:1 Marc Salles (62.)

Penalty Corners:

ESP 2 (-) / FRA 1 (-)

Umpires:

Conn / Heinz

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=14&version=EN

Ireland’s victory secures spot in the 2013 Championships

26. August, EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: Ireland – Russia 8:2 (5:1)

26.08.2011 - The relegation match between Ireland and Russia was a one-sided match right from the beginning. Ireland, having already three league points in the pool C took the initiative right from the start and played fast and efficient hockey. They were rewarded three fast goals by Michael Watt, Michael Darling and Eugene Magee in the first 25 minutes of the match.

Russia played well, but had to concede two further goals by Tim Cockram and David Ames despite Platonov’s goal. Right after halftime, Ireland scored another goal, was 6:1 in the lead and took the speed out of the match a bit after this goal. This gave Russia a couple of nice possibilities and they scored from a counter attack after a penalty corner. John Jermyn scored twice with fantastic drag flicks in the 64th and 70th minute to end the match 8:2.

Goals:

1:0 Michael Watt (PC, 14.)

2:0 Michael Darling (21.)

3:0 Eugene Magee (KE, 24.)

4:0 Tim Cockram (32.)

5:0 David Ames (34.)

5:1 Aleksandr Platonov (35.)

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6:1 William McCabe (39.)

6:2 Pavel Plesetskiy (50.)

7:2 John Jermyn (PC, 64.)

8:2 John Jermyn (PC, 70.)

Penalty Corners:

IRL 8 (4 Tore) / RUS 0

Umpires:

Uyttenhove / Gentles

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=13&version=EN

Ireland claims three points after strong performance

August 25th, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Women: Azerbaijan – Ireland 1:3 (0:1)

25.08.2011 - Ireland started strong into the match and earned the first penalty corner after only two minutes of play and kept the pressure high. Azerbaijan barely crossed the middle line in the first 15 minutes of the match. Ireland was the dominant team, but had trouble penetrating the circle against a strong defence. Symmons and Jacob had the chance to score, but could not get the ball over the line.

Azerbaijan’s first circle penetration came as late as the 25th minute, but did not pose bring any danger to the Irish goal. The 32nd minute brought relief to the Irish fans: Michelle Harvey scored after a penalty corner. Ireland dominated also the second half right from the beginning and had more chances in the circle after the 50th minute. Lisa Jacob prepared a fine goal by Clarke and Symmons scored after incredible passing by her team mates with a lower back hand.

Azerbaijan scored after a PC two minutes before the final whistle – too late to endanger a well-deserved Irish vitory. Ireland‘s Coach Gene Muller was “delighted“ having won three important points and was happy with this team’s performance: “we have kept the concentration high during the whole match. “

Goals:

0:1 Michelle Harvey (32., PC)

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0:2 Emma Clarke (58.)

0:3 Nicola Symmons (63.)

1:3 Yoon Seon KIim (68., KE)

Penalty Corners:

AZE 3 (1 Goal) / IRL 6 (1 Goal)

Green Cards:

Mi Seon Aliyeva (14.), Yuan Gurbanova (20.) / Sinead McCarthy (27.)

Umpires:

Victoria Del Olmo / Valentina Tomasi

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=14&version=EN

Women from the Netherlands are first finalists

25th August, GANT EHC (women) in Mönchengladbach: Netherlands – England 2:0 (1:0)

25.08.2011 - Holland was true to its role as favourite, pulling through the game against England to earn a well-deserved final spot 2:0 (1:0). Carlie Dirkse van der Heuvel and Kim Lammers didn’t only win their team a place in the final, they also won them a place at the 2012 London Olympics. The record-breaking European champions from the Netherlands will now meet Germany or Spain at 15:30 on Saturday. England had almost no answer for the experienced Dutch women and now have to be satisfied with the play-offs for places three and four.

The Oranje coach Max Caldas was very pleased with his team’s red-hot show: “We’re very happy that we were able to win this difficult game and ensure our place in the final. We couldn’t shake off England, so we kept worrying until the final whistle. But we played a good game.”

England’s trainer Danny Kerry was less satisfied with the offering from his team: “We had two good chances at the beginning and two good ones at the end. For the rest of the 66 minutes, Holland was better than us.”

In a briskly played opening phase England had the first big goal chance, but after five minutes Hannah Macleod was hindered just as she was shooting at goal. This was the last dangerous action from the next Olympic hosts. The Netherlands took over the command and pushed for the first goal – which came in the eleventh minute. Carlie Dirkse van den Heuvel was quickest after a penalty corner which was parried away too shortly and pushed the ball in for the Netherlands 1:0.

England then came into the game slightly better but couldn’t build up real pressure. The Oranje were very stable defensively and wasted almost no opportunities. After 27 minutes, Maartje Paumen almost ensured the preliminary decision, but her corner goal was disallowed after video evidence. Shortly after the change of ends, the very active Kim Lammers appeared in front of Elizabeth Storry, but lost her nerve and stumbled. But she improved in the 59th minute.

Eva de Goede was nicely played free in the circle and hammered the ball in front of the goalmouth. Lammers held her stick straight – 2:0. Until then Holland had dominated the game and successfully kept England away from their goal. In the 66th minute the English fans almost had their best change to celebrate, but the English captain Kate Walsh failed to convert a penalty corner thanks to the Dutch keeper Joyce Sombroek. The Netherlands didn’t give them any more chances and qualified for the final with a well-earned victory.

Goals:

1:0 Carlie Dirkse van den Heuvel (PC, 11)

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2:0 Kim Lammers (59.)

Penalty corners:

NED 3 (1 goal / ENG 1 (-)

Umpires:

Eskina / Ashton-Lucy

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=15&version=EN

German women book their ticket to London

25. August, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Women: Germany – Spain 2:1 (1:1)

25.08.2011 - Germany won their semi-final against Spain 2:1 (1:1) and booked their ticket to the Olympics next year. In the first half Germany dominated the match but let too many chances go. Only Eileen Hoffmann scored after a brilliant pass from Jana Teschke (11th minute).

Natascha Keller and again Hoffmann had great chances but Isabel Barguno kept her goal clean. Keller had an especially great day and got several times extra applause. But the one time the German defense was asleep allowed Beatriz Perez to score the first Spanish shot on the goal – 1:1. Until the break Germany kept penetrating the Iberian circle but their attackers always came one step too late. It was the same after the break: Germany with more possession and more chances but no luck.

Germany tried to destroy the Spanish build-up as early as possible but even when they got the ball Spain defended with all ten players behind the ball. In the 61st minute Natascha Keller decided the match. Eileen Hoffmann passed inside the circle and Keller scored her 197th goal for Germany. In the last minutes Germany kept Spain at bay and ensured a place in the final and their ticket to London.

Goals:

1:0 Eileen Hoffmann (11.)

1:1 Beatriz Perez (21.)

-----------

2:1 Natascha Keller (61.)

Strafecken:

GER: 1 (0 Tore) / ESP: 0

Zuschauer: 3.500

Schiedsrichter:

Iparraguirre / Bartlema

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=16&version=EN

Belgium beats Italy and now needs only one point for the 5th place

25th August, EHC, Mönchengladbach; Women: Italy - Belgium 0:4 (0:2)

25.08.2011 - In the first relegation match of the GANT EuroHockey Championships, the team from Belgium won 0:4 (0:2) against Italy. The Belgian women didn’t do much, but enough to control the outplayed Italians.

In the second minute Anouk Reas scored the 0:1 with an accurate hit in the left corner of the goal. Gaelle Valcke converted a short corner and extended the lead. Until the break nothing of note happened. Belgium retained the lead and the Italian team couldn‘t create any chances to score a goal. After the break, the game came to a lower level.

Neither team had real opportunities to score a goal. Just before the end, the Belgian women used their potential to score two more goals. Jil Boon (56. minute) and Hélène Delmee (69.) flicked the ball into the goal. Therefore, Belgium won 0:4 and has a good chance to remain in the championship class. Italy needs a good victory against Ireland to avoid relegation on Saturday.

Goals:

0:1 Anouk Raes (1.)

0:2 Gaelle Valcke (SC, 7.)

-----------------

0:3 Jil Boon (56.)

0:4 Hélène Delmee (69.)

penalty corners:

ITA 1 (0 Tore) / BEL 5 (1)

Umpires:

Sanders / Metchette

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=13&version=EN

Belgium confirms its Olympia Ticket by defeating Spain

24th August, EHC (men) in Mönchengladbach: Belgium – Spain 3:2 (0:2)

24.08.2011 - Belgium has done it! In the deciding game for the final men’s Olympicticket to be awarded in Mönchengladbach, Colin Batch’s team came out on top against Spain 3:2(0:2).In front of 1,000 Belgian fans the team turned the run of play in the second half and changed the 0:2 half time score into a victory. Spain put on a very good show, but at the end had nothing more to give against the fast-running Belgians. Spain now has to take the difficult road via one of the Olympic qualification tournaments in order to win a place at the 2012 Games in London.

Colin Batch: “We don’t often win against the top teams, so we’re even happier than usual. You can see that we’re not so far away now. Even though we trailed 0:2, our first half was actually good. But we fought our way back into the game and even won it.”

Jerome Dekeyser: “It’s great that we’ve again qualified for the Olympics. Hockey has developed well in Belgium. Our fans were fantastic today, and I don’t know if we could have done it without them.” Santi Freixa: “An analysis is of course difficult so soon after the game. The disappointment is too great at the moment. Now we have to go through Olympic qualification, which certainly won’t be easy.”

The requirements before this final group game were clear: a draw would be enough for the Belgians to be sure of a place in the semi-final, but Spain needed a victory. And that’s how the Spaniards started – by uncharacteristically attacking their opponents in their own half. A hectic early phase developed without any noteworthy play within the circles. It wasn’t until ten minutes later that the Belgians made the fans sit up and take notice, when a hard-hit flank narrowly missed Jerome Truyens’ stick.

Four minutes later the identical attack, but this time Spain’s keeper Francisco Cortes was on the spot. The Belgians settled into the Spanish half but the fast-countering Iberians were the more dangerous team. Edi Tubau attacked fast and passed to free-standing Roc Oliva, who scored with a seven metre volley 1:0 (16). Now the Spaniards had found their form. Tubau again bulldozed through the middle and passed to Juan Fernandez who turned and scored 2:0 (22). In this phase Belgium attempted a few tidy attacks without being able to put pressure on the Spanish goalkeeper Cortes.

Even a penalty corner – weakly taken – was no problem for the Olympic silver medallists’ goalie. At the beginning of the second half Pau Quemada had the chance to put the game away, but his corner was safely parried by the goalkeeper David van Rysselberghe (36). Now the Belgians caught fire – cheered on by their frenzied fans. Maxime Luycx narrowed the score with an Argentinian backhand (41), which inspired the Belgian team even further. Spain now became noticeably more nervous, which led to a yellow card for rough play by Manel Terraza and the next penalty corner for Belgium.

This was converted by Tom Boon with a scoop at half height to equalise (46), which in itself would qualify the Belgians for the semi-final. The game now stood on the proverbial knife’s edge. For the Belgians, first Thomas Briels scraped away a Spanish shot to come to the aid of his already beaten keeper (60),and then Jerome Dekeyser scored a spectacular goal 3:2. He pushed into the circle, outplayed three Spaniards and popped the ball via the post into the opponents’ goal (62). Belgium even had two more chances to score, but the rest of the match was lost in the roar of the Belgian crown.

Goals:

0:1 Roc Oliva (16.)

0:2 Juan Fernandez (20.)

--------------------

1:2 Maxime Luycx (41.)

2:2 Tom Boon (PC, 46.)

3:2 Jerome Dekeyser (62.)

Penalty corners:

BEL 2 (-) / ESP 2 (1 goal)

Yellow cards:

Manel Terraza (45.)

Umpires:

David Gentles / Hamish Jamson

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=12&version=EN

The Netherlands beat a fighting Irish team

24th of August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach: Netherlands - Ireland 7:4 (3:2)

24.08.2011 - The Dutch team won its last group match 7:4 (3:2) against a combative Irish team. VeteranTaeke Taekema scored four goals and shot his team to victory.

In the seventh minute, Bob de Voogd scored the leading goal after a combination over the right side. The lead came surprisingly to its end, in the 14th minute. After a long pass behind the Dutch defensive line, Eugen Magee scored the equalizer. After this, the Dutch men seemed to be paralyzed. The Irish team took advantage of this. William Geoffrey Mc Cabe converted a short corner and scored the leading goal.

Afterwards, the Dutch tried everything to turn the score before the break. Taekema was successful. In the 27th and 31st minutes, he converted two short corners with flicks. At the beginning of the second half, Taekema scored the goals which later proved to be decisive ones. The 31-year-old defender used two short corners to score two goals. In the 60th minute, the Dutch captain Teun de Nooijer raised the score to 6:2 with a flick, after a brilliant counter attack.

Seconds later, Timothy Cockram scored (6:3), but the favorite team from the Netherlands answered with another goal by Bob de Voogd, two minutes before the end of the game. The final goal was scored by Irish forward Michael Watt in the 69th minute. Therefore, the Dutch team won its last group match deservedly, after a very good performance with four goals by Taekema.

Goals:

1:0 Bob de Voogd (7.)

1:1 Eugen Magee (14.)

1:2 William Geoffrey Mc Cabe (KE, 22.)

2:2 Taeke Taekema (KE, 27.)

3:2 Taeke Taekema (KE, 31.)

-----------------

4:2 Taeke Taekema (KE, 46.)

5:2 Taeke Taekema (KE, 51.)

6:2 Teun de Nooijer (60.)

6:3 Timothy Cockram (62.)

7:3 Bob de Voogd (68.)

7:4 Michael Watt (69.)

Short corners:

NED 7 (4 Tore) / IRL 2 (1)

Umpires:

Mair / Vaquez Lopez

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=11&version=EN

Germany easily wins its third game

August 24th, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Men: Germany – Russia 7:0 (3:0)

24.08.2011 - The German men easily won their third game at the Gant EuroHockey Championships in Moenchengladbach against Russia 7:0 (3:0). The goals for Germany were scored by Jan-Marco Montag (2), Moritz Fürste (2), Thilo Stralkowski, Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs. Germany is now qualified for the semi-finals with three victories and an impressive goal difference of 13:2. Also they booked their ticket to London 2012.

National coach Markus Weise was really exited about the performance of his team: „We are where we wanted to be after the preliminary round. We performed very well and did a great job so far. We are really looking forward to the upcoming challenges.”

Jan-Marco Montag scored twice from penalty corners in the second and sixth minute. Russia had no real chance to get dangerously near the German goal, kept by Tim Jessulat today. In the 32nd Minute Moritz Fürste converted another penalty corner making the score 3:0. After the break the German team kept playing aggressively and penetrated the Russian circle. After 48 minutes Florian Fuchs passed brilliantly to Thilo Stralkowski who marked the fourth goal.

Only 120 seconds later Christopher Wesley scored with a great backhandshot - 5:0. Youngster Florian Fuchs got the ball after 58 minutes and didn`t give the Russian keeper a chance. Three minutes later Moritz Fürste scored his second goal of the day. After the match he said: “Everyone in our team is really looking forward to the semi-final against England. These are the moments we are working for the whole year. I`m really excited to play a floodlit -game in a great atmosphere.“

Goals:

1:0 Jan-Marco Montag (PC, 2.)

2:0 Jan-Marco Montag (PC, 6.)

3:0 Moritz Fürste (PC, 32.)

-------------------

4:0 Thilo Stralkowski (48.)

5:0 Christopher Wesley (50.)

6:0 Florian Fuchs (58.)

7:0 Moritz Fürste (61.)

Penalty corners:

GER 9 (3 goals) / RUS 3 (-)

Green cards:

Moritz Fürste (Foul, 28.)

Umpire:

Knülle / Uyttenhove

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=10&version=EN

England breezes into the Semi-Finals

24th August, GANT EHC (men) in Mönchengladbach: France – England 1:8 (0:3)

24.08.2011 - In an extremely one-sided match the title defenders England overwhelmed France 8:1 and qualified for the semi-final. ‘Les Bleus’ put up a good fight for the first few minutes, but then England took command and for most of the time forced their opponents into their own half. They took advantage of their first real chance to open the floodgates.

Ashley Jackson scored from a penalty corner. The English then dominated the game at will - Richard Alexander scored once and then Jackson scored his second goal from a penalty corner to raise the score at half time to 3:0, which did not accurately reflect the one-sidedness of the play. England had two time penalties after the break, which France used to achieve their first goal, - by Fabien Magner.

But the answer wasn’t long in coming as first James Tindall and a little later Richard Alexander with his second goal increased the lead. The French weren’t able to stand the pressure and had to be thankful to their goalkeeper Henri-Julien Lhomme, who was able to parry a few more times. Nevertheless, a goal from Adam Dixon, a third from Jackson and a second from Tindall added another three to the final score 8:1.

Goals:

0:1 Ashley Jackson (PC, 8)

0:2 Richard Alexander (15)

0:3 Ashley Jackson (PC, 31)

-----------------

1:3 Fabien Magner (41)

1:4 James Tindall (43)

1:5 Richard Alexander (46)

1:6 Adam Dixon (52)

1:7 Ashley Jackson (PC, 56.)

1:8 James Tindall (58)

Penalty corners:

FRA 1 / ENG 7 (3 Tore)

Green cards:

Francois Scheefer (48) / Ashley Jackson (40), Richard Alexander (41)

Umpires:

Nathan Stagno / Geoff Conn

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=9&version=EN

Italy struggles bravely against the favourites

23rd August, EHC in Mönchengladbach, Women: Netherlands - Italy 5:1 (2:1)

23.08.2011 - In the last game of the women's preliminary round at the GANT Euro Hockey Championships 2011, title favorite Netherlands secured the second place in group A by a clear 5:1 (2:1) victory against promoted Italy and now meets England in the semi final, who finished first at pool B.

In a very one-sided game the team of coach Max Caldas could try out some things for the upcoming play-offs and a little bit of frustration overcoming from the surprising 0:1 defeat to Spain. After Maartje Paumen and Naomi van As had scored for the dutch team, it was Evelina Tiralonga who cut down the score to 1:2 just before the halftime whistle.

But the defending champion directly put big pressure on the Italian defense after the break and therefore created a huge number of scoring chances. Two of them were used by Kim Lammers with a backhand shot and again Paumen with a short corner. The final score resulted from a great shot by Sabine Mol, who had received a nice 40 meters pass from Willemijn Bos.

Goals:

1:0 Maartje Paumen (KE, 20.)

2:0 Naomi van As (23.)

2:1 Evelina Titalonga (KE, 35.)

-------------------------------

3:1 Kim Lammers (47.)

4:1 Maartje Paumen (KE, 56.)

5:1 Sabine Mol (68.)

Penalty Corners:

NED 5 (2 Tore) / ITA 2 (1 Tor)

Umpires:

Duncan / Del Olmo

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=12&version=EN

Spanish ladies reach semi-finals as leader of the pool

23. August, GANT EHC 2011, Mönchengladbach: Azerbaijan – Spain 1:2 (0:0)

23.08.2011 - Spanish ladies have completed the came preliminary round of pool A. Mainly due to better use of corners they through with a narrow 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan, and thus, will play in the semi finals. At the beginning, the fans watched a very balanced game, but there were no real opportunities, apart from penalty corners. Until the break were still no score.

The second half the game was a little bit faster. Pilar Sanchez was the one who put the Spaniards with a short corner. But the ladies of Azerbaijan did not give up and generated good opportunities which paid off with a goal from Mi Seon Aliyeva. It stayed exciting with Anabel Flores scoring a short corner four minutes from time. Spain made sure of this narrow lead to the finish and come with a lot of confidence now into the semi-final against the German team.

Goals:

0:1 Pilar Sanchez (PC, 39.)

1:1 Mi Seon Aliyeva (42.)

1:2 Anabel Flores (PC, 66.)

penalty corners:

AZE 3 (-) / ESP 5 (2 goals)

Umpires:

Ashton-Julie / Tomasi

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=11&version=EN

The German Women play confidently into the Semi-Finals

22nd August, GANT EHC, Mönchengladbach Germany - Belgium 4:0 (1:0)

23.08.2011 - With a clear 4:0 (1:0) win over Belgium, the German women’s team confirmed their participation in the semi-finals of the GANT EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach. The German team seemed to have improved their game considerably since their match against England. Their fast attacking combinations and solid defensive performance were impressive. Maike Stöckel, Janine Beermann, Eileen Hoffmann and Janne Müller-Wieland all scored for the host team.

Both teams were extremely nervous at the start and missed passes from both sides prevented an attractive attacking game. However, after five minutes the game took off and an open exchange of shots developed, in which the Germans took more and more control. Maike Stöckel in the sixth minute and Eileen Hoffmann in the ninth had chances to put Germany into the lead, but failed due to the excellent Belgian defence player Nadine Khouzam.

The German women then pushed their opponents further and further into their own half. Belgium was hardly able to attack. National trainer Michael Behrmann’s team followed with fast combinations in attack and showed their potential. In the fifteenth minute Natascha Keller with a great individual performance beat three Belgian players and passed the ball to Jana Teschke. She then passed on directly to her team colleague Janine Beermann, whose shot from a sharp angle was again cleared by the Belgian goalkeeper.

Despite a number of good scoring chances, it was not until the 28th minute that Germany took the well-earned lead. After a penalty corner from Fanny Rinne, Maike Stöckel took the shot and was able to overcome the Belgian goalie. The DHB women then took a step back, but their good performance in defence was able to prevent further Belgian goal chances. The German players took the impetus of the first 35 minutes with them into the second half and immediately continued their attacking. Janine Beermann increased the lead in the 45th minute: she took on four opponents with the ball on her stick.

Nadine Khouzam in the Belgian goal could no longer parry the ball, which lifted under the bar. Only four minutes later the German offensive players surprised their Belgian opponents with a different kind of penalty corner. Instead of sending the ball straight to her stopper, Natascha Keller found her team colleague Eileen Hoffmann who only had to block the ball into the net. The Germans then slowed down the game a little but Belgium began to fade and was unable to take the game to the German defence.

Belgium’s trainer Pascal Kina admitted after the game that his players were tired. “The German team let the ball run and were stronger than us physically” he said in analysis. Ten minutes before the end German cleverly used this to again increase their lead. Janne Müller-Wieland was on target in the 65th minute to achieve a final score of 4:0, when captain Fanny Rinne returned the ball to her team colleague, who then scooped the ball the short distance into the goal. This performance re-established the reputation of the women’s national team after their 2:0 defeat by England two days previously.

Goalkeeper Maike Stückel admitted after the game: “We wanted to get rid of the anger and frustration after our game against England”. The victory means that the DHB women are guaranteed a semi-finals place. National trainer Beermann commented: “It doesn’t matter who comes, we have to knock them out of the way”. The semi-finals will determine the team’s position. “Our target is the final and that’s what we want to achieve”, said Behrmann, pointing the way.

Goals:

1:0 Maike Stöckel (PC, 24)

-----------------

2:0 Janine Beermann (45)

3:0 Eileen Hoffmann (PC, 49)

4:0 Janne Müller-Wieland (PC, 66)

Penalty corners:

GER 3 (3 goals) / BEL - (-)

Green cards:

Fanny Rinne (63) / Louise Cavenaile (68)

Umpires:

Iparraguirre / Sanders

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=10&version=EN

England finished the game in command

23rd August, GANT EHC (women) in Mönchengladbach: Ireland– England 1:3 (1:0)

23.08.2011 - The English women had a spectacular win in the first game on Tuesday 3:1 (0:1) against the pluckily competitive Irish. However, the outsiders led 1:0 at halftime. Both teams made the most of their early chances, but it wasn’t until the 33rd minute that Niamh Small won the unexpected early lead for Ireland.

England had dominated until then, but without being really dangerous in front of goal. This changed after the break. England came out of the cabin full of power and turned the game with two quick goals. The first was a successful stroke from Hannah Macleod (41). Shortly afterwards Helen Richardson pushed the ball over the line to put England into the lead for the first time (44).

Anne Panter then brought the score to 3:1 after a penalty corner (54). The game was then decided and England easily held on to their lead until time. Trainer Danny Kerry was nevertheless unsatisfied: “We played badly; the only positive result is that we are now in the semi-finals”.

Goals:

1:0 Niamh Small (33)

--------------

1:1 Hannah Macleod (41)

1:2 Helen Richardson (44)

1:3 Anne Panter (KE, 54)

Penalty corners:

IRE 1 (-) / ENG 6 (1 goal)

Umpires:

Bartlema / Meister

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=9&version=EN

Germany already in the semifinals

22nd August, GANT ENC (Men) in Mönchengladbach: Germany – Spain 3:1 (0:0)

22.08.2011 - In today’s top game Olympic champion Germany commandingly defeated Spain 3:1 (0:0) at the GANT EuroHockey Championships in a repeat of the Beijing Olympic final. This means that German trainer Markus Weise’s team has taken a giant step towards the direct qualification for the 2012 Olympic Games in London by reaching the European Championships semi-finals even before their last group game against Russia. Christopher Wesley, Thilo Stralkowski and Moritz Fürste all scored for Germany.

In front of nearly 5,000 spectators in the Warsteiner HockeyPark, the two European Championship favourites played tentatively for the first fifteen minutes, before creating any goal chances. And those were surprisingly created by the guests from Southern Europe, who let the Germans run at them from deep positions and then tried to launch a counterattack.

Alex Fabregas narrowly missed an Argentinian backhand from a half left position (13) and shortly afterwards the German defence were lucky that the outside right Pau Quemada was whistled back by the umpires from just in front of the goal because of a foul. After twenty minutes the DHB team found their game and particularly thanks to Florian Fuchs (Hamburg) became more of a threat within the Iberian circle. His first goal shot was parried by the Spanish goalkeeper Francisco Cortes with his glove (19), but just thirty seconds later Benjamin Wess passed the ball again to Fuchs, who then hit the right goalpost while turning. A further backhand shot from Fuchs in the 33rd minute also went wide, and the first half ended in a goalless draw.

Germany had to begin the second half with only ten men, as captain Max Müller had been shown the yellow card for a foul shortly before half time. But trainer Markus Weise’s men easily survived this phase and shortly afterwards were able to celebrate the first goal. Moritz Fürste took a free shot from shortly behind the quarter line and hammered it into the circle, where Christopher Wesley deflected the ball unstoppably into the Spanish goal (42).

Now the Germans applied pressure and increased their lead seven minutes later when Thilo Stralkowski (Mülheim) shot a super combination from the right side with Oliver Korn and Matthias Witthaus: 2:0 (49). In the last twenty minutes the DHB team performed nearly perfectly in defense with Max Müller, Martin Häner and keeper Max Weinhold and thwarted the Iberians again and again. A fast attack led to the third goal, scored by Moritz Fürste (UHC), who outplayed two Spaniards on the left side and then thumped his own pass on the rebound into the net. Spain’s consolation goal was scored by Eduard Tubau a minute before the end.

Goals:

1:0 Christopher Wesley (42)

2:0 Thilo Stralkowski (49)

3:0 Moritz Fürste (65)

3:1 Eduard Tubau (69)

Penalty corners:

GER 0 / ESP 1 (-)

Umpires:

Hamish Jamison / Roel van Eert

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=6&version=EN

The Belgium dream continues

22nd August, GANT EHC, Mönchengladbach, Men: Belgium - Russia 7:1 (3:0)

22.08.2011 - In the second match in the group A, Belgium dominated the team from Russia and won commanding 7:1 (3:0). Especially, Jérome Dekeyser with three goals and Cédric Charlier with two goals performed very well.

Belgium had a good start. In the third minute, Jérome Dekeyser scored after a short corner. After this, the Belgium team was faster and smarter than their east european opponents. Inspite of a sharp angle, Simon Gougnard scored the second and youngster Tom Boon scored the third goal after a short corner. Hence, Belgium led 3:0 after the first half. After break, the Belgium team started like they ended the first half and the Russian team performed again below par.

In the 37th minute, Jérome Dekeyser scored again after a short corner. A few minutes later, the 27 years old player scored his third goal in the game. Surprisingly, Alexander Zhirkov scored with a powerful hit the Russian consolation goal in the 54th minute. Inspite of this, the Belgium offense performed well until the end of the match. Cédric Charlier scored the 6:1 from short distance and the final and deserved 7:1.

Goals:

1:0 Jérome Dekeyser (KE, 4.)

2:0 Simon Gougnard (13.)

3:0 Tom Boon (KE, 25.)

-----------------

4:0 Jérome Dekeyser (KE, 38.)

5:0 Jérome Dekeyser (KE, 45.)

5:1 Alexander Zhirkov (54.)

6:1 Cédric Charlier (57.)

7:1 Cédric Charlier (64.)

Short corners:

BEL 7 (3 Tore) / RUS 1 (-)

Green cards:

BEL - Cédric Charlier (61.) / RUS - Serbey Kostarev (59.)

Umpire:

Knülle / Conn

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=7&version=EN

Netherlands Beat England Men in tight match

22. August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: England – Netherlands 3:4 (1:1)

22.08.2011 - In an high quality game with fast combinations the English and the winning Dutch team underlined their top favourite role inside the Gant EuroHockey Championships. The Dutch team won 4:3 (1:1). In the first minutes, Billy Bakker from the Netherlands scored the first goal of the match.

The Oranje-team had not more opportunities to score, but the better ones. Inspite of Matt Daly scored the equalizer, before the halftime whistle. After the break the pre-decision seemed to happen. Taeke Taekema converted a penalty shot and again Bakker scored, after a well performed combination.

England seemed to be a little bit impressed, so the Dutch became the better team. Surprisingly Iain Mackay scored to get one back. He and his teammates hoped to come back into the game. But Billy Bakker scored his third goal, only a few minutes later. Ashley Jackson got one back again, but this was not enough to beat the Dutch team finally.

Goals:

0:1 Billy Bakker (10.)

1:1 Matt Daly (24.)

-----------------

1:2 Taeke Taekema (PS, 39.)

1:3 Billy Bakker (40.)

2:3 Iain Mackay (54.)

2:4 Billy Bakker (57.)

3:4 Ashley Jackson (68.)

Penalty Corners:

ENG 0 / NED 4 (-)

Umpires:

Nathan Stagno / Christian Blasch

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=8&version=EN

Ireland wins the first three points of the tournament

22nd of August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Men: France – Ireland 0:2 (0:0)

22.08.2011 - In a hard-fought match, the team from Ireland won 2:0 against France and received the first three points. The Irish players dominated the game, the French team tried to score a goal with counter-attacks. Ireland had a lot of opportunities to score a goal, but the French goalkeeper Henri-Julien Lhomme performed very well several times.

The match became rougher. At the end of the game, the umpires gave eight time penalties. Like in the first half, the Irish team was better, in the second 35 minutes. After a rude foul in the circle, the umpires declared a seven meter to Ireland.

John Jermyn used his chance and scored the 1:0. Twelve minutes later, the umpires gave a second seven meter to Ireland, after a illegal block inside the circle. John Jermyn converted the penalty again. So, the game ended 2:0 and Ireland has a good opportunity to reach the staying up.

Goals:

-

-------------------

0:1 John Jermyn (PS, 56.)

0:2 John Jermyn (PS, 68.)

Penalty Corners

FRA 3 (-) / IRE 3 ( -)

Penalty Strokes

FRA - / IRE 2 (2)

Yellow Cards:

Fabien Magner (25.); Francois Scheefer (52.); Bastien Dierckens (55.) / Conor Harte (59.); Michael Darling (70.)

Umpires

Vazquez Lopez / Uyttenhove

Orignial Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=5&version=EN

Sensational - Spain won 1:0 against the Netherlands

21st of August, EM in Mönchengladbach, Women: Spain - Netherlands 1:0 (1:0)

21.08.2011 - In the match between the 2nd and the 11th in the world, Spain beat the favorites, the Netherlands 1:0 (1:0). The Dutch team had a lot of problems with the Spanish defense and with its own offense. An example of this was in the beginning of the second half, when the Dutch missed three great opportunities to equalize.

In an intensive first half, the Spanish team started well. A short corner was awarded. The Dutch defense seemed confused when the first shot did not hit the target, Barbara Malda took advantage of this and Spain went one up. For the rest of the half, the Dutch fought hard to equalize but despite several attempts the forwards could not score.

The Dutch found a lot chances in the second half. In the 39th minute Marilyn Agliotti‘s hit were blocked by Spanish goalkeeper Maria Lopez de Eguilaz. Only three minutes later, Maartje Paumen hit the post with a powerful shoot. Three minutes after that, Kim Lammer missed the goal only by centimeters. The Spanish team did not seem to be able to push the Dutch out of their half. The favorites tried everything. But after the final corner in the 68th minute was expertly blocked by the Spanish goalkeeper, they had to except their first loss of tournament.

Goals:

1:0 Barbara Malda (KE, 6.)

Penalty Corners:

ESP 2 (1 goal) / NED 6 (-)

Cards:

-

Umpires:

Iparraguirre/ Metchette

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=7&version=EN

England profits from weak German offense

21st August 2011, GANT EHC, Mönchengladbach: England - Germany 2:0 (1:0)

21.08.2011 - England took a giant step towards the semi-finals on the second day of the GANT EuroHockey European Championships with a 2:0 (1:0) defeat of the host German team. The player of the match was Crista Cullen, who scored both goals in the high-speed game.

In the first half 26-year-old Cullen converted her team’s second penalty corner to put the English into the lead 1:0 (18). She got past the German goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds with a stroke from a short distance out. After that the English striker continued to challenge the German defense with quick combinations. Luck and a strong performance from their goalie saved Germany from falling even further behind. It was also Crista Cullen who scored the decisive second goal by again converting a penalty corner in the 40th minute. Her scoop shot from the edge of the circle was unstoppable.

In the following minutes, England dominated the play and had further chances to increase their lead, but the score remained 2:0. After the game Michael Behrmann, the German trainer, criticised his team’s offensive play. “We didn’t manage to perform as well as usual today. Most of all, we didn’t put them under enough pressure in the circle” was his analysis. On the other hand, English coach Danny Kerry praised his offense, who created seven penalty corners to the Germans’ one and converted two of them. The coach described the progress of his team: “Yesterday we had problems using our chances, but today we played forward with discipline and scored the necessary goals,”

Goals:

1:0 Crista Cullen (PC, 18)

-----------------

2:0 Crista Cullen (PC, 40)

Penalty corners:

ENG 7 (2 goals) / GER 1 (0)

Green card:

GER: Julia Müller (31)

Umpires:

Ashton-Lucy / Eskina

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=6&version=EN

After 0:8-shock - Azerbaijan win 5:3

21. August, EM in Mönchengladbach, Women: Azerbaijan– Italy 5:3 (3:1)

20.08.2011 - One day after the 0:8 loss against the Netherlands, Azerbaijan won its match against Italy 5:3. The goals of the favorite were scored by Zhang Suleymanova (23. minute/7-meter), Boram Kim (29.), Myungsoon Mammadova (35.), Hawe Lee (37.) and Mi Seon Aliyeva (42.). Italian player Alessia Padaloni scored one goal by a seven meter (30.) and another one after a good combination in the 49th minute.

The last goal of the match was scored by Macarena Ronsisvalli after a short corner near the end of the match. Especially after the break, the favorites played powerfully against Italy. The Italian defense seemed to be disappointed by fast combinations of their opponents. Three Azerbaijani goals in seven minutes were the result. After the victory, the East European team has got hopes of reaching the Semi-Final next Thursday were raised.

Goals:

1:0 Zhang Suleymanova (7m, 23.)

2:0 Boram King (29.)

2:1 Alessia Padaloni (7m, 30.)

-----------------

3:1 Myungsoon Mammadova (KE, 35.)

4:1 Hawe Lee (37.)

5:1 Mi Seon Aliyeva (42.)

5:2 Alessia Padaloni (49.)

5:3 Macarena Ronsisvalli (KE, 67.)

penalty corners:

AZE 3 (1 Tor) / ITA 5 (1)

green cards:

Kim Boram (7.), Mi Seon Aliyeva (32.) / Francesca Faustini (21.)

yellow card:

Zhang Suleymanova (48.) / -

Umpires:

Meister / Duncan

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=5&version=EN

England win in a cliffhanger

21st August, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach: England– Ireland 4:2 (1:1)

20.08.2011 - The Olympic hosts England defeated Ireland after a hard fought prestige duel 4:2 (1:1). The two teams have more in common than just the usual rivalry between neighbours.

The green-clad underdogs threatened throughout to upset the favoured English team. It wasn’t until two minutes before the end that England’s captain Barry Middleton ensured his team’s three points. After thirteen minutes there were enthusiastic attacks from the men in green. Christopher Cargo entered the English circle with the ball and put Ireland into the lead, to the delight of the Irish fans (13). Conor Harte almost increased the lead to 2:0 just six minutes later, but his stroke skimmed over the English bar.

However, in the twentieth minute the selfless efforts of the shamrocks came to naught when England’s Matt Daly found himself with the ball and with his back to the goal (20). A quick turn and the ball wobbled into the net 1:1. Ireland seemed shocked and England was back in the game. Shortly after the change of ends came the next setback for the outsiders. After a mistake in the circle, the England captain intercepted the ball and hammered it into the goal for a 2:1 lead (39).

For the Irish team, Gormley tried to tidy up his team in midfield but their play became ever more hectic. David Harte in the Irish goal kept his team in the game by saving seven corners. But in the 55th minute Ashley Jackson converted the eighth attempt 3:1 and thus ensured a more comfortable lead. This didn’t last long because only six minutes later it was the turn of England’s goalkeeper Nick Brothers to dig the ball out of the net (61), after John Jermyn converted a corner with an unstoppable shot narrowing the score to 3:2.

This woke up the fans in green who cheered their team forward. Shortly before the end Ireland were awarded a penalty corner – a great chance to tie the score. Nick Brothers for England saved the day with a spectacular effort. England’s captain Barry Middleton put the game beyond Ireland’s reach two minutes before the end, when after a skillful attack down the right side he coolly rounded off the game 4:2 (68).

The England trainer Jason Lee said later “Ireland played well and made life difficult for us for a long time, but we worked hard enough to win in the end.” The Ireland coach Revington was also basically satisfied with his team, especially as they had saved so many corners. He added to this “We must do something about conceding some many corners. This is something we must still work on”.

Goals:

0:1 Christopher Cargo (13.)

1:1 Matt Daly (20.)

2:1 Barry Middleton (39.)

3:1 Ashley Jackson (PC, 55.)

3:2 John Jermyn (PC, 61.)

4:2 Barry Middleton (68.)

Penalty corners:

ENG 8 (1 goal) / IRE 2 (1 goal)

Yellow card:

- / IRE Paul Gleghorne (foul, 19.)

Umpires:

Metchette/ Heinz

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=3&version=EN

German ladies started with a deserved win in the Europeans

20th August, EHC (W) in Mönchengladbach: Germany - Ireland 3:0 (2:0)

20.08.2011 - The German women played their first match of GANT EuroHockey Championships in Moenchengladbach. The beat Ireland 3-0 (2-0) . Following a slow start, the DHB women showed a much better performance in the second half and ultimately deserved the win. Led by the experienced Natascha Keller the home team managed a good start in their mission "Olympic qualification."

"We did not expect to win, but we wanted a good performance. Although I am disappointed by the defeat, I am not displeased with the outcome, "said Gene Muller For the German team the game against the Irish women was a prelude to measure. The win over the islanders was the first step to achieving their goal of Olympic qualification. The first three points in the group stage will calm the nerves of the team.

"Of course we are under great pressure because we expect, if all things go to plan, a place in the final , so I'm very happy with the first game, "said Michael Behrmann. " The team was well prepared and could now take the title , I believe", the coach continued. Tomorrow, the German women have the opportunity to underline their title ambitions , England is waiting as the next opponent of the home team.

Goals:

1:0 Natascha Keller (2.)

2:0 Fanny Rinne (PS, 23.)

-------------------------

3:0 Julia Müller (PC, 48.)

Corners:

GER 5 (1 Goal) / IRL 2 (-)

Umpires:

Bartlema / Del Olmo

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=3&version=EN

England with hard-fought 4:0 against Belgium

20th August, EM in Moenchengladbach, Women: England– Belgium 4:0 (2:0)

20.08.2011 - Olympic host England won its opening match at the GANT EuroHockey Championships against well prepared Belgians, but the score did not reflect the closeness of the game 4:0 (2:0).

Belgium began briskly, but after about ten minutes England took command. Alex Danson (14.) and Chloe Rogers (19.) scored before the break. Belgium came out of the cabin with a lot of confidence, but failed to perform dangerously near the circle. On the other hand England stayed cool and Crista Cullen (46.) and captain Kate Walsh (55.) scored with penalty corners. After that the Belgians weren`t able to come back and England had no problem winning the three points.

Goals:

1:0 Alex Danson (PC, 14.)

2:0 Chloe Rogers (19.)

-----------------

3:0 Crista Cullen (PC, 46.)

4:0 Kate Walsh (PC, 55.)

Penalty corners:

ENG 7 (1 Goal) / BEL 2 (-)

Yellow cards:

Anne Panter (Foul, 20.) / -

Umpires:

Oliveira / Heinz

Original Article: https://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=0&spiel=4&version=EN

Good start for the Olympic silver medal winner from 2008

GANT EuroHockey Championships Men: Spain - Russia 5:0 (2:0)

20.08.2011 - In the last game of the opening day of the GANT Eurohockey Championships tournament one of the favorites, Spain defeated Russia clearly with 5:0 (2:0).

The players of Coach Daniel Martin were superior from the start of the game and laid the foundation for success in the first half, as Pau Quemada with two converted penalty corners shot out to a 2-0 lead. The Spaniards had other great chances by Quemada, Santi Freixa and Alex Fabregas, but they forgave all negligent. After halftime did not change much in the game. Spain acted impressively and repeatedly benefited from the Russians lost balls, which were then used to fast counter attacks.

Again, a superior corner by Quemada and a deflection by Roc Oliva screwed up the result quickly to 4:0. After then, the Russians even created a good chance by Pavel Golubev, but his shot was saved by Spanish Keeper Cortes of Spain (49.). In the end Manel Terrace provided the final score for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Second when hi finished a magnificent solo with a backhand flick.

Goals:

1:0 Pau Quemada (15.)

2:0 Pau Quemada (28.)

---------------------------------------------

3:0 Pau Quemada (41.)

4:0 Roc Oliva (46.)

5:0 Manel Terraza (57.)

Corners:

ESP 6 (3 Tor) / RUS 1 (kein Tor)

Umpires:

Christian Blasch/Marc Knülle

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=2&version=EN

German men with an important win in the first match of the tournament

20th August, EHC (M) in Mönchengladbach: Germany - Belgium 3:1 (0:0)

20.08.2011 - The German men’s hockey team defeated the Belgian team 3:1 (0:0) in their first tournament game at the GANT EurHockey Championships. In front of more than 5,000 spectators at the Warsteiner HockeyPark, the guests of the reigning Olympic champions put up a good fight and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the struggle for the group A semi-final place. Thilo Stralkowski, Florian Fuchs and Jan-Marco Montag (penalty corner) all scored for the German team.

After early tentative play, it was the Belgians who first threatened to score. After Thomas Briels took a futile stab (4), the DHB keeper Max Weinhold prevented the guests going into the lead by spectacularly saving a shot from Tom Boon (7). It took Germany a good quarter of an hour before they could make a dent in the well positioned Belgian defense and create their first goal chance. Chances were missed by Matthias Witthaus who failed from a sharp angle and Florian Fuchs who after 26 minutes narrowly missed a backhand flanker from Thilo Stralkowski.

However it was Stralkowski himself who had the best German chance in the first half when, after being ably assisted by Moritz Fürste, he missed an eight metre shot by no more than a hair’s breadth. But Belgium was still dangerous and in an immediate counterattack only just missed with a backhand edge stroke. Germany was rather lucky after a free hit on the circle shortly before the break, when the umpires awarded a bully and not a penalty corner following a tackle.

The tempo of the game became noticably faster after the start of the second half and it developed into a real skirmish. Belgium had the first real chance with a penalty corner, but Max Müller deflected Jerome Dekeyser’s flat scoop over the line (37). Shortly afterwards Florian Fuchs narrowly missed from the opposite side from a half left position, but the DHB squad did better with their next attack: Mo Fürste had come through the middle field and passed to Oliver Korn, who then passed to Stralkowski at the front. The man from Mülheim took advantage of the opportunity and netted the ball at half height.

The second German goal which came shortly afterwards was just as nicely prepared: Benjamin Weiss sent a dream pass from half right to Florian Fuchs, who took the ball beautifully with a small backhand and slammed it in (51). But the Belgians didn’t give up and just four minutes later were rewarded with their second corner, which Dekeyser converted flat down right.

But the DHB team reacted immediately: Matthis Witthaus forced his way over the left side into the circle and hit a Belgian foot. Jan-Marco Montag converted the ensuing penalty corner with an unstoppable scoop into the corner of the goal to the cheers of the crowd (3:1). Germany skillfully defended the score for the last ten minutes of the game and thus took the first important step towards the semi final.

Goals:

1:0 Thilo Stralkowski (41.)

2:0 Florian Fuchs (46.)

2:1 Jerome Dekeyser (PC, 55.)

3:1 Jan-Marco Montag (PC, 57.)

Penalty corners:

GER 1 (1 goal) / BEL 2 (1 goal)

Umpires:

Andy Mair / David Gentles

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/default.asp?lokal=DHB&innen=/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp&auswahl=1&spiel=1&version=EN

The Netherlands ladies clear the first hurdle easily

20th August, EHC (W) in Mönchengladbach: The Netherlands – Azerbaijan 8:0 (5:0)

20.08.2011 - The title favourites from the Netherlands started their opening game against Azerbai-jan completely professionally. After a very onesided game, the score was 8:0 (5:0). The outsiders had almost nothing to offer and were only seldom able to make their way to the front of the opposing goal. For their part, Kim Lammers and Maartje Paumen each scored three times for the Oranje team.

The women from the Netherlands steered the run of play from the first minute and were not at any time really under pressure, which meant that the first penalty corner was not long in coming. Corner specialist Maartje Paumen landed her first goal with a scoop shot into the upper right corner. Willemijn Bos and Kim Lammers had done the same by the 21st minute.

A spectacular pass combination led to a field goal a minute later, again thanks to Lammers (22). And the Netherlands launched attack after attack, earning themselves further penalty corners, seven in the first half alone. Maartje Paumen took advantage of one of them to raise the half time score to 5:0. The same scenario presented itself after the change of ends: Ellen Hoog joined the list of goal scorers in the 49th minute – with a beautiful backhand shot.

Azerbaijan was forced into deep defense and hardly ever endangered the opponents’ goal. The team’s one and only penalty corner did not occur until the 61st minute. In the meantime, Paumen (52.) and Lammers (58.) had each added her third goal from a penalty corner, raising the score to 8:0. There was then not much action until the final whistle, leaving the Netherlands to celebrate their first tournament win in the opening match.

“We’ve done a good job for the first game”, stated Oranje coach Max Caldas. “We were in good form today, fresh, and didn’t ease up until the end, and that was perhaps because of the warm weather”.

Goals:

1:0 Maartje Paumen (PC, 4.)

2:0 Willemijn Bos (PC, 19.)

3:0 Kim Lammers (PC, 21.)

4:0 Kim Lammers (22.)

5:0 Maartje Paumen (PC, 31.)

----------------

6:0 Ellen Hoog (49.)

7:0 Maartje Paumen (PC, 52.)

8:0 Kim Lammers (PC, 58.)

Penalty Corners:

NED 9 (5 goals) / AZE 1 (0 goals)

Umpires:

Soledad Iparraguirre / Valentina Tomasi

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp?lokal=DHB&auswahl=0&spiel=2&version=EN

Spain women win the opening game at the Euro Hockey Championship 2011

20th August, European Championships (W) in Mönchengladbach: Spain – Italy 4:0 (2:0)

The Spanish women opened the Gant EuroHockey Championships 2011 in the Warsteiner HockeyPark in Mönchengladbach with a commanding victory 4:0 (2:0) against Italy. Although the quality of play was somewhat less than impressive, the Spanish players cleverly took advantage of their opponents’ technical mistakes and deserved to win.

Both teams were particularly nervous as the game started. The flow of play was hindered by missed passes and technical mistakes by both teams. The first Spanish goal was the result of a major mistake by the Italian goalkeeper Roberta Lilliu, who stepped over a backward pass from her team colleague. The Spanish player Berta Bonastre had only to push the ball into the goal.

The leading team then had more chances, but it wasn’t until the 29th minute that Barbara Malda managed to raise the score to 2:0 after a crafty combination over the right side. The Italian players failed to put pressure on the Spaniards. Their only goal chance worth mentioning was a seven-metre attempt in the 17th minute, when Maria Lopez de Equilaz in the Spanish goal saved the shot from Francesca Faustini.

Neither of the teams was convincing in the second half. Spain protected their lead and the Italians were not able to score a goal. After the final whistle the Spanish trainer Alejo Noblom explained their weak performance in the game: “It was a difficult game because the first match is always the hardest.” The 3:0 resulted from a standard situation. Silvia Munoz took advantage of a penalty corner to score her first goal in Mönchengladbach.

Just one minute later Barbara Malda completed the scoring in the opening game. In spite of the weak performance of his players, the Italian trainer Giovanni Admo Rossi was optimistic about the future. “We’ll take each game as it comes, and at the end we’ll see what the group results are”, he said explaining his strategy for the next days.

Goals:

1:0 Berta Bonastre (4.)

2:0 Barbara Malda (30.)

---------------------------

3:0 Silvia Munoz (KE, 58.)

4:0 Barbara Malda (59.)

Penalty corners:

ESP 5 (1 Tor) / ITA 2 (-)

Green cards:

Marta Prat (63.) / Alessia Padalino (45.)

Umpires:

Ashton-Lucy / Meister

Original Article: http://www.hockey.de/VVI-web/EM/2011/Ergebnisdienst.asp?lokal=DHB&auswahl=0&spiel=1&version=EN