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

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.)

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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

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.)

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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)

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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)

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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

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)

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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.)

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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

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.)

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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.)

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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

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.)

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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.)

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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