The EuroHockey Championship II Women 2021 began today in sweltering heat in Prague. With the top 5 finishers in this event going on to October’s Women’s World Cup 2022 – European Qualifier in Rome, there is even more at stake for teams this week. This intensity was on display in all the games of the day.
POOL A
Match 1: RUS 0-2 WAL
The day began with the meeting of Wales and Russia. The teams were evenly matched in the first two quarters but Phoebe RICHARDS broke the deadlock for Wales just before the break. Isabelle HOWELL made it 2-0 in the third quarter.
Russia had upped the ante after the break and the final quarter saw them win 7 penalty corners but a solid defence secured the win for Wales, with some important interventions from goalkeeper Roseanne THOMAS.
Match 2: POL 2-0 LTU
Poland had a lot of chances to take the lead early on but failed to convert several penalty corners in the first quarter. After this, they changed their tactic and pressed more, but still couldn’t push through until after the break. The Lithuanians did well to keep the opposition at bay, especially during a period of constant pressure at the end of the third quarter, but eventually, the Polish pulled ahead via captain Rybacha, through a perfectly executed penalty corner. This spurred on the team who kept the pressure up in the final quarter, and they were rewarded again when a loose ball after a blocked penalty corner was coolly finished by Magdalena ZAGAJSKA.
A loss for Lithuania but plenty of positives to take from the game into their match tomorrow against Wales. Poland will face Russia.
POOL B
Match 3: BLR 1-2 FRA
In front of a large contingent of traveling supporters, France secured a very important victory today against Belarus. Despite a strong start from the French they had gone behind early on due to a penalty corner scored by Krestsina PAPKOVA.
Victoire ARNAUD powered home a penalty corner in the 37th minute to bring the team’s level. Belarus created some chances but in the final minutes, Yohanna LHOPITAL secured the win for the French.
Match 4: CZE 2-2 AUT
Gameday 1 finished up here in Prague with a superb match between the hosts and Austria -the highlight in an already excellent day of hockey. It was a game of quick moves, with both teams creating good chances.
Austria took the lead through Johanna CZECH in the 11th minute. The game was back-and-forth, then the home team equalized early in the third quarter through a superbly worked penalty corner slotted home by captain Tereza MEJZLIKOVA.
High pressure from Austria was rewarded three minutes later when they forced a turnover, and after some brilliant skill from CZECH her saved shot fell eventually to teammate Ruth KONRAT to finish. Natálie NOVÁKOVÁ delighted the home crowd with the equalizer in the final quarter. Both teams pushed for the win but the game finished 2-2.
The scoreline reflected well the way the game went- for three-quarters Austria was slightly stronger but the home team was always right there and fighting, and earned well their draw.
Czech will be confident going into their next match (v Belarus, on Tuesday). Austria will face France.
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Wales | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Lithuania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 3 | Russia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Austria | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | Czech Republic | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Belarus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
Today’s games: 16th Aug
Photograph: Belarus v France courtesy of Czech Hockey
