Day 3 here in Gniezno saw Pool A in action and no one team assured yet of a semi-final place after 3 days of play. The final games tomorrow will determine the lineup.
Match 7: Ireland v Italy 1-1
Ireland was held at bay to a 1-1 draw by a well-organized Italy, Ireland on four points from six after day two of the EuroHockey Championships II in Gniezno, Poland.
O’DONOGHUE’s seventh-minute flick was countered by SIOR in the 13th minute. Italy’s patient defense never caved in and offered Ireland very few chances.
Match 8: Poland v Croatia 4-2
Croatia surprised hosts Poland going ahead via 2 excellent short corner strikes. MUCIĆ on target twice in the 6th and 8th minute. PAWLAK scored for Poland on the stroke of half-time (1-2) leaving it all to play for in the second half.
A nice deflection from GUMNY 5 minutes into the second half put the hosts back on level terms, much to the delight of the home crowd.
A frantic second half saw Poland with more possession and chances which the Croatian defence stood firm and didn’t give away easy penalties. A pc in the 50th-minute rebound and the hosts took the lead for the first time in the game JARZYŃSKI on target. A superb solo run from RUTKOWSKI put Poland ahead 4-2 heading into the last 3 minutes of the game, which they held onto.
Ranking Pool A:
Pool A
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italy | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 2 | Ireland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | Poland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Croatia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
All games are available to rewatch on www.eurohockeytv.org
Tomorrow’s games:
18 Aug
