Today decided not only the semi-final and pool c slots here in Gniezno, but in addition the four teams now qualified for the EHF World Cup Qualification event in Wales at the end of October are
The final place is still up for grabs and that will be allocated to the winner of Pool C!
Match 9: Scotland v Switzerland 6-0
A much-improved performance from Scotland saw them leap from the bottom of the pool to a semi-final slot and the first team to qualify for the World Cup Qualifier.
FORSYTH found his form with a hattrick – two penalty strokes and one from play (12th, 38th, and 45th minutes)
Goals from FIELD, SHEPHERDSON, and WALKER gave Scotland a very comprehensive win.
Match 10: Ukraine v Austria 1-2
A very tight game, with a lot at stake! Ukraine could progress to the semi-final with a draw, Austria needing a win!
It was Ukraine who laid down the gauntlet to Austria with an early goal via ONOFRIIUK in the 19th minute. Austria was chasing the game and managed to equalize from UHER in the 39th minute.
A final goal in the dying seconds of the game put Austria ahead (another pc from UHER) pushed Austria into the semi-finals and Ukraine into Pool C.
Final Ranking Pool B
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austria | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | Ukraine | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 | -8 | 3 |
Match 11: Ireland v Croatia 6-0
The 3rd game of the day was between the highest-ranked team Ireland (13th) and Croatia (39th) so Ireland came in with an expectation to do well. This was the first meeting of the 2 sides.
Ireland operated a very high press from the get-go and MURRAY batted it home at close range in the 4th minute. Ireland spent the rest of half frustrated with a handful of chances going over the baseline or over the bar.
Ireland dominated the second half adding 4 goals to their tally coming from DUNCAN, MCKEE (x2) with O DONOGHUE adding a second to his tally for this game.
The result puts Ireland top of Pool A and facing a more familiar opponent in Scotland in the semi-finals on Friday.
Match 12: Poland v Italy 2-0
The hosts ensured their place in the semi-final with a solid performance in the final. GŁOWACKI put Poland ahead in the 13th minute and they really took charge of the game from them, Italy rarely making it into the Polish circle. JARZYŃSKI doubled the score just on the halftime whistle. Poland held their lead and a place in the semi-final where they will play Austria.
Final Ranking A:
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | Poland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Croatia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 14 | -11 | 0 |
Tomorrow is a rest day so Friday’s games are:
Rewatch all the games on www.eurohockeytv.org
