Five European women’s teams have advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIH Indoor World Cup in Poreč following four thrilling days of pool action.
Czechia were the first side to take up their place in the last eight as they won all three of their group games, crucially seeing off Belgium 6-2 to add to an earlier 5-3 success against USA. A 4-1 win over the Croatian hosts meant they topped the pool.
The Red Panthers joined them in the last eight when they drew 1-1 with USA, a mutually beneficial result in the end with both sides advancing.
Pool B was the closest group. Austria and Poland took the top two spots – they initially drew 1-1with each other before recording wins in game two.
For the Austrians, they put in a resounding 10-0 performance against South Africa while the Poles edged out Thailand, putting them in great shape.
The Austrians went through despite a 2-1 loss to the Thais – who went through as a result – in game three while Poland topped the table with a 4-2 victory over South Africa.
Pool C, meanwhile, was dominated by Germany who scored 24 times with just in reply against New Zealand, Australia and Namibia. The Nambians went through in second spot with two wins out of three.
This evening sees the men’s quarter-final line-up completed; Germany, Belgium and Austria already have their place in the next phase assured with Poland very much in contention. Croatia still have a mathematical chance but need to defeat Austria and hope goal difference works in their favour.
