Germany and Spain won thrillers on day one of the men’s EuroHockey U21 Championship while France and the Netherlands recorded big wins to start their week in Valencia in positive fashion.
France began the competition with a spectacular first half as they netted five times before the big break en route to a 6-0 success against Switzerland, back after a 24-year wait to play at this level.
Aristide Michaelis and Gaspard Denis got the French off to a great start and Oscar Delacroix’s double and one from Gabriel Piole kept the momentum rolling. Michaelis added the sixth in the second half for a strong opening win.
World champions Germany won 2-1 against Belgium in the second game of the group with all the goals coming in the second half.
Jasper Ditzer saved a Charlie Langendries penalty stroke in the second quarter to ensure the first half ended scoreless.
And his side took advantage of the reprieve to take the lead in Q3 via Paul Glander’s low drag-flick. Belgium came on strong after that and were back on terms via Max Langer’s low backhand bullet with 13 minutes to go.
William Sanda both created and finished the vital goal in the 52nd minute from close range. Ben Hasbach then kept the points in their favour with a brilliant goal line save from a Mathis Dewitte drag-flick.
In Pool B, the Netherlands were too good for Austria in a 13-0 victory with Pepijn van der Valk getting a hat trick alongside doubles from Thies Bakker, Sander van de Putte and Thije Bakker.
Spain closed out the day’s action with a thrilling 5-3 win over England, finishing the stronger after their rivals had produced an amazing comeback from 3-0 down.
Andrés Medina’s classy opening goal was followed by a clever Mario Mena corner innovation for 2-0 after eight minutes. Pau Gesti stretched the lead to three from a penalty stroke but England stopped the rot before half-time with a stroke of their own, slotted in by Kaden Draysey.
Olly Bennett’s corner double then saw them race back to 3-3 with 10 minutes left of the contest but Spain steadied and replied; Medina ripped in another corner and then Josep Martin clipped into an open goal with the clock running out for a 5-3 result.
Monday’s schedule takes place in the morning session with Pool A games; they feature Belgium against Switzerland at 10.00 (CEST) and France versus Germany at 12.15.
Both games will be broadcast live on www.eurohockeytv.org with an €8.99 event pass.
** Click here to see more of the stats from the women’s EuroHockey U21 Championship
