Lucia Jimenez’s Q3 goal sent Spain through to the semi-finals of the women’s EHC as they defeated England 2-1, ensuring they will be one of the two sides to advance from Pool B.
It was the Red Sticks first win over England in normal time of the women’s EuroHockey Championships since 1995, encompassing six defeats and three draws in that time.
Spain went in front in the 10th minute. Jimenez’s angled, skipping pass made it to the back post where Luciana Molina was available to touch in.
England fought back straightaway with Lizzie Neal firing a brilliant ball into the circle which invited Tessa Howard to apply a beautiful touch to make it 1-1.
They had the chance to go ahead but saw Darcy Bourne’s penalty stroke saved by Clara Perez while Olivia Hamilton saved a ball off the line.
The red sticks came out at full force in the second half and created a number of close-run moments before the ball fell perfectly off Sabbie Heesh’s save to Jimenez to make it 2-1.
From these, Spain did well to manage the remainder of the game, regularly playing on the front foot to make life difficult for England to create any headway.
