Pool B got the ball rolling here in Berlin with an explosive start from Poland, who beat Switzerland 4-1. It was Poland’s first time in the Championship following an absence of 6 years. Captain Marlena Rybacha was happy with the solid start, “We were in control of the game the whole time, maybe we could have scored more, but we are happy with this solid start.” On being back at this level she added “We are so happy to be back, indoor hockey is in our DNA, so being back in the top division is important for the team.”
Austria, ranked 4th here delivered a very assured performance against Italy with relentless pressure coming from their forwards which resulted in 4 goals, and with a strong defensive effort despite bursts of flair at times from Italy, they conceded none. Captain Gerö was pleased with the win “We expected a tough game, as we don’t know the Italian girls, but I’m sure in the next game we need to score more goals as there were opportunities.”
Pool A did not disappoint, with a very even start in the first game Belgium v Türkiye. It took until just before halftime for Belgium to break the deadlock and go ahead via a Ronquetti pc. They doubled their lead just before the break, but Türkiye pressed hard and earned a pc which they converted in overtime to bring the score back to 2-1. The second half was a battle as Türkiye equalised, but Belgium held on for a 4-2 win. Speaking with Belgian captain Laurine Delforge she said that the team’s ambition is to stay in the division!
Hosts Germany took on Spain in the final game of the morning session. A powerful flick from Saegner got the home team on the score sheet. Some beautiful work from Gräve taking advantage of turnover ball saw the score doubled. A powerful performance in the second half saw Germany take the 3 points available, another 4-2 scoreline. Germany’s Elisa Gräv was clear post game “We are here to defend our title”.
Pool B was back in action this afternoon with Ukraine laying down a marker for the tournament with a stunning performance against Italy. A six-to-zero scoreline at halftime was well-deserved from this attacking side. A 7th in the final seconds and the 3 points went to Ukraine. Captain Shokalenko said “Our main target is a medal, but also we want to make sure to qualify for the World Cup. But for now, we will prepare for our two games tomorrow.”
Fun fact! The last time they played each other was 17 years ago, with a closer scoreline (5-3 to Ukraine).
Austria and Switzerland played out the closest contest of the day. Austria went ahead 2-0 but Switzerland clawed one back. Switzerland worked hard to get back on terms and the final score of 3-2 was a reflection of the very even game! It was an important game for Tamara Trösch who celebrated her 50th senior indoor cap! A remarkable achievement not often reached by many players.
Pool A ended the day with a face-off between Czechia and Spain in the first game of the session and host Germany v Türkiye topped off the day here in Berlin. The first half saw Czechia and Spain both getting on the score sheet twice, a classy flick from Alcaide (ESP) finishing off the half. Spain showed determination and endurance to overcome the higher-ranked Czechia 3-2. Speaking with Spanish captain Rocio Ybarra after the game “It was a really tough game, our goal here is not to get relegated and every step we take forward is a good one.”
In the final game of the day the underdogs Türkiye silenced the crowd with a perfectly executed pc in the first minute of the game! Germany answered with 2 goals to bring the game to 2-1 at halftime. A pacey second half from Germany saw them extend their lead early on. An assured performance from the hosts, finishing 7-2 in their favour will give them confidence going into Day 2 and a showdown with Czechia.
Tomorrow’s games:
| Time | Teams | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | SUI – ITA | Pool B |
| 11:15 | POL – UKR | Pool B |
| 12:30 | TUR – ESP | Pool A |
| 13:45 | BEL – CZE | Pool A |
| 16:00 | ITA – POL | Pool B |
| 17:15 | AUT – UKR | Pool B |
| 18:30 | ESP – BEL | Pool A |
| 19:45 | GER – CZE | Pool A |
* You can watch the action live from Berlin from the women’s EuroHockey Indoor Championship on www.eurohockeytv.org. Note the 9th/10th place playoff will not be broadcast.
** For full match stats, results and tables, click here
Photograph World sport pics / EuroHockey (c)
