Women’s EuroHockey U21 Championship – day 2 round-up
The Netherlands produced another six of the best to beat England 6-1 and advance to the semi-final of the women’s EuroHockey U21 Championship in Valencia.
Hosts Spain, meanwhile, move into contention to join them as they edged out Scotland 2-0 to move into second place in Pool A.
In an incredible first quarter, the Dutch went ahead early on through Juul Sauer who swooped to score twice in quick succession from close range from swift Dutch attacks.
Katerina Langedijk’s powerful corner made it 3-0 and Lieve Wijckmans’ impudent finish at the right post put them four clear with just 13 minutes gone.
Beth Gardens did get one back before the end of Q1 when she reacted quickest to a loose corner rebound.
Maud van den Heuvel, however, got the Dutch back in the ascendancy in Q2 with a first time deflection from Imke Verstraten’s ball through the circle.
Kaatje Walhof completed the scoring in the 36th minute to give the Dutch their second win of the campaign.
For Spain, it took until the second half before they found the breakthrough against the Scots. Ivet Marti’s powerful shot was brilliantly blocked by Lucy Harris while Cayetana Del Real’s poke at goal floated just past the left post to keep it scoreless.
Marta Armenteras did get them on the scoreboard four minutes into the second half when her low sweep from a corner had the velocity to outdo the defence on the line.
And they got the insurance goal with seven minutes left via Alejandra de la Llama stole the ball off the last defender and battled the ball all the way into the goal.
It means Spain will play England on Wednesday with the hosts needing a draw while only a win will do for the English in the semi-final chase.
Tuesday’s schedule begins with Ireland and Wales looking to get their first points when they meet at 10.00 (CEST) before Belgium play Germany with top spot in the group on the line (12.15).
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