Women’s EuroHockey U21 Championship (Valencia, Spain) – day 4 round-up
Spain withstood a late onslaught to pick up the point they needed to complete the women’s EuroHockey U21 Championship semi-final line-up, denying England in Valencia.
In a straight battle to reach the medal rounds, it was the hosts who emerged happier with their 2-2 draw, going through on goal difference.
Chasing victory, England went in front when Evie Grindal produced an awesome backhand shot after Liv Breed’s clever under the arm pass opened the space in the circle.
Just before half-time, Spain levelled through Carlota Gonzalez, slamming home from a broken down corner and they went in front through Natalia Vilanova who benefited from Marta Armenteras’ pass.
It left England 16 minutes to get two goals and they threw everything at it but could only summon a close-range Izzy Yonge goal, controlling a sharp chance in mid-circle and flicking in at the second attempt.
It means Spain will play Belgium in the semi-finals while the Netherlands will play Germany after the Dutch won 4-0 against Scotland this evening.
All the goals came in the last 20 minutes as the Scots frustrated the Dutch for long periods before two goals from Lieve Wijckmans and one each from Maud van den Heuvel and Imke Verstraeten saw them pull away.
Thursday is a rest day before Friday’s semi-finals where the Germans and Netherlands are first on at 16.50 (CEST) and Spain play Belgium at 19.10.
** Click here for further stats and details about the players and the tournament
** 24 EuroHockey U21 Championship matches from Pitch 1 in Valencia will be broadcast live on www.eurohockeytv.org with an €8.99 event pass (Click the graphic for more information)
