Belgium and Germany both stepped closer to formal qualification for the semi-finals of the girls EuroHockey U18 Championship in Krefeld as they shared a 0-0 draw. France are still in contention but their chances took a blow with a 1-1 draw against Scotland who were relegated as a result.
The Czech Republic have built a lead in Championship II-A in Zagreb as they won their second game in a row. In Championship II-B, Wales scored in the dying moments to deny Poland victory and, into the bargain, the overall title. The Poles, though, can win the competition if they draw or better on Thursday against Türkiye.
Girls
EuroHockey U18 Championship (Krefeld, Germany)
Pool A
France 1 Scotland 1
A 1-1 draw keeps France in with a strong chance of remaining in the top division but spelled an end to Scotland’s chances as they were confirmed in fifth place in Pool A.
Paola Le Nindre’s penalty corner drag-flick gave the French the lead in the first half and they kept that advantage in a tight tussle until eight minutes from the end. Lexie MacMillan’s close range volley gave Scotland hope as France got into card difficulties but the draw suited the French far more at the final whistle.
France finish their group stage with the last match on Thursday evening at 6pm, 15 minutes after the start of Germany against Ireland.
Belgium 0 Germany 0
Both Belgium and Germany inched a step closer to the semi-final spots. Germany had the greater chances with five corners but they came up against a super performance from Belgian goalkeeper Marie Gelders who kept out a series of efforts.
The two nations now need will likely need just a point from their final game based on their strong goal difference at the moment to make sure of their place in the semi-finals.
Thursday sees the completion of the group stages with four matches in action to determine the semi-final spots and who gets relegated.
** Get your U18’s LIVESTREAM PASS HERE: https://www.eurohockeytv.org/en-int/page/event-pass-u18-championships
EuroHockey U18 Championship II-A (Zagreb, Croatia)
The Czech Republic made it two wins from two as they won the only game of the day in Zagreb, defeating Italy 2-1 in yet another close contest.
Linda Nová got her third goal of the tournament but Eleonora di Paola tied things up in the third quarter at 1-1. Anna Jindráková, though, won the tie for the Czechs soon after as her side rode out a couple of late corners to rise to six points.
It gives them a three points lead over second placed Croatia who are back in action on Thursday against Lithuania. The Czechs are back in action on Friday against Switzerland when Croatia will meet Italy.
EuroHockey U18 Championship II-B (Swansea, Wales)
Poland’s celebrations were put on hold as a late Olivia Forey goal saw Wales grab a 1-1 draw, ending the Polish side’s 100% record so far in the competition.
Julia Grygier gave Poland a sixth minute lead and for a long time, they held on to that advantage. That was until the 59th minute when Forey found the net to equaliser.
It means Poland now need a draw or better against Türkiye on Thursday afternoon to win the title. Should they miss out, Wales will have a chance to overhaul them on goal difference on Friday when they meet the Turks.
** All games from Swansea will be streamed on www.eurohockeytv.org
