Germany and England open Euros with victory

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Tri-Finance EuroHockey Championships, Group B day one
Germany – Scotland 1-0 (half-time: 1-0)
A fortuitous own goal saw Germany scrape to a single goal victory on day one of the TriFinance EuroHockey Championships in Boom as Scotland pushed them all the way but lacked composure in front of goal. The world number five Germans controlled the first half, taking just 18 seconds before Amy Gibson’s palms were stung by a quckfire shot.

Eileen Hoffmann also drew a strong save from the goalkeeper but she was left unable to deny a 20th minute crash ball that was deflected awkwardly by Susan McGiveray and nestled in the right corner.

EuroHockey 2013Julia Muller drew another top save from Gibson before the break but Scotland showed a much more ambitious edge in the second period and while the Germans controlled most of the play, the Scots had their moments.

Ali Bell was put clean through only for Kim Platten to smother her shot with the pick of their chances while Franzisca Hauke and Maike Stockel somehow contrived to miss out on an insurance goal. Germany held on to their single goal to start their campaign with a win.

** Photo courtesy of Frank Uijlenbroek/EHF

England – Spain 3-0 (half-time: 2-0)
England cruised to a comfortable opening victory over Spain in the opening tie of the women’s TriFinance EuroHockey Championships in Boom, Belgium. They showed their intent early on. Ashleigh Ball causing problems down the right with less than a minute gone. They hit the front in the fourth minute from their first corner, Hannah MacLeod smashing home from a corner rebound.

Kate Walsh doubled up from her side’s third corner, whipping home a low drag-flick in the 17th minute. And they held sway until the break, creating most of the chances with Alex Danson fizzing the best of their chances just wide.

Lily Owsley extended the margin to three seven minutes into the second half from close range when she turned in Susannah Townsend’s right wing cross and England largely controlled the rest of the tie.

Maria Gomez did have a couple of chances to pull back a goal but she slipped a rebound inches wide after Carlota Petchame’s initial shot was brilliantly saved by Maddie Hinch. Gomez was also through one on one but smacked her shot into the sideboard, meaning England kept a clean sheet and got their tournament off to a strong start.

Group B
Day one results:
England 3 (H MacLeod, K Walsh, L Owsley) Spain 0; Germany 1 (own goal) Scotland 0
Standings: 1. England 3pts (+3) 2. Germany 3pts (+1) 3. Scotland 0pts (-1) 4. Spain 0pts (-3)

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