Day 5 match reports
Spain and Czech Republic played out an entertaining game, with Spain coming out on top with a 3:1 win to take third place in the Samsung Men's Indoor World Cup. Germany women have finished in third place in the women's competition after beating Ukraine 5:2. Belarus women survived an overtime penalty corner to claim 5th place with a 5:4 victory over Australia, with Russia men deservedly taking fifth place after convincing 6:2 win over Austria.
5th–6th play offs
WOMEN: Belarus 5 defeated Australia 4
Belarus survived an overtime penalty corner to claim 5th place with a 5:4 victory over Australia. It was a closely fought contest between the two teams, but Volha SHYNTAR’s superb last minute penalty corner proved decisive. Ukraine had taken through a Yulia PIATROVA field goal after eight minutes, but Australia equalised with Gaye TARRANT’s field goal. Belarus would certainly have been in the lead had it not been for some excellent saves from Lisa HERBERTSON. The second half was full of end to end hockey, with seven goals being scored. Two SHYNTAR penalty corners gave Belarus a 3:1 lead, before Australia pulled a goal back with Megan RIVERS hitting the target. SHYNTAR re-established the two goal lead seconds later, completed her hat trick with a field goal. With four minutes to go Australia replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player, and the gamble paid off. Fiona YOUNG scored a glorious penalty corner in the 38th minute, and Amanda CALTON dramatically equalised a minute from the end of the game. Despite the return of the Australia goalkeeper, SHYNTAR scored her fourth goal in the last minute for a 5:4 lead. Australia failure to convert their overtime penalty corner handed victory to Ukraine.
MEN: Russia 6 defeated Austria 2
Russia deservedly claimed fifth place with a confident performance, beating Austria 6:2. In a clash involving Dmitry AZAROV and Michael KORPER – two of the top goal scorers at this years’ World Cup – the crowd arrived expecting goals and were not disappointed. AZAROV started the scoring in the fifth minute, and added a second to his tally four minutes later. Austria were not as clinical from penalty corners as usual, wasting several set piece opportunities in the first half. Michael KORPER’s field goal reduced the deficit, but AZAROV completed his hat trick before the break to make the score 3:1. Almost immediately after half time Peter PROKSCH was given too much time in the circle and punished Russia with a good finish. However, three Russia goals without reply effectively killed the game, with goals from Alexey SERGEEV (2) and Alexey MAMOSHKIN to guarantee a Russian win. AZAROV finished the tournament with 18 goals, including a tournament record of eight against Switzerland. Michael KORPER scored 12 during his sides’ Samsung World Cup Campaign.
3rd – 4th play offs
WOMEN: Germany 5 defeated Ukraine 2
Germany women have finished in third place in the Samsung Women’s Indoor World Cup after beating Ukraine 5:2. The result was a relief for the outgoing world champions after Ukraine put in an impressive performance. It was clear for all to see that Germany were still suffering from yesterday’s semi-final defeat against Spain, making numerous errors and playing well below their usual high standards. Ukraine looked like a completely different team from the side beaten 10-2 in the pool match, and were leading 0:1 for the majority of the game thanks to a first minute field goal from Captain Maryna VYNOHRADOVA. Germany were frustrated by Ukraine’s desire to play deep, which did not allow them the space to play the fast and flowing hockey they are renowned for. Ukraine defended valiantly until a 28th minute strike from Julia MUELLER levelled the scores. It was not long before Germany were in the lead through Rebecca LANDSHUT, and Britta von LIVONIUS made it 3:1. Maryna KHILKO – on the field in place of the goalkeeper – pulled a goal back for Ukraine, but Germany moved further ahead with goals from Jennifer PLASS and MUELLER’s second of the game.
MEN: Spain 3 defeated Czech Republic 1
Spain and Czech Republic played out an entertaining game, with Spain coming out on top with a 3:1 win. Oriol FREIXA had a big say in the outcome, scoring a goal in each half to help his side to victory. The result means that Spain are the third ranked side in the Samsung Men’s World Cup, with Czech Republic finishing fourth. The game did not produce a goal until the 19th minute, when FREIXA put Spain in front with a clinical finish. It was less than a minute before the tournament’s second highest goal scorer Stepan BERNATEK equalised to leave the scores tied at half time. In the 27th minute Miguel DELAS found the bottom corner from the top of the circle to give Spain the advantage, and four minutes later Oriol FREIXA picked up his second of the match. With the score at 3:1, Czech Republic chased the game and in the 36th minute replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player to try and capitalise. Spain sat deep and defended well, and by the time Czech Republic had won a penalty corner in the last few seconds, the Spaniards knew that the game was won.
