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Tuesday July 26: Canada 0 - Poland 2

(half-time: Canada 0 - Poland 1)
Penalty corners Canada 5 - Poland 4

Min 30 Poland FG
Min 44 Poland FG

This was a disappointing result for Canada. Canada had more penalty corners and made more circle penetrations than Poland and failed to capitalize, while Poland jumped on two defensive turnovers made by Canada and finished them clinically.




The game started slowly with both teams trying to settle, Canada getting into their stride first earning a 4th minute penalty corner. Canada's flick option was comfortably saved. A minute later Pete Short came close following a quick free hit from just outside the circle. Then Ravi Agnihotri, Rob Short and Marian Schole combined well but the final shot went just wide. Poland came back strongly and forced a good save from Matt Peck. Matt was called into action again in the 10th minute when Poland won a penalty corner and Matt made a good diving save. There followed a period of play mainly between the 25 yard lines before Poland had a second penalty corner. Their flick option went wide. A minute later Dave Jameson made a great run, beating three defenders before firing a reverse stick sweep shot across the face of the goal but there was nobody there to touch it in. In the 20th,22nd,25th and 27th minutes Canada created more good scoring chances the best of which followed a hug! e aerial ball from Wayne Fernandes that Pete Short chased down and Philip Wright then went close.




In the 30th minute Canada made a critical turnover in their mid field and Poland ran in with a two on one and the ball was lifted over the advancing Matt Peck.




So Canada started the second half one down, having failed to take their opportunities and also having not risen to the high standard of play that they had achieved against Germany. Canada had a great start to the second half with a 38th minute penalty corner. Rob Short's initial shot was saved and Wayne Fernandes following up rifled a half volley shot that the Poland keeper took on the chest. Three minutes later following another Canada penalty corner Rob Short's hard low shot was very well saved. In the 44th minute Poland scored their second goal, again following a mid field turnover. Poland nearly made it 3-0 a minute later but were denied by Matt Peck who made an excellent save.




Canada had two more penalty corners in the 53rd and 57th minutes but were unable to find the net. In the the 62nd minute Matt Peck was again forced to make an excellent save on the top of the circle following a one on one situation. Poland finished strongly with two penalty corners in the last five minutes of play, again Matt Peck saved well.




Scott Tupper and Jonathan Roberts, having joined the squad yesterday from the World Games (indoor hockey), both played. All substitutes played except Michael Mahood. Paul Wettlaufer and Michael Lee did not play due to injury.




So a disappointing result for Canada but a chance to square the series comes tomorrow.

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