Planet Field Hockey

Zagreb, CROATIA


Italy to face France in the final. Croatia already achived a big success by winning the second place in pool A.

In pool B today Czech Republic played against France. After yesterday?s performance against Austria Czechs were favourites in this match, and everyone in the stands expected them to prove it on the pitch. But the match was a different story. France dominated though out the whole first half. They took the lead in 16th minute after a PC from Verrier. Ten minutes later Branquart scored for 2:0, and in the 32nd minute it was 3:0 when Verrier scored again, but this time from the spot. Czechs showed some life signs just one minute before the end of the first half. They also won a penalty stroke, which was realized by Lahoda. In the second half Czechs were able to push French on their half, but France defended pretty well, with lot?s of running they managed to keep their lead. Czech did score once however, but that wasn?t enough. So this pushed out France on the first place, which means the final match tomorrow
12.30 against Italy. A big disappoitment this was for Czech Republic, this was a big opportunity for them, but they failed. Team manager of their team said for PlanetFieldHockey: ?My players thought they had won the match before it started.? And we all no what happens in that case.

For the second match stands were full again. Of course fans were cheering for the home team in the match against Switzerland. Match started with a slight advantage of Switzerland, but after 15 minutes Croats opened up and started to put pressure on Swiss defence as well. Soon they started to make some nice chances, and missed a few PCs. But it truly opened up in 24th minute, when Bujan tipped in the ball high into the net for 1:0 and raised the temperature. Swiss didn?t have time to recover in the next attack Kirin scored after a nice action for 2:0. And that was the result on half time. Second half was again a different story. Switzerland had the most ball control and in 43rd minute they scored from a PC hit by Stampfli. Two minutes later 2:2. Again Stampfli, but this time a field goal. And then Croatian defense was under shock for a while and Swiss had several shots at goal that were stopped or saved by Jakopovic. Slowly the pressure dropped, and Croatia got some air. Switzerland had their last chance one minute before the end when they had a PC, but Croats weren?t beaten. With this draw Croatia won the 2nd place in pool A, and tomorrow they will play against Czech R. for the third place. This is the biggest Croatian success in this competition ever.


DAY 3
Results:

Pool B: France ? Czech R. 3:2 (3:1) Verrier 2 and Branquart for FRA; Lahoda for CZE.

Pool A: Switzerland ? Croatia 2:2 (0:2) Stampfli 2 for SUI, Bujan and Kirin for CRO

Standings: Pool A: 1. Italy 6 pts Pool B: 1. France 4 pts
2. Croatia 1 2. Czech Republic 3
3. Switzerland 1 3. Austria 1

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