Vienna 4 Nations Tournament: Irish claim cup, hosts finish in runner-up spot  x4
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| Hockey Austria |
June 30, 2003 
Austrian Hockey Federation
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The Austrian hosts of this weekend’s 4 Nations Tournament in Vienna were
understandably delighted with their team’s performance – despite being the
only participating country not qualified for the European Nations Cup in
Barcelona, they clinched an excellent 2nd place, leaving no doubt that their
team has the potential to compete in the top European event. With their
sights already firmly set on the next qualifying tournaments in 3 years
time, it seems more likely than ever that the Austrian men will qualify then
for their first European Nations Cup since 1983.
With their next Nations Cup only some 2 months away, the Irish team lived up
to their role as tournament favorites, recovering from a stunning draw in
their opening game against the host country, and claiming the cup with a
narrow victory over Switzerland and a convincing 5-1 defeat of the Russians,
whom they will meet again in one of their pool matches in Barcelona. The
Irish also brought forth the tournament’s top scorer, Mark Irwin, who
despite only playing two of Ireland’s three games scored a total four goals,
including a hattrick against Russia.
The Swiss’ 3rd place might seem a bit disappointing, yet one should keep in
mind that Swiss coach Jens Lueninghoener only used the tournament to
finalize his squad and came to Vienna without some of his key players –
including team captain Thierry Grandchamp.
The Russians’ 4th place and the clear defeat they suffered from the Irish
may also be deceptive – not only is it unknown how many of the squad that
represented Russia in Vienna will actually go to Barcelona, but the
Russians’ performances also, despite winning only one game, quite clearly
indicated that they fully intend to give their opponents in Barcelona a run
for their money.
Final Standings:
1. Ireland 7pts., 8-3
2. Austria 4 pts., 6-6
3. Switzerland 3 pts., 4-5
4. Russia 3 pts., 4-8
Top Scorers:
1. Irwin (IRL) 4
2. Posselt (AUT) 3
3. Elliott (IRL) 2
3. Brozzo (SUI) 2
3. Platonov (RUS) 2
All Results:
Austria-Ireland 1-1 (1-1)
Ireland-Switzerland 2-1 (2-0)
Austria-Russia 3-2 (2-2)
Ireland-Russia 5-1 (2-0)
Austria-Switzerland 2-3 (1-0)
Switzerland-Russia 0-1 (0-0)
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