4th August 2009
High drama at the Euros!
This was an unbelievable day of high drama at the EuroNations in Wrexham. It started with a 5-5 goal fest between Italy and Belarus with some remarkable strikes ahead of the much waited contest between the Group A giants; Ireland and Russia. Ireland took the lead through Eugene Magee in the 50th minute only for the Russians to equalise 5 minutes later and finish the job off 3 minutes from time to claim top spot. In Pool B, the much awaited match between Wales and Switzerland started positively for Wales but they had nothing to show for early pressure. The Swiss were the ones to open the scoring with a scambled goal on 21 minutes. The large crowd were then put through the mill as Wales streamed forward but could not break down the Swiss half court defence. Keeper Egloff repelled all borders until Rick Gay smacked a ball goal wards only to see it fire back off the post. Desparation mounted in the crowd and on the pitch knowing that Wales needed a point to reach the semi finals. The breakthrough came when Wales were awarded a penalty flick 7 minutes from time and Rhys Joyce stepped up calmly to slot home the equaliser. The Swiss were down to 9 players for the dying minutes of the game but amazingly pressed for the winner. With 10 seconds on the clock, Wales played the ball quickly out of defence to give then a 2 v 1 with the Swiss keeper only for the hooter to go as the ball went towards the line. No goal. So Wales were not assured top slot but were assured of a semi-final berth. BBC Wales covered the game.
However the final match in which Scotland played Czech Republic would determine who might top the Pool B. This match finished an hour ago and the result is not known. The Scots played well to lead 2-0 at half time but the Czechs were outstanding in the second period, drawing level to 2 all. This meant that Wales and Czech Republic were all square in every department and will need to go to Penalty Flicks tomorrow to determine first and second …or will it! Scotland have lodged an appeal claiming a goal was scored at 2-1. that appeal is now being considered. If up held Scotland go through as winners. Watch out for the next instalment of an amazing day of drama.
Whatever happens Wales will feature in the semi finals on Thursday, a tremendous achievement.
Off pitch, the volunteers continue to do a magnificent job and the attraction for the day was the caricaturist. The Wales management team were first in a day long queue of those looking for notoriety!
For match photos visit www.fidopics.co.uk and click on Euro Hockey Nations tab
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