2014 Euro Rink Hockey: Italy on top of Europe

A little bit of maths

There were two determining games for the Squadra Azzura. They had to beat France to be on the second step of the podium and maybe reach the highest step. The tie game between Portugal and Spain enabled Italy to get the gold.

Italy 5 – 4 France

Italy and France played a game full of twist and turns on the last day of competition in Alcobendas. The two teams were keen to win it, Italy to secure their medal and France to end a tough championship on a happy note.

For almost half of the game, France led, shaking the Italian team. They scored twice with Cirilo Garcia and Florent David, and twice Italy caught up.
At the beginning of the second period, Carlo Di Benedetto gave more room to the French in scoring two goals. One may have thought that the hardest part was done but Italy counter attacked within 5 minutes with Motaran (3-4) and Tataranni, who scored twice in a row (5-4). Despite their attempts, the French didn’t manage to tie before the final whistle blow.

Spain 6 – 6 Portugal

The enemy brothers did a thrilling game that will go down in the history of rink hockey. Italy, Spain and Portugal are not about to forget it!
Spain had to win at all costs to hope keeping their European title. Portugal knew that winning meant getting the silver. Spain’s overconfidence may have cost them the gold.
João Rodriguez opened the score for Portugal after 3 minutes. 1 minute later, Ricardo Barreiros brought the gap to 0-2. It took 5 more minutes to Spain to open their score with Gual on a direct penalty (1-2). No more goals were scored until the break.
In second period, Petro Gil tied (2-2) before Diogo Rafael (2-3) gave the lead back to Portugal. 30 seconds later, Jorge Silva swelled the score for Portugal (2-4). Costa reduced the gap for Spain (3-4) and Pedro Gil finalized the catch up (4-4). After 2 minutes, Luis Viana enabled Portugal to keep their lead (4-5). The Clash of the Titans went on with another Portuguese goal by João Rodriguez (4-6). Luckily, Spain could count on their star Pegro Gil to catch up again, with an amazing double (6-6). Pedro Gil scored 4 goals out of 6 for Spain in that game.

Germany 6 – 2 Switzerland

The Mannschaft controlled the game against Switzerland, who didn’t manage to win a single game during those European Championships.
The Germans opened the score first, with Robin Schulz after 8 minutes (1-0). Pascal Kissling brought the two teams to a tie on a direct penalty (1-1).
Just before the end of the first period, Sergio Pareira and Kevin Karschau scored two more goals in favor of Germany (3-1). Back from the break, Milewski added a 4th goal. In a surge of pride, Michel Matter reduced the gap (4-3) to start catching up… if it hadn’t been for Lucas Karschau’s double, definitely sealing the game.

With that victory, Germany takes the 4th place at the general ranking of the competition.

Summary of the games in figures

Spain 6 – 6 Portugal

First Period

• 02.51 João Rodrigues (Portugal, 0-1)
• 04.04 Ricardo Barreiros (Portugal, 0-2)
• 09.12 Marc Gual (Spain, direct penalty, 1-2)

Second Period

• 03.25 Pedro Gil (Spain, 2-2)
• 11.05 Diogo Rafael (Portugal, 2-3)
• 11.38 Jorge Silva (Portugal, 2-4)
• 12.05 Xavi Costa (Spain, 3-4)
• 12.30 Pedro Gil (Spain, 4-4)
• 14.45 Luis Viana (Portugal, direct penalty, 4-5)
• 14.56 João Rodrigues (Portugal, 4-6)
• 18.36 Pedro Gil (Spain, 5-6)
• 19.38 Pedro Gil (Spain, 6-6)

Germany 6 – 2 Switzerland

First Period

• 08.04 Robin Schulz (Germany)
• 13.14 Pascal Kissling (faute directe, Switzerland)
• 16.59 Sergio Pereira (Germany)
• 19.38 Kevin Karschau (Germany)

Second Period

• 05.04 Kai Milewski (Germany)
• 07.01 Michel Matter (Switzerland)
• 28.35 Lucas Karschau (Germany)
• 29.33 Lucas Karschau (Germany)

Useful links

Complete results

Texte : Alfathor
Photos : Marzia Cattini