Penultimate Day at the 2015 Worlds of Rink Hockey

Classification Games

Great Britain 1 — 7 Colombia

In the classification games, England meets Colombia. The South Americans perfectly negotiate the game. They have a 3-point lead at the end of the first half and score 4 more points in the second half. The Britons manage to save face in second period.

Netherlands 9 — 3 South Africa

Still in the classification games, the Netherlands dispose of South Africa with a score of 9 to 3. The Netherlands will meet Colombia for the 13th place game. As for South Africa, they will face the Britons for the 15th place.

Angola 3 — 2 Brazil

The 3rd game of the day features Angola and Brazil. One may have expected a clearer domination from the Angolans after their performances in group games, but with the physical tiredness, they beat Brazil by only 1 point.
Brazil will meet Austria for the 11th place game.

Switzerland 5 — 2 Austria

The game may have been more balanced but the Swiss players show to be more opportunistic and realistic than the Austrians. In the end, they score 5 goals against 2 for the Autrians.
On Saturday, Switzerland will battle with Angola for the 9th place.

Mozambique 2 — 5 Italy

While the first period is at the advantage of Mozambique with a 2-goal lead, the second period witnesses a burst of pride on the Italian side with 5 goals in a row, by Tataranni, Pagnini, Montoran and Amato. The Italians will meet the French in the 5th place game.

Semi-finals

Spain 6 — 2 Germany

The first semi-final of the day is between the current world champion, Spain, and their German little brother. The game could have been a bit of a David and Goliath situation, but against all odds Germany opens the scores, with a goal by Hages. It doesn’t take long for Spain to retaliate with two goals by Bargallo. Perreira enables Germany to tie. The Spanish are not easily taken in and take off again, with two more goals by Lamaras and Jordi.

Scores at the break: 4-2 for Spain

Back from the break, Spain pushes but struggles to bump up the bill. Both goalies make impressive performances during the game. Spain finally adds two new goals (by Lamas and Gual) to their score.
Spain will play against Argentina in Final, while Germany and Portugal will fight for the 3rd place.

Argentina 5 — 2 Portugal

The two nations fight neck and neck in a very physical first period. Only the Argentineans manage to score, with a goal by Garcia.
Back from the break, Portugal catches up on the score thanks to Nunes. Argentina gets a penalty, allowing Nunes to score again. Portugal takes the advantage for a few minutes.
But it is without taking into account the determination of Argentina who scores 3 times, by Ordonez, Nicolia and Garcia. Nicolia has a great game, dribbling around several opponents before scoring.

France 3 — 2 Chile: To the golden goal

A sudden-death overtime was needed to decide between France and Chile. The winner will play the 5th place game against Italy.
The two teams lack realism in the first part of the period. France gets a blue card for Sébastien Furstenberger. Herman takes his place on the court. Carmona scores the first Chilean goal. The French get a second blue card, again converted by Carmona.

Score at the break: 0-2 for Chile

Back on the court, France doesn’t manage to convert, failing at a direct foul shot on the 10th Chilean penalty. The Chilean also miss several occasions to widen the score gap.
France scores its first goal. One minute before the end, Chile gets a blue card that enables Anthony Weber to score for France.
The two teams are tie at the end of the regulation game time, and the game goes on through overtime. France does its 10th penalty, offering an occasion to Chile. The French goalie stops the shots. The French have the opportunity of a penalty shot but don’t convert it. Rémy Herman will manage to free France only in second part of the overtime.

Make way for the finals!

Useful links

Our page on the 2015 World Championships of Rink Hockey

Website of the 2015 World Championships of Rink Hockey

By TeamReL
Translation: Chloe Seyres
Photos : organisation