England - Poland 5:2 (2:1)

Saturday, 11.08.2007 - 13:00 in Mönchengladbach

The first play-off game for the places 5 – 8

The first game of the day was between England and Poland in the challenge for places 5 - 8. England were in complete control of the situation and won with a three goal lead. Although the Polish team took the lead with a very early goal, it was soon obvious that England was the stronger team. The English were then able to raise the speed of the game and the Polish team seemed to have a problem keeping up with them. Despite this, the English weren’t at first able to take advantage of any of their many chances.

Adam Dixon (END) in Action © hockeyimage.net
 

After they finally scored from a corner in the 19th minute, the fireworks started. Poland on the other hand had considerable problems in front of their opponent’s goal. Despite the inequality of the teams, the Polish were able to counter admirably, but unfortunately their players weren’t able to utilise these opportunities. England constantly increased the pressure and increased their lead in the 27th minute with another corner goal, scored by team captain Chris Pryce. Just before the end of the first half Poland briefly again entered the game, as it seemed that the players didn’t want to go in at half time with this score. But England reacted to this attack and were able to avert any danger.

Karol Majchrzaks (POL) scores after five minutes © hockeyimage.net
 

Right from the start of the second half it was clear that England would again dominate the action. They soon again increased their lead with another corner goal from Chris Pryce. Shortly afterwards England started a counterattack after a Polish penalty corner, the weak Polish defence was caught unprepared and gave away the next goal, scored by the England number 7, David Condon . England seem satisfied with this three goal lead and started to play rather more defensively. Nevertheless Poland were able to force their way into their opponent’s circle and win a corner. Kozlowski converted this with a expert flick. However, England didn’t let that worry them, and with a countermove James Osborn got the next goal for a score of 5:2. The game now finally seemed to have been decided and Poland didn’t even manage to get back into it. Tomorrow the English will line up against the host country Germany and Poland will play Malaysia.

© hockeyimage.net
 

The Polish manager Karol Sniezek observed that his team were certainly very strongly motivated but had played badly. He hoped that the final game against Malaysia would show an improvement and give his team their first points of the tournament. The English coach Bobby Crutchley was very pleased with the victory and the way his team had played, although the hot weather had caused some problems. Their opponents had also been very good in the first half, but had a lot of bad luck. He felt that tomorrow’s game against Germany would be very difficult because their team is older, stronger and more experienced.

Keeper Maciej Dabkiewicz (POL) in "distress" © hockeyimage.net
 

Torschützen/Scorers:
5.'   0:1   M. Poltaszewski
19.'   1:1   A. Dixon (PC)
27.'   2:1   C. Pryce (PC)
39.'   3:1   C. Pryce (PC)
45.'   4:1   D. Condon
57.'   4:2   P. Kozlowski(PC)
58.'   5:2   J. Osborn

Strafecken/Penalty Corners:
England 5 (3 Tore/goals)
Poland/Polen 3 (1 Tor/goal)

Schiedsrichter/Umpires:
VARDHAN, Gandham H. (IND)
SINGH, Daljit (MAL)

« Home

» Matchreport (pdf)

» Liveticker

» No video

» Pictures of the match