A stone’s throw from the glory

Will be Netherlands able to stop the Britain ride towards Division I? A beautiful scenario welcomes the two teams when take the ice at Eindhoven arena, coloured in blue and orange. Coach Chris Eimers has Nardo Nagtzaam back in the roster, all dressed also for Peter Russell with Ben Bowns and Martijn Oosterwijk in the cages. British goal starts his working day rebounding a close-range shot by Houkes after two minutes, one before to pick up the puck from the net, beaten by a precise conclusion by Steve Mason while the orange side of the arena erupted. At 04:01 it’s time for the British fans to celebrate when Paul Swindlehurst finds the net for the immediate draw. Netherlands try to react but Great Britain seems to be able to control the game and punch the opponent at the right moment, as at 09:24 when Chris Blight receives from Peacock, enters in the attacking zone and beats Oosterwijk. Another chance for Holland with a dangerous shot by Van Lijden and another goal by Great Britain with Craig Peacock, the third in 12 minutes, enough to replace the dazed Oosterwijk with Ian Meierdres. The rest of period is a sterile attempt to trouble Bowns, without any real danger.

The central period is really confused, both teams are on ice without a real plot, the puck flies from one side to another: in 10 minutes the only chance is for Jonathan Phillips alone in front of Meierdres but the goalie doesn’t take the bait. Neither a power play situation for each helps to raise the level of 20 minutes dull.

Last period sees a shot from the blue by Demelinne deflected with difficult by Bowns after two minutes and a good save by Meierdres on Blight, in two minutes almost twice the number of chances of the second period. At 5 another chance for Van Lijden, well blocked by Bowns, while two minutes after is Meierdres to brilliantly stop Matthew Myers. After another great save y Meierdres on Dowd, Netherlands scores the second goal with a nice fourth line move: the good work of Julian Van Lijden results in a pass for Erik Tummers, assist for the decisive deflection by Levi Houkes. Pushed by the fans home team pressures the British and has a good chance at 58 with Kevin Bruijsten, saved by Bowns and a gigantic one with Van Lijen on an incredible mistake by Richardson, but again Bowns denies. Eimers pull the goalie for the final assault. With 20 seconds to go Boxill receives 2 minutes for delaying the game but Netherlands can’t shoot on goal for the brave attitude of British defense.

Netherlands celebrate Levi Houkes goal, too late

Capital and maybe decisive victory for Great Britain, with just a game to play. Netherlands fights bravely against a better opponent: lacked a better style of game for Eimers guys

MVP: Jordy van Oorschot – Jonathan Phillips

Tweets by @eurohockey