England's women reached the final of the TriFinance EuroHockey
Championship after beating Olympic champions Netherlands in a penalty
shoot-out.
The teams finished regulation time at 1-1 and England
held their nerve to win the shoot out, which went to sudden death, 3-2
with Alex Danson (twice) and Helen Richardson on target.
England's
keeper Maddie Hinch made four stunning saves to seal the victory after
performing heroics in thwarting the penalty corner threat of Maartje
Paumen and Eva de Goede during the game.
However, England's
triumph was marred by an injury to Sally Walton, who was stretchered off
late in the game with a serious leg injury.
England weathered the blitz of six penalty corners for the Dutch in the opening quarter and two more before half time.
The
deadlock was broken in the 40th minute when a cross by Walton was
turned into her goal by a Dutch defender under pressure from Lily
Owsley.
Twelve minutes later de Goede equalised with a backhand shot and both teams were unsuccessful with late corners.
In
Saturday's final England will face Germany, who beat Belgium 2-0 in a
penalty shoot-out after the Germans equalised at 2-2 in the 68th minute.
England's
men face a tough challenge when they meet Belgium in Friday's
semi-final. The tournament hosts are playing way above their world
ranking (ninth) and topped their pool unbeaten after beating Olympic
champions Germany 2-1 in their opening game.
