Spain opened the Qatar Airways Euro Nations Championship in Manchester with a flattering 4-1 victory against Ukraine in the opening game of the women‘s tournament. Spanish captain Silvia Munoz had opened the scoring in the second minute at a penalty corner. The Spanish went further ahead at another corner although their defence then lost their composure and allowed Ukraine to get back into the game with a splendidly taken goal five minutes from the interval. Only brave saves from the Spanish goalkeeper Maria Jesus Rosa prevented the Ukrainians from going into the interval on terms. The second half was very much one-way traffic. Spanish coach, Pablo Usoz said after the game: “It was important to start the Championship with a win in the first game. We got off to a good start and the goal came upon us quickly. I was very pleased with the second half performance”.
The importing of five Koreans following alleged ‘marriages of convenience’ did nothing to prevent a humiliating defeat as Germany ran out 7-1 winners against Azerbaijan. Asked about the inclusion of the Koreans Azerbaijan’s Pakistani coach Tahir Zaman said: “The girls from Korea are in Azerbaijan to promote hockey in the country. They are playing for the ATA Sports Club in Baku to promote League hockey as well as play for Azerbaijan and will be continuing to play for their club for another 10 months.” The ATA club recently listed Indian girls in the European Club Championship but did not in the end play them. Responding to the suggestion that the Koreans had married in Azerbaijan in order to get qualification to play in the tournament Zaman said: “That’s a personal matter in their private lives and not an issue for the coach.”
England made a confident start beating Ireland 3-0 in a skilful and well-contested match which was effectively decided in a crucial five-minute spell just before half time. Leading from an 18th minute goal by Alex Danson (pictured celebrating her goal) England were indebted to goalkeeper Beth Storry for a stunning save to deny Nikki Symons whose flicked penalty corner looked destined to equalise. Within two minutes England went 2-0 ahead. Christa Cullen deliberatively under hit a penalty corner shot for Lucilla Wright to deflect into goal.
From that point England looked in little danger with the defence of Anne Panter, Kate Walsh, Cullen and Mel Clewlow well in command. Danson might have scored again but had a good effort saved by Mary Goode. There was nothing Goode could do about England’s third goal. With three minutes left a dazzling run by Kerry Williams created a simple chance for Cathy Gilliat-Smith.
In the last game of the day there were no surprises when the Dutch women easily overcame Italy 8-1 with goals from Paumen, Agliotti(2), Mulder(2), Booij(2) and Van As. The Italian scorer was Francesca Faustini.
The men open their tournament tomorrow (Sunday). England meet Belgium at mid-day
