England lost their second match 3-4 to The Netherlands in an exciting game full of chances. “A great game,” said Jason Lee, the England coach; “I’m frustrated with the result but proud of our contribution.” There were six goals from open play with Billy Bakker scoring three. The Netherlands took the lead in the sixth minute, but England equalised when Alastair Wilson (winning his 100th cap) hammered over a cross which Matt Daly thundered in.
The Netherlands struck twice in the first five minutes of the second half. Taeke Taekema scored from a penalty stroke after a clumsy challenge by Iain Lewers. A marvellous interception by Teun de Nooijer set up Bakker’s second.
Daly reacted sharply to pull one back for England, and after Bakker had completed his hat trick there was still time for Ashley Jackson to score to set up an exciting finale.
Germany became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals when Belgium beat Russia 7-1 with Jerome Dekeyser scoring a hat trick from penalty corners. Earlier Germany beat Spain 3-1. Remarkably there was just the one penalty corner and that was Spain’s. Ireland beat France with John Jermyn scoring both goals from penalty strokes, the first coming when France were down to nine players.
England’s Women play Ireland tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) at 1300 (CET+1) in the last of their Pool B matches.
