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World number 15 Ireland eves overcame a scratchy start against 37th ranked Czech Republic in the third women’s Hockey World League Round 2 tournament, which got underway in the Spanish city of Valencia.
The Irish were in for a rude shock against the unfancied Czech Republic, who triggered joy in their camp taking an early lead through Monika Kostalova, who capitalized on a defensive lapse.
Ireland women pressed hard for the equalizer and forced a slew of penalty corners and wasted a few of them before finally converting one in the 17th minute through Lisa Jacob. Pumped up by the equalizer, Ireland played to their strengths and started raiding the Czech citadel, which came under pressure.
Aine Connery gave the Irish eves the lead just before the half-time hooter was blown.
Ireland looked more incisive in the second half. Audrey O’Flynn made it 3-1 two minutes into the half making the most of a penalty corner. The women in green held sway of the proceedings making it tough for Czech Republic to breach the Irish defence.
Nicola Gray literally put the contest beyond Czech Republic scoring the fourth goal as the much-fancied side shrugged off their early blues.
In another match, world number 17 Italy frittered away a winning half-time lead before battling hard to get past the 21st ranked Belarus.
Italy led 2-1 at half-time before Belarus restored parity in the second half to stretch the contest into penalty shootout. Italy won the shootout 3-1 to glean two points from this match.
Italy started on a bullish note keeping the Belarus defence busy. The Italians struck in the 16th minute through Alissia Padalino.
Italy consolidated their position when Guiuliana Ruggieri doubled the lead five minutes from the first half hooter.
Belarus was in no mood to throw in the towel. They quickly bounced back when Yukiya Mikheichyk sounded the board in the final minute of the first half.
Belarus attacked in waves in the second half even as Italy were forced to soak up all the pressure.
Natilla Stsifutkina gave Belarus a lifeline, making it 2-2 pushing the contest into penalty shootout.
Italy showed nerves of steel in the penalty shootout, pipping Belarus 3-1.
It may be mentioned here that the first and second women’s Hockey World League Round 2 tournaments were held in Cape Town and New Delhi.
South Africa and Belgium qualified for Round 3 from the first women’s Round 2 tournament, while India and Japan made the cut from the second women’s Round 2 tournament.
