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Olympic gold medallists Germany eased past Czech Republic 3-0 to reach the men’s semi-finals of the TriFinance Eurohockey championship being played in the Belgium city of Boom.
The world number one side took the lead in the eight minute through Mats Grambusch. Germany then extended the lead close to half-time when Oscar Deecke, who turned out for Delhi Waveriders in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, rattled the Czech cage.
Marco Miltkau struck early for the black-and-white brigade in the second half to put the issue beyond doubt. The Germans now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Friday as it finished second behind Belgium in Pool A.
Belgium topped Pool A despite a 2-2 draw against Spain. They had earlier surprised Germany 2-1.
The Netherlands crushed Poland 12-0 to top Pool B. England completed the semi-final line-up, forging a 2-2 draw with Ireland to finish second in Pool B.
England now take on Belgium in the second semi-final on Friday.
In the women’s section, Netherlands drubbed Belarus 7-0 to maintain its winning streak in Pool A en route to the semi-finals. The Dutch eves now face Belgium in the semi-finals – the Red Panthers humbled Ireland 3-0 in their final league tie.
Germany topped Pool B sailing past Spain 2-0 and face England in the semi-finals – the English eves got past Scotland 2-1 in their last league tie.
The inaugural men’s EuroHockey championship was held in Brussels in 1970, where Germany cornered glory. The inaugural women’s EuroHockey championship was held in Lille in 1984, where the Netherlands annexed the crown.
Both Germany and Netherlands have dominated the EuroHockey championships in the men’s and women’s sections respectively.
Germany have won it seven times, with the Netherlands have done so on three occasions. Spain have won the crown twice, while England have won it only once.
Netherlands women have won the EuroHockey championship a whopping eight times. Germany and England have won it only once.
