22nd ANC 2007 Day 5 Report
The third week of the Group stages started at Knox City on Saturday 17th.
In the first match of the day in Group 2, Seychelles and Portugal fought out an exciting 2-2 draw. Seychelles needed to win and hope that Australia lost to Mauritius in the last game of the day to advance to the Quarter-finals and twice they led. However, twice, poor defending gave up that lead and they were unable to snatch the victory that was needed to put the pressure on Australia.
In the next game, Hong Kong made amends for poor performances in the first two weeks to beat pointless Hungary 9-2. After conceding the first two gaols, Hong Kong made a remarkable recovery to go into the interval level. From there they scored regularly with Kim grabbing three of the goals.
The third match, in Group 1, was a do or die affair for both England and Poland. England definitely needed a win whereas Poland might have got through on a draw and a favourable result in the other game. In the end, it was the Polish team that was victorious by 3 goals to 2. Poland took the lead through Lewski, only for a Hockless penalty to send the sides into the break on level terms. Poland looked to have sealed the game with two second half goals but England got a goal back through a second penalty from Waite and they had a certain goal stopped on the line before time ran out on their challenge.
The last game of the day, in Group 2, was also the best game of the day. The fancied Mauritius side beat Australia 4-2 but not without a scare or two. Australia were the better side early and missed a golden opportunity when they were awarded a penalty. Therese, in the Mauritius goal made a fine save and then went on to keep his side in the game with two more point blank stops. Mauritius then took the lead through Roberts but Australia came back to equalise. Mauritius regained the lead on the stroke of half time and then Thierry Boi increased the lead. Gladwyn Roberts scored his second to make it 4-1 before Australia pulled a goal back near the end.
Games on Sunday 18th: Holland v Scotland, Chile v Romania, Serbia v Macedonia, Albania v Bosnia.
Next Saturday 24th, in the Quarter-finals, Mauritius plays the Runner-up in Group 1 at 2.00, whilst Australia plays the Winner of Group 1 at 12.00 |
