Netherlands v Ireland

Netherlands (5) v Ireland (3)

The Netherlands emerged as the winner in a match that saw two different styles, while the winner was nimble and focussed on a team play, the Irish team members were powerfully built and very physical and not surprisingly managed many attempts but it seemed to lack clear focus.

The match begun with a gold scored by Ireland within half a second from start, but The Dutch team's retaliation came a minute later. Iraland scored again on 1.27 minutes, but its lead lasted only two minutes as the Dutch team scored once more on a penalty.

Ireland's physical style ultimately cost the expulsion of a player on the fifth minute of the first half, which ended with The Netherlands leading albeit only by one goal.

In the second part of the match the same pattern emerged, while the Dutch played as a team elegantly and confidently passing the ball to each other, their counterparts became more and more nervous.

The match ended with The Netherlands leading by 3 goals and winning a place in the semifinals of the Hus Forbi Trophy.

Cecilia Valente