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WHU News Room >
14 September 2005 (PR21/05)
WALES SECURE A PLACE AT THE
TOP
With one win and a substantial defeat Belarus were a somewhat
unknown quantity as they faced Wales in the final group game.
The Belarusian’s defeat at the hands of the Irish was on the
back of a bus journey from Minsk and their win over Russia a
more reflective result.
Wales required only a draw to secure a place in the semi-finals
but to move into the top half with confidence a win was
important. From the outset Belarus were clearly going to make
the most of the counterattack and some accurate midfield strikes
found forwards in good attacking positions. However the Welsh
defence were more than up to the task and on the rare occasion
they threatened the Welsh goalkeeper George Harris held firm.
Belarus clearly did not want to give away a short corner and
worked hard outside the D to this end. However after a number of
clumsy tackles inside the twenty-five Wales finally got the
decision. Oliver Cooper needed no further invitation and his
fourth goal of the tournament came from his third drag flick
giving Wales the lead.
The second half commenced in 30 degrees with both sides feeling
the heat. The game now seemed to turn with Wales finding their
forwards on the break with Belarus pushing forward in numbers.
With this Belarus gained four short corners but George Harris
was on top form and kept a clean sheet. At the whistle Wales won
1 – 0 and secured a place in the top half of the draw. With
Ireland beating Russia 4 – 1 Wales finish in second place and
will meet the winners of pool B which is currently held by Czech
Republic.
[ends]
For information regarding the Welsh Hockey Union, please contact
Chris Brewer on 029 2057 3945 or 07976 982092
Please note: Information published in news
stories was correct at the time of publication. Information,
circumstances and data may have chance since.
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