EuroHockey
Nations Trophy 2007
Wales v Switzerland
Sunday 9th September 2007
Wales
mens hockey opened their campaign in Portugal hoping to go one better
than they did in Rome two years ago, finishing one place outside
the promotion places with a bronze medal. Success earlier this year
in the NEWI Cup against England and winners of the Celtic Cup were
all part of the preparations.Click on images to see
larger picture. |
 Wales
started well with good possession hockey. Ten minutes
into the game and Wales gained
their first short corner. The Swiss were quick out and charged down
the attempted flick. An immediate counter attack was unsuccessful
but sounded a warning to the Welsh that they were not going to have
it
all their own way. The Swiss slowly got back into the game and Wales
possession was eroding. After 22 minutes the Swiss got their first
short corner and made no mistake in converting and Wales were on the
back foot. Two more corners for the Swiss resulted in a second goal
on the stroke of half time. |
 Wales
immediately pushed the Swiss at the start of the second
half but some wayward passing
and dubious first touches meant Wales did not capitalise and even
three short corners could not be converted. Switzerland were determined
to defend their lead at
all costs and with just over 5
minutes remaining they were given two yellow card to add to a yellow
and a green in the first half. With a two player advantage Wales were
all over the Swiss but could make it count.
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A disappointing
start that means Wales have it all to do. Scotland scraped 1 –
0 win over Ukraine so it is clear that the results cannot be so assured.
Click on images to see larger picture. |
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