Press releases

MINSK, 22 January (BelTA) – Belarus defeated Germany 4-3 in the 2016 EuroHockey Indoor Championships opener on 22 January, BelTA informs.

Captain Rita Batura, Yulia Kurganskaya, Nadezhda Selitskaya and Krestina Popkova scored for Belarus.

Germany is one of the world’s best indoor hockey teams ranked second in the International Hockey Federation. At the European championships in 2012 Germany beat Belarus 5-1. Two years later they lost to the Netherlands in the final.

The results for the rest matches of the first round are as follows: in Pool A, the Netherlands whitewashed Poland 9-0, while the Czech Republic blanked Belgium 5-0. In Pool B, Ukraine routed Austria 6-1, and Belarus edged Germany 4-3.

The matches of the second round will take place later on 22 January. Poland will take on Belgium (16.00 Minsk time), the Czech Republic will go against the Netherlands (17.10). In Pool B, Austria will face Germany (18.20), and Belarus will play Ukraine (19.45). 23 January will feature matches of the third round.

Two best teams from each group will advance into the semifinal which is to be played late on 23 January. Medal games will be held on 24 January. Following the continental forum six teams will earn the right for the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in Rosario, Argentina.