Women’s EuroHockey Championship II-B (Vienna, Austria) – day 2 round-up
Driven on by a passionate home crowd, Austria began their women’s EuroHockey Championship II-B with a late victory over Switzerland with all the goals arriving in the last eight minutes.
It gave the Vienna hosts three points, level with Poland, while Czechia lead the way after their second successive victory.
After a spirited rendition of the anthem and a final pre-match huddle, the Young Red Foxes settled into a tightly contested encounter but Switzerland defended resolutely as both sides struggled to create clear scoring chances.
The pattern continued after the break, with Austria’s defence, marshalled by Celina Kölbl and Katharina Proksch, keeping Switzerland at bay. Despite another penalty corner opportunity, neither team could find the breakthrough, setting up a tense final quarter.
Austria finally made their pressure count in the 52nd minute. From a corner, Proksch fired home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead and just two minutes later, Victoria Püsche broke clear, kept her composure one-on-one with the goalkeeper and finished clinically.
Switzerland mounted a late comeback and reduced the deficit from a penalty corner in the 59th minute through Tessa Hipp.
The visitors threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Austria stood firm to seal a valuable 2-1 victory and open their account at the tournament.
Earlier, Czechia got their second win as they also left it late to defeat Türkiye 1-0. Sabina Dašková got the only goal from play with five minutes remaining after her side earned 10 corners.
They will enjoy a rest day while Poland face Austria in the only match on Wednesday at 17.45 (CEST).
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