Monchengladbach — France were playing their first men’s EuroHockey semi-final for 55 years. The Dutch ran out for their 19th in a row since the first EuroHockey in 1970.
But for large swathes of this ticket to the final, an Oranje advancement was far from certain. It took a bookended double from Jip Janssen in the second and 57th minute to tip the balance, as France again showed why they deserved a semi-final tilt.
Thierry Brinkmann had doubled the Netherlands lead before the French went for deft PC brillance over Victor Charlet power to keep the match alive until the closing stages. They were helped by another excellent display from goalkeeper Corentin Saunier.
It was a stunningly well-worked routine, a four-way move ending with a Francois Goyet deflection. Janssen’s PC hit and celebration salute gave the Dutch welcome breathing space to set up a third EuroHockey final in a row.
They will play the winners of host Germany and Spain later on Thursday.
England set for sixth place
How to describe the match that played out between England men and Belgium on Thursday: a glorified EuroHockey encounter with fifth place at stake and no relegation?
It was a match both nations didn’t have in mind. With Belgium failing to medal for the first time since EuroHockey 2015 and conjecture in the Red Lions camp, Shane Macleod’s side rallied to win 2-1 and fifth place in their sights.
For England, they are set to match their worst record since finishing sixth at the 2005 EuroHockey. The players looked understandably dejected at the end during lengthy team huddles as the Dutch and French teams took to the field for a semi-final they had hoped to be partaking in.
It took a double save from James Mazarelo from a first corner sighting from Alexander Hendrickx to keep the scores level.
Two minutes later a central pass into the circle fed Thibeau Stoekbroekx, who netted a fierce, rising and tellingly accurate reverse.
England’s plight deepened when Tom Sorsby limped off. With James Albery back from concussion, England could have been down to a squad of 16.
England’s only PC chance of the first quarter broke down. But there was enough time for Sam Ward to equalize after his baseline cross was turned in by Tom Boon.
A succession of PCs finally paid off for Belgium as Boon whipped a flick home for their first points since ousting Austria 10-1.
England play Austria in their last pool game on Saturday lunchtime.
