England – Portugal
Match 2 Tuesday 12th Oct

Following yesterdays disappointing performance against the hosts Italy, England were prepared to take the game to Portugal, in a game that has historically been a difficult encounter. The previous days experience had not prepared this relatively inexperienced team for what was to come.

Starting with a tight box, England started strong with Ash in goal, led by Alex, Scott, Johnny and Damarus, early pressure from the attacking players caused Portugal to concede early possession and commit early fouls. England came close with a couple of attempts on goal, only to be punished with strong counter attacks by this fast paced Portuguese team. Damarus was strong in defence but the speed of the Portuguese finally broke the deadlock when England failed to pick up the spare man in the middle of the box who turned and placed an accurate shot past the England Keeper.

As the Portuguese stepped up the pace England tired and made early changes, George for Alex, Ed for Johnny, it was difficult for the new players to adjust to the pace of the game. We always looked a foot slower than the Portuguese, second to the ball on a number of occasions.
Another change brought Steven into the game and a clever interplay between Scott and Steven could have produced the first goal of the tournament for the English had the shot been stronger. Paul Colton later emphasised that at this level of hockey, you may only get one chance and when it comes you have to step up and take the chance.

England continued to persevere with the Box but were always a step behind, box not tight enough and the Portuguese were able to find holes in the defence. Four down and England made the change in keeper bringing Dan on for Ash.

England were struggling with the Box against such mobile, fast opposition and at the time out Paul changed the system to man to man. We looked a different side, although not first to the ball and failing to clear rebounds we looked a much better side. This gave the team the chance to compete at the highest level employing this style of play and for periods we matched the Portuguese, Scott had an excellent game, Alex came close to scoring and George looked more comfortable with this more open style of play.

As the players tired, Paul managed to rotate the outfield players, all of the team were able to experience this style of play and they all benefited from the experience. Damarus and Scott were strong in defence, Johnny and Alex were tireless in the effort to try to break the deadlock, Josh came on and played some clever passes with Alex and Johnny.

Final score ran out at 25-0 Danny was exhausted, all of the players, although defeated were upbeat after a positive performance, bring on the Germans!

Nic Pay

Viareggio

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Reporter: Gordon Morrison