GB secures third place in FIH Pro League despite shootout loss to Germany. © Twitter (@GBHockey)
The thrilling encounter between Great Britain and Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League on June 28, 2024, at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, provided a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite a shootout loss to Germany, Great Britain secured a vital point from the draw, elevating them to third place in the league standings, surpassing Argentina.
Match Highlights Germany vs Great Britain
Final Score Germany 3 – 3 Great Britain (SO: 4 – 2)
The match began with an intense tempo, showcasing the skills and determination of both teams. In the second minute, Great Britain’s Sam Ward unleashed a sharp shot, only to be denied by a spectacular dive from Germany’s goalkeeper, Jean-Paul Danneberg. Just a minute later, Germany’s Niklas Wellen stunned the crowd with a sensational first-time reverse shot, giving Germany an early lead.
Great Britain responded swiftly. In the 15th minute, Phil Roper exhibited his exceptional aerial skills to equalize for GB. The momentum swung in favour of Great Britain when Ward converted a penalty stroke in the 21st minute, edging GB ahead. However, Wellen struck back for Germany with a decisive penalty corner goal, ensuring the teams were level at halftime.
As the second half began, Great Britain capitalized on Germany’s defensive lapse. Liam Sanford delivered a magnificent pass through the center channel to a diving Ward, who deflected the ball into the net, restoring GB’s lead. The British side appeared dominant, but Danneberg’s crucial saves kept Germany in contention.
With just three minutes remaining, Gonzalo Peillat scored from a penalty corner, bringing Germany back into the game. The match concluded in a 3-3 draw, leading to a nerve-wracking shootout. Germany maintained their composure, winning the shootout 4-2 and preserving their unbeaten shootout record in the tournament.
Player of the Match: Niklas Wellen (Germany)
Women’s Match Netherlands vs Belgium
Final Score: Netherlands 2 – 1 Belgium
In a separate electrifying contest, the Netherlands women’s team bounced back from their previous defeat to Belgium, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory in front of a passionate home crowd.
The Dutch team started with intent, and it took just six minutes for Yibbi Jansen to convert a penalty corner, giving the Netherlands an early lead. Dominating possession and territory, the Netherlands continued to press, with Jansen scoring her second goal from a recycled penalty corner.
Belgium, however, refused to back down. Stephanie Vanden Borre’s penalty corner goal in the 41st minute reignited Belgium’s hopes. The final quarter saw the Red Panthers applying relentless pressure, but the Dutch defence held firm. In a dramatic final minute, Belgium’s penalty corner appeal was overturned by a successful Dutch review, sealing the victory for the Netherlands.
Player of the Match: Xan de Waard (Netherlands)
Top Scorer Armband
The FIH introduced the Top Scorer Armband to celebrate the season’s leading goal-scorers. This armband serves as a badge of honour for players to wear proudly throughout the season.
Current Top Scorers:
- Women: Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands) with 19 goals
- Men: Jip Janssen (Netherlands) with 15 goals
To sum up
The matches on June 28 showcased the high-octane action and dramatic finishes that have become synonymous with the FIH Hockey Pro League. Great Britain’s men demonstrated resilience and skill, securing a crucial point to climb to third place, while the Netherlands women’s team exhibited their class and determination to overcome Belgium.
