Netherlands will face Russia in the final of the Europa Cup. In the second semifinal she beats Italy 17-11. The Dutch - defeated by the Setterosa twice in the preliminary round - have always been ahead, reaching five times the maximum advantage of 6 goals (13-7, 14-8, 15-9, 16-10, 17-11). Italy will play against Hungary in the final for third place.
Megens' penalty shot and a sketch shot are worth the first extension of the match (4-2), shortened by Bianconi's 4-3, to her 300th caps in the national team, which sends the game to the second period. Netherlands reaches +4 with two goals of Keuning, that marks before from 2m and then from perimeter. Italy mistakes a lot in extramen (1/7) and misses a penalty shooted by Chiappini on 4-8. Netherlands increases gap to 9-4, 10-5, 11-6 and 13-7 with two goals in a row from Van De Kraats. In the last period Italy has not been able to decreases its liabilities for back in the match. Best scorers Keuning and Megens with 4 goals. The MVP title goes to Van De Kraats with three goals.
Flash Quotes
Fabio Conti (coach Italy): "We have to adapt to the new rules, today we took too many exclusions and penalties against. I think we played well in the first part of the match, but Netherlands went on playing with high intensity until the end".
Arno Havenga (coach Netherlands): "We are happy for the result and we are very satisfied for the performance of the team. We made some mistakes in defense but we will analyze them watching the video of the match".