The European champions of the Netherlands wins the Europa Cup, in Turin, beating Russia 11-9. Determining the best adaptation to the new rules that change a lot the defensive automatisms, leave much more space for shooting, free the game at 2 meters and make the matches much faster.
Wolves and Megens drag Netherlands into the first two periods. They score 5 of the 6 team goals that allowed the orange teams to go to the change of court on 6-3. Russia, only 1-0 ahead, also suffer in the third half. Van De Kraats and Stomphorst mark two goals for 9-5. In the last period Netherlands manages the advantage. Best scorers Karimova, best event player too, and Megens, MVP of the match, with four goals. The title of best goalkeeper goes to Aarts.
Flash Quotes
Arno Havenga (coach Netherlands): "We are happy for the results of course. We played with discipline against a very good team like Russia, with skilled and fast players. We analysed that and we prepared the match very well".
Alexander Gaidukov (coach Russia): "It was a very tough game for us. We tried to do our best, we started very well but then we missed some good chances. I think Netherlands deserve the victory".
Maud Megens (MVP / Netherlands): "We really played as a team; we tried to set the counter-attack and adapt to the new rules. Russia came close at the end but we finished well. About the tournament I think we played very well in team defense and it was hard to score against us. We did well, looking forward to World League finals".