Portugal take gold in ParaHockey Final

Gold medal: Portugal v Netherlands 1-0

Bronze medal: Germany v Italy (both teams share bronze)

Italy faced Germany in the bronze medal match while Netherland were up against Portugal in the European ParaHockey Championships final. Four mixed teams, with seven players per side, playing on half the pitch at the Lee Vallley Hockey and Tennis Centre – the stage was set for two fiercely competitive and high quality games.

In the bronze medal match between Italy and Germany, the energetic Stefano Castilo of Italy came closest to scoring for Italy in the opening half of the game but the awareness of Justin Starke in the German goal kept the score level.

While Italy were enjoying the greater possession, with Dimitri Milana and Riccardo Volpi very busy marshalling the midfield, the structured play of the German team meant they always looked likely to break and score.

The Netherlands enjoyed some good breakaway chances on the other pitch in their gold medal match against Portugal, but it was actually Portugal, through Eduardo Sa, who nearly scored the first goal of the match. The combined defensive doggedness of goalkeeper Onno van Alberda and Sanne Kalf – one of two Dutch female players more than holding their own against male opposition – kept the team in green at bay.

Both matches were goalless at half time, but not for any lack of endeavour on the part of any of the teams. Despite the rain, the crowd were vociferous and the play end-to end.

The Netherlands, spear-headed by Bob Burghouwt, made an energetic start to the second half and were awarded the first penalty corner of the tournament. Patrick Liethof saw his hard shot fizz past the post of ‘keeper Amandio Araujo.

Shortly after, Portugal also won a penalty corner, but the attacking force was unable to make in-roads past a firm Netherlands defence. However, just seconds later Portugal’s only female player, Patricia Saraiva, popped up in front of the Netherland’s goal and slotted home the first goal of the day to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.

On the other pitch, as full-time approached, Jan Kleinatland came close for Germany, his mazy dribble leaving the opposition chasing shadows. The ‘keeper Damiani Luciano was up to the challenge offered by the German midfielder.

As time ticked on, Germany and Italy ended their match in a 0-0 draw, while a late, sole goal was the difference in the gold medal match between Netherlands and Portgual.

Speaking after the game, the Portugal coach Hugo Santos said: “My players have never played on a pitch like this before, they feel like true Olympians, which they all are. They are very emotional and they did a great job. They have challenges in their everyday lives and this will give them huge self-confidence.”