Portugal secured a place in the final of the Women’s European Roller Hockey Championship by defeating Italy 4-3, and will now discuss the trophy with Spain on Saturday (7:30 pm).
The semi-final, held in Paredes, had as great protagonist Marlene Sousa, author of a hat trickwith Raquel Santos also marking by the Portuguese whole. The game, however, was not easy: Italy even led 2-0 with goals from Emma Cazzola (9 ‘) and Matilde Ghirardello (10’), but Marlene Sousa reduced the difference by just 33 seconds (11 ‘), setting the draw before the break.
In the second half, Ghirardello returned to the Italians ahead (36 ‘), but Raquel Santos responded two minutes later and Marlene Sousa signed the decisive goal at 46’, ensuring the Portuguese victory at the Rota dos Furniture pavilion in Lordelo.
In the other final, Spain confirmed its superiority by beating France 6-0, highlighting Gema Solé (2 goals) and Aimée Blackman, and in the second half Marta Piquero scored twice, adding to María Sanjurjo.
In the classification games, Germany beat the Netherlands 11-0 and will play fifth with Switzerland, which defeated England 5-2. Already the seventh place will be decided between the dye and outer. All final meetings are scheduled for Saturday.
Related reading
,autocrop(1200:630))
