|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
By Rasmus Holm Thomsen The Danish team was met by a fantastic audience at tonight's match against the Ukraine. Well over 4000 people were gathered and played the role of the 8th player on the Danish team against Ukraine and maybe this was exactly what decided the match in Denmark's favour. Despite a nervous start Denmark gained a 5-3 lead 10 minutes into the match. The lead was also due to the well-playing keeper, Karin Mortensen, in the Danish goal. During the first 10 minutes she had several magnificent saves and also saved two penalty shots. The Ukrainian coach, Leonid Ratner, was obviously frustrated and his gestures grew larger and larger as the first half progressed. As did his voice and the amount of insults he threw at the paralysed Ukrainian players. The Danish defence was strong and the much debated co-operation between the two players in the central defence worked particularly well. This created the basis for a series of fast break goals by Josephine Touray in particular. 15 minutes into the first half the good work secured a 5-goal lead at 9-4 to Denmark. Unfortunately, Denmark was unable to keep their edge for the rest of the half. Denmark also made many substitutions towards the end of the half and although the substitute players did well Ukraine slowly reduced the Danish lead. Ukraine managed to control the Danish 9-metre players and suddenly the Ukraine got the fast breaks. Furthermore, the Ukrainian wings must be praised for their efforts and incredible accuracy. The Ukrainian 6-metre player also caused problems for the Danish defence and the Ukraine had reduced the Danish lead to 14-12 at half-time. At the beginning of the second half the Ukraine started taking the initiative, and through the same means as in the first half, namely a good defence and fast breaks, the team succeeded in levelling the score to 17-17 six minutes into the second half. But then Lene Rantala began her one-woman-show totalling 11 saves. Seven of these were on 6-metre shots and a penalty shot! The otherwise well-playing Ukrainian 9-metre players lost their edge and if possible the Ukrainian coach, Leonid Ratner's gestures got even larger than they were in the first half. Mette Vestergaard was dominant in the Danish offence and she took responsibility at crucial times. Otherwise the collective efforts, namely a patient and well thought through offence, secured the Danish victory. Particularly three situations where Denmark was a player down the team played well and showed brilliant combinations that paid off. After the match a calm and collected Ukrainian coach summed up
the match: Danish coach, Jan Pytlick, was particularly satisfied with the
fact that what the Danish team had practiced was a success in the
match. The only thing the Danish coach wasn't happy about was that
the defence wasn't better in the second half. |