Scotland qualifies for ESB Electric Ireland FIH Champions Challenge I
The women’s hockey team of Scotland emerged victorious over Azerbaijan by a single goal, 3-2 in the knockout game and booked a spot in the semi-final round of the ESB Electric Ireland FIH Champions Challenge I. The match was played on June 23, 2011 at University
College Dublin in Ireland.
The Scottish team has a better track record as compared to Azerbaijan, as it won a single game besides drawing another two. On the other hand, Azerbaijan won a single game and lost two.
It is vital to mention here that Emine Muzaffarova of Azerbaijan was not part of the squad that battled against Scotland. She was suspended for one match owing to misbehaviour in the round match against the Spanish team.
Despite the fact the Scottish women have superiority in the points. They failed to dominate the team of Azerbaijan in the opening minutes of the game. The beginning period was filled with to-and-fro attacks. However, none of the teams succeeded to down the
either side. It seemed that Scotland and Azerbaijan teams had equated their attacks and defences.
In results of the fast and furious game, the women’s team of Azerbaijan earned a short-corner in the 10th minute of the match. Khatira Aliyeva was the player who executed a well- organised hit that moved enormously into the Scottish goal.
The opening goal stirred up the attack of Scotland and they started more offensive style of game. In a matter of eight minutes, the Scottish team created first short-corner and tested Alisa Wyllie. No doubt she was at her best and struck the shot comfortably
into the Azerbaijan goal and levelled the game at 1-1.
It was the only offence from the two sides and both teams moved forward into second half with holding a 1-1 dead-lock with them to the sidelines. The second round was unfolded with both the squads struggling in search of leading goal.
With seven minutes into the period, Holly Cram converted a short-corner and put Scotland ahead onto the score-board. It was the score that boosted the players from Scotland and they started cautious style of play. In the 48th minute of the match,
Ali Bell of Scotland managed to take the ball at the top of the circle and unleashed it into the goal-bars increasing the lead up to two goals.
In order to make a return into the game, the Azerbaijan team struggled hard but could only score one goal in the hands of Jhoi Eunyoung in the 52nd minute of the match. As the time finished, the Scottish women won the game and reached the semi-final
round.
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