After two stunning matches in Rotterdam on Saturday, we now know that the Final of the 2008-09 Euro Hockey League competition will be played between defending champions UHC Hamburg of Germany and Dutch side HC Bloemendaal. Nearly 5000 people packed into the venue at H.C. Rotterdam to watch the Semi Final matches, which saw UHC Hamburg secure a 3-2 victory over KHC Leuven of Belgium before HC Bloemendaal killed of the host club's chances of winning the tournament on home soil with a 4-3 triumph. Like the weather, the action on field was superb, as international stars such as Jamie Dwyer, Ronald Brouwer, Moritz F├╝rste and Carlos Nevado showed their brilliance on a day that saw some truly sensational goals.
UHC Hamburg 3 - 2 KHC Leuven
Reigning champions UHC Hamburg were pushed all the way by KHC Leuven in a fascinating encounter that featured a dramatic ending. UHC took an early lead when midfielder Tom Mieling surged into the circle and fired beyond Leuven keeper Manu Leroy after just six minutes. However, Leuven bounced back just before the end of the first quarter when livewire forward Pau Quemada created an easy chance for Renaud Pangrazio thanks to a clever pass from centre field to tie the scores. Carlos Nevado then created a goal for teenage sensation Marco Miltkau before scoring a brilliant reverse stick shot himself less than 60 seconds later to give UHC a commanding lead. Yet again though, KHC Leuven bounced back when Pau Quemada tapped into an empty net from close range to make the score 3-2. There were no further goals in the match, but there was huge drama near the end when Leuven's Fabian Van Kerckhove struck a post with a marvellous effort before his side had a goal disallowed for dangerous play moments later. UHC survived a genuine scare, but their dream of defending the EHL title that they won on this very ground 12 months ago is still alive and kicking.
HC Bloemendaal 4 - 3 H.C. Rotterdam
H.C. Rotterdam were defeated in the EHL Semi Finals for the second successive season as Dutch champions HC Bloemendaal edged a thrilling contest. The match started cautiously, but exploded into life when Bloemendaal's Wouter Jolie drilled home a penalty corner to dampen the spirits of the many Rotterdam supporters in the crowd. Just before half time Olmer Meijer doubled Bloemendaal's advantage with a trademark penalty corner flick, but a quick fire goal from New Zealand international Phil Burrows reduced the deficit in the 37th minute. Rotterdam went in search of an equalizer, but it was global hockey icon Jamie Dwyer of Bloemendaal who struck next, smashing in a ferocious reverse stick shot after a shocking defensive error from Pakistan legend Sohail Abbas. Burrows pulled another goal back, but again Bloemendaal restored the two goal cushion when Ronald Brouwer scored a virtually identical goal to the one hit by Dwyer less than four minutes earlier. Australian international defender Mark Knowles then sparked the home crowd back into life with probably the best goal he will ever score, with the right defender beating three players before unleashing a powerful reverse stick shot into the top corner to make the score 4-3 with five minutes to play. Rotterdam pressed hard, but HC Bloemendaal held on to secure their place in Sunday's EHL Final against UHC Hamburg.
Extended match reports and video highlights of both matches can be found on of the Euro Hockey League website (www.ehlhockey.tv).
Tomorrow's first match will be the 3rd / 4th place Play-Off, which will feature host club H.C. Rotterdam against KHC Leuven at 12.00 (CEST / GMT +1). Then, at 14.30, the Grand Finale of the Euro Hockey League will take place, as Teun de Nooijer's HC Bloemendaal look to usurp the reigning kings of Europe by defeating UHC Hamburg. It promises to be a spectacular event, with another sell-out crowd turning up to watch the occasion. WWW.EHLHOCKEY.TV - the official website of the Euro Hockey League - will be broadcasting both matches via its live streaming service, ensuring that the outstanding climax to the tournament will be seen by people across the world. It is your chance to watch this incredible competition being televised in the best way possible, with incredible close-ups, stunning camera angles and video replays all adding to the experience.
