FIH --Young future stars had an important meeting this week in Seville (Spain) in U21, U18 and U16 categories. Six days of great hockey under the sun of Andalucia region, on the south of the country, which saw hosts of Spain reaching the first position on U21 and U16, and England claiming the victory in U18. This tournament meant a great test for Singapore and Malaysia World Cup (7-21 June) in U21, and Spain, Germany, England and Malaysia were willing to show their power and learn about other’s. Spain opened the tournament with a victory over Malaysia (2-1) in the last PC of the game and next day was stuck by a powerful Germany (1-5) that seemed to be the likely winner of the tournament after Malaysia and England draw (3-3). Nevertheless German’s missed the chance of winning the tournament against Malaysia (2-2) and spoiled the victory with a defeat against England (3-6). Spain found a surprising first place as they had defeated England the day before (5-3)
U18 competition was the most important test for England, Spain, Germany and Netherlands to prepare the European Cup in Nivelles (Belgium) on July 7-12. England was the first to secure a place on the final after beating Germany (2-1) and Spain (3-2), while Spain grabbed the last seat beating Germany (3-1). Netherlands had lost their chances losing against Spain (2-4) and Germany (1-2) and could at least claim a victory against already classified England on day before the final (4-1).
Germany got the third position repeating the score against Dutch (2-1) and England won the final in a very defensive game against Spain decided with a golden goal (2-1).
U16 tournament was probably the most spectacular of all of them. Spain, England, Germany and Netherlands played the most important international tournament of the year as there is not European Cup in 2009 and cheered the crowds with many goals and open games. Spain got a convincing victory over Netherlands on the first game (5-1) but failed against England (3-4) before getting the classification with a draw against Germany (4-4) in a crazy game that Germany was able to overcome from 3-0 to 3-4 but Spain could draw with 4 minutes to the end. England draw against Germany (4-4), beat Spain and defeated Netherlands (3-1) on the last game to get the final. Dutch win their game against Germany (3-2) and lost the bronze medal in the PS after drawing against Germans (1-1), while Spain got the victory of the tournament winning England on the final (3-2)
U21 Results:
Spain 2-1 Malaysia
Spain 1-5 Germany
England 3-3 Malaysia
England 3-5 Spain
Germany 2-2 Malaysia
Germany 3-6 England
1. Spain 6 points
2. England 4 points
3. Germany 4 points
4. Malaysia 2 points
