Israel beaten by England in Lacrosse European final
Israel dropped to a 7-6 defeat to England in the final of the 2016 European Lacrosse Championship in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday. The two teams went head by head in the first half, but Israel had a 3-2 edge. In the second half England managed to tie the score. By the beginning of the last quarter England was leading by three points. In the last minutes of the match Israel scored two goals, but couldn’t tie the game and had to settle for a silver medal.
It was Israel’s first defeat of the championships.
Israel and England last met at the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships, with England prevailing in a 10-9 overtime win. England jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never trailed, but the Israelis gave them all they could handle. The only other previous meeting was a one-goal England win as well, in an exhibition game ahead of the 2014 Worlds.
Wales and Finland battled for the 3rd place of the tournament. The Finns dominated during the whole match, they won all the quarters (1:3, 1:2, 1:4, 1:3). Finland easily won the game 12-4. Finland won their well-deserved bronze medal.
Before the bronze and gold game, the rest of the positional finals took place. The rookie Hungarian crew played with the Spanish team and scored 13 goals. This win placed the Hungarians in 17th place on the 2016 European Lacrosse Championship.
France finished 23rd after it defeated Slovenia 9-5. First time participants Slovenia finished in last place. During the match between Austria and Denmark, the Austrian team smoothly secured the first half (5:0, 4:0). The Danes pulled themselves a little bit together in the second half (2:1, 2:2), but still lost to Austria 13-3.
Belgium played Russia for 15th place. The Belgians won the game 11-7 and this score put the Russian team to the 16th place. The game for the 21th place was between Slovakia and Italy. On the exiting game the Italians managed to beat the Slovak team, 9-7. The Slovaks finished 22nd.