The German hockey women started the European Indoor Championships in Berlin with two convincing victories. The defending champion first defeated Spain 4:2 (2:0), then Turkey 7:2 (2:1).
Laura Saenger (14th), Elisa Gräve (17th), captain Fenja Poppe (21st) and Tara Duus (32nd) initially ensured a clear 4-0 lead for the team coached by indoor national coach Dominic Giskes in the first game . Estel Petchame Hernandez (35th) and Berta Agullo Sanchez (40th) shortened the score.
A few hours later, Gräve and Duus scored again in the evening game against Turkey; Ines Wanner, Teresa Martin-Pelegrina, Katharina Kiefer and Philin Bolle were also successful with a brace.
Men have already won European titles
Record champion Germany is aiming for the 17th success in the association’s history in Berlin. This would bring the women back into line with the DHB men. They triumphed in the final against Poland (5:2) in Leuven, Belgium, last weekend.
The other opponents in the preliminary round are the Czech Republic (Friday, 7.45 p.m.) and Belgium (Saturday, 12.45 p.m.). The semi-finals will be played on Saturday evening and the final will take place on Sunday (2 p.m.).