ANDORRA - The national women's team played the third match of their World Championship campaign today, April 10, at the IIHF Women's Worlds Division 2 Group A in Canillo, Andorra. Opponent today was Spain.
Spain is undoubtedly the favorite for gold at this World Championship. After silver last year in DIV2A, the organizing federation's team currently has a flawless record, while the Belgians, as newcomers to this series, are the underdogs.
After the first period, this was very clear. Spain opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Muñoz (#7/ESP) and barely 20 seconds later Gimenez (#13/ESP) put the 2 on the scoreboard. The Spaniards are on a roll, outsmarting Smits (#1/BEL) twice more. At the end of the period, the Belgians are facing a wide gap of 4-0.
Three minutes into the second period, Spain scores for the fifth time, this time through Fernandez (#17/ESP). Spanish pressure remains high on the Belgian goal, resulting in a sixth goal against. Goalie Smits (#1/BEL) avoids worse by blocking a lot of shots. Halfway through the period, the Belgian Blades get an opportunity when Alvarez (#24/ESP) sits out a penalty for hooking, but unfortunately our compatriots cannot cash in on the powerplay.
In the third period, the Belgian Blades continue to work hard to score their first goal, but the Spaniards remain masters of the ice. Midway through the final period, the seventh goal is scored. Moreno (#7/ESP) outsmarts goalie Swinnen (#20/BEL) who replaces Smits (#1/BEL) since the start of the period. When in the last minute, De Guchtenaere (#6/BEL) ends on the penalty bench for tripping, the opponents take full advantage of the powerplay, resulting in an eighth goal for the Spaniards. This is also the final score.
Final score ESP vs. BEL: 8-0 (4-0; 2-0; 2-0)
MVP BEL: Femke Bosmans (#19/forward)
Game Schedule
07.04 – 13:00 – BEL vs. TPE: 1-3
08.04 – 16:30 – ISL vs. BEL: 5-2
10.04 – 20:00 – ESP vs. BEL: 8-0
11.04 – 16:30 – BEL vs. KAZ
13.04 – 13:00 – MEX vs. BEL
PHOTO: IIHF / Joan Reyes