Eighteen national teams took part in the first stage of the newly created Euro Cup of Nations, forming five groups. The groups have already played two or three first matches.
For our team, the tournament began with a defeat to Lithuania, the hosts of the championship. Ukraine lost to Lithuania with a score of 1:2. However, in the second round, the Ukrainian team defeated the Romanian team with a score of 4:1. Thus, the Ukrainians managed to take second place in Group D.
Results and tournament tables
It is worth noting that, apart from Lithuania, only Estonia was able to finish the stage with the maximum result. No team managed to win all three matches in the groups of four teams.
The following results were recorded in Group A: Austria lost to Slovakia 2:6. Germany defeated Latvia (4:1) but later lost to Austria (2:5).
Slovakia defeated Latvia (4:1) but lost to Germany (0:3).
The final match between Latvia and Austria ended with a score of 4:2 in favour of the Latvians.
Based on the results of the matches played, the Group A standings are as follows:
Germany — 6 points (3 matches), goal difference 9:6.
Slovakia — 6 points (3 matches), goal difference 10:6.
Latvia — 3 points (3 matches), goal difference 6:10.
Austria — 3 points (3 matches), goal difference 9:12.
In Group B, France defeated Denmark (3:1) but lost to Hungary (4:6). Norway won two games, beating Hungary (4:2) and Denmark in overtime (3:2 OT), but lost to France (0:2). Denmark, in turn, defeated Hungary 5:1.
Based on the results of the matches played, the tournament standings in Group B are as follows:
France — 6 points (goal difference 9:7).
Norway — 5 points (goal difference 7:6).
Denmark — 4 points (goal difference 8:7).
Hungary — 3 points (goal difference 9:13).
In Group C, Poland won twice (4:2 against Italy and 1:0 against Great Britain) but lost to Slovenia in overtime (2:3 OT). Slovenia also beat Great Britain (5:1) but lost to Italy (2:3). In addition to defeating Slovenia, Italy also beat Great Britain in overtime (5:4 OT).
Group C standings after the matches played:
Poland — 7 points (3 matches), goal difference 7:5.
Italy — 5 points (3 matches), goal difference 10:10.
Slovenia — 5 points (3 matches), goal difference 10:6.
Great Britain — 1 point (3 matches), goal difference 5:11.
In Group D, Lithuania achieved the maximum result, twice winning by a narrow margin of 2:1 — both against Ukraine and Romania. Ukraine, in turn, defeated Romania (4:1) but lost to Lithuania. Romania ended the stage with two defeats.
Group D standings after the matches played:
Lithuania — 6 points (2 matches), goal difference 4:2.
Ukraine — 3 points (2 matches), goal difference 5:3.
Romania — 0 points (2 matches), goal difference 2:6.
In Group E, Estonia secured two convincing victories, defeating Spain (8:2) and the Netherlands (6:0). Spain, in turn, beat the Netherlands 4:2, while the Netherlands suffered two defeats.
Based on the results of the matches played, the Group E standings are as follows:
Estonia — 6 points (2 matches), goal difference 14:2.
Spain — 3 points (2 matches), goal difference 6:10.
Netherlands — 0 points (2 matches), goal difference 2:10.
The next matches will take place in December, as well as in February and April. The Ukrainians will play their next matches in early winter, where they will play in a group with Romania, Lithuania and Spain.
Previously, the Ukrainian national hockey team failed to qualify for the World Championship.
