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Day Thirteen here in Budapest, a bittersweet day for me as it is my last full day with Team Deutschland. Following a tough defeat against Israel in the quarter finals yesterday, the guys needed to pick themselves up to face an old rival – the Netherlands.
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The day started as every day has here in Budapest with an early morning stretch led by team physio Femi.
After breakfast, the wonderful Bianca and Lise took care of all the pre-game taping and ailments that have been building over the last twelve days.
So far, Team Deutschland have really been put through the ringer facing some very tough opposition over the last few days. Today marked their fourth consecutive game, during which time they have faced Latvia, the Czech Republic and Israel – all very physical and hard fought games. The medical staff have been incredible in keeping the guys healthy and fit to face another game.
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As with all other games, Team Deutschland looked to the boom box and an eclectic mix of songs to psyche themselves up. Today was no exception. The playlist saw the usual rotation of Woodkids Run Boy Run, some SSIO, Tony D’s Hundert Metaz and of course some Bieber Love Yourself.
Today’s game was a real home game for Team Deutschland, we were the team in white, playing on our favourite pitch – the black beach – and also travelling to the pitch in true style….a picture paints a thousand words!
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The Netherlands certainly came out fighting, with two very quick goals. It took Team Deutschland a while to find the back of the net and respond with a nerve wracking opening 12 minutes as Team Deutschland trailed 0-2.
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Team Deutschland have already shown this tournament that they are willing to fight and that they play with fire and passion. Today was no exception.
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Some exceptional goalkeeping from Philipp Maas kept the game tight in the first half.
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In the third quarter, Team Deutschland found their rhythm buoyed by renewed domination at the face off X by Dom Schueler and Moritz Spiegel and clinical finishing exemplified by Christian Baum’s two goals.
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Team Deutschland continued to fight their way through the second half with a solid performance in goal by Darin Eakins – including throwing himself behind the goal a couple of times to secure the throws in after the Netherlands put shots wide of the cage.
The guys were able to grind out a win against the Netherlands 9-5. This puts Team Deutschland in the 5th place game against Switzerland tomorrow.
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As ever, Team Deutschland’s rapidly multiplying fans were in fine voice. It was great to see some of the wider training squad come out to support the national team.
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The coaching, managerial and medical staff for Team Deutschland are phenomenal. They have done their very best to get the guys in great shape for this tournament and their efforts are paying dividends as the guys continue to grow and develop as a team.
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I have been exceptionally fortunate to have been welcomed into Team Deutschland with open arms. It has been an absolute delight to follow these guys on their #roadtobudapest and I am so proud of what they have achieved at the 2016 European Lacrosse Championships. I will be routing for the guys tomorrow when they face Switzerland and know they have it in them to bring home a 5th place finish.
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