FINAL4: HC Rotterdam – Gantoise HC (Men)

Match report

Gantoise are through to the ABN AMRO EHL Men’s GRAND FINAL for the very first time after they won a shoot-out thriller over Rotterdam.
The Belgian side held the lead for much of the first half having taken it when Etienne Tynevez picked up the pieces after Derk Meijer’s initial save in the 15th minute.
But the game turned in the 34th minute; first was the historic goal from Hertzberger, a low penalty corner bullet into the backboard.
Hertzberger then played a huge part in the second one. Thijs van Dam intercepted 30-metres out and played a quick pass with his team mate, putting him through on goal where he lifted the ball deliciously over the on-rushing Jaime Carr.
Gantoise regrouped, though, and they were back on terms with a few seconds left in the third quarter, Alexander Hendrickx connecting with his drag-flick to fire with power down the middle.
It meant normal time ended 2-2 and sent the game to a shoot-out where Carr saved in the first round and then again in round four to edge Gantoise in front, setting the scene for Guillaume Hellin to score the winner.