Andrew Brogdon praised his squad and the back-room staff after Scotland under-18 boys edged Austria 3-2 to secure promotion to the top level of European hockey at their age-group.
The Edinburgh schoolmaster now leads his squad in pursuit of the gold medal in the final at Cardiff on Saturday (4pm) against Russia or Wales.
Scotland led 3-1 but Austria claimed a late goal and Brogdon, a former Grange player, admitted: “There were some nerves in the last quarter, but the hard work and determination of the boys saw it through.
“Now we can go out in the final and play with more freedom.”
Coach Brogdon added: “I want to give recognition to the staff. Steve Forrest, Graham Stuart, Lucy O’Brien, Ross Marwick and Chris Duncan have all been incredibly good and the tactical and preparation work has been top class.”
Earlier, Andrew McConnell fired Scotland ahead lead from a penalty corner.
Austria levelled from Nikolas Wellan but Scotland won a penalty stroke Fraser Heigh kept his cool to slot home as half-time approached.
Struan Walker then scored to make it 3-1 but Austria pulled one back through Paul Drusany at the start of the fourth quarter to make for a nervy end.
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