IKF Europa Cup 2019 1st Round: Day 1 results, reviews & images

The 1st day at the IKF Europa Cup 2019 First Round in Kocaeli has brought the following results:

GAME #1: Marmara University SC (TUR) 11 – CK Castellbisbal (CAT) 7

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/marmara-university-sport-club-club-korfbal-castellbisbal-2240

In the beautiful sports venue of Kocaeli on a warm Indian summer evening, a thrilling opening match was disputed between two teams eager to qualify for the IKF Europa Cup final round.

On paper one could expect that the Catalan champion had not much to fear from a less experienced opponent. However, from the very start the Turkish team gave a lot of pressure in defense and after a short study round, Marmara found its way to the korf. The score at half time (5-2) came as a surprise for most while others had the impression that not the best Catalan players had started.

Very accurate shooting came as an answer to many Catalan substitutions that brought no relief on the chaotic play. Marmara continued to stretch the attacks and, towards the end, time running out became an enemy for Castellbisbal.

GAME #2: Cardiff City & Met Korfball Club (WAL) 12 – Bonson FJEP (FRA) 14

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/cardiff-city-met-korfball-club-bonson-fjep-2241

If the playing level was lower in this match the players enthusiasm was not. A quick start of the Welsh somewhat overwhelmed the opponent but it was just that Bonson needed more time to get into the game.

The match was very much enjoyed both by players and spectators as they saw two teams with equal strength which lead to an unpredictable final outcome at half time.

Some misunderstandings with substitutions in the French compartment resulted in loss of concentration creating chances for Cardiff to create a gap. When Bonson regained confidence it became the better team with better ball recuperation in defence.

Cardiff was physically not able to prevent French shooters from creating a decisive gap.

DAY 2 GAME SCHEDULE:

You can follow this tournament live on IKF data website: www.worldkorfball.org, with all the statistics, play-by-play, top scorers, rankings, etc.
Watch all games on Korfball Turkey live streaming youtube channel: https://goo.gl/6aNnhn
Match schedule, tournament rules and more on ikf.org/event/ikf-europa-cup-2019-1st-round

During three days, five European clubs will play to be one of the two best teams of this tournament and automatically be qualified for the next IKF Europa Cup 2019. This ECUP Final Round will be played from 10 to 12 January 2019 in Kortrijk, Belgium, with 8 national European club champions competing.

The Turkish Korfball Federation is the local organizer, with the support and collaboration of Kocaeli University. All games will be played in the following venue in Kocaeli: Gazanfer Bilge Sports Hall.

PARTICIPANTS:

Country	Team
HUNGARY	1908 SZAC Budapest
WALES	Cardiff City & Met
CATALONIA	Club Korfbal Castellbisbal
FRANCE	FJEP Bonson
TURKEY	Marmara University Sport Club