IKF EShield 2014

The IKF Europa Shield 2014, like almost every previous editions, is one of the most exciting European tournaments of the year. Due to the absence of Dutch and Belgian clubs, other European nations have the opportunity to compete at an equal level. Even the Hungarian team that ended on the last place gave many opponents a hard time. Undoubtedly , teams from nations with strong competitions, had a clear advantage. This was shown by the teams from the organizing country, or should we say region. However it took a golden goal for the former champion, Vallparadis, to qualify for the final, leaving the German opponent to struggle for bronze.

The Hungarians forced their opponents into a golden goal. They much appreciated the chance they got to play good matches far more interesting than within their own competition. Kingfisher (ENG) ended 7th, Brno (CZE) 6th, Adler Rauxel (GER) 5th.

Because of the close gap of the playing level, because at the end of the tournament players get tired, the play got rough which was more or less the case in the struggle for the third place. Anyway Schweriner (GER) was able to beat a very good team from Portugal coached by the enthusiastic Carla Antunes.

The final game was a thriller in the first half. When former champion Vallparadis forgot to score out of many opportunities it was “golden boy” Sergi Gabriel to lead his team to a well earned victory therefore leaving the Shield in Catalonia.

This was a tremendous tournament again with a grand final. Many thanks too multiple volunteers from IKF and from local bodies.