IKF U21 WKC 2018 Day 2: Videos, reviews, results & updated ranking pools

July 8, 2018/0 Comments/in Korfball News, Populair, Uncategorized /by Dani Ezpeleta

Day 2 is on at the IKF U21 WKC 2018! Find here live updates and reviews of today Sunday games at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 in Budapest, HUN. You can follow and watch all games through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here

Match 6: CZECH REPUBLIC 20 – ENGLAND 7

Having played in the final match on day 1, the Czech Republic were back for match one on day 2, facing an England team looking to respond to their day 1 defeat. England started well taking an early lead, but six straight goals from the Czech Republic saw them take strong command on the match. A series of England missed penalties and high quality Czech free passes emphasised the gap between the teams and the Czech Republic lead kept growing, 10-5 at half-time becoming 13-7 going into the last quarter. England continued to make mistakes while the Czech Republic remained composed and in control, winning the final quarter 7-0 to finish the match 20-7 winners. The Czech Republic are likely to play Hong Kong China for 3rd place in Pool A with England are struggling to reach the top eight.

Match 7: PORTUGAL 24 – CHINA 14

Match 2 day 2 brought together Portugal looking to follow up their opening day win and China looking to measure their progress at this level. Both teams started brightly with Portugal having the better of the early exchanges as a hard working China failed to score from several opportunities. As yesterday, Portgual lost their way a little scoring only three in a lacklustre second quarter to lead 11-6 at half-time. That changed in a frenetic third quarter with the teams scoring freely and the coaches making a number of substitutions. Portugal continued to dominate and outscored China 9-5 in the quarter to take a nine goal lead into the last quarter. With Portugal looking comfortable, the coaches continued to make changes and the match ended scrappily as Portugal won 24-14. Portugal have won two from two as they look to reach the semi-finals. China have further chances for wins to reach the top eight.

Match 8: NETHERLANDS 21 – BELGIUM 14

The latest encounter in the oldest rivalry in international korfball, The Netherlands and Belgium, took place, unusually in the group stages and on day 2. The match started with a high quality first quarter with lots of energy and lots of goals. The Dutch getting the edge of 14 goals scored to lead 8-6. Both teams tightened their defences with Belgium asking questions of the Netherlands attack. A combative phase of the game worked well for Belgium as they levelled 12-12 shortly after half-time. However, Netherlands responded well and despite the ongoing physical presence of the Belgian defence, the Dutch scored seven consecutive to lead 19-12 and take the game away from Belgium. The match won, the final quarter was an anti-climax with more physical and lower quality play and the championships second yellow card. The Netherlands won 21-14 and have the upper hand should the teams meet again in the final.

Match 9: HUNGARY 19 – TURKEY 7

The 4th clash of day 2 saw hosts Hungary take on Turkey. Two teams seeking a win to help their challenge for a top eight spot. Hungary took the better of an open first half, both teams creating opportunities though struggling to convert enough. Despite seeing a host of running shots miss, Hungary did enough to lead 9-3 at half time. The match struggled to come alive in the 3rd quarter with both teams continuing to create opportunities though not finishing many. Turkey took the quarter 3-2 to reduce the gap to 11-6. The crowd took it on themselves to inject life into the match during the final quarter. To good effect. Hungary began to make their good work pay and they scored eight goals in the quarter to finish deserved winners 19-7. With wins over China and Turkey already, the hosts look to have achieved a top eight place and it could be more with pool matches against Germany and Portugal to come.

Match 10: CHINESE TAIPEI 25 – GERMANY 7

The final match of the day between Chinese Taipei and Germany was always going to be a contest of contrasting sporting cultures. The physical and direct play of Germany against the composure and precision of Chinese Taipei. Under the referee’s watchful eye, the play flowed during the first half and Chinese Taipei took advantage with some accurate shooting to score seven in the first quarter and nine in the second. Germany continued to compete, scoring five, but were unable to pressure the Chinese Taipei attack. Half time score, 16-5. The pattern continued in the second half and the crowd continued to be entertained with flowing competitive korfball and goals, though the last quarter was relaxed with the result decided. Final score was 25-7. Chinese Taipei continue to a probable semi-final match with Belgium and Germany have some tough matches to secure a top eight slot.