Netherlands – Portugal | Korfball at The World Games 2025

8 Aug 2025, 15:45 GMT+8 TWG 2025 · Korfball · Group A

Match report

The Dutch slowly found their rhythm in the second quarter but were still far from their usual clinical selves. They managed to pull ahead with a six-goal lead at halftime, 14–8.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle to score early on, each adding just one goal in the first three minutes. But the Netherlands gradually picked up their accuracy and extended the gap to 21–10.

In the final stretch, the Dutch side showed why they’re the reigning champions. Nikki Boerhout (3) stepped up strongly with a total of 5 goals for the match, and helping secure a convincing 29–12 win for the Netherlands.

Pre-game report

The Netherlands, as the reigning powerhouse of the sport, heads to The World Games 2025 with a clear ambition: GOLD. “Our main goal is of course to win the gold medal,” says the Dutch star Olav van Wijngaarden without hesitation. “But we’ve also set other goals—to score more, to play better, and to deliver a high-level performance for our supporters.” For a team that already operates at the top tier of the sport, this relentless drive for improvement is what makes them so formidable. Coach Korporaal adds: “The greatest challenge for us is ourselves. Even though we’re considered the best, the players are still pushing to get better every day. Portugal arrives to TWG 2025 with a team blended of experience and youthful energy. Veterans bring the calm, the clarity, the steady hands in high-pressure moments. The younger players bring the spark—the hunger to prove themselves on the world stage. “It’s a dynamic mix,” says coach Carla Antunes. “They push each other, learn from each other, and grow together.”“This team is skilled, united, and determined,” she says. “We succeed because of our connection—not because of individual brilliance.” This small but fearless squad is ready to take on the world’s best at The World Games 2025—and do it their way.