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IKF WKC 2019 Day 2: Official press reviews, images & videos


Today’s pool games at the IKF WKC 2019 in Durban will take another step towards determining which teams will make the top 16, and how difficult it might be for them to progress from there to the highest rankings.

Looking at the schedule for Day Two, China v Suriname in Pool E is the clear stand out. Both teams have aspirations for a podium finish and both made a positive start yesterday. They meet this evening in the final game of the schedule in Hall One, at KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus.

Ireland and Australia meet in the day’s first Pool B game at Westville, in what should also be an intriguing contest. Both lost yesterday, with Ireland no doubt taking courage from their performance against Chinese Taipei, while Australia will want to rebound from the disappointment of just failing to catch Poland.

Behind Chinese Taipei, Pool B could well be the closest and may be where the best placed fourth place team will emerge to contest the top 16. In what is probably the most challenging pool, Pool A, the Czech Republic controlled their game against Catalonia well and should be able to build on that when they play New Zealand today. Meanwhile the Catalans play the world champions today, so will be setting their own objectives and taking away some korfball lessons from what will clearly be a huge challenge.

In Pool C, Belgium looked impressive and will meet Hong Kong, who struggled against England. Tomorrow’s meeting between the two European teams should be worthwhile, and should show whether Belgium is really on the way back. Most of the other games appear to be clear cut and if the likes of Germany, Chinese Taipei, Portugal and England don’t build on their strong starts of yesterday, it will be a major surprise  (Day 1 press reviews ► www.korfball.sport/?p=21829).

In this post you will find updated recap with all Day 2 IKF press reviews, results, best images and videos from all games played during this day.

These are the games scheduled to be played on Friday, 2 August 2019 (Day 2):

 Time Hall 1 Hall 2
12:00 AUS-IRL CZE-NZL
13:45 TPE-POL NED-CAT
15:30 POR-JPN ENG-SVK
17:15 HUN-MAC BEL-HKG
19:00 CHN-SUR GER-RSA

*(Venues) Hall 1: ‘University’ – Hall 2: ‘The Globe’
Hall 1:
KZN Westville Campus Indoor Sports Centre – Hall 2: ‘The Globe’ at Suncoast Boulevard Marine Parade

From 1 to 10 August 2019 the IKF World Korfball Championship 2019 is taking place in the city of Durban, South Africa. Twenty national squads are competing to be the new World Champion in this 11th edition of the most important international korfball tournament.

All the games are live streamed through IKF YouTube channel and on IKF data website www.worldkorfball.sport together with all the results, statistics, top scorers and updated ranking pools.

Day 2 reviews, results, rankings & videos:

Pool A

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
12:45 2 A CZE-NZL 23-11 📺 / 📊
13:45 2 A NED-CAT 35-10 📺 / 📊

At the Globe venue, Hall Two of the IKF WKC 2019 in Durban, New Zealand came out against the Czech Republic full of intent. Both teams pressed hard in the opening ten minutes and at 4-2 after the first quarter the contest was well set up. However, as they did yesterday, Czech increased the pressure in the second quarter and took command with 11 unanswered goals before New Zealand won and converted a penalty in the final second of the half. Czech experience in the rebound and their deadly shooting accuracy under anything other than complete defensive pressure made the difference. Lenka Faltynkova and Petr Galicek scored four each to assure the decisive advantage. After half time, with the contest essentially over, Czech coach Ivo Kracík gave several bench players a run, which slowed the momentum somewhat, though not sufficient to give New Zealand a realistic chance. However, New Zealand can take encouragement from holding the world number seven to eight goals each in the second half, with Torsten Ball and Megan Shea both showing their worth to the team. Final score 23-11.

In the second Pool A game at the Globe today, The Netherlands faced Catalonia. TeamNL Korfbal coach Wim Scholtmeyer gave eight of his squad the full 40 minutes yesterday, so it was no surprise to see him start today’s game with yesterday’s bench players, and once again he didn’t trouble the jury by requesting any substitutions. With a totally different team in orange, it was still business as usual, and the Netherlands started with high tempo, great pressure and their usual exceptional shooting accuracy. Catalonia played The Netherlands in Barcelona a few weeks ago, so these players are well known to each other. In some games The Netherlands are able to put the contest beyond doubt in the first few minutes. This was one. In the second half there was plenty of show reel korfball from another planet, though David Puertas of Catalonia drew the biggest cheer, and high fives from his opponents, with a spectacular one handed running in shot delivered from about five metres. Barbara Brouwer bettered even that with a final second bomb scored from around 16 metres. Arguably the ball left her hands momentarily after the buzzer, but referee Pardeep Dahiya had the good grace to award the goal and when he blew his whistle it was 35-10

Pool A ranking after Day 2 results:
1st: NED (6 pts) – 2nd: CZE (6 pts) – 3rd: NZL (0 pts) – 4th: CAT (0 pts)

Pool B

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
12:00 1 B AUS-IRL 22-20 📺 / 📊
13:45 1 B TPE-POL 35-9 📺 / 📊

Australia featured in a close game yesterday before losing to Poland, so today’s first game in Hall One, at KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus saw them needing to beat Ireland to bring their campaign back on track. Both teams went for it in the first half and after Australia took an early lead, Ireland set some tactical challenges that Australia struggled to handle. At the half time whistle it was 10-11 to Ireland. Hannah Goodridge was taking plenty of responsibility for her team, while for Australia Emily Hutchesson stepped up. By the end of the third quarter, thanks largely to her superb shooting, Australia had eked out a three goal lead and from there it was their game to lose. Each team has a Dutch based player in Jeffrey Vliestra and Shay Conroy, with the latter tending to be the go to guy for Ireland, and coach Kees Veerhoven making canny use of the reversible substitution rules to keep him in attack. Although his shooting took Ireland back to within to one goal and the possibility of a golden goal arose, Australia was able to eat the clock. When Bethan Channing scored a crucial to put them two up with two minutes to play, they held their nerve to achieve the win they needed. Ireland can take some consolation in the likelihood that this will now be the pool that provides the best fourth placed team to make up the top 16. Final score 22-20

After the slow start to their first match, world second ranked Chinese Taipei started today at KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus against Poland with an all-star line-up, featuring the great Ricky Wu as captain. Ya-wen Lin set the tone for the match with two goals for Chinese Taipei within one minute. Despite a goal from Kamil Musialinski, Chinese Taipei finished the quarter well in control through a four goal margin at 9-5. An appreciative crowd relished the exiting style of the Asian superstars flexing their korfball muscles and putting in place some well drilled moves to extend their lead to 18-8 at half time. Despite some Polish substitutions, Chinese Taipei grabbed the game by the throat and scored 10 unanswered goals to continue their dominance for the rest of the second half, and end the game with a comfortable win by 35-9

Pool B ranking after Day 2 results:
1st: TPE (6 pts) – 2nd: POL (3 pts) – 3rd: AUS (3 pts) – 4th: IRL (0 pts)

Pool C

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
15:30 2 C ENG-SVK 24-10 📺 / 📊
17:15 2 C BEL-HKG 38-7 📺 / 📊

Game three at the Globe today saw battle resume in Pool C. England and Slovakia fought hard from the start, both sacrificing subtlety for physicality in their efforts to gain ascendancy, and putting the powers of referee Luke Rosie fully to the test. Scoring was rare, though England put up two shortly before the end of the first quarter to lead at the whistle by 4-2. In the second quarter the scrappy, low scoring theme continued with Slovakia’s Peter Busik controlling his end effectively, and frustrating England’s endeavours to break open the contest. At half time it was 6-5. Two half time substitutions, with coach Rob Williams introducing Ayishah Chaudry and Shannon Jones, broke open the game and after the restart England finally found some fluency, and the goal, to assert the advantage they had not been able to achieve to that point. Leading, and effectively closing out the contest for a 19-6 three quarter time lead, easing back towards the end to finish at 24-10.

Belgium gave a hint yesterday that reports of their eclipse from global korfball’s top table might be premature, and that their relative decline of the past two tournaments may be giving them motivation to show what they are really capable of at a whole new level. Hong Kong China gave the world number three little chance to test that theory further, leaving several of their stars on the bench, presumably holding back to increase their chances against Slovakia tomorrow. Belgium celebrated at the start of the match with a presentation to Jari Hardies to mark his 50th international appearance for The Diamonds. He celebrated by top scoring, with six. While Belgium should face a sterner test tomorrow against England, by the end of this game they were ahead by 38-7.

Pool C ranking after Day 2 results:
1st: BEL (6 pts) – 2nd: ENG (6 pts) – 3rd: SVK (0 pts) – 4th: HKG (0 pts)

Pool D

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
17:15 1 D HUN-MAC 36-2 📺 / 📊
19:00 1 D CHN-SUR 21-20 GG 📺 / 📊

Hungary had to bow to Suriname yesterday, so in this, their second match of the IKF WKC 2019, today at Westville Campus, Durban, they were in no mood to back down, showing their less experienced Asian opponents little respite. Hungary dominated through ruthless pressure in defence, stronger rebound execution and accurate shooting. Zsolt Majer top scored for Hungary, with seven, though all members of their squad, bar one, scored. Macau China had no answer. They took 14 minutes to score, through Weng Si Sio, by which time Hungary had accrued 15. When referee Carlos Faria brought the game to its conclusion the score was 36-2.

This game has shaped as one of the most intriguing of the IKF WKC 2019 since the draw was made. Right from the start it lived up to that promise, with a clash of continents, cultures and korfball styles. Suriname began hesitantly, then clicked into gear, employing their craft and experience to excellent effect, while China did not resile, fighting with firm focus, demonstrating the discipline they have learned under Dutch master coach Ben Crum. Randall van der Steen and Yongbin Yang made their presence particularly felt, and referee Miguel Wensma kept a strict hold on proceedings. A three goal lead to Suriname after 16 minutes was pared back to just one at half time: 9-10. In the third quarter the game remained just as close. Two shot clock violations in quick succession by Suriname suggested that they might be running out of ideas. However two goals late in the third quarter re-established their lead and some cool work by Gerald van Dijk brought Suriname’s lead back to three. Both teams missed penalties to ratchet up the tension. China captain Jimmy Zhao brought her team back into it with two sharp goals to even up the score with less than a minute remaining. With 35 seconds left Vikash Missier scored a penalty to put Suriname back into the lead, only to have Jingyi Yin score a heart breaking running in shot to even up the game again at 20-20. A move between Gerald van Dijk and Randall van der Steen when Suriname restarted with three seconds left came to nothing and we were into the tournament’s first agonising, glorious golden goal. China started and captain Jammy uncharacteristically wasted the opportunity without even putting up a shot. Suriname, however also put up a tame effort at the other end, and in their second attempt to finish the gam, China found the ice cool Donngjie Zhang in space at four metres and he made no mistake. Ecstasy for China, grief for Suriname: 21-20.

Pool D ranking after Day 2 results:
1st: CHN (5 pts) – 2nd: SUR (4 pts) – 3rd: HUN (3 pts) – 4th: MAC (0 pts)

Pool E

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
15:30 1 E POR-JPN 33-8 📺 / 📊
19:00 2 E RSA-GER 6-29 📺 / 📊

Portugal’s impressive start to the tournament yesterday continued in the same vein in the third game at Westville Campus. Pedro Correia and Isabel Almeida provide strong leadership to their team mates at each end and it will take a big effort from a well organised team to knock Portugal off their stride. Japan lacks the experience to be that team and again fell short, despite best endeavours, when faced with the power and accomplishment of one of European korfball’s most efficient and dynamic teams. Energy generator Yuko Anzai provided some consolation for Japan with a pair of goals. Tomorrow’s much anticipated clash with Germany should offer a better indication of Portugal’s ultimate prospects at the IKF WKC 2019. As for today, they can be content with a win by 33-8.

In the final game at the Globe today, Germany started this Pool E game against the host with characteristic intensity, picking up where they left off yesterday against Japan. Superior shooting and absolute control of the South African attack, marking their opponents as tightly as possible, meant the score was rising on one side of the ledger only. A good crowd of cheerful and high spirited supporters turned out to fill the seats in the stadium and made their appreciation for South African korfball known, singing, dancing and making noise, despite the scoreline. For the second consecutive day, however, South Africa’s lack of competitive korfball outside the IKF WKC cycle, counted against them and Germany continued to take advantage. Scoring by Germany was shared throughout the squad, and with seven substitutions at half time, every player is well prepared for a tougher contest tomorrow, against Portugal. Final score today: 6-29

Pool E ranking after Day 2 results:
1st: POR (6 pts) – 2nd: GER (6 pts) – 3rd: JPN (0 pts) – 4th: RSA (0 pts)

Referees & jurys daily apointments

Click here to see the appointments.

More information about the tournament

Official websites of the tournament ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com
Live streaming games, results and statistics on ► www.worldkorfball.sport
IKF WKC History event booklet ► Read .pdf document

This tournament is also a qualifying event for The World Games 2021 that will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from 15 to 25 July 2021. More info ► www.theworldgames2021.com

Discover more from all participants reading #TheTeamFiles Interviews ► korfball.sport/wkc2019

Follow the #WKC2019 on social media!

You can also follow all the tournament on IKF official channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

Day 2 Image gallery

By Marco Spelten: actionphotography.nl – korfbalfoto.nl

IKF WKC 2019 Day 1: Official press reviews, images & videos


As the first day of August dawns over the beaches of Kwa Zulu Natal, all 20 participating teams are now itching to put months and years of training into action on Day One of IKF WKC 2019 in Durban, South Africa. All teams trained yesterday in one of the two tournament venues, along with the referees and jury members. A few even managed to arrange training games, which renewed old rivalries, established new acquaintances and gave the coaches the opportunity to make final adjustments.

Today is important for all 20 teams, of course. However, for Ireland, New Zealand, Macau-China and Suriname it is even more so as they each appear at a their first ever IKF WKC. Ireland, New Zealand and Macau-China each has an almighty mission today, taking on respectively Chinese Taipei, The Netherlands and China, ranked two, one and four. Suriname, in contrast, ranked number 20 by the IKF, take on ninth ranked Hungary. In the case of Suriname, represented by a squad drawn from the ranks of Dutch korfball, that ranking is deceptive and they are aiming for a much higher position. With Hungary also aspiring to qualify for the World Games 2021, Birmingham, USA, their meeting today, at Hall Two, on Durban’s spectacular beach, should be one of the highlights.

Also catching the eye will be the encounter between the Czech Republic, ranked number seven, and Catalonia, which sits five places lower in the rankings. These two European korfball stalwarts have both contested the medal positions within the last three IKF WKC tournaments, and will be desperate to start this event positively.

We are ready for a fascinating day and an intriguing tournament.

 

These are the games scheduled to be played on Thursday, 1 August 2019 (Day 1):

 Time & Pool Hall 1*  Time & Pool Hall 2*
11:00 – A NED-NZL 10:00 – B TPE-IRL
12:45 – A CZE-CAT 11:45 – B AUS-POL
14:30 – C BEL-SVK 13:30 – D CHN-MAC
16:00 Opening Ceremony
17:30 – E POR-RSA 18:15 – D HUN-SUR
19:15 – E GER-JPN 20:00 – C ENG-HKG

*(Venues) Hall 1: ‘University’ – Hall 2: ‘The Globe’
Hall 1:
KZN Westville Campus Indoor Sports Centre – Hall 2: ‘The Globe’ at Suncoast Boulevard Marine Parade

Day 2 matches post ► https://korfball.sport/?p=21897

From 1 to 10 August 2019 the IKF World Korfball Championship 2019 is taking place in the city of Durban, South Africa. Twenty national squads are competing to be the new World Champion in this 11th edition of the most important international korfball tournament.

All the games are live streamed through IKF YouTube channel and on IKF data website www.worldkorfball.sport together with all the results, statistics, top scorers and updated ranking pools. In this post you will find a daily updated recap with all IKF press reviews, results, best images and videos from all games played during the day.

Day 1 reviews, results, rankings & videos:

Pool A

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
11:00 1 A NED-NZL 41-5 📺 / 📊
12:45 1 A CZE-CAT 17-14 📺 / 📊

Since the draw for this tournament was made, New Zealand’s  introduction to the IKF WKC 2019 was always going to be a steep challenge, and so it proved as The Netherlands, TeamNL Korfbal, used this first game at Kwa Zulu Natal’s Westville Campus to show their prowess. Their slick passing, superior court awareness and intuitive understanding of each other, based of course on hours of training, made the game appear effortless. A 10-1 lead at the end of the first quarter had increased to 23-3 by half time. New Zealand coach Manon Wiegerink made a series of substitutions just prior to and at half time, giving most of her squad the experience, and privilege, of facing the Dutch onslaught. Wim Scholtmeijer, in contrast stuck with his starting eight right to the end. Esther Cordus and Mick Snel were particularly ruthless for the victors, while for New Zealand, youngsters Boris van Bruchem and Chelsea Ruiz showed their potential. In the end the score was 41-5.

A real scrap in the first half between the Czech Republic, ranked number seven, and Catalonia, which sits five places lower in the rankings. Early on both teams struggled to score with any fluency, though Czech edged ahead by 3-1 at the end of the first quarter. Catalonia started the second quarter in a higher gear to equalise the score in little over a minute, then both matched each other goal for goal and by half time it looked as if this game would meet expectations of turning into a classic. Using their tall boys under the post in the classic style that has brought them success in the past, however, enabled Czech to squeeze their opponent out and edge ahead, leaving Catalonia with no answers to take back the game. Lenka Faltynkova and Alexandr Vyroubal made important contributions, while Alba Rosa caught the eye for Catalonia. By the final whistle the Czech Republic was victorious by 17-14

Pool A ranking after today’s results:
1st: NED (3 pts) – 2nd: CZE (3 pts) – 3rd: CAT (0 pts) – 4th: NZL (0 pts)

Pool B

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
10:00 2 B TPE-IRL 27-14 📺 / 📊
11:45 2 B AUS-POL 19-21 📺 / 📊

Ireland scored the first goal of the IKF WKC 2019 with a running shot in the second minute at The Globe, Hall Two, on the Durban beach and in sight of the spectacular Moses Mabhida Stadium. Although Chinese Taipei struggled for fluency, they still eclipsed the tournament debutante during the first quarter by 5-2. In the second quarter Ireland’s two substitutions increased their stability. While Chinese Taipei put up plenty of shots and controlled the offensive rebound, their percentages were not at their usual high standard. With the score at 8-4, the Irish went through two minutes where every shot found its mark and four consecutive goals took the score to 8-8. Although Chinese Taipei stepped up, in the last second of the half Ireland scored again to make it 10-10. At the start of the second half Chinese Taipei substituted a whole section and took the match away. Ireland struggled under the increased defensive pressure and Chinese Taipei asserted their dominance, though their shooting percentages will have to improve if they want to protect their ranking at the end of this tournament. Ireland meanwhile will be delighted to have outplayed the Asian champion and world ranked number two for an entire quarter. Final score 27-14.

Poland dominated the first half, proving too strong under the post, better drilled and quicker to every ball, establishing a comfortable half time lead over Australia by 8-14, running contrary to IKF ranking expectations, where Australians sits at number 10, three places above their European opponents. At the start of the second half however, Poland fell apart as the Australians began to assert themselves, being pressured into shot clock violations on several occasions and giving the ball away too easily. Australia took over the momentum and came back from six goals down to bring the score to 18-17 with four minutes remaining. However, Poland then managed to readjust their focus on the game and take back control over the last few minutes to win by two, 19-21, likely setting themselves up for an easier run into the last 16 of the tournament, once the initial pool games are concluded on Saturday.

Pool B ranking after today’s results:
1st: TPE (3 pts) – 2nd: POL (3 pts) – 3rd: AUS (0 pts) – 4th: IRL (0 pts)

Pool C

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
14:30 1 C BEL-SVK 34-12 📺 / 📊
20:00 2 C ENG-HKG 30-17 📺 / 📊

Belgium started this game with the level of fierce intensity they will need if they are to reclaim what they have always considered their rightful place in world korfball’s highest echelons. However, when Slovakia found the pace of the game, they were able to rein in Belgium to finish the first quarter at 6-3. Given space, Belgium were scoring with almost every attempt, to take the game to 15-7 at half time. Prior to this tournament, after two miserable years for Belgium, where by their own high standards they have slipped, this was an impressive and efficient performance, showing precision and control. Slovakia was competitive for some periods, though as the score indicates, they were really no match for their more accomplished opponent. For Belgium all players made an approximately even contribution to the scoring, which reflected the strong team ethos they have brought to Durban. Having previously made his mark at the IKF WKC as a referee, making his playing debut at this level for Slovakia, Peter Busik top scored for his team with five goals. At the final whistle Belgium was ahead by 34 -12.

England set up their tactics absolutely right, focusing their attack at one end of the field on making chances for Neala Brennan, who duly stepped up to score six goals in the first half. At the other end Hong Kong China struggled to build any momentum as England took complete control of the rebound. At half time the score was 17-9. Sixth ranked England managed to hold the world number 11 at arm’s length in the early stages of the second half, though with both teams making substitutions! Some ode the pace and consistency ebbed away. At the end the score was 30-17, leaving both teams to look forward to their remaining pool games against Belgium and Slovakia.

Pool C ranking after today’s results:
1st: ENG (3 pts) – 2nd: BEL (3 pts) – 3rd: SVK (0 pts) – 4th: HKG (0 pts)

Pool D

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
13:30 2 D CHN-MAC 42-8 📺 / 📊
18:15 2 D HUN-SUR 12-24 📺 / 📊

Coming up against China in their first ever IKF WKC game was always going to be a daunting prospect for the lowest ranked team at this tournament, Macau China. China proved to be absolutely dominant, playing some attractive dynamic korfball. While the score did not necessarily reflect this, Macau did show some promise, and will cause problems for some of the other teams this week, particularly as they gain experience. Several of China’s goals were worthy of any Dutch showreel. They pass the ball so quickly and recycle efficiently, always finding a spare player for the second shot. While they may need a little more consistency in their shooting against the teams they are likely to meet towards the end of the tournament, this performance suggests they will be a threat to anyone. For the victors, Dongjie Zhang ran the show, controlling his section and scoring six, while Qing Wang and Jammy Zhao each scored eight. Macau has athletic skills and speed, though needs to be less predictable. Final score 42-8.

Featuring at the Globe, Hall Two of the IKF WKC 2019 in Durban, Suriname made their first appearance at a world championship in any sport, showing that the excitement about their arrival in international korfball is not misplaced. Playing well controlled korfball, with the experience of their players on display, they worked and waited to successfully execute the right opportunities. At the other end, it took most of the first quarter for Hungary to adapt to the smothering defensive pressure applied by Suriname. They had to work for positions around the post, and had difficulty moving the ball quickly enough, which put them under shot clock pressure. At half time the score was 4-14, with Ivan Karsters and Gerald van Dijk dominating the scoring for Suriname, the latter combining particularly well with Blauw-Wit Korfbal League club mate Randell van der Steen to make life hard for their Hungarian opponents. With the result effectively decided, the second half became scrappy. Both teams fought hard for rebound and assist positions, which resulted in multiple fouls around the post. Unlike the other three debutants today, Suriname recorded a rare feat, with a win in their first ever IKF WKC game and a final score of 12-24.

Pool D ranking after today’s results:
1st: CHN (3 pts) – 2nd: SUR (3 pts) – 3rd: HUN (0 pts) – 4th: MAC (0 pts)

Pool E

 Time  Hall Pool Teams  Result  Video/Stats
17:30 1 E RSA-POR 4-36 📺 / 📊
19:15 1 E GER-JPN 37-12 📺 / 📊

In the fourth game of the first day at KwaZulu Natal University’s Westville Campus, Portugal took on the host, showing their serious intent by starting with the same eight in the same formation that ambushed Belgium to secure that historic bronze medal at the European Korfball Championship, 2018. Portugal showed their strength in the first quarter, stifling South Africa in defence and attacking with cool precision to lead by 1-8 at the first break. By half time the theme had continued with great ball movement in attack and aggressive interceptions in defence to increase the lead to 2-14. Portugal’s Pedro Correia making his usual telling contribution, combining height and mobility, while Luise Costa’s speed caused continual problems for South Africa. Coach Isabel Texiera made several changes at half time, while Elsie Theyse-Hulsbos introduced veteran Werner Basson for the first appearance at his fifth IKF WKC. With both coaches using every member of their squad, and the result already firmly concluded, structure and fluency dropped away in the final quarter. By the time referee Dan-Lin Huang blew her final whistle, Portugal had extended their lead to 4-36.

A gallant Japan took the fight to Germany, making life more difficult than the European silver medalist might have expected. However, the score mounted steadily and Germany had secured a 15-6 lead at half time, albeit the six scored by Japan in 20 minutes matched their total number of goals in all the games they have previously played at two IKF WKC tournaments. Coach of Germany Wilco van den Bos made seven substitutions at half time, which initially disrupted the flow that his team had built, though not to a degree that would give Japan any real hope of changing the result. Keisuke Mashiba scored an excellent shot from extreme distance, then Dominic During made a sensational rejection, from behind, of a Sho Furuki shot right under the korf, to keep the game interesting in the third quarter. Although Japan was comfortably beaten by the world number five, with a final score of 37-12, they showed enough to indicate that they will very likely achieve their stated objective of a first ever IKF WKC victory some time in the next few days.

Pool E ranking after today’s results:
1st: POR (3 pts) – 2nd: GER (3 pts) – 3rd: RSA (0 pts) – 4th: JPN (0 pts)

Referees & jurys daily apointments

Click here to see the appointments.

More information about the tournament

Official websites of the tournament ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com
Live streaming games, results and statistics on ► www.worldkorfball.sport
IKF WKC History event booklet ► Read .pdf document

This tournament is also a qualifying event for The World Games 2021 that will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from 15 to 25 July 2021. More info ► www.theworldgames2021.com

Discover more from all participants reading #TheTeamFiles Interviews ► korfball.sport/wkc2019

Follow the #WKC2019 on social media!

You can also follow all the tournament on IKF official channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

Day 1 Image gallery

By Marco Spelten: actionphotography.nl – korfbalfoto.nl

Anticipation rising on eve of IKF WKC 2019


 

Wednesday 31 July in Durban South Africa and most of the teams at the IKF WKC 2019 have arrived to enjoy the beachside city and each other’s company. Most participants have come a long way and one flight from Dubai safely delivered almost one third of the teams and a high percentage of the officials.

Final preparations are under way at the two playing venues with official korfball floors imported from The Netherlands installed ready for play, international korfball friendships renewed, and the teams enjoying each other’s company as they explore the relaxed vibe of the city, finalising their preparations for the competition over the next 10 days.

For some the tournament is about the joy and honour of competing against the best in the world. For others this is an opportunity to challenge for the podium and activate their plans to qualify for the World Games 2021, Birmingham, USA.

How the European teams fare against their rivals from Asia and Oceania is one story that will unfold in the coming days. With two Asian teams currently in the top four, the traditional dominance of European korfball is under threat. Representing the Americas, though comprising entirely of players based in the Netherlands, Suriname’s debut appearance in the tournament is widely anticipated. And the team representing our hosts will be keenly watched by all as they showcase themselves to the korfball world, and our sport to the wider public of their nation.

New Zealand korfball team at South Beach Avenue in Durban

New Zealand korfball team at South Beach Avenue in Durban

All games will be live streamed through IKF YouTube channel and on IKF data website www.worldkorfball.sport together with all the results, statistics, top scorers and updated ranking pools.

A daily recap with all the results, reviews, best images and videos will be published on IKF main site: www.korfball.sport

Official websites of the tournament ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com
Live streaming games, results and statistics on ► www.worldkorfball.sport
IKF WKC History event booklet ► Read .pdf document

This tournament is also a qualifying event for The World Games 2021 that will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from 15 to 25 July 2021. More info ► www.theworldgames2021.com

Discover more from all participants reading #TheTeamFiles Interviews ► korfball.sport/wkc2019

Follow the #WKC2019 on social media!

You can also follow all the tournament on IKF official channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: England (IKF WKC 2019)

Passion, skill and unity drive England in top six quest

England has featured in every IKF World Korfball Championship, playing as Great Britain before 2007. They won the bronze medal in 1987 and 1999, finished fourth in 2015, and have never finished outside the top eight. This year their main goal is to finish in the top six, and therefore secure a place at the World Games 2021, Birmingham, USA.

This will be the third IKF WKC for Neala Brennan, in a squad where most of the players have had plenty of korfball together, as she explains.

“Most of us started at school age, either through local clubs or through primary school. Many of the players have grown up playing for the same club team, whether it’s in Norwich, London or Kent. Most of our players have been part of England squads from U14 through to senior level.

“We have a number of younger players coming through the age groups. One exciting female player to watch is Ayishah Chaudry, who is only 19 years old. Ayishah combines speed and athleticism with the ability to read the game, which is a great combination, and she will be a terrific asset for England.

“One of our more experienced players to watch for is Davesh Patel. He has had one of his best seasons and is on great form for the IKF WKC,” she says.

More important than individuals, though, Neala believes the way the squad as a whole handles the overall challenge will determine their success at the IKF WKC 2019.

“I always think the biggest pressure at important tournaments is the ability to play well for a number of games. For teams to be successful the players have to handle the stressful situations. They need to perform at their best and actually turn up and play good korfball. If we focus on one game at a time, that will help us to perform. However, we also have some very experienced players in the team, who will lead the way,” she says.

Team England

Team England

Neala characterises England’s team, coached at this tournament by long term international player Rob Williams, as passionate, skillful and united.

“Since February we have combined England training with our league training and games. Since the domestic season finished in June, we have increased the intensity and frequency of our training, using whole squad training at weekends, while area groups train together during the week,” she says.

That commitment comes with sacrifice, which Neala would like to see more generously rewarded.

“In common with many squads at the tournament, most of our players would love to have greater recognition of the commitment of time, hard work and finances that go into playing international korfball. More widely shared financial support, or greater sponsorship for players and federations in countries whose governments provide no funding, would lead to more competitive tournaments and increased prestige and participation in korfball,” she says.

England will play Hong Kong, Slovakia and Belgium in their pool, with their match against their European rival and neighbour on the third day shaping as one of the most eagerly awaited pool games as the IKF third ranked team goes up against number six.

“We always look forward to playing Belgium, especially with it being so close last year, when they beat us 22-17 at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2018. We are looking forward to seeing what our new squad can do against them, and how we compare,” she says.

#TeamENG IKF WKC 2019

2: Shannon Jones
5: Heather Ikwuemesi
6: Heather Stokes
7: Charles Vogwill
8: Adele Mitchell
9: Ayishah Chaudry
10: Neala Brennan
14: Blake Palfreyman
15: Paul Debenham
16: Davesh Patel
17: Robert Williams
18: Kieron Hicks
20: Emma Bryant
22: Joshua Rowe
24: Beatrice Cutts

Coach: Robert Williams
Manager: Beatrice Cutts
Assistant Coach: Kees Vlietstra

#TeamENG on social media:

► facebook.com/EnglandKorfball
► twitter.com/EnglandKorfball
► instagram.com/englandkorfballofficial

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: Portugal (IKF WKC 2019)

Recent triumphs energise Portugal

Portugal goes to the IKF World Korfball Championship 2019 buoyed up by two recent significant achievements. Last October, in Friesland, they overcame Belgium to win bronze by the narrowest margin at the IKF European Korfball Championship; then in July this year they climbed right to the top of the podium, winning the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup (Europe) 2019.

Rui Malcata is assistant coach for Portugal. He says the recent success provides the team with a good springboard towards their main goal in South Africa, which is qualification for the World Games 2021, Birmingham, USA.

“Defeating Belgium last year and winning the bronze medal was a special day. It fulfilled a dream we have held for many years. Going into that match, we wanted to leave a good image of Portugal, to show ourselves as a pressing team in defence, and patient in the attack, facing our opponent eye to eye, without fear.

“Throughout the IKF EKC, we thought we might have a chance to win against Belgium. On the day of the match we knew it was going to be difficult, though not impossible,” he says.

Portugal hung close behind The Diamonds throughout the first half, then managed to secure then hold a slender lead through most of the second, eventually grinding down their historically superior opponent by clinging to a one goal lead for the last 1.21 minutes. It was an emotional finale for the team and obviously a tough experience for Belgium to finish a major tournament without a medal.

To follow that up a few months later with a gold medal on the sand in France has made the last few months a high point in the history of Portuguese korfball, says Rui.

“Representing our country with honour and pride, and becoming World Champion by defeating The Netherlands was something sensational. Although they are completely separate competitions, what we achieved at the EKC and then on the beach showed that Portugal belongs among the best in korfball. Ahead of the IKF WKC the bar is high. Our whole team is focused on the mission, with commitment, unity and humility.

“Of course, we realise that each competition is different and we will have to perform to the highest level we possibly can. However, we certainly aspire to continue to remain among the best through to the end of this IKF WKC,” he says.

Team Portugal

Team Portugal

Every member of the Portuguese squad lives in Lisbon. All started playing korfball while at school, following which they moved to play at clubs in and around the city, reaching the highest level competing in Portugal’s national championship.

In Durban Portugal has been drawn in the same pool as IKF EKC silver medalist Germany. Their meeting, on the final day of pool play, promises to be one of the most closely observed games of the tournament’s first three days.

Rui, however, says the team is taking one step at a time.

“We only think game by game, so for now our concern is South Africa: our debut, on the first day of the tournament.”

With the host team fired up, and scheduled directly after the tournament opening ceremony, that focus certainly makes good sense for Purtugal, who Rui says are held together by their commitment to each other.

“For us, the value of our team is the team itself. No player is above the other players. Everything we have achieved so far is through hard work and personal dedication. We stand for fair play, self-belief and pressure,” he says.

Judging by the pressure they were able to put on The Diamonds to hold their lead and claim that historic bronze medal, it is a philosophy that has worked well.

#TeamPOR IKF WKC 2019

1: Celise Ribeiro
2: Ana Curva
3: Ana Cordeiro
4: Luise Costa Ruivo
5: Isabel Almeida
7: Catarina Correia
9: Jean Ayres
10: Tiago Luz
11: Hugo Fernandes
13: Bruno Amaral
15: Pedro Correia
16: Júlio Ruivo

Coach: Isabel Teixeira
Assistant Coach: Rui Malcata

#TeamPOR on social media:

► facebook.com/fpcorfebol

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: Catalonia (IKF WKC 2019)

After dropping back, Catalonia looks forward

Last year at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2018 Catalonia finished sixth, comfortably qualifying for the upcoming IKF World Korfball Championship. However, after they finished fourth at the IKF WKC 2011, fifth four years later and third at the IKF EKC 2016, a sixth placing against competition excluding non-European korfball countries could be seen as a backwards step, especially as it leaves Catalonia’s current IKF ranking as number 12.

However, Victor Vila Ases, team manager of Catalonia, is looking forward, not back.

“At the EKC, we suffered several injuries, both large and small, which disrupted the group dynamic. Staying strong is a priority for Catalonia at the IKF WKC. We hope to stay healthy. We have focused on making this group strong, so everyone feels important and useful.

“In the end, sport is sport; you might win or not, and it doesn’t depend just on you, the other teams play as well.

“After the tournament, we want to return home with zero regrets and a big smile on our faces,” he says.

Under coach Xavi Vidal and assistant José Manuel Álvarez, Catalonia will introduce several young players to global korfball in South Africa, as Victor explains.

“We want them to be competitive, grow and most importantly, to have fun. We want to compete in every single game, so we can come back home with good feelings about the tournament,” he says.

Team Catalonia

Team Catalonia

In daunting preliminary pool that includes the defending world champion, as well two-times bronze medalist the Czech Republic, which beat Catalonia in their IKF EKC 2018 ranking game, Victor says Catalonia’s players relish the big challenges ahead.

“This will sound like a cliche, but we respect and look forward to playing all the teams we will meet in Durban,” he says.

A recent visit to Catalonia by TeamNL Korfbal, the world champion national team of The Netherlands, featured training games against the locals. A few weeks later they meet more seriously, in a pool game on the IKF WKC’s second day. Victor says hosting the Dutch served as a key part of their preparation.

“Those were very useful games for us. Playing The Netherlands is always a challenge. We defined a set of specific goals, for the team and individually, and we achieved most of them. For the players, facing strong opponents is not usually possible during preparation, as the national team players are supposed to be the best in the country, so you always need an external opponent to give them a challenge, and playing The Netherlands certainly does that,” he says.

Most of the members of Catalonia’s national selection have played korfball since they were teenagers. Plenty of Catalonia’s high schools have korfball teams, and the current players are the result of many years of hard work focusing on the development of school korfball.

Most live in or near Barcelona, though this year the squad also includes a good representation of players from Girona.

Apart from easing some squad members back in as they rehabilitate from injury, Catalonia’s preparation for IKF WKC 2019 has mostly been reasonably smooth.

“Due to the political situation in Catalonia, we were expecting some government funding, though that has not arrived on time as promised. We therefore had to be a bit creative to raise some money and help the players with their payments, which we have done with a crowdfunding project,” says Victor.

He expects two of Catalonia’s new players will command particular attention from spectators, and opponents.

“David Puertas and Alba Rosa Lorente are two youngsters who are kicking the door down already. They both merge talent with hard work, so expect the best from them,” he says.

#TeamCAT IKF WKC 2019

1: Olga Gandía Pérez
4: Daniel Fernández I Gran
6: David Puertas Rojas
9: Alba Rosa Lorente
11: Jessica Lechuga Godínez
14: Javi Navarro Sánchez
15: Laia Rosa Lorente
16: Joel Rus Alfonsín
18: Miquel Gil Maeso
20: Marc Castillo Caragol
Miriam Moraleda Medina
María Castillo García
Berta Martínez González
Clara Cruz Casado

Coach: Xavi Vidal Gomez
Team Manager: Victor Vila Ases
Officials: Jose Manuel Álvarez Andrés, Albert Casorrán Baró

#TeamCAT on social media:

► facebook.com/korfbalcat
► twitter.com/korfbalcat
► instagram.com/korfcat

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

The countdown to the World Korfball Championship 2019 is almost over!


There are few days left before South Africa welcome you all at the UKZN Westville Campus Indoor Sports Centre in Durban in the opening match of the 11th IKF World Korfball Championship.

After four years of hard work behind the scenes by IKF and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the much-expected tournament is now just around the corner and ready to start.

From 1 until 10 August 2019, the following 20 teams will fight to be the new World Korfball Champion.

Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Pool E
The Netherlands Chinese Taipei Belgium China Germany
Czech Republic Australia England Hungary Portugal
Catalonia Poland Hong Kong China Suriname South Africa
New Zealand Ireland Slovakia Macau China Japan

The 20 participating countries start playing in five pools of four countries. The top three of each pool and the best number four qualify for the round of 16 and stay in the race to become the World Korfball Champion 2019. The remaining four countries will be playing against each other in a round-robin system, with a final at the end, to determine their position in the final ranking (position 17-20).  The best number four will be decided following the rules stated in the IKF Competition Regulations, which state that the points earned by each team shall be decisive. More detailed info on ► korfball.sport/?p=19763  ► Pool Draw Video WKC2019

All games will be live streamed through IKF YouTube channel and on IKF data website www.worldkorfball.sport together with all the results, statistics, top scorers and updated ranking pools.

A daily recap with all the results, reviews, best images and videos will be published on IKF main site: www.korfball.sport

Official websites of the tournament ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com
Live streaming games, results and statistics on ► www.worldkorfball.sport
IKF WKC History event booklet ► Read .pdf document

This tournament is also a qualifying event for The World Games 2021 that will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from 15 to 25 July 2021. More info ► www.theworldgames2021.com

Discover more from all participants reading #TheTeamFiles Interviews ► korfball.sport/wkc2019

Follow the #WKC2019 on social media!

You can also follow all the tournament on IKF official channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: South Africa (IKF WKC 2019)

Host aims to build on most intense preparation ever

South Africa is the only African country to have participated at the IKF World Korfball Championship, attending every tournament since 1995. This year will be the biggest yet for the continent as South Africa hosts the event in Durban.

Kgolagano Moetle, known as Zakes, has been playing korfball since 2015, when he was introduced to the sport by one of the established members of the host country’s national squad, RF van Niekerk. Now the two are preparing together to represent their country at the highest level.

“Our team consists of a combination of experienced and new players, all of us eager and ready to prove ourselves. Preparations started in November 2017 when we took the first steps to identify what we needed to work on and how we should do it. Training and preparation has been ongoing since then, and every player has given their all ahead of the tournament.

“Through our preparation programme we have had more than 30 official training days with the group. In the history of korfball in South Africa, we have never had so many training sessions as a group before a World Championship.

“Our most important goal is to play competitive korfball in front of our supporters. Like every other team at the tournament, our aim is to finish as high as possible. We think we are capable of aiming for position number 13 on the final day,” says Zakes.

South Africa currently holds the IKF number 15 ranking. Former world champion and Dutch korfball legend Leon Simons has worked with the team through their intense preparation period, and will provide support to coach Elsie Theyse-Hulsbos and the players during the tournament.

Team South Africa

Team South Africa

Zakes says several of South Africa’s players started korfball at an early age in their respective regions having been introduced to the sport by family or friends.

“Our players are from KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces. Ten of the players have international korfball experience from previous IKF WKC events.

“Liandri Theyse is one of the well established players in our squad. She started playing korfball in 1997 when she was nine years old. She grew up next to the korfball field, as her family was and still is involved with korfball. She retired from korfball during the 2015 IKF WKC, then decided to come back and finish her korfball career on home ground.

“On the other hand we have Farah Jawitz, who began korfball in 2018. She started studying at Oxford University and was looking to play a sport there, trying to find something new. She found korfball on the university website, attended try outs, and has loved korfball ever since,” he says.

The South African Korfball Federation (SAKF) is a signatory to the National Sport Plan of South Africa, which prioritises the introduction of sport to all the country‘s communities. All funding from macro sport bodies in South Africa is channeled to the expansion of community sport. One of the SAKF’s aims is to bring korfball to as many potential players in the different provinces as possible. Korfball in South Africa is spread over the country‘s nine provinces. Distances between the provinces, and therefore between clubs, ranges from 50 to 1600 kilometres. Quality match and training time is therefore a luxury, especially for national teams preparing for international events, says Zakes.

“Given the travel distances and availability of suitable venues, playing korfball in South Africa, or for that matter any sport, is always a challenge. Travel distances have a huge financial implication for all concerned. To keep going requires persistence and a positive attitude.

“That same philosophy comes through when we play: we never give up,” he says.

#TeamRSA IKF WKC 2019

1: Danica Erasmus
2: Aneka Fick
3: Werner Basson
4: Christiaan Stephanus Roberts
5: Zamalantha Ribechar Dlamini
6: Themba Benedict Mogasho
7: Liandri Theyse
8: Christie Theyse
9: Daniel Francois Mauritius Smith
10: Vusimuzi Nkunkuma
11: Kgolagano Moethle
12: Kelly-Jean Mills
13: Rudolf Francois Van Niekerk
14: Lindokuhle Dube
15: Farah Jawitz
16: Maria Elizabeth Kleynhans

Coach: Elsie Theyse-Hulsbos
Manager: Gertjie Theyse
Official: Leon Simons

#TeamRSA on social media:

► facebook.com/South-African-Korfball-Federation-775823909094705

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: Czech Republic (IKF WKC 2019)

Czechs strive for a way back to korfball’s highest level

The Czech Republic has a special place in international korfball history: in 2002 they were the first nation outside The Netherlands or Belgium to overcome one of the two traditional korfball superpowers, beating Belgium 20-19 on the way to claiming a silver medal at IKF European Korfball Championship of that year.

They followed that up with consecutive bronze medals at the IKF World Korfball Championships of 2003 and 2007, which they also matched at the IKF EKC of both 2006 and 2010. During the two most recent IKF WKC events, in 2011 and 2015, they ranked eight and nine respectively, the latter eliminating them from participation at the World Games 2017.

Ivo Kracík was a member of The Czech Republic team during much of the preceding era, the glory time for Czech korfball. His international playing career ran from 1999 until 2009 and included two IKF WKC bronze medals, plus the IKF EKC silver from 2002. He is now coach of the latest generation of players seeking to match their predecessors’ medal collections. Although Czech has drawn arguably the toughest pool at this IKF WKC, with Catalonia, New Zealand and the Netherlands their opponents on the first three days, Ivo is encouraging his team to keep it calm, and simple.

“We don’t want to put big pressure on our shoulders. We have set gradual goals. We need to take one step at a time. Initially, we aim to finish in the top two in our first round pool, which should give us an easier game in the round of 16, then we can deal with what comes next.

“Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the World Games 2021, Birmingham, USA. To achieve that we will have to take every day as it comes. If we can just put one foot in front of the other, who knows, we may even be good enough to play for a medal on the final day,” he says.

Team Czech Republic

Team Czech Republic

Seven of the current Czech squad were on the podium as winners of the bronze medal at the IKF U23 WKC 2016, as the host team, in Olomouc. One of their current team mates Lenka Faltynkova has a bronze medal from the previous era, when she was in the successful squad from the IKF WKC 2003. Anna Literova, meanwhile, is in her first senior IKF WKC.

Ivo says, while those medals are a reminder to his players of what they are aiming for, he is encouraging them to focus on the future.

“We don’t have big stars in our team. We aim to play a team game, where everybody has their own important role,” he says.

Most of the players live in Moravia, in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, where they are spread between six different clubs. Most started korfball at age 10, at primary school. The average age of the Czech players is 24.

Ivo says determination, excitement and team spirit characterise the squad he is leading in South Africa. Time will tell whether those are the qualities that will take Czech korfball back to the heights they scaled, and held, nearly two decades ago.

Their first match in Durban will be a repeat of the last match at IKF EKC 2018, where Czech met Catalonia, winning 20-17 to claim the tournament’s number five ranking.

“Of course we are preparing for this game. A good start of the tournament is always important and I believe that we have the weapons to be successful again. We have had great preparation with a lot of training matches where we have been able to find the ideal formations for this game, and we are confident in our ability,” Ivo says.

#TeamCZE IKF WKC 2019

1: Vendula Jemelíková
2: Denisa Kolářová
3: Renata Havlová
4: Anna Literová
5: Lenka Faltýnková
6: Eliška Jonáková
7: Dominika Drábková
12: Petr Šnajdr
13: Petr Pesak
16: Daniel Štefák
17: Patrik Nguyen
18: Petr Galicek
20: Alexandr Vyroubal
25: Jan Sedy

Coach: Ivo Kracík
Manager: David Konečný

#TeamCZE on social media:

► facebook.com/cesky.korfbal
► twitter.com/czechkorfbal
► instagram.com/czechkorfbal

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019

#TheTeamFiles: Belgium (IKF WKC 2019)

Superpower aiming to return to korfball’s top level

Belgium has always been a superpower of international korfball, contesting the final of every IKF World Korfball Championship since the first tournament in 1978. They also, of course, hold the honour of being the only team to ever deny the Netherlands a gold medal in the historic 1991 tournament.

However, over the past two years the previous script has changed, first at the World Games 2017 when Chinese Taipei beat The Diamonds in a dramatic though ultimately convincing semi-final, then even more surprisingly in the IKF European Korfball Championship 2018 when first Germany then Portugal won out over Belgium to deprive the traditional favourite of even a place on the podium.

Those results have seen Belgium slip from number two to number three in the IKF rankings.

As the director of Koninklijke Belgische Korfbalbond (KBKB) responsible for all national teams, and leader of the Belgian delegation in Durban, Yves Daelmans admits those results have stung.

“We went through the previous period, leading up to the latest IKF WKC in 2015, hosted in our own country, which was magnificent. At that tournament we saw some nice results, a large fanbase and a very good final with the support of King Philippe. However, we could not continue this success, obtaining some negative results during the recent World Games and IKF EKC.

“Through the past few months we have been building a new team. Their main goal is to do much better than we achieved at these most recent championships,” says Yves.

Will that motivation be enough to raise Belgium back to their habitual position on the podium, or will the encouragement that challenging teams will surely gain from seeing their previous invincibility undermined prove stronger?

Image by Marco Spelten

Team Belgium – Image by Marco Spelten

Yves says The Diamonds’ preparations started at the end of last year.

“First we participated in the Korfball Challenge in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, starting to rebuild the team. During the first quarter of this year the number of training sessions for the national team was relatively low. In Belgium during those months, all the focus goes to the intensive last part of the indoor championship, which requires our players to commit to multiple weekly training sessions with their clubs.

“As of April though, The Diamonds have been able to gather at least weekly for a series of trainings and matches against top teams in The Netherlands, and our training programme continues right through until our departure for South Africa,” he says.

That included a practice game against England on 20 July in Antwerp. More meaningfully, the two teams meet again in an official match in pool play on 3 August in Durban.

“With all respect to the other teams in our pool, Hong Kong and Slovakia, England is ranked closest to Belgium and that last game in the first round will the most interesting one for us. That will be where we can prove to ourselves, and everyone else, that we have moved on from our disappointing results of the past two years,” he says.

In June star player David Peeters retired from international korfball, so will not be wearing the famous red shirt in Durban. While they will miss him, Yves says the emphasis now is on the whole team.

“Nowadays the way we play korfball puts a lot of importance on being the best at all positions on the pitch. That means no individuals are in the spotlight. Instead, the team performance is the key focus. Besides some familiar faces, the spectators will get to know some new attractive young players for whom this will be their first major championship.

“That is exciting for them, though most of them have already performed multiple times in national youth selections, from U17 up to U21, so they are not completely new to international korfball, and are very eager to go to Durban.”

Whether their passion, fighting spirit and the new emphasis on being one team is sufficient to redeem The Diamonds, and return them to global korfball’s top level, promises to be one of the most intriguing stories of the IKF WKC 2019.

#TeamBEL IKF WKC 2019

1: Maite Dewinter
3: Lauren Denis
5: Shiara Driesen
6: Liesbet Bollaerts
7: Julie Caluwe
8: Tess Mathis
9: Saar Seys
12: Jarre De Ley
13: Brent Struyf
14: Jonas Lemmens
15: Nick Verwerft
16: Lars Courtens
17: Jordan De Vogelaere
20: Jari Hardies

Coaches: Detlef Elewaut, Johannis Shot
Manager: Christiane (Chris) Van Riet
Team leader: Yves Daelmans
Physiotherapists: Kevin Ongena, Marc Vyt

#TeamBEL on social media:

► facebook.com/KBKB1921
► twitter.com/korfbalbe
► instagram.com/korfbalbe

Follow the tournament!

Live streaming games and statistics ► www.worldkorfball.sport
Tournament info, pools & schedule ► 
www.ikf.org/?p=6667
Official websites 
 ► www.korfball.sport ► www.ikfwkc2019.com

Follow all the championship also on social media visiting the following IKF profiles:
► facebook.com/korfball.org
► twitter.com/korfball
► instagram.com/korfball_org

More info and special content can be found on LOC’s tournament profiles:
► facebook.com/ikfwkc2019
► twitter.com/ikfwkc2019
► instagram.com/ikfwkc2019