Finalists are known after today’s games at the IKF Europa Cup 2018 Day 2 in Platja d’Aro.

DAY 2 RESULTS (Friday, 12th January 2018):

DAY 3 FINAL GAMES (Saturday, 13th January 2018):

CK Vallparadis – 1908 SZAC Budapest 17 – 16

The Catalans were always in the lead. But at the very end of the match the Hungarians missed a penalty in which case with enough time remaining it would have been possible to make a come back. On the other hand Vallparadis, disadvantaged by the early starting hour, did not benefit from a crowd of supporters. The fifth place is now the highest possible.

Top/Solar Compleet – KCC Budejovice 30 – 11

Accurate shooting and courageous Czechs! That is what can be told of this second game of day 2. Top is ready for the final and Budejovice will try to show a better performance later on.

Trojans – SG Pegasus 14 – 19

The traditional clash between the champions of England and Germany was an exciting game until there was a gap in the second half which the Trojans were incapable to reduce. Some decisions were not always in favour of Trojans whereas the Germans slowly but surely secured the difference in score with long attacks.

AKC Luma – NC Benfica 17 – 8

It has become common for AKC Luma  that the players need to warm up during the first half of the game to become effective in the second. During the first 10 minutes Benfica even was the better team. With 2 minutes in the first half AKC took the lead for the first time. (10 – 8)

Then it turned out that Benfica had given their best performance and forgot to score giving AKC the chance to easily clinch the frame.

Trojans KC – 1908 SZAC Budapest 17 – 13

The Hungarian team had chances against Trojans. Just at the end the more experienced English players were able to create a narrow gap which will keep the next champion in the top six. On the other hand the Hungarian champion will be obliged to go through a first round. But then with what we saw during this tournament, it will be hard for other competitors to keep them from the first two places that gives entry to the final round in Belgium 2019.

KCC Budejovice – CK Vallparadis 13 – 12

Vallparadis goes to first rounds!

With 8-8 as the score at half time, no one could predict the outcome of this game. But then both teams forgot to score. Much struggle, many inside moves without efficiency, not a match to remember. At the end the most fortunate was Budejovice. The last Catalan attacks without strategy could not make the change.

Top/Solar Compleet – NC Benfica 27 – 13

It takes courage to play against a Dutch team. The mere fact that Benfica could score 13 goals must be appreciated. The whirlpool of the play of Top was much enjoyed by many spectators creating a good atmosphere. They proved that they are ready to face any opponent in the final game of the tournament.

SG Pegasus – AKC Luma 9 – 21

No slow start from AKC this time. Excellent focus from the beginning and power play throughout the first half keeping the Germans from coming into the game (5-11) A general repetition for the final!

The second half was a copy of the first. The Germans too much trying for opportunities inside with ball recuperation for the opponents as a consequence. Especially the female players of AKC played a part in the high score 5′ before the end (8-20).

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Day 2 Image gallery (by Marco Spelten and Gertrude de Vries)