Day 2 at the IKF Europa Cup 2019 First Round in Kocaeli brought us 6 different games after Friday’s two first matches. These were today’s games, all live on www.worldkorfball.org.

DAY 1 & 2 FINAL RESULTS:

DAY 2 REVIEWS:

GAME #3: Bonson FJEP (FRA) – CK Castellbisbal (CAT) 6 – 20 (5-11)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/bonson-fjep-club-korfbal-castellbisbal-2242

Two attacks, two goals! (1-1) An amazing start from Bonson in the winning mood countered by the Catalans, struggling to keep chances to qualify for the final round in January.

It must be said that Castellbisbal was concentrated from the very start and successful shooting (Irene Figueroa) lead to what would later turn out to be a decisive result. Bonson had difficulties to disturb the speedy tempo from the opponent. However every Catalan mistake often resulted in a French score. Unfortunately a successful buzzer shot was not accorded due to a right decision of the Turkish referee.

In the second half the match was more or less controlled by the leading team. Bonson was incapable to narrow the gap. On the other hand multiple substitutions did not affect the quality of the Catalan game resulting in an obvious final score.

A final remark. With respect to the winners of the match, spectators saw one of the best recent French club teams. In this respect it is appreciated that a former player, Denis Dancert, decided to stay committed as a coach after finishing his career as a player.

GAME #4: Cardiff City & Met KC (WAL) – 1908 SZAC KSE (HUN) 4 – 23 (1-13)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/cardiff-city-met-korfball-club-1908-szac-kse-2243

It is going good with korfball in Hungary and one would be curious if this could be shown in the first game of the tournament. And indeed, from the beginning the Hungarians took the initiative forcing Cardiff to take a time out to rearrange the defence.

For Cardiff, with matches against the Turkish and the Catalan champion ahead, it was an all or nothing game. The Hungarians dominated the game from the start with a clear score even at the end of the first half. But then the team is the major supplier of players for the national squad that may dream to qualify for the IKF WKC in October.

Because of the difference in score Cardiff gave up all hope whereas SZAC started to prepare for more crucial matches ahead.

GAME #5: 1908 SZAC KSE (HUN) – Bonson FJEP (FRA) 23 – 12 (12-7)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/1908-szac-kse-bonson-fjep-2244

Courage! That is the ingredient that is needed when you compete against a much too strong opponent. And, without minimizing the merits of ZSAC, the French did what they could to keep the score acceptable.

Sometimes it is important to reset the goal when there is so much domination. Trying to score half of the goals of the opponent may then be a success. And the French succeeded to obtain this result against SZAC that would keep all options open to qualify for Belgium next year.

 

GAME #6: Marmara University SC (TUR) – Cardiff City & Met KC (WAL) 20 – 4 (11-3)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/marmara-university-sport-club-cardiff-city-met-korfball-club-2245

Also here a strong team from Turkey had no problems with an opponent that still has a long way to go. As it happens then often scores from the underdog are cheered much louder than beautiful athletic movements of others.

With upcoming key matches in mind, Marmara slowly strolled to an easy win without too much resistance from the Welsh.

 

GAME #7: CK Castellbisbal (CAT) – 1908 SZAC KSE (HUN) 12 – 17 (8-8)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/club-korfbal-castellbisbal-1908-szac-kse-2246

The most interesting match of the second day would decide whether the Catalan champion would still have a chance to qualify for the final round. Only by beating the opponent , that could be achieved.

The Catalan topscorers Parròn and Figueroa were focussed from the start to create a small gap (7-4) This was the sign for the Hungarian coach to bring more rebound power in defence to disturb these dangerous attackers. And with success! (7-6)

With a missed penalty on the Hungarian side the first half promised a clash for later.

SZAC was clearly the better team after the break. The defenders gave pressure on the shooters with team mates unable to take over (8-12)

Despite several other missed penalties from SZAC the gap steadily grew to an insurmountable 10-16

With this result SZAC may order tickets for Belgium.

 

GAME #8: Marmara University SC (TUR) – Bonson FJEP (FRA) 12 – 10 (7-7)

Statistics: worldkorfball.org/matches/marmara-university-sport-club-bonson-fjep-2247

The French needed two attacks to force a 0-2 lead. Changing zones brought Marmara back in the game. One could have thought that, from then on, Marmara would overwhelm their opponents but, as been said before, with the right spirit this French team would not let go (5-6)

One would wonder whether Bonson would be able to continue this way after tea.

It took 5 minutes for a team to score. Turkish attempts remained unanswered and Bonson now had more faith than skill (10-8) Time now was running out for Bonson. Due to a serious injury the team had a late revival but not enough to keep Marmara from victory.

Now that the qualified teams are known the third day will only decide who will be the winner of the first round. We look forward to see what spectacle these teams have to offer.

 

DAY 3 GAME SCHEDULE:

 

 

• You can follow this tournament live on IKF data website: www.worldkorfball.org, with all the statistics, play-by-play, top scorers, rankings, etc.
• Watch all games on Korfball Turkey live streaming youtube channel: https://goo.gl/6aNnhn
• Match schedule, tournament rules and more on ikf.org/event/ikf-europa-cup-2019-1st-round

 

During three days, five European clubs play to be one of the two best teams of this tournament and automatically be qualified for the next IKF Europa Cup 2019. This ECUP Final Round will be played from 10 to 12 January 2019 in Kortrijk, Belgium, with 8 national European club champions competing.

The Turkish Korfball Federation is the local organizer, with the support and collaboration of Kocaeli University. All games are played in the following venue in Kocaeli: Gazanfer Bilge Sports Hall.

 

PARTICIPANTS:

Country	Team
HUNGARY	1908 SZAC Budapest
WALES	Cardiff City & Met
CATALONIA	Club Korfbal Castellbisbal
FRANCE	FJEP Bonson
TURKEY	Marmara University Sport Club

 

You can also follow this IKF ECUP 2019 1st Round on IKF social media profiles and using the hashtags #ECUP2019 and #korfball:

• facebook.com/korfball.org
• twitter.com/korfball
• instagram.com/korfball_org

DAY 2 IMAGE GALLERY, by Fatih Osma.

On Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @fatihhosma