The IKF is happy to announce the IKF U21 Korfball World Cup (KWC) 2021, which will be hosted by the Fédération Korfbal France in Saint-Étienne. The event will be held from 24 September till 26 September, with a possibility to start on the evening of 23 September in case the number of subscribed teams is very high. Subscription is open for all IKF members.
The IKF U21 KWC 2021 is being organised as alternative for the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2021, that had to be cancelled due to the corona situation. The IKF KWC is a standalone event with no direct relationship to the regular IKF U21 Competition Calendar. Participation is not connected to the IKF World Ranking. The main aim of this event is to give as many countries as possible the opportunity to offer their U21 age group the possibility to compete in an international event in the year of 2021.
The exact tournament set up will depend on the number of subscribed teams but it is anticipated to be in line with the tournament set up of the IKF U19 World Korfball Championship, having multiple games during one day.
Although the outlook for September regarding the corona virus situation in Europe currently looks positive, it may be clear that the health of everyone involved will always have the highest priority. Therefore the IKF will closely monitor the developments of the corona situation in the coming months together with the host country. In the middle of June formal evaluation is planned to decide up on the continuation of the event.
UPDATE (11-August-2021): The IKF has decided, in coordination with the participants, to relocate the IKF U21 Korfball World Cup 2022. The strict corona regulations and the related high organisational costs in France make it impossible for this event to continue in France as planned. The participants indicated that they would very much appreciate the IKF U21 KWC 2021 to take place, and the Czech Korfball Association has offered to organise the event from 24 – 26 September in Zruč nad Sázavou. The IKF is grateful for this offer and has full confidence that the Czech Korfball Association is capable of organising a great event in the short time left. The IKF is preparing the final versions of the IKF COVID-19 protocol and IKF COVID-19 Event Rules, of which a provisional edition has been discussed with the participants.
The IKF would like to thank Fédération Korfbal France for all their efforts to host this event.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/web_event_u21kwc2021_cze_v2.png4781000Geke Maathttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngGeke Maat2021-04-01 11:59:022021-08-11 13:50:27IKF U21 Korfball World Cup 2021
The IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019 has its champion: The Netherlands! Belgium and the Dutch U21 squad played today’s IKF #U21EKC Final after a perfect tournament full of victories. But only one team can raise the champions trophy and the Dutch were the ones to achieve it after winning the final 12-21.
Germany and England played earlier for Bronze medal and after an exciting and tight game decided by a Golden Goal, the Germans won 15-16. In the fight for 5th place Hungary was able to beat Portugal in an intense and close match. Finally, today’s first game between Catalonia and Czech Republic was decided very early in favour of the local team (4-15).
Congratulations to all participant teams, officials, organisers and volunteers for this successful tournament hosted in the beautiful Czech city of Prostějov, and specially to the Czech Korfball Association celebrating its 30 anniversary.
After this finals results, the 6 first teams of the ranking below are qualified for the next IKF U21 World Korfball Championship that will be played from 11 to 18 July 2020 in Chinese Taipei (more info).
IKF U21 EKC 2029 – Final Ranking
1st (Champion): The Netherlands 2nd (Silver medal): Belgium 3rd (Bronze medal): Germany 4th place: England 5th place: Hungary 6th place: Portugal 7th place: Czech Republic 8th place: Catalonia
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SPEL0126.jpg29534430Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2019-10-19 15:37:202023-12-07 18:37:43The Netherlands wins the final of the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019
The finalists of the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019 are known! The Netherlands and Belgium will play this Saturday the #U21EKC Final at 15:30. Germany vs England for Bronze medal at 13:45. Catalonia vs Czech Republic will face at 10:15 for 7th place and Portugal and Hungary at 12:00 will for 5th place.
1st (Champion): The Netherlands 2nd (Silver medal): Belgium 3rd (Bronze medal): Germany 4th place: England 5th place: Hungary 6th place: Portugal 7th place: Czech Republic 8th place: Catalonia
Good luck to all teams in these final matches that are taking place in Prostějov, Czech Republic. These eight top U21 national squads are competing to be the new u21 European champion and for a place in the next IKF U21 World Korfball Championship that will be played from 11 to 18 July 2020 in Chinese Taipei (more info).
All games can be watched live through IKF Youtube live streaming channel with all the statistics, results, scorers and rankings on www.worldkorfball.sport
You can also find more info on the official website of the tournament: u21ekc.korfbal.cz(in Czech and English)
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SPLT8481.jpg8531280Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2019-10-18 17:10:012023-12-07 18:37:43IKF U21 EKC 2019: NED & BEL will play the final and GER-ENG for Bronze
The cross finals and semifinalists of the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019 are known at the end of the group phase. Belgium and England will play on Friday, October 18th, the 1st semifinal at 15:00 and The Netherlands and Germany the other semifinal at 16:45. Portugal vs Catalonia at 11:30 and Czech Republic vs Hungary at 13:45 will fight for places between 5th and 8th.
Good luck to all teams in these decisive matches that are taking place in Prostějov, Czech Republic. These eight top U21 national squads are competing to be the new u21 European champion and for a place in the next IKF U21 World Korfball Championship that will be played from 11 to 18 July 2020 in Chinese Taipei (more info).
All games can be watched live through IKF Youtube live streaming channel with all the statistics, results, scorers and rankings on www.worldkorfball.sport
You can also find more info on the official website of the tournament: u21ekc.korfbal.cz(in Czech and English)
From 15 to 19 October the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019 is taking place in Prostějov, Czech Republic. Eight top U21 national squads are competing to be the new u21 European champion and for a place in the next IKF U21 World Korfball Championship that will be played from 11 to 18 July 2020 in Chinese Taipei (more info).
After day 3, the cross finals and semifinalists are known. Good luck to all teams and don’t miss the next games.
Participants:
POOL A: The Netherlands, England, Czech Republic and Catalonia.
POOL B: Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.
All games can be watched live through IKF Youtube live streaming channel with all the statistics, results, scorers and rankings on www.worldkorfball.sport
You can also find more info on the official website of the tournament: u21ekc.korfbal.cz(in Czech and English)
On this post you will find an updated review with results, links and images of the first 3 days of competition (group phase).
From 15 to 19 October the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019 will take place in Prostějov, Czech Republic. Eight top U21 national squads will compete to be the new U21 European champion and for a place in the next IKF U21 World Korfball Championship that will be played from 11 to 18 July 2020 in Chinese Taipei.
PARTICIPANTS: POOL A: The Netherlands, England, Czech Republic and Catalonia. POOL B: Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Hungary.
All games can be watched live through IKF Youtube live streaming channel with all the statistics, results, scorers and rankings on www.worldkorfball.sport
You can also find more info on the official website of the tournament: u21ekc.korfbal.cz(in Czech and English)
Here you can find the Youtube live streaming playlist, the full match schedule and links to follow this tournament. On Days 1, 2 & 3 the group phase will be played; on Day 4 the cross finals and semifinals and on Day 5 the final games.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web_ready_ikfu21ekc2019.png321682Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2019-10-13 07:38:232023-12-07 18:37:45Everything’s ready for the IKF U21 European Korfball Championship 2019
The IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 has its champion: The Netherlands! Belgium was once again the rival to beat in the final, and at the end of an intense and tight game, the winner was the Dutch team.
After a great tournament played from 7 to 14 July 2018 in the spectacular Tüskecsarnok Arena in Budapest (Hungary), this is the final ranking:
Gold medal: The Netherlands Silver medal: Belgium Bronze medal: Chinese Taipei 4th place: Portugal 5th place: China 6th place: Hungary 7th place: Czech Republic 8th place: Hong Kong China 9th place: England 10th place: Turkey 11th place: Germany
MATCH 35 (U21 WKC 2018 Final): BELGIUM – NETHERLANDS
The Championship final is between Belgium and The Netherlands. Favourites, Netherlands won the pool match 21-14 after a tightly contested first twenty minutes. The first couple of minutes saw nervous play from both teams as a number of chances were missed. Referee Busik (Slovakia) and assistant Marks (Australia) were kept busy with some fast, close play under both posts. The teams converting a penalty each, the first of six in the quarter, to open the scoring. Zuijdwegt (#02) was lively in open play for Netherlands as they went 3-5 ahead. Despite the close defence from both teams, the attacks were able to score regularly as Netherlands maintained a two goal into the second quarter, 5-7. Carlo De Vries (#14) scored his fourth (two penalties) Netherlands kept control 7-10 ahead. The Belgian coach took action with De Lay (#44) and Van Den Dycke (#40) switching ends. Two more goals concluded an uneventful first half with Netherlands leading 8-11.
The third quarter continued much as the first half finished, with both teams playing controlled, quality korfball. Goals from Zwolle (#14) and De Vries enabled Netherlands to extend the lead to five, 8-13. A couple more changes from Belgium and more goals saw them pull back to within two at the end of the third quarter, 14-16.
Again, the Netherlands response was calm as they extended the lead again, Zuidwegt scoring her third, and then Zwolle from distance. Belgium were not flustered and Engels (#28) scored her first before De Lay scored from distance again to bring the game back to two. After the change of ends, Belgium were just one down with a penalty. Further goals from Zwolle and De Vries, eleven between them, again stretched the Dutch lead to three. Another Belgium penalty with three minutes left endured the match would be contested to the end. There was to be one final Dutch goal as they won 18-21 to become U21 World Champions.
Players of the match, Niels Delbeke (#47) for Belgium and Leander Zwolle (#11) for Netherlands.
MATCH 34 (Bronze medal game): CHINESE TAIPEI 18 PORTUGAL 16
The bronze medal match took place between Chinese Taipei and Portugal. A large crowd stayed hoping to witness another close encounter. The pool match between these teams finished 19-16 to Chinese Taipei. Portugal started brightly with Wagenmaker (#04) scoring from their first two attacks. Taipei responded well and soon went ahead, scoring four penalties, three from Tseng (#11) while Portugal missed two. The first quarter finished 7-2 to Chinese Taipei. After going six behind, the Portuguese coach made the first change bringing Frade (#02) into the match. Portugal had their best period since the start of the match scoring three before half-time to for an 11-7 Chinese Taipei lead.
Portugal kept coming into the match, reducing the gap to two at 12-10 with two more penalties and another miss. Nunes (#03) scored her second from distance to bring the score to 13-11 to Chinese Taipei at the end of the third quarter.
Condado (#13) returned to the match after a short rest to join an attack including Wagenmaker who was causing all sorts of problems for Taipei. Wagenmaker drew the free pass and scored before being flattened. She scored the equaliser from long range. Referee Pazourek (Czech Republic) supported by Van Grimberge (Belgium) was paying close attention as the play became increasingly physical. The Chinese Taipei coach received a yellow card for his actions during yet another penalty. Tseng scored his sixth goal as Chinese Taipei pulled ahead again. As the clock ran down, Portugal could not convert any of several chances and Chinese Taipei were able to control the end of the match to win 18-16 and the bronze medal.
Players of the match, Yi Liang Tseng (#11) for Chinese Taipei and Laura Wagenmaker (#04) for Portugal.
You can review and watch all games again through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here
For ikfchannel on YouTube: Click here
These are the games scheduled for Days 7 & 8 at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 in Budapest, HUNGARY. Follow and watch all games through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here
DAY 7 AND 8 MATCHES SCHEDULE
MATCH 31 (for 9th place): TURKEY 13 ENGLAND 14
Turkey faced England for 9th place. Neither team was able to dominate their opening exchanges. Turkey went ahead three times, but could not hold it and went behind for the first time at 3-4. An injury to Arslan (#15) forced an early substitution for Turkey. A couple more goals and the quarter finished 4-5 to England with both teams needing to find some inspiration.
Turkey started the second quarter with more focus and quickly scored two goals to edge ahead 6-5. The England players had been showing more composure and now took control of the match scoring 7 of the next 8 goals including a well-worked running goal and a side-line goal from Summers (#09). A couple of decisions against England were questioned by the coach, who received a sharp word from referee Marks (Australia), otherwise England finished the half in control, leading 7-12.
As good as England played in the second quarter, the third was one of missed chances. Both teams were playing much tighter defence. Turkey were able to create the better chances and scored the next three, including two from Gezek (#09), taking his tally to five. England responded, a Fitzgerald (#08) free pass taking England three ahead, 10-13. A missed England penalty and two further goals and the third quarter finished 12-13.
The tension continued into the final quarter. Both teams worked hard but could not create clear chances. A England penalty converted by Dawes (#18) put England two ahead with six minutes left. Gorez (#10) caused lots of problems throughout the match and responded with a running goal. She continued to cause problems, but could not convert a final chance. Late penalty misses from both teams increased the tension. Eventually, England were able to run out the clock and avoided golden goal for the second day, winning 13-14 to take 9th place.
MATCH 32 (for 7th place): HONG KONG CHINA 11 CZECH REPUBLIC 18
Czech Republic and Hong Kong China met in the 7th place match with Czech Republic confident after beating their opponents 26-10 in the pool match. Czech Republic started brightly, Havlova (#03) scoring with the first shot of the match. They continued to attack well but found it difficult to score, eventually getting the second after five minutes. At the other end, Hong Kong could not find a way through the Czech Republic defence with a series of single shot attacks. Hong Kong scored in the last minute of the quarter, then both teams scored quickly. The quarter ended 2-4 to Czech Republic with as many goals in the final minute as the first nine. Czech Republic started the second quarter as brightly as the first, Novotny (#24) scoring twice from distance in quick succession. The match struggled to come to life with the attacks creating little and referee Van Der Terp (Netherlands) calling several defended shots. Both teams scored once more for a half-time score of 3-7 to Czech Republic.
The match came to life in the third quarter. Six goals scored in three minutes with Czech Republic going 5-11 ahead. Snajder (#12) getting involved in the game, scoring three and receiving two admonitions from the referee. Both teams were posing much more open korfball and further goals were scored. 6-15 at the end of the third quarter. With the game already likely lost, Hong Kong started to take more chances and the match flowed from end to end. Hong Kong won the final quarter 5-3 to take some reward for their efforts. Final result was 11-18 to Czech Republic who finish in 7th place.
MATCH 33 (for 5th place): HUNGARY 19 CHINA 20 Golden Goal
The first match of the final day was between the host country, Hungary, and China. These teams met on the first day in an enthralling contest that Hungary won 19-15. As in the first match, China started much the stronger and pulled away to a 1-5 lead, with five different scorers. Hungary struggled with the close attention of the China defence. An early Hungary timeout and a change in tactics and they were able to respond scoring three, including two from Horvath (#05) to end the quarter 4-5 down.
With the scoreline remaining close, the play from both teams became increasingly physical. Referee Garcia (Catlonia) and assistant Huang (Chinese Taipei) were required to intervene to calm the players down. Despite the infringements, the game remained exciting for the vocal crowd. China continued to maintain a slight advantage, though Hungary responded to the crowd and kept in touch.
China’s Cao (#19) was flattened heavily by his opponent and after a lengthy injury break, he returned to score the penalty. Hungry responded immediately with a penalty of their own from Bellusz (#08) to reduce the gap again to two, 7-9 to China.
A final goal from Yao (#10) and the half finished 7-10 to China.
Hungary made changes at half-time, Laki (#12) and Beothy (#04) coming on. China continued to have the better of the match, scoring twice early in the third quarter to extend the lead to five, 7-12. Hungary were becoming increasingly frustrated, Bellusz earning himself a yellow card.
Hungary reduced the gap to three sharing at 9-12 with a well worked goal from Beothy and the same division had a dominant period of play, recycling well, but with no end result. The third quarter finished with China in control at 10-14.
Then the match just exploded. Six penalties and two good goals from Falcsik (#17) and Hungary were level at 16-16. The crowd were behind their team again, cheering goals and putting the referee under a lot of pressure. The teams shared four more goals, including a third in five minutes for Falcsik and the teams were level at 18-18 in the final minute. Two great calls from referee Garcia in the dying and the game went to golden goal.
After a brief break, China scored immediately with a controlled attack. Hungary responded well, almost scoring a running shot before a collision and a penalty. Cao earning a yellow card. Lang (#07) converting. China were able to force a penalty. Contending with a vocal crowd, the penalty was missed. Hungary could not score from their next attack. Chu (#12) scoring a long shot to settle the match.
Players of the match, Brigitta Bulucz (#02) for Hungary and Yuran Fu (#06) for China.
MATCH 34 (Bronze medal game): CHINESE TAIPEI 18 PORTUGAL 16
The bronze medal match took place between Chinese Taipei and Portugal. A large crowd stayed hoping to witness another close encounter. The pool match between these teams finished 19-16 to Chinese Taipei. Portugal started brightly with Wagenmaker (#04) scoring from their first two attacks. Taipei responded well and soon went ahead, scoring four penalties, three from Tseng (#11) while Portugal missed two. The first quarter finished 7-2 to Chinese Taipei. After going six behind, the Portuguese coach made the first change bringing Frade (#02) into the match. Portugal had their best period since the start of the match scoring three before half-time to for an 11-7 Chinese Taipei lead.
Portugal kept coming into the match, reducing the gap to two at 12-10 with two more penalties and another miss. Nunes (#03) scored her second from distance to bring the score to 13-11 to Chinese Taipei at the end of the third quarter.
Condado (#13) returned to the match after a short rest to join an attack including Wagenmaker who was causing all sorts of problems for Taipei. Wagenmaker drew the free pass and scored before being flattened. She scored the equaliser from long range. Referee Pazourek (Czech Republic) supported by Van Grimberge (Belgium) was paying close attention as the play became increasingly physical. The Chinese Taipei coach received a yellow card for his actions during yet another penalty. Tseng scored his sixth goal as Chinese Taipei pulled ahead again. As the clock ran down, Portugal could not convert any of several chances and Chinese Taipei were able to control the end of the match to win 18-16 and the bronze medal.
Players of the match, Yi Liang Tseng (#11) for Chinese Taipei and Laura Wagenmaker (#04) for Portugal.
MATCH 35 (U21 WKC 2018 Final): BELGIUM 18 NETHERLANDS 21
The Championship final is between Belgium and The Netherlands. Favourites, Netherlands won the pool match 21-14 after a tightly contested first twenty minutes. The first couple of minutes saw nervous play from both teams as a number of chances were missed. Referee Busik (Slovakia) and assistant Marks (Australia) were kept busy with some fast, close play under both posts. The teams converting a penalty each, the first of six in the quarter, to open the scoring. Zuijdwegt (#02) was lively in open play for Netherlands as they went 3-5 ahead. Despite the close defence from both teams, the attacks were able to score regularly as Netherlands maintained a two goal into the second quarter, 5-7. Carlo De Vries (#14) scored his fourth (two penalties) Netherlands kept control 7-10 ahead. The Belgian coach took action with De Lay (#44) and Van Den Dycke (#40) switching ends. Two more goals concluded an uneventful first half with Netherlands leading 8-11.
The third quarter continued much as the first half finished, with both teams playing controlled, quality korfball. Goals from Zwolle (#14) and De Vries enabled Netherlands to extend the lead to five, 8-13. A couple more changes from Belgium and more goals saw them pull back to within two at the end of the third quarter, 14-16.
Again, the Netherlands response was calm as they extended the lead again, Zuidwegt scoring her third, and then Zwolle from distance. Belgium were not flustered and Engels (#28) scored her first before De Lay scored from distance again to bring the game back to two. After the change of ends, Belgium were just one down with a penalty. Further goals from Zwolle and De Vries, eleven between them, again stretched the Dutch lead to three. Another Belgium penalty with three minutes left endured the match would be contested to the end. There was to be one final Dutch goal as they won 18-21 to become U21 World Champions.
Players of the match, Niels Delbeke (#47) for Belgium and Leander Zwolle (#11) for Netherlands.
Thursday July 12th will be the sixth day of competition at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 in Budapest, HUNGARY. These are the games scheduled after Day 5 final results. Follow and watch all games through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here
REVIEWS
Match 26 (12:30h): GERMANY 14 ENGLAND 15 Golden Goal
Whatever the sport, wherever the occasion, Germany v England is always a meeting of familiar friends and historical foes. The tension showed in the first five minutes with much endevour but little effective play. England settled first and controlled the next few minutes scoring 4 goals, including a fine long shot from Ashby (#17) while maintaining the pressure on the German attack. Gerlich (#07) was Germany’s best option and responded with their only goal of the quarter. England leading 1-4.
Tension returned in the second quarter and the players continued to struggle to find composure. Referee Huang (Chinese Taipei) was kept busy with much physical play under the England attack korf. Eventually, England asserted control with long shots from Sparks (#02) and Boyd (#01) giving them a 3-7 lead. Germany scored 4 in the half, all from one division with Gerlich and Rauhut (#09) scoring 2 each. England going into half-time 4-8 ahead.
The German coach made changes throughout the second half, Gerlich switching ends. At first to little effect, England stretching their lead to 6. Germany came back into the match with both divisions now scoring and England losing their composure. Goals from Rauhut and Hornung (#04) at the end of the quarter reduced the deficit to 2 with England leading 9-11.
England made a change at the start of the final quarter, Ashby giving way to Dunn (#20). Germany continued to press and England kept making mistakes. Eventually, Hornung equalised for Germany at 12-12 with four minutes left. England took the lead again before Treffts (#05) scored 2 goals in the last minute to take the match to golden goal.
England pressed hard in the first Germany attack and soon took possession. England patiently kept the ball, creating several chances before Boyd drove to the post to score the winning running shot. Final score 14-15.
Players of the match, Jacob Dawes (#18) for England and Lena Gerlich (#07) for Germany.
Match 27 (14:15h): HUNGARY 17 HONG KONG 15
The first competitive fixture between Hungary and Hong Kong China took place in front of a vociferous home crowd with the winners progressing to the 5th place final. The match started brightly with both teams scoring good long shots. Hungary took the lead four times and Hong Kong equalised each time. Hungary’s England bound Lang (#07) scoring a couple in the opening exchanges. Hungary finished the quarter ahead for a fifth time with a runner from Bulucz (#02).
In the second quarter both teams played some attractive attacking korfball, but with no end result. Eventually, after five minutes without a goal, Hungary forced the penalty, converted by Ohlmann (#15). Hungary ahead by two for the first time. Hong Kong hit back again with two long range efforts. Chan (#15) with her second to equalise. A flurry of goals followed and Hungary again went two ahead, leading 9-7 at half-time.
Both coaches made changes at half-time. The game continued to flow with Hong Kong increasingly comfortable with the pace of the match. Fong (#50) scoring two to bring the match level at 9-9. Hong Kong continued to create the better chances and went ahead for the first time, 9-11. With the match becoming more physical, Hungary had a chance to reduce the gap, but missed a penalty twice and, after a Hungary time-out, Hong Kong went three ahead. Two quick goals from Hungary saw them back into the game. The Hungary coach reversed one of his substitutions bringing Horvath (#05) back. The third quarter finished with Hong Kong one ahead 12-13.
Pauly (#13) returned at the start of the fourth quarter as Hungary continued to chase the match. Hungary scored three, from Ohlmann and two from Bellusz (#08) to edge ahead 15-13. Hong Kong used their innovative free passes to good effect. Confusing their opponents to draw a penalty and close the gap to one.
Both teams were chasing hard for the victory and referee Marks (Australia) was required to make many decisions in the last minutes. Twice Hong Kong reduced the gap to a single goal and twice Hungary scored. Eventually winning 17-15 much to the home crowd’s delight.
Players of the match, Kristof Bellusz (#08) for Hungary and Kai Yiu Fong (#50) for Hong Kong China.
Match 28 (16:00h): CHINA 14 CZECH REPUBLIC 13 Golden Goal
China and Czech Republic faced each other for the right to play Hungary for 5th place. Czech Republic started better and were soon two goals ahead, both from Stefak (#16) from range. Two penalty misses from China were costly as Czech Republic moved four ahead. China played a physical match, giving their opponents and referee Lee (Hong Kong China) plenty to do. Three penalties scored and a forced Czech substitution (Stefak) following one of many collisions changed the match with China drawing level at 4-4. Cao (#19) scored his third of the half to put China ahead 6-5 before a late Czech penalty brought the match level, 6-6 at half-time.
The second half started with both teams playing fast physical korfball and there was a spate of goals, first Czech Republic taking the lead, then China. With few chances being taken, there was a number of substitutions as the coaches looked for a way to take control. A fourth consecutive Czech penalty, two from Marek (#25), two from Snajdr (#12) concluded the third quarter with Czech Republic leading 9-11.
The fourth quarter started with two good goals from Literova (#01) to put Czech Republic 9-13 ahead. Czech Republic failed to score in the final six minutes and China gradually pulled the match back to tie 13-13, two goals from Fu (#06), and send the game into golden goal.
Czech Republic started with the ball and had two good chances before China recovered possession. In China’s first attack, they created a good shooting opportunity that just went long. Czech Republic pressed for a second chance, but could not create a clear shot. Again, China were patient and created the opportunity. From behind the post, Cao scored the distance to win the match for China.
Players of the match, Yuran Fu (#06) for China and Anna Literova (#01) for Czech Republic.
Match 29 (17:45h): CHINESE TAIPEI 17 BELGIUM 25
The first semi-final was between Chinese Taipei and Belgium. The first few minutes promised a lively encounter with both sets of players moving well and shooting accurately. Belgium were soon ahead 2-5 as seven goals were scored in the first four minutes. Pirquin (#31) scoring two from distance for Belgium. Pirquin soon added a third as Belgium stretched ahead 2-6. Meanwhile, both teams were making referee Van Der Terp (Netherlands) work hard with contests under the post. Chinese Taipei scored two late in the quarter to reduce the deficit to 4-6.
Chinese Taipei contested the play throughout the middle quarters, but were always behind and could not close the gap completely.
Chinese Taipei went into the final quarter three goals down, losing 15-18. Belgium continued to pull away, outscoring their opponents 7-2 in the quarter to win the match 17-25. Belgium play in the final on Saturday and Chinese Taipei play for bronze.
Players of the match, Tine Pirquin (#31) for Belgium and Han Sheng Chiu (#13) for Chinese Taipei.
Match 30 (19:30): PORTUGAL 5 NETHERLANDS 29
The second semi-final was between Portugal and Netherlands with Belgium waiting for the winners. The match started brightly with both teams working hard to create chances. Netherlands appeared to be passing to their distance shooting strengths, keeping the ball to the outside. The Dutch scored well with De Vries (#14) scoring 4 as they went into a 1-7 first quarter lead. The second quarter was played much add the first. Netherlands in control, shooting and scoring from distance. Portugal working hard but creating few chances against a disciplined defence. Condado (#13) scoring all the Portgual goals as they went into half-time 3-15 down.
The third quarter was quiet as both teams created little. Just four goals were scored, all by the Dutch to lead 5-19. Going into the last quarter, the Dutch made a number of changes and continued to create the better chances. Portugal contained the Dutch and restricted them to just 29 goals. Final score 5-29.
Referee: Tina Van Grimberge (Belgium).
Players of the match, Sebastiao Condado (#13) for Portugal and Sanne Van Ser Werff (#04) for Netherlands.
Fifth day of competition at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 in Budapest, HUNGARY. Follow and watch all games through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here
Match 21: TURKEY 16 PORTUGAL 19
The final pool matches are played on Day 5 with a number of issues to be decided. The first match was Turkey and Portugal. Portugal had already secured second spot in Pool B, but Turkey would have a chance for the 4th place in the pool with a win. The game started well enough with the teams sharing 8 goals quickly. As Portugal started to take control, going 4-7 up in the first quarter, Turkey became erratic and their physical play led to too many fouls and opportunities for Portugal. The match was disrupted and the referee called on often to stop the play. This caused low scoring 2nd and 3rd quarters with six goals in each as Portugal maintained control and their lead. 9-14 at the end of the third quarter.
The pace of scoring and disruptions to play increased in the final as Turkey tried to reduce the gap. The referee was called upon to deal with a number clashes as the play became more tense. Turkey won the quarter, but not by enough to take the win as Portugal won 16-19.
Match 22: HONG KONG 10 NETHERLANDS 48
The second match of day 5 pitched Netherlands against Hong Kong China. Another goal-fest expected and delivered. The Dutch scored quickly, racing to 11 goals in seven minutes before Hong Kong China opened their account. Both sets of players performed well in the first half, creating oportunities and scoring goals. The half-time score 4-27 to Netherlands.
Hong Kong China continued to enjoy their korfball and took the game to their opponents in the third quarter. They scored throughout the period, playing some lovely korfball and restricting the Dutch to 10 goals. In the final quarter, Hong Kong China continued to play well, drawing mistakes from the Dutch and winning fouls under the referee’s watchful gaze. Hong Kong China worked well with possession and the Dutch failed to score 50 for the first time in three games. A very good performance from both teams. Netherlands winning 10-48.
Match 23: CHINA 26 GERMANY 23
China and Germany faced each other in the third match of the day. The winners would compete for 5th-8th places, the best the losers could achieve would be 9th. With a lot riding on the result, it was a nervous start from both teams as they struggled to take control. Scrappy goals turned to better quality as the teams were matched 5-5 in the first quarter. In the second quarter, China showed more determination and caused a lot to happen in the post area. Goals resulted and China moved ahead 17-10 by half-time.
In the second half, both teams raised the tempo and a more physical game ensued with the referee becoming much more involved. Germany edged the third quarter to enter the final quarter five down 22-17.
Early in the fourth quarter, China increased the lead to six goals and it looked all over for Germany. They did not give up though and the China lead was reduced to two with four minutes remaining. If China were nervous they did not show it. Despite conceding possession several times, China were able to see the game out, winning 26-23. They move onto a match against Czech Republic for places 5th to 8th. Germany face England for 9th to 11th.
Match 24: HUNGARY 6 CHINESE TAIPEI 22
The host country, Hungary, playing in their usual early evening slot, faced the unbeaten Chinese Taipei team with referee Peter Busik in charge of proceedings. Neither team had anything to play for. Hungary have a 5th-8th semi-final with Hong Kong China and Chinese Taipei a semi-final against Belgium. The match started slowly, both teams taking a while to find any shooting range. Chinese Taipei created the better chances and scored well to lead 1-8 after the first quarter. The second quarter was punctuated by substitutions as the coaches tried to find some momentum. Chinese Taipei again getting the better of the quarter to lead 3-14 at half-time.
The third quarter suffered from more substitutions as eight were made, disrupting any flow the match had. Only five goals were scored as Chinese Taipei increased the lead to 3-19. Hungary had their best quarter in the fourth, drawing 3-3 to make the final score 6-22 and 7-8 in substitutions. Both teams will want to play more consistent and higher shooting korfball in their semis on match day 6.
Match 25: ENGLAND 9 BELGIUM 36
The final match of the day saw England take on Belgium, again with both countries already sure of their semi-final matches. Belgium starting strongly enough, pulling out to a 1-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Belgium scored throughout the second quarter as England struggled to find a way into the match. The half-time score 3-19.
The second half started with a number of substitutions, and the play continued as in the first half with Belgium scoring freely. England had a bright period scoring 4 goals in three second half minutes to finish the quarter 7-29 down. England called a time-out, perhaps to push for 10 goals and limit Belgium to under 40. They could score only one more as the match finished 9-36. England face Germany in the lower places and Belgium take on Chinese Taipei for a place in the final.
