U20 EC Div I – Day 3 – Victory for the Red Sharks against Switzerland
Red Sharks secure victory against Switzerland
The Belgian U20 team continues to impress at the European Championship. In their third group match, the Red Sharks were given anything but an easy ride by Switzerland right from the start. It was yet another match that sent the hearts of the players, coaching staff and supporters racing.
Belgium knew perfectly well beforehand where Switzerland’s greatest threat lay. The Swiss posed a particular danger on the left flank through 6-metre fouls. Defensively, however, the tactics were not always executed as well as they should have been, meaning Switzerland stayed in the match for longer than hoped. Moreover, the Belgians had to dictate the play constantly. When a number of clear-cut chances go begging and the opposition opts for a rather passive ‘anti-polo’ approach, every mistake is punished mercilessly and tension creeps into the match.
This was also evident from the score progression. Neither side could pull away, and the match remained perfectly balanced right until the very end.
Half-time scores:
- 1st period: 2–1
- 2nd period: 4–4
- 3rd period: 3–4
- 4th period: 5-3
Final score: 14-12
Amidst all the tension, one man stood out. Lev Dams put in an absolutely stellar performance, leading his team-mates and finding the net no fewer than seven times. Seven goals that kept Belgium in the game time and again and made the supporters believe that something special was possible once more.
And the supporters turned out in droves once again. The Belgian fans have now become a familiar sight in Oeiras and are even well-liked by the locals. Yet today they were clearly suffering from two things: the Portuguese heat and the nerve-wracking match unfolding before their eyes.
You could see it in the stands.
You could hear it in their voices.
You could feel it with every attack.
As the match entered its final minute, everything remained uncertain with a narrow 13–12 lead. Then, just before the decisive final whistle, the ball found the net one last time in Belgium’s favour. 14–12. Relief. Exhalation. An explosion of joy in the Belgian stands.
Belgium have done it again and remain firmly in contention at the top of the group. With two matches still to go, new challenges await. Tomorrow, 13 August, Belarus face the Red Sharks at 12.30. Another important step towards the next round.
One thing is certain: this European Championship continues to put Belgian supporters to the test.
Come on Belgium!