U20 EC Division I – Day 2 – a narrow defeat for the Red Sharks

Belgium’s strong comeback narrowly denied against Israel

The Red Sharks’ second match at the U20 European Championship in Oeiras took a turn that nobody could have predicted after the opening periods. Belgium got off to a difficult start, partly due to Israel’s intense pressing, which was hard to break down and led to a few sloppy mistakes. Those inaccuracies later cropped up for Israel as well. In the fourth period, the second goalkeeper was given his chance between the posts and did exactly what was expected of him. The Red Sharks showed tremendous resilience and closed the gap goal by goal until the scoreboard finally read 13–13.

Period scores:

6–1

11–5

13–7

13–13

6–5 after penalties.

As a winner had to be decided, a penalty shoot-out followed. Both teams remained evenly matched for a long time, but in the end Israel narrowly came out on top: 19–18.

Belgian goalscorers

Lev Dams: 3
Ilyas Viaene: 3
Robin Sergeant: 2
Boris Durez: 2
Thomas Bust: 1
Victor Leblois: 1
Jonas Gregoire: 1

Special mention, however, goes to (co-)captains Robin Sergeant and Boris Durez, who took the lead when the going got tough and spurred the team on during their impressive comeback.

Despite the defeat, Belgium can look ahead with confidence. After a difficult start, the team showed its true colours and proved that the gap between the two sides is extremely narrow.
Israel have had a narrow escape and now know that Belgium are an opponent to be reckoned with. Should the two sides meet again later in the tournament, the outcome is far from a foregone conclusion.

This was a match not to be forgotten in a hurry.

Switzerland are up next tomorrow.

Come on Belgium!!!