U20 EC Division I – Day 4 – Easy win for the Red Sharks
Red Sharks qualify for the Final 4!
What a performance by our Red Sharks! In their fourth match of the European Championship, they convincingly beat Belarus 17–8. Thanks to this impressive victory, Belgium is now mathematically certain of a place in the Final 4.
A milestone for Belgian water polo and, at the same time, a statement from a team that is growing with every match in this tournament and continues to impress.
The match got off to a somewhat difficult start, however. The team worked hard in the opening stages, but their finishing lacked a bit of sharpness. Whereas yesterday many chances were converted, things didn’t go quite as smoothly today. As the match progressed, however, confidence returned in full and the team played patiently. Their play became more fluid, their combinations found their way more easily, and the goals started to flow naturally. Defensively, too, the team was rock-solid. Tactics were executed superbly and the Red Sharks never took their foot off the gas for a single moment.
Period scores:
- 1st period: 3–0
- 2nd period: 3–3
- 3rd period: 6–2
- 4th period: 5–3
What made this match particularly special was the collective nature of the performance. With the exception of one player, everyone managed to get their name on the scoreboard. Clear evidence of the depth and strength of this squad.
A special mention goes to Milan Verschuere. During the warm-up, he already showed he was on top form by winning no fewer than 14 out of 15 toss-ups. Pure focus and swimming power! But if there’s one true MVP to be named today, it’s without a doubt the team’s collective play. The Red Sharks played as a single unit, helping each other in attack and defence, and showed why they are among the top four teams in the tournament.
Congratulations to the players, staff and supporters. Not only are you achieving great results, you’re writing yet another chapter in the history of Belgian water polo.
And rest? There’s no time for that. The next match against Great Britain is already scheduled for 14 August. Qualification for the Final 4 is now assured, but this team clearly wants more than just to take part.
Thank you to the Belgian supporters for backing the team so strongly away from home; it creates a fantastic atmosphere once again.
Belgian goalscorers:
- Robin Sergeant (3)
- Boris Durez (3)
- Milan Verscheure (2)
- Nicolin Fulgeanu (2)
- Jonas Gregoire (1)
- Lev Dams (1)
- Victor Leblois (1)
- Thomas Bust (1)
- Jietse Vandenabeele (1)
- Ilyas Viaene (1)
- Arthur Vandaele (1)
Come on Belgium!