U20 EC Division I – Day 5 – Narrow defeat for the Red Sharks
Red Sharks end group stage with a hard-fought match against Great Britain
Our Red Sharks’ fifth and final group match ended in a 14–12 defeat against Great Britain, but the scoreline tells only part of the story.
The result of the match could no longer affect the standings, so it was mainly a matter of pride. Great Britain had finished bottom of the group and Belgium had already secured a place in the Final 4. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that the British team’s focus was not entirely on water polo.
The first quarter proceeded relatively normally, and Belgium managed to build up a lead thanks to some neat play. From the second quarter onwards, however, the nature of the match changed completely. What followed was a physical battle involving constant pulling, pushing and shoving, causing the sporting aspect to fade further and further into the background.
Quarter scores:
- 1st quarter: 1–4
- 2nd period: 5–2
- 3rd period: 4–2
- 4th period: 4–4
Despite everything, our lads kept trying to make their mark on the match with their technique, speed and game intelligence. Great Britain, however, opted for a particularly physical approach, leaving hardly any space to actually play water polo. The standard of the match clearly suffered as a result of the numerous fouls and interruptions.
Nevertheless, the Red Sharks deserve every praise. Despite the circumstances, they kept fighting, getting back on their feet time and again, and showing character as a team without letting themselves be drawn into reacting to the British. Belgian support remained strong in the stands too. The supporters kept cheering the team on non-stop!
One thing is certain: our team physiotherapist, Elko Van den Broucke, will certainly have his work cut out for him tonight. Hopefully, everyone will be fit and healthy by the pool tomorrow for what really matters: the road to a medal. On to the semi-finals!
All attention is now firmly on the second half of the tournament. Belgium has more than earned its place in the last four and can look forward to a top-class clash, as the semi-final pits them against a strong Russian side that finished unbeaten in Pool B with convincing wins.
Our Red Sharks will once again have to give it their all. With the same fighting spirit, the same team spirit and drive, backed by the enthusiastic support of the many Belgian fans.
Tomorrow marks the start of a new chapter: the semi-final. Full of passion. Full of voice. Full of heart.
Belgian goalscorers:
- Boriz Durez (3)
- Ilyas Viaene (3)
- Lev Dams (1)
- Robin Sergeant (1)
- Victor Leblois (1)
- Thomas Bust (1)
- Arthur Vandaele (1)
- Achille Claus (1)
Come on Belgium!