U20 EC Division I – Day 7 – 4th place for the Red Sharks
Red Sharks narrowly miss out on bronze medal after nail-biting thriller
The Red Sharks concluded the U20 European Championship with a particularly impressive, yet heart-wrenching, performance. In the bronze medal match, Belgium ultimately came off second best against Poland after a real thriller. After four evenly matched periods, the score was 13–13, meaning the match had to be decided by penalty throws. Poland remained flawless, whilst Belgium missed twice. The final score was therefore 17–15 in Poland’s favour.
The match got off to an excellent start for the Belgians. With plenty of energy, conviction and strong attacking play, the Red Sharks immediately took the initiative and ended the first period with a 4–2 lead. Poland then fought their way back into the match, but Belgium remained a threat in attack and showed once again why they were one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Period scores
- 1st period: 4–2
- 2nd period: 5–6
- 3rd period: 2–3
- 4th period: 2–2
After a particularly thrilling second half, the match remained evenly balanced. Neither side was willing to give an inch, and both teams gave their absolute all for a place on the podium. In attack, the Red Sharks could once again count on an outstanding Lev Dams, who found the net no fewer than six times. Robin Sergeant was also particularly clinical and created plenty of chances for the team, scoring four goals. With the score at 13–13 after normal time, the match ultimately went to a penalty shoot-out.
In the penalty shoot-out, Poland proved extremely efficient and converted all their chances. Belgium fought until the very end, but ultimately saw their dream of bronze slip away.
Belgian goalscorers
- Lev Dams (6)
- Robin Sergeant (4)
- Ilyas Viaene (3)
- Boris Durez (1)
- Victor Leblois (1)
Pride prevails
Although there was great disappointment afterwards, the whole team can look back on a fantastic performance at this championship. At the start of the tournament, a place amongst the top four in Europe was by no means a foregone conclusion. The Red Sharks exceeded expectations, proved that they belong at this level and improved with every match.
This defeat is therefore a bitter pill to swallow, but it does nothing to detract from the journey they have undertaken. The fighting spirit, the team play and the development this group has shown form a strong foundation for the future of Belgian water polo.
Thank you, Belgian supporters!
Alongside the players, the Belgian supporters also deserve a heartfelt mention. For nine days, they filled the stands with black, yellow and red and created a positive, boisterous and sporting atmosphere.
Parents, family members, partners, friends and fans stood behind the team throughout. Their enthusiasm even rubbed off on the local Portuguese population, who were repeatedly impressed by the Belgian way of supporting their team and the sense of unity with the squad. It was nine wonderful days full of competition, growth, emotions and unforgettable moments.
No medal to take home, but a team that has made history and put Belgium back on the European water polo map.
Congratulations Red Sharks – Come on Belgium!