U20 European Championship Division I Semi-finals
Red Sharks only bow out after a strong start against top favourites Russia
The sixth match of the U20 European Championship in Oeiras, Portugal, was all about securing a place in the final. A win meant a ticket to the grand final, whilst a loss would see the Red Sharks relegated to the bronze medal play-off. Facing Russia, Belgium knew beforehand that it would be an exceptionally tough task.
The Russians, hailing from the elite group, boast a squad featuring several youth professionals and are undoubtedly among the very best in the tournament. Yet the Red Sharks were not in the least bit intimidated.
On the contrary.
Belgium got off to a particularly strong start and played an excellent first period. With well-organised water polo, plenty of movement and clinical finishing, the Belgians managed to put the Russians under pressure straight away. This resulted in a fine 3–4 victory in the first period. A fine achievement, as no other team at this European Championship managed to hand Russia a period defeat.
After that strong start, however, Russia stepped up a gear. Their physical strength, shooting ability and constant pressure began to make an increasing impact. A few technical errors on the Belgian side were immediately punished, causing the gap to widen slowly but surely.
Nevertheless, the Red Sharks continued to fight for every metre of water. For a long time, Belgium remained competitive and kept pace with a team whose average goal difference far outstripped the rest of the tournament.
The Red Sharks put up a particularly valiant fight, and that alone shows just how far this generation of Belgian players has come. Ultimately, Belgium had to bow to the law of the strongest, but the way in which they managed to challenge the top Russian side deserves respect.
The final score of 22–11 may seem harsh, but it deserves some context. Not only was Belgium the only team to take a period off Russia, but the eleven Belgian goals also represent the highest number of goals the Russians have conceded so far in this championship.
Now all attention turns to the final task of this European Championship: the battle for bronze!
Tomorrow, Poland awaits in the third-place play-off, with a European medal at stake. After securing a historic place in the Final 4, Belgium has the chance to round off a magnificent tournament with a medal.
The squad remains confident in its abilities and is looking forward with confidence to that final showdown.
Just one more match. Just one more chance to make Belgian water polo history.
Belgian goalscorers:
- Robin Sergeant (3)
- Victor Leblois (3)
- Ilyas Viaene (2)
- Lev Dams (1)
- Arthur Vandaele (1)
- Fulgeanu Nicolin (1)
Come on Belgium!