The race for world championship gold lifted a level at the 2022 ICF canoe polo titles in St-Omer, France, on Thursday, but there might still be a few shocks in store before this weekend’s finals.
The top 12 teams in both the senior and U21 men’s and the senior women’s competitions have been decided, while the battle for the last remaining place in the junior women’s semi-finals is still wide open with two games to play.
Germany’s bid for back-to-back world titles in the men’s competition is still on track, with a solid 5-1 win against danger team Denmark. Captain Jonas Vieren said after losing a recent final to the Danes it was good to turn the tables.
“5-1 against Denmark is a pretty good result I think, we saw they have really improved, they won the first ECA Cup against us in the final, so we really wanted to beat them now,” he said.
“Now the tournament really starts, and now every match will be close and hard. We really need to fight. This was the first match where we could prove ourselves and I think we did quite well.”
Germany is also defending the title in the senior and U21 women’s competitions. The quest for a seventh senior title received a boost on Thursday, with host nation France being held to a surprise 3-3 draw by the Netherlands.
Meanwhile Germany shook off a persistent Switzerland 3-1 to go top of their group.
“In the first half we had a lot of good opportunities that we worked out as a team, but they didn’t go in, so in the second half we just resorted to shooting and scoring and it worked,” captain Elena Gilles said.
“We’re top of the group now, so I think that should give us a good next group, and then if we reach the semi-final we should have an easier semi-final.”
The road to another title in the women’s U21 looks tougher for Germany, with the formidable New Zealand team still undefeated and playing stronger every day. But the Germans scored an important psychological victory on Thursday with a 4-1 win over France.
Captain Hannah Kunz said it was good to bounce back with a win after losing to New Zealand 24 hours earlier.
“I think we were a little angry about that, but we wanted to win this game even more,” she said.
“I think we were getting a little nervous today because of the crowd, because they were so loud. But we used our chances, I’m really happy with my team. It was important to win against France, because they know now that we are a good team. But we know also that they are a good team.”
Germany is hoping to end a 12-year drought in the men’s U21 competition, and are on track with an undefeated start to the competition. But Spain has emerged as a major threat after two exciting games on Thursday.
The Spaniards narrowly lost to Germany, before beating France in front of a raucous home crowd 3-2.
Captain Pablo Garcia Puig said his team had to win.
“We knew it was going to be challenging,” he said.
“It was really hard. They are a very strong team and can move fast on the fast breaks, so we tried to cover them as best as we good.
“After losing to Germany we needed this win to be able to keep on playing for the medals, and now after this win I think we are much more encouraged for the rest of our matches.”
The 2022 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships will continue on Friday.
Pics by Balint Vekassy
