The quarter-finals were defined after the last qualifying round of the Under 17 WSE European Championship Men. Germany-France (13:00), Switzerland-Italy (15:00), Portugal-Austria (17:00) and Spain-England (20:45)
Portugal wins the group A with 7 points. The 3-1 victory against Italy was fundamental, as in today’s match they had proven to be more efficient than the previous day. But Portugal showed more character when the match had to be decided. After the initial Italian goal, the Portuguese turned the match back in their “track” with goals from Nunes and Tomas Almeida. The Italians no longer found a way to score for several minutes: instad the Portugueses did it with a diagonal shot to Figueiredo who signed the final 3-1, taking themselves the top of the table.
For Spain, however, the fate was diametrically opposite, because at a certain point in the match they were unable to close out the match, especially when they were ahead at the start of the second half with Sama. Two goals in one minute, of pure French intensity, from Kebe and Echappe complicated the home team’s plans. Martin and Orus seemed to have found the right key to the match, with quick offensive transitions. But the hero of the match, Echappe, scored the 3-3 with the same strength and precision as the spansh, thus finishing second.
The quarter-finals seem more in favor of the teams in Group A, but after today’s efforts they may not be so obvious. The anticipation is high to find out the four semi-finalists who will compete for the title on Friday.
In Group B, Germany’s recovery after the draw against England was decisive for the victory of Group B with 7 points, one more than Switzerland. The Swiss needed a draw to win Group B, but in a very close match, as has often happened in the history between the two Central European teams, the only goal was scored on a penalty shot 11 minutes from the end by the top scorer Julian Haubrock. Switzerland was unable to overcome the good German defence, which was important in keeping the goals conceded to zero.
First victory for Team England, managing only in the second half to defeat Austria who played their best game, more convincing on an offensive level. The first half was quite competitive and ended 2-2 (goals from Rohner Sam and Lorenz and Purin). Owen-Harris’ hat-trick made the difference as did the goals from Semilore and Darbyshire, thus finishing third in Group B with 3 points, while Austria fourth with 0 points.
An image of Spain-France – Credit photo: World Skate Europe
Under 17 Men European Championship – Olot (Spain) – 15 / 20 July 2024
3rd matchday – 17 July 2024 – Qualification Rounds
09:00 – Men – Group B – Germany x Switzerland = 1-0
10:45 – Men – Group B – Austria x England = 3-5
17:15 – Men – Group A – Italy x Portugal = 1-3
20:45 – Men – Group A – Spain x France = 3-3
Standings:
Group A: Portugal 7 points, Spain 5 points, Italy 3 points, France 1 point
Group B: Switzerland 6 points, Germany 4 points, England 1 points, Austria 0 points
4th matchday – 18 July 2024 – Quarterfinals
13:00 – Men – Quarterfinal #4 – Germany x France
15:00 – Men – Quarterfinal #3 – Switzerland x Italy
17:00 – Men – Quarterfinal #1 – Portugal x Austria –
20:45 – Men – Quarterfinal #2 – Spain x England
5th matchday – 19 July 2024 – Semifinals
09:30 – Men – Semifinal #4 5th/8th place – Loser Quarterfinal #4 x Loser Quarterfinal #1
11:30 – Men – Semifinal #3 5th/8th place – Loser Quarterfinal #2 x Loser Quarterfinal #3
17:00 – Men – SemiFinal #2 – Winner Quarterfinal #2 x Winner Quarterfinal #3
20:45 – Men – SemiFinal #1 – Winner Quarterfinal #1 x Winner Quarterfinal #4
6th matchday – 20 July 2024 – Finals
09:00 – Men – Final 7th/8th place – Loser Semifinal #3 x Loser Semifinal #4
13:00 – Men – Final 5th/6th place – Winner Semifinal #3 x Winner Semifinal #4
17:00 – Men – Final 3rd/4th place – Loser Semifinal #1 x Loser Semifinal #2
21:00 – Men – Final 1st/2nd place – Winner Semifinal #1 x Winner Semifinal #2
15:00 – Women – Final 3rd/4th place – 3rd Group x 4th Group
19:00 – Women – Final 1st/2nd place – 1st Group x 2nd Group
