Spain and Greece needed to hold their resolve to finish with one-goal victories in the main groups on day one of the junior men's world championships. Playing in Group B, Greece fended off a late-charging Italy 19-18 and Spain stopped Serbia 14-13. In Group A, Hungary had the better of Montenegro 18-10 and Croatia put paid to United States of America's hopes 19-10. Lower-group winners were Brazil, Kazakhstan, Australia and Canada.
Match Reports
Match 1, Group C, BRAZIL 25 SOUTH AFRICA 6 (7-2, 4-3, 7-1, 7-0)
Brazil had the better of the opening day, built on the 7-2 opening quarter and further wipeouts in the third and fourth periods. South Africa came back with a 2-0 start in the second period only to allow Lucas Wulfhorst to score consecutive goals to double his score and then Luiz Zerbielli to do the same, once from centre forward on extra and then with four defenders and the goalkeeper smothering him from the same position. Brazil went to 9-4 and then to 11-5 by the halftime buzzer.
Brazil went rampant in the third quarter, scoring a wide range of shots, including several excellent combination goals. Artur Diaz scored a pair in the five-goal surge that was interrupted by a South African penalty goal to Warwick Field, his second of the day. Two more Brazilian goals, including a buzzer-beater on counter, gave Brazil a handsome 18-6 margin heading into the final quarter. Wulfhurst began the final quarter on penalty and then on counter down the left inside the first minute of the final quarter for his sixth goal. Henrico Martins snared the next two and four more came by the final buzzer with the only blemish a second blocked penalty attempt. Brazil had the match by a 19-goal differential.
Match Heroes
Wulfhorst with six; Martins and Zerbielli with five each, were the best scorers for Brazil while Field was the only multiple scorer for the South Africans.
Turning Point
By starting strongly, Brazil had the buffer to suck up any pressure South Africa could muster thereafter.
Stats Don’t Lie
Brazil went six from 11 on extra to one from two. Brazil missed two of five penalty attempts and South Africa made sure of two. Brazil shot 39 to 36.
Bottom Line
Brazil earns a day off in preparation for Monday’s final-round clash with Germany. South Africa needs to come back against Germany to have any chance of progressing further in the tournament.
Match 2, Group D, KAZAKHSTAN 12 NEW ZEALAND 11 (1-0,3-2, 4-5, 4-4)
Kazakhstan had the better of the first half with more penetration while New Zealand’s ultimate passes failed to find the mark. That and the terrific goalkeeping of both goalkeepers made this a low-scoring match early on. It all came down to the final minute in this enthralling encounter. New Zealand had its two star returnees from 2023 — skipper and playmaker Cole Phillips and centre forward Liam Dodunski — providing plenty of excitement, but it was Kazakhstan’s all-round shooting that paved the way to the 4-2 halftime marker. The sole goal of the first period came from Adil Baltabekuly from the outside, such was the defensive play of both teams. Phillips equalised at the top of the second period; goals were traded and then Almat Madimar lobbed from point and Aldiyar Akimbay was finally rewarded for some excellent play with a strike from the penalty line at 2:24 for 4-2 by halftime.
Madimar barred down from eight metres to open the third period scoring, followed quickly by a Dodunski left-handed tip off the cross pass to the far post for 5-3 inside the first minute. Kazakhstan stretched its lead to 7-4 with Nurassyl Satbergen at centre forward and Madimar tipping in a 10m pass past the Kiwi goalkeeper. Michael Rodgers split the scorers on extra. Phillips converted a penalty foul for 7-5 and Ashwyn Keshvara ripped in a shot from deep right and the match was 7-6 in Kazakhstan’s favour with New Zealand 4-3 ahead in the period. However, Satbergen finished a counter for 8-6 at 1:21. Rodgers claimed a second on extra, just getting the blocked ball over the line at 0:54. Despite the last-gasp Kiwi pressure, Kazakhstan went to the final quarter with a one-goal advantage.
In the final period, Akimbay and Phillips traded penalty goals and at 5:52, Kazakhstan scored as the coach called a timeout, nullifying the goal. Satbergen sent the ball skyward and the Kiwis went to a timeout at 5:37. The resulting shot came from an unguarded Harry Lambert on the right post for 9-9. Nikolay Babenko brought Kazakhstan back to the front and a Kiwi chance on penalty, once again earned by Dodunski, left Phillips hitting the left post. Madimar gained his third exclusion and New Zealand went to a timeout. Gene Baggott, who had worked hard all match, gained his first goal on the extra-man play. Akimbay scored on extra from a cross-cage shot at 1:27 before Baggott equalised at 0:15 off a quick shot from deep right. It looked like a shootout was looming. Kazakhstan called a timeout and the ploy was to send the ball into centre forward Satbergen, who backhanded into goal, three seconds from time. Aday stopped the final Kiwi shot and the heart rate lowered.
Match Heroes
Akzhan Aday was brilliant in goal for Kazakhstan with 13 saves, which undoubtedly gave his team the win, while Akimbay led all scorers with four and Satbergen and Madimar had three goals apiece. For the Kiwis, Phillips finished with three goals with Rodgers and Baggott scoring twice. Goalkeeper Zach Martin pulled in 10 saves.
Turning Point
Kazakhstan’s second quarter and then going to 7-4 gave Kazakhstan some majesty. That final goal said it all, though, and gave the Asians the deserved victory.
Stats Don’t Lie
Kazakhstan converted two from four on extra to New Zealand’s three from seven. On penalties, both teams went two from three. New Zealand made three steals to two and on all shots, the Kiwis went 35 to 34.
Bottom Line
This was a critical match, so early, and victory was the ultimate goal, which Kazakhstan came through trumps. New Zealand now has it all to do against Iran on day two.
Match 3, Group E, COLOMBIA 11 AUSTRALIA 16 (2-1, 2-6, 3-6, 4-3)
Australia overcame a sluggish opening quarter to have the match in hand by halftime and went on from there. Colombia’s Juan Zuluaga made his name in the opening quarter with a pair of goals to keep his team ahead at the first break 2-1. He snapped in his first with a backhand from the right-post position and then drilled one from the top to break the impasse at 3:04. Australia looked lethargic and needlessly lost several balls, although it did have ample shooting chances. The Aussies awoke in the second quarter with Daniel Magasanik converting from the left-post position and Zachary Izzard nailing his penalty attempt. On the next Aussie attack, Izzard fed Magasanik on the drive for 4-2. The match had turned incredibly in a little over one minute. Australia had the luxury of a blocked penalty attempt by first-quarter scorer Harper Stewart not mattering before Jake Martin picked up a rebound to score from close in for 5-2 at 5:45. Sam Bloomfield increased the Colombian pain, dragging down a cross pass on the left post for 6-2 at 5:07, leading Colombia to take a timeout. The South Americans gained the exclusion and converted through Juan Herrera. Captain Zuluaga nailed his third from the top left for 6-4. At this stage, Colombia had eight steals to three. Izzard made it 7-4 inside the final minute from the top right on extra, giving it a commendable 6-2 quarter.
A 6-3 third period maintained the momentum fully to the Aussies, going 9-5, 11-6 and 13-7 with Rex Palazzi scoring consecutive goals while Magasanik and Stewart added to their tallies. Colombia was not to be outdone, scoring the opening two goals of the final quarter while Izzard brought it to 14-9 from the top two minutes in for his third. Jake Martin put away his second goal, from deep left, just inside the final three minutes for 15-9. Enrique Olano brought up double figures for Colombia, then Zuluaga missed consecutive penalty shots and sent home the second rebound for 15-11. Izzard completed the scoring in the final 11 seconds for the Aussie 16-11 victory.
Match Heroes
Zuluaga for Colombia with his five goals. Izzard was Australia’s best with four and Magasanik nailed three. Goalkeeper Tom Serhan grabbed eight saves.
Turning Point
The second quarter that set Colombia in its place.
Stats Don’t Lie
Australia converted four from seven on extra to Colombia’s two from three. On penalties, Australia sent in two from three and Colombia missed both chances. The steals were even at 14 after favouring Colombia so heavily and Colombia had more shots at 33-27.
Bottom Line
Australia has the legs to go further in the competition, although Colombia was well up to the task.
Match 4, Group F, CANADA 20 SINGAPORE 6 (5-2, 4-0, 4-1, 7-3)
Canada held sway over Singapore in a thrilling match where the North Americans used superior strength and tactics, combined with raw shooting power, to annex the victory. Singapore worked tirelessly but suffered badly when it came to penalty shooting. Canada raced out to a 5-1 lead before Singapore trimmed it by one with a centre-forward drive to Yong Jun Chow four seconds from the buzzer. Then the horror second quarter upset the Singaporeans as they failed to find the net on four successive penalty shots while Canada nailed its chance. As the halftime buzzer sounded, Canada was 9-2 ahead with Pavle Jelic converting a counter 19 seconds from time.
The third period was nearly all Canada as Adriel Oviedo-Ladik claimed the first two goals and a further pair pushed the score out to 13-2. Joshua Ong stopped the Singaporean drought with drive down the left at 2:36 — the first goal in more than 14 minutes. Breydon Congo opened the scoring for Canada in the final period with Cayden Loh on counter and Samuel Neo with a wicked backhand gaining Singapore some much-needed pride at 14-5. Giancarlo Marquez (penalty) and Nicholas Furneaux (counter) pushed the Canadian cause with Hong Wong cross-caging for Singapore. Canada scored the final four goals under the guidance of former national women’s coach Pat Oaten.
Match Heroes
Marquez with his four goals and Leo Hachem and Oviedo-Ladik with three each. Goalkeeper Harrison Labrosse was exceptional with his 13 saves, including two of the penalty shots. For Singapore, everyone contributed but Ong was the hardest working in the pool, attracting the penalty fouls and other exclusions.
Turning Point
Canada getting to 5-1 and then keeping Singapore scoreless for most in the middle half.
Stats Don’t Lie
Canada converted three from five on extra to Singapore’s one from three. Canada sent in all three penalty chances with Singapore managing one from six. Canada stole the ball 13 times to nine and out-shot Singapore 35-26.
Bottom Line
Canada was the classier team and will have a harder time in two days against Canada for the group victory.
Match 5, Group B, GREECE 19 ITALY 18 (4-4, 5-2, 6-4, 4-8)
Greece was 15-10 ahead heading into the final quarter and just won the match by a single goal. Italy was pumped in the final session, winning it 8-4, but too little, too late. Greece was dominant throughout, even when Italy was coming back. Its composure under pressure was a telling factor. Semir Spachits gave Greece a 2-1 lead with Italy going ahead at 3-2 before Andreas Bitsakos levelled at four, two seconds from the first break. Alessandro Gullotta dragged one back but Greece’s Spachits went on counter for the 9-6 halftime lead.
Greece won the third period in imperious fashion, going out to 11-7 and 12-8 thanks to two Apostolos Georgaras goals from the top position. Goals were traded as Italy forced its way back into the play but Bitsakos planted two goals from the deep left for the clear 15-10 advantage by the final break.
It heated up in the fourth as Italy decimated the difference to just one goal with Tomasso Cora blitzing a pair, the second from a six-metre foul. Bitsakos addressed the demise on extra, then hit the left post on penalty, allowing Gullotta to narrow the score to 16-15 by just crossing the line at 4:18. Goals were traded and Andrea Nuzzo scored the goal of his life on counter to level the match at 17 at 2:08. Cora went on three fouls and Bitsakos converted the extra. Greece went to a timeout and had Nuzzo ejected for Ilias Angelopoulos to convert for 19-17 at 0:57. Gullotta did what captains do and converted extra to close the gap to one at 0:25. Greece retained the ball and even challenged an alleged violent action, unsuccessfully, playing out the time for the brilliant victory.
Match Heroes
Bitsakos for Greece and Gullotta for Italy with their five goals each. They were the leading lights and steadying influences. Georgaras and Spachits hit three each for Greece and Enrico Tringali made three for Italy.
Turning Point
Greece coming from 4-3 down to 15-10 at the third break. Then Italy’s humungous levelling of the match at 17 two minutes from time.
Stats Don’t Lie
Greece went a magnificent 10 from 14 on extra while Italy made eight from 16. Greece missed one of its two penalty attempts. On steals, Greece was favoured eight-six and on total shots, Italy went 36-30.
Bottom Line
Greece’s composure when under pressure was telling. Italy used 10 scores and Greece eight.
Match 6, Group A, HUNGARY 18 MONTENEGRO 10 (4-3, 7-2, 4-3, 3-2)
Hungary dominated all phases of this match and won all the quarters with the second period setting the scene for victory. However, Montenegro had the edge for much of the first period, leading 2-1 and 3-2 with Botond Balogh and captain Oliver Leinweber scoring in the last minute to give Hungary the 4-3 advantage at the first break. It was a surge that continued in the second with goals traded before Andras Toth with a pair and two others bringing the score to 9-4 before Montenegro called a timeout, that yielded no goal. Martin Toth nailed his second after the timeout for 10-4. Milan Nikaljevic and Balogh swapped for 12-5 with the last goal coming on the buzzer.
Leinweber opened the third period and closed it for Hungary as Montenegro jumped back into the play. At 13-5 down, Montenegro scored three of the next five goals with Danilo Stupar scoring eight seconds from the buzzer for 15-8. Zsombor Porge lobbed for his second to open the fourth period. Goals were traded until Adam Peocz smashed a penalty goal at 0:39 to help secure the 18-10 Hungarian success.
Match Heroes
Leinweber led by example with five goals from seven attempts while Martin Toth and Balogh secured three apiece for Hungary. David Szitas dragged down 12 saves in goal. For Montenegro, Stupar and Srdan Janovic grabbed three each.
Turning Point
The second quarter where Hungary gained a five-goal advantage.
Stats Don’t Lie
Hungary converted four from eight and Montenegro two from four on extra. Hungary buried both penalty attempts and Montenegro one. Montenegro had the edge on steals at 9-8 and on shots, Hungary went 33 to Montenegro’s 34.
Bottom Line
Hungary had plenty of spirit, quality players and fantastic finishing.
Match 7, Group A, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 10 CROATIA 19 (4-6, 2-2, 1-6, 3-5)
Croatia made it through the first match in a tough group and now must meet Montenegro on day two before facing Hungary on day three. It does not get easier at this stage of play. Croatia twice took the lead and was equalled, then slipped in a 4-2 margin to maintain the gap until the first break. Ante Jerkovic gained two goals while for USA, William Schneider snared a pair. Peter Castillo and Ryan Ohl scored on extra and with a brilliant tip on to level the match at six, at 5:57 in the second quarter. Croatia scored twice with Jerkovic converting extra for 8-6 at 1:07.
A Croatian triple pushed the margin out to five at the top of the third period. USA took solace with a break and Ryder Dodd, who opened the USA scoring on penalty and played the 2024 Olympic Games, drilled one from the top left for 11-7. Vlaho Pavlic nailed his second goal, on penalty, while Gabrijel Burburan scored a second counter-attack goal of the quarter and Jerkovic hammered in his fourth for 14-7 at 0:19. Pavlic and Dodd traded penalty goals to start the fourth, and both teams scored a double with Jerkovic gaining his fifth and Dodd his fourth. Maro Susic and Viktor Toncinic gained their third goals to close the match in Croatia’s favour.
Match Heroes
Jerkovic with his five goals for Croatia, followed by Pavlic with four and Toncinic with three. Dodd was USA’s best with four goals.
Turning Point
The third period where Croatia turned on the afterburners.
Stats Don’t Lie
Croatia converted six from eight on extra and restricted USA to four from 11. Both teams put away their two penalty attempts and Croatia made 13 steals to six. On overall shots, Croatia took 34 to 27.
Bottom Line
Croatia is the form team with plenty of experience while the Dodd-led North Americans will benefit from the encounter.
Match 8, Group B, SERBIA 13 SPAIN 14 (3-2, 3-4, 5-3, 2-5)
Croatia watched as a three-goal advantage late in the third quarter was washed away, needing to play catch-up in the final 90 seconds when two down. Serbia made the play in the first quarter and finished one ahead. Spain turned the tables in the first five minutes of the second before a Strahinja Krstic pair levelled twice by 5-5. Swapped goals made the halftime score at 6-6.
Oier Aguirre dropped one in from the bottom right on extra to start the second half with Krstic and a Vuk Andelic brace regaining the lead at 9-7. Albert Sabadell pulled one back on extra but Serbia survived a coach challenge for an alleged violent action to go 11-8 up. Joan Villamayor drilled from the top for 11-9, 11 seconds from the final break. It was to be the first of five Spanish goals that clinched the match. Sabadell, Spanish great Felipe Perrone’s nephew Tomas Perrone, Biel Gomila and Saul Granados had the Spanish comfortably ahead at 1:13. Filip Novakovic responded for Serbia but Gomila converted extra after 15 seconds by 0:27. Serbia went to a timeout, gained an exclusion and Krstic made his fifth goal on extra. Sadly for Croatia, there were only six seconds on the clock and Spain made sure not to lose the ball to take the opening win.
Match Heroes
Sabadell and Gomila made it three each for Spain while goalkeeper Didac Garcia pulled in nine saves. Krstic topped all scorers with five, followed by team-mate Andelic with three for Serbia.
Turning Point
Serbia going 11-8 ahead in the third period, but then the big turnaround was Spain’s five unanswered goals to jump 13-11 ahead and then 14-12, leaving Serbia little chance to go to a shootout.
Stats Don’t Lie
Spain was slightly better on extra at five from 13 to Serbia’s five from 14. Neither team took a penalty attempt and Spain led the steals 5-2 and the shots 36-30.
Bottom Line
Spain played the long game and came up with the victory. Now it must get past Italy on day two before the big clash with Greece on day three. Serbia plays Greece on Sunday and Italy on Monday.
Progress Points
Group A: Croatia 3, Hungary 3, Montenegro 0, United States of America 0
Group B: Greece 3, Spain 3, Italy 0, Serbia 0
Group C: Brazil 3, South Africa 0, Germany
Group D: Kazakhstan 3, New Zealand 0, Iran
Group E: Australia 3, Colombia 0, Argentina
Group F: Canada 3, Singapore 0, China
Day 2 Schedule
Match 09. 09:00. Group D, Iran v New Zealand
Match 10. 10:30. Group E, Argentina v Australia
Match 11. 12:00. Group F, China v Singapore
Match 12. 13:30. Group C, Germany v South Africa
Match 13. 16:00. Group B, Greece v Serbia
Match 14. 17:30. Group A, United States of America v Hungary
Match 15. 19:00. Group A, Croatia v Montenegro
Match 16. 20:30. Group B, Italy v Spain