World Age Group Championship: Crazy quarter-finals

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U19M

Turkey vs. Colombia (3-2)
The first quarter-final pitted Turkey against Colombia in an extremely tight and intense match. After a goalless first half, the second half saw a flurry of goals. Turkey prevailed 3-2 thanks to a solid collective performance, while Colombia were heavily penalized by 17 minutes in prison which swung the match in the Turks’ favor.
Highlights: penalties were a decisive factor, weakening Colombia at key moments in the match.

Great Britain vs. Australia (3-4, after extra time)
Great Britain and Australia played out a fierce duel, ending in a spectacular sudden-death overtime victory for Australia. The final score of 4-3 in favor of the Australians underlines the tension and balance of this match, where each team gave everything until the last minute. Australia maintained impeccable discipline and avoided any prisons, which ultimately made the difference.
Highlights: exemplary discipline from Australia, who conceded no penalties, enabled them to win this thrilling match.

New Zealand vs. United States (12-0)
New Zealand, as tournament favourites, showed their superiority by beating the USA with an impressive 12-0 scoreline. This one-sided match saw eight different scorers for New Zealand, underlining their bench depth and ability to score in multiple ways. The Kiwis advance to the semi-finals with renewed confidence.
Highlights: Eight different scorers for New Zealand, showing a diversified and effective attack.

France vs. South Africa (7-0)
The last quarter-final saw France dominate South Africa with a clear 7-0 victory. Les Bleus put in an impressive performance, giving their opponents no chance of getting back into the game. The French team showed excellent control of the game, both defensively and offensively, securing a place in the semi-finals.
Highlights: An uncompromising defense and a prolific attack enabled Les Bleus to win without difficulty.

Semi-finals to come
New Zealand vs. Turkey
New Zealand, boosted by their resounding victory, take on a determined Turkish team. The match promises to be a strategic duel between two different styles of play. Advantage New Zealand
Australia vs. France
Australia, on the back of a hard-fought extra-time win, face France, who are coming off a dominant victory. The match promises to be explosive, with both teams desperate to reach the final. Advantage France

U19W
We now know the semi-finals for tomorrow’s U19 women’s tournament. They are New Zealand vs. France and Colombia vs. Australia.

New Zealand vs. France
New Zealand have been perfect so far, winning one match after another with ease. Their aggressive, disciplined style of play makes them the tournament favourites. France, on the other hand, have shown great resilience and determination, progressing steadily through the tournament with convincing victories.

Colombia vs. Australia
Colombia will be the underdogs in this match, but watch out! Fast play, high individual skills and team cohesion. Their ability to score early has often given them the psychological edge. Australia sailed through the group stages with determination, showing moments of brilliance that took them all the way to this semi-final. Their discipline and tactical preparation often enabled them to gain the upper hand over their opponents.

U24M

New Zealand vs. Colombia (4-2)
Who can stop the Blacks? New Zealand continued their impeccable run with a 4-2 victory over Colombia. The Kiwis quickly took the lead, scoring the first goal early on to put the pressure on their opponents. Their well-structured, efficient play helped them control the match and qualify for the semi-finals.
Highlights: The Kiwis showed great attacking efficiency and defensive solidity, continuing to advance safely to the top of the tournament.

Great Britain vs. South Africa (3-2, after extra time)
It was the thunderbolt of the day! In a hotly contested match, Great Britain pulled off a surprise 3-2 win over South Africa after extra time. Despite being favourites, the South Africans were unable to overcome the British despite a brace from Liam Elferink. Thanks to their tremendous fighting spirit and intelligent tactics, Great Britain managed to turn the tables and book their place in the semi-finals. Bravo to the Brits for this heroic performance! Highlights: An intense match with an uncertain outcome right to the end, the discipline and desire of the British were decisive in this historic victory.

Australia vs. Turkey (2-0) In a hard-fought semi-final, Australia got the better of Turkey with a 2-0 victory. The Australians scored a goal in each half, ensuring steady progress throughout the match. Turkey tried everything to get back into the game, but Australia’s discipline and solid defensive qualities made the difference, preventing the Turks from finding the back of the goal. Highlights: Australia shone with their rigorous defense and attacking efficiency, leaving Turkey no opportunity to get back into the match.

France vs. Spain (2-1, after extra time)
The final quarter-final pitted France against Spain, two European teams who know each other inside out. The match was a real thriller, ending in overtime after Spain had led until 5 seconds from the end of regulation time. With 19 penalty minutes to France’s 6, discipline undoubtedly played a crucial role in the outcome. France then snatched victory thanks to Tom Léon’s decisive goal with 10 seconds remaining in extra time, a dream scenario for Les Bleus and a veritable nightmare for the Spaniards.
Highlights: In a match where discipline made all the difference, France showed incredible resilience to turn things around and reach the semi-finals.

The semi-finals
New Zealand vs. France
New Zealand, still unbeaten, take on a France team brimming with confidence after their dramatic victory over Spain. The Kiwis are favourites, but will have to be wary of France’s determination. Advantage New-Zealand
Australia vs. Great Britain
Australia, on the strength of their solid victory, face a Great Britain team boosted by their surprise win over South Africa. An explosive match in prospect, with two teams desperate to reach the final. Advantage Australia

U24W
Colombia vs. Great Britain (4-0)
Colombia continues to impress in this tournament with a clear 4-0 victory over Great Britain. The up-and-coming South Americans dominated the match, taking a 3-0 lead in the first half to show their ability to gain an early advantage and control the game.
Highlights: Colombia increasingly asserts itself as a force on the rise

Turkey vs. Australia (1-0)
In the most hotly contested quarter-final of the category, Turkey beat Australia 1-0. The match was marked by high physical intensity and iron defense on the part of the Turks, who were able to withstand the Australian onslaught. Highlights: Turkey showed impressive stamina and physicality to hold off Australia.

New Zealand vs. South Africa (8-0)
New Zealand once again demonstrated their dominance by beating South Africa 8-0. The New Zealanders rolled out their game like a steamroller.
Highlights: New Zealand showed that they are always a cut above their opponents.

France vs. United States (7-1)
France set the pace in this quarter-final against the USA with a 7-1 victory. After a tight first half, the French took the lead in the second, demonstrating their physical preparation and ability to execute effective game strategies.
Highlights: France took advantage of their mastery of prolonged apneas and their well-honed tactics to get the better of the Americans, notably by exploiting the slightest error on the part of their opponents.

Semi-finals
Colombia vs. France
An explosive match between two in-form teams. Colombia and France meet in what promises to be an intense and spectacular encounter. The French will have to rely on their experience and physical preparation to overcome a formidable Colombian team with an ultra-positive momentum ! Advantage France

Turkey vs. New Zealand
Surprise outsiders Turkey have nothing to lose against mighty New Zealand. This will be a major challenge for the Turks, who will have to play their best field hockey if they hope to spring a surprise against an in-form New Zealand team. Advantage New-Zealand