France beat Germany 16:11 in the last match of the group stage of the World League European Qualifications.
It was the postponed match of Day 1, originally scheduled for January 18
France won 1st place in Group B, with six points. Spain finished 2nd in this group. Germany is in last place.
France, which has already qualified for the Super Final in Strasbourg as the host, will play against Montenegro in the quarterfinals of the European Final Eight. Spain will face Hungary.
2021/22 Men’s World League, European Qualifications
Group B, postponed match
Germany – France 11:16 (2:2,2:5,3:6,4:3)
Germany: Strelezkij 3, Cuk 2, Restovic 2,Kuppers 2, Stamm 1, Gansen 1.
France: Vernoux 5, Crousillat 3, Bouet 2, Marion-Vernoux 2, Marzouki 2, Olivon 1, Caumette 1.
France upset Spain in the first match in this group (14:11). Last week, Spain trashed Germany (16:7). So, the Germans needed a big win to qualify for the Final Eight, while France would have stayed atop the table if it had won a point in today’s game, played in Hamburg.
A month ago, France and Germany shared the points in the qualifications for the European Championships in Kranj (9:9). But, today’s match wasn’t so exciting.
Already in the second quarter, it was clear that Germany couldn’t make a miracle and record a win with a big margin. The game was an even contest until 3:3. Afterward, the French scored four straight goals and went to 7:3. France controlled the match. In the third period, the visitors netted two early goals (Marzouki with a man-up and Thomas Vernoux) to stretch the margin to five (9:4). By the end of this quarter, France, led by Thomas Vernoux, earned a 6-goal lead (12:6 and 13:7). The visitors didn’t slow after the last break, and they built an 8-goal advantage (15:7 and 16:8). The Germans reduced the gap with three goals in the last two minutes
Final standings: 1. France 6, 2. Spain 3, 3. Germany 0.
Men’s World League, European Qualifications
Group Stage
January 18
Group A: Hungary – Montenegro 14:9
Group B: Germany – France 11:16 (played on March 15)
Group C: Serbia – Italy 12:9
Group D: Greece – Croatia 11:12
February 15
Group B: France – Spain 14:11
Group C: Italy – Slovakia 22:3
Group D: Croatia – Russia 11:9
March 8/9
Group A: Montenegro – Hungary 11:16
Group B: Spain – Germany 16:7
Group C: Slovakia – Serbia 9:18
Final 8 (April 28 – 30)
April 28, Quarterfinals: Hungary (1A)– Spain (2B); France (1B) – Montenegro (2A); Serbia (1C)– Greece (2D); Croatia (1D) – Italy (2C)
April 29: Semifinals
April 30: Final day
Four teams will represent Europe at the Super Final. If France, which secured its spot at the Super Final the host, doesn’t advance to the semifinals, only the medal winners will qualify.
The Super Final will be played in Strasbourg (July 23 – 29). Besides the four European teams, the top four sides at the Intercontinental Cup (USA, Australia, Brazil, Canada) will take part in the Super Final.
