Win’s for Greece, USA, Montenegro and Italy in the final round of group-stage matches moves the World League Super Finals into the business end of the tournament.
Greece, who beat Kazakhstan 14-9 today thanks to three goals apiece from Ioannis Fountoulis and Georgios Dervisis, will perhaps have the toughest test for the best seeded teams in the quarter-finals as they take on the hosts, Georgia – who lost their final game in the preliminary round against USA.
If Greece win their encounter against Georgia, they will most likely take on Mediterranean rivals, Montenegro, in the semi-finals, as they are expected to beat Kazakhstan in the fourth quarter-final. Vladimir Gojkovic’s side saw off an early onslaught from Japan, to beat them 18-6 in a game that saw Stefan Vidovic shine, scoring four. Centre-forward, Miroslav Perkovic and Aleksa Ukropina both bagged a hat-trick each.
The USA have booked their place in the first quarter-final against France in what looks to be a tasty match. It was their two stars from Olympiacos that helped them to their final group match against Georgia – with Hannes Daube and Max Irving scoring three each. USA’s keeper, Drew Holland, also had an outstanding game, amassing an impressive eleven saves.
Whoever wins that quarter-final will face either of Italy and Japan. The Settebello will be strong favourites against the hosts of the Olympic games in just under three weeks, but Japan will try to ensure that the game is not a formality.
Quarter Finals (UK Time)
13:45 France vs USA
13:30 Greece vs Georgia
15:15 Italy vs Japan
17:00 Kazakhstan vs Montenegro
Today’s Results
Greece 14 – 9 Kazakhstan (3-1, 5-3, 3-4, 3-1)
USA 13 – 9 Georgia (3-1, 5-2, 2-3, 3-3)
Montenegro 16 – 8 Japan (4-5, 4-1, 5-1, 3-1)
France 7 – 14 Italy ( 1-4, 4-4, 0-3, 2-3)
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