Poland replicate Czech Republic and Slovenia’s six-goal wins

The opening day of European play-off matches on the road to the World Championship 2017 in France saw three six-goal wins.

After the Czech Republic won 28:22 against FYR Macedonia and Slovenia defeated Norway 24:18, Poland were the victors in the last match of the day with a final score of 27:21 against the Netherlands.

Men’s World Championship 2017 Qualification Europe – First-leg play-offs
Poland vs Netherlands 27:21 (11:9)

Poland coach Talant Dujshebaev had warned his players about the Netherlands ahead of the match in Katowice on Saturday night.

The Spanish coach was wise to do so, as the Dutchmen turned out to be difficult opponents for large parts of the match.

The Netherlands managed to keep the game equal throughout the first half, during which the distance between the two teams was never bigger than two goals.

At the beginning of the second half, Poland finally seemed to start heading toward that decisive win many people expected them to record in the first-leg play-off match at home.

The hosts created an eight-goal advantage at 19:11, but the Netherlands refused to give up and reduced the deficit to four goals.

Poland, who were relying mainly on their defence backed by goalkeeper Piotr Wyszomirski, finally found their best form and finished the game strong to win by six – just as Czech Republic and Slovenia both did earlier on Saturday.

The result puts Poland in an advantageous position before the second-leg play-off in Sittard on Wednesday night, when the Netherlands need to win by more than six goals to claim the World Championship 2017 place.