The third day of the European University Futsal Championship in Split proved to be yet another action-packed and thrilling day of intense competition. The Sports Halls Gripe and Poljud were once again buzzing with excitement as women's and men's teams battled it out on the futsal courts, displaying their skills and determination to secure their places in the next round.
In the women's division, the match between Rey Juan Carlos University (SPA) and Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (FRA) was a high-scoring affair, with Rey Juan Carlos emerging victorious with a 6-3 win. The University of Lisbon (POR) showed their prowess on the field, narrowly defeating the University of Munster (GER) with a 3-2 scoreline, that way making it to the next round with a maximum amount of points. National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (UKR) impressed with a 2-0 win against the University of Zagreb (CRO). The host team, the University of Split, gave a valiant effort but ultimately fell short, losing 1-2 to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NOR) which progresses to the next round.
„So the match was good, strong and interesting. We as players are happy with the result, and we hope the supporters had a good time, too. Croatia [Zagreb] is a strong team, but we still won because we followed our coaches' plan. We are waiting for the next match and we are ready – we will fight to get maximum points and hopefully go through to the quarter-finals.“ Ukrainian player Mariia Vaskovets.
In the men's division, the University of Minho (POR) showcased its dominance by defeating the University of Jyvaskyla (FIN) with an impressive 4-1 scoreline. The match between the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne (FRA) and the Estonian Academy of Security Arts (EST) turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the French team securing an 11-0 victory. Similarly, the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sports (AZE) displayed its superiority on the field, overpowering the University of Bristol (GBR) with a dominating 10-2 win, leaving the British team with zero points on the board.
Unlike the female team, the male team of the University of Zagreb (CRO) continued its brilliant winning streak, securing a 7-2 victory against the Eindhoven University of Technology (NED). University of Pecs (HUN) proved their skill and determination with a convincing 6-0 win over Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (FIN). The host team, the University of Split, brought joy to their fans by securing a 8-2 victory against the University of Toulouse II - Jean Jaures (FRA), making it a massive leap towards the next stage of the Championship.
„Really amazing, we got six points in two matches, and I think it's deserved! Yesterday's match was a bit easier [against Finland] because today both sides started the game equally strong, however, I think the whole match was decided with the first 3 goals. (…) The match tomorrow isn't as important for us, but we have to play as well as we did in the previous matches because I truly believe we can make it to the semi-final and ultimately, final! I would also like to thank the many spectators that support us and I encourage them to continue so.“ University of Split's player Marko Gašpar.
In an intense and closely contested match, the University of Mainz (GER) and Caucasus State University (GEO), Georgians managed to turn around the draw from the first half, making the final result 4-0. Meanwhile, Ivano-Frankivsk College of Physical Education (UKR) displayed its dominance with a convincing 11:3 win over the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SUI).
As the third day of the championship concluded, it became evident that the competition was only getting fiercer. The teams showed exceptional skills and sportsmanship, and the spectators were treated to some thrilling matches. With the tournament heading into its crucial stages, the excitement is rising, and the winner, in both women's and men's divisions, is highly anticipated.
