The 5th day of the European Universities Futsal Championship witnessed some intense and thrilling matches, as the women's quarterfinals took place in Poljud Hall, and the final day of the men's preliminary round was held at the Gripe venue.
In the women's quarterfinals at Poljud Hall, the matches showcased remarkable skills and determination from the competing teams. The University of Zagreb (CRO) faced off against the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne (FRA), with the former emerging victorious with a score of 4-1. Meanwhile, in a nail-biting encounter, the University of Munster (GER) managed to edge past the University of Coimbra (POR), securing a tight 4-3 win.
The clash between University College Cork (IRL) and Tampere University (FIN) was another high-octane affair. Tampere University displayed their proficiency, ultimately prevailing with a score of 4-2, securing their spot in the next round. The final match in the women's quarterfinals saw the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (FRA) overpower the University of Split (CRO) with a 2-0 scoreline, advancing to the next stage of the championship.
On the other hand, the men's preliminary round at the Gripe venue provided spectators with a series of exhilarating matches. The Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport (AZE) faced off against the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Although it might seem as if the Azerbaijan team showed dominance, it was a close match where the experience and some luck of the winning team paid off.
In an interesting match that decided who goes through to the next round, the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne (FRA) faced off against the Bernays University of Applied Sciences (CRO). The Croatian side showcased their talent, defeating the French team with an impressive 7-0 scoreline, that way progressing to the next round as the second in their group.
Caucasus International University (GEO) displayed exceptional teamwork and strategy, securing a convincing 4-0 win against Eindhoven University of Technology (NED). Meanwhile, the match between Ivano Frankivsk College of Physical Education (UKR) and the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences ended in a jaw-dropping 16-1 victory for the Ukrainian team, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single match so far in the tournament.
The University of Minho (POR) exhibited remarkable form, overpowering the University of Bristol (GBR) with an astonishing 13-0 victory. In a comeback that left spectators on the edge of their seats, the University of Zagreb (CRO) managed to turn the tables against the University of Gdansk (POL) After being 0-3 down in the first half, Zagreb staged an impressive comeback, finishing the match with a thrilling 5-4 victory, becoming quarter-finalists.
„A tough game, a game against the University of Gdansk and the last game of the group stage of the Championship. We started the game not so strong as we conceded three goals in the first half, but luckily for us, we had the strength and resilience to come back. We always believed we could win and we achieved that. So now we can only hope for a good next match and on to the quarter-finals we go!“ Captain Bruno Kovačić (University of Zagreb)
As the championship progresses, the competition intensifies, and the level of skill and sportsmanship on display continues to impress both fans and critics alike. The European Universities Futsal Championship has proven to be a celebration of talent, unity, and the true spirit of sportsmanship, providing an unforgettable experience for all involved.
