Germany once again showed why they are considered the number one canoe polo nation in the world with a solid set of results on the opening day of the ICF world championships in St-Omer on Tuesday.
The German women’s U21 team, having won five of the six world titles contested, including the past four competitions, slammed in 17 goals on the opening day. They beat Spain 6-0, and then cantered to an 11-2 win over Great Britain.
“Everything worked out for us, everything that we planned we could do,” captain Hannah Kunz said.
“Especially our fast breaks were good, I’m really happy with my team. We were really excited, so sometimes it’s hard to concentrate and do good passes. Sometimes you just need a few minutes and then it will get better.”
Their closest rivals in the women’s U21 looks set to be New Zealand, bronze medalists from the last world titles in 2018. The team from Oceania beat Italy 7-0, and then won a nailbiter 2-1 against host nation France.
“There were definitely some nerves out there, but the girls did really well just to put them aside and play how we want to play,” captain Kate Blincoe said.
“We didn’t come in with much expectation, there’s a lot more work to be done but I’m sure we can do it.”
Great Britain’s quest for a third consecutive U21 men’s title is also off to a strong start, with a 10-0 win over Argentina followed by a 4-2 triumph over Chinese Taipei.
“We’re not putting any pressure on ourselves, just taking it one game at a time,” captain Caleb Bowden said.
“Every game is a final for us. We’ve been together for about two years now and been out here for the past two to three weeks training.
“We’re a completely new team from 2018, so nice and fresh.”
Germany is also undefeated at the end of day one, notching up a 3-2 result against Denmark, and then strolling past Ireland 11-0. The Germans have not won the men’s U21 title since 2010.
The Belgian men’s U21 team had a busy opening day, tying 5-5 with Chinese Taipei in their opening match and then impressing 5-2 over Netherlands before a comfortable 8-0 result against Argentina.
Competition in the women’s and men’s senior divisions begins on Wednesday.
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