Across the continent, the future stars of European rugby sevens are laying it all on the line at the U18 European Championship. This rapid-fire format of the game demands blistering pace, precision passing, and tactical nous – qualities these young athletes are showcasing in abundance.
As the tournament progresses, the intensity escalates. The boys` competition has navigated the initial hurdles and has now reached the crucial knockout stages, specifically the quarterfinal round, setting up a thrilling path to the final.
The quarterfinals saw some dominant performances and hard-fought victories:
- France delivered a commanding statement, defeating Switzerland 57:0. A scoreline that suggests French flair and power were simply too much on the day.
- Czechia faced off against Belgium in a tighter affair, with Belgium ultimately securing their semifinal spot with a 21:5 win.
- Spain mirrored France`s clean sheet, executing effectively to beat Lithuania 36:0, demonstrating their clinical edge.
- In arguably the most closely contested match of the round, Germany edged out a determined Portugal side 19:10 to advance.
These results set the stage for two compelling semifinal clashes: France will take on Belgium, while Spain will battle Germany. Both matches promise high-speed action as teams vie for a place in the final.
Meanwhile, the girls` competition follows a slightly different rhythm, still navigating the demanding group stage phase. Here, consistency and endurance are key as teams play multiple matches to earn their ranking and progression.
Currently, two nations have established themselves at the forefront of the girls` tournament standings: Spain and France. Both teams sit level with 12 points, indicating their strong starts and setting up an intriguing race for group supremacy and favourable knockout positioning.
With the boys entering the semifinals and the girls` groups reaching a critical juncture, the European U18 Rugby 7s Championship is heating up. The pursuit of a continental title, along with valuable experience, drives these young athletes forward in every sprint and every tackle.
Gareth Pendleton