Danish Olympic dream still alive
Denmark became the twelfth and final team to win a place in next month’s European Olympic Repecharge Qualifer after they won the Division B title in Zagreb on Sunday. Alongside beaten finalists Israel they were also promoted to next season’s Division A tournament.
Published by John Birch, June 22nd, 2015
3 minute read
Denmark - who were relegated from Division A last year - looked a cut above all weekend as they breezed through the Pool phase with wins over Montenegro, Luxembourg and Turkey, scoring 114 points with none conceded. Only when they reached the semi-finals did they meet a tough challenge.
In fact all four of the semi-finalists were generally a class above the rest of the competition, with only Malta and Turkey offering significant opposition. While Denmark swept Pool A, hosts Croatia were only given pause for thought by Malta in Pool B, while in Pool C both Israel and Latvia swept aside the challenges if Austria and Serbia.
On Day two, all four won through their quarter-finals, though again Malta push Latvia hard and Turkey nearly upset Croatia.
The crucial semi-finals – with the winners gaining promotion – saw Denmark win over a spirited Latvia 15-10, while Israel, playing some exciting and expansive Sevens, swinging the ball wide to capitalise on the searing pace of their wingers which saw them book their place in the Final after a strong 15-10 win over Latvia in the other Semi Final.
The final was a tense affair with the scores finely in the balance at half time, with Israel coming from behind to lead 12-5. However in the second half Denmark quickly overturned this lead with two early tries. Continual Danish pressure on the Israeli line then forced the tiring defenders to make two mistakes in rapid succession which the Danes capitalised on with two quick tries. Israel came back at the end to score under the posts, but it was too late.
Denmark and Israel can both celebrate promotion to Division A in 2016 whilst this year’s Champions can look forward to Lisbon next month as their Olympic qualification hopes stay alive.
Rugby Europe’s Player of the Tournament was Pernilla Mortensen, Denmark Captain
Group A
Group B
Group C
Bowl Semi Finals (9th-12th)
11th/12th Match
Bowl final:9th/10th Match
Quarter-finals (1st-8th)
Plate Semi Finals (5th-8th)
7th/8th Match
Plate final: 5th/6th Match
Cup Semi Finals (1st-4th)
3rd/4th place
Cup Final: 1st/2nd place