Day two of the 2014 IBSA Goalball European Championships Men & Women B was one where some teams cemented their spots in the finals but little has been decided in terms of who will end where in their group.
 
Once again the Hungarian men were able to open the day. This time it was against Slovenia. Slovenia jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead during the first half. The second half was a lot more even but it was too late and the Hungarians were unable to make a dent in the Slovenian lead. Final score was Slovenia 7 Hungary 3.
 
The match between Denmark and Italy was also similar to that between Hungary and Slovenia. Denmark built up its lead in the first half and the second half of the match was close but too late for the Italians.
 
For the Italians it was a disappointing day. They played the closest of the men’s matches today but still came out of the game on the wrong side. Slovenia was the victor in a good offensive match 11-8. This has basically confirmed Italy’s fate following this tournament.
 
This leaves Slovenia in equal first place (second on goal difference) at the top of Pool B Following their draw both Sweden and Slovenia are on 7 points with both Hungary and Denmark on 4 because they also drew with each other.
 
Today’s Pool A matches were very largely one sided affairs. Israel have sealed their spot at the top of this pool with two more comfortable wins today but the other teams gave it their all as they battle each other for the remaining spots and best possible position.
 
On the women’s side, day two was a new day to rectify mistakes from yesterday and put the past behind them. For some teams they were able to do this.
 
One team that was the perfect example of this was the host nation, Hungary. In what was perhaps an unlucky match for the Team GB women, the Hungarians were able to power through their defense twice and keep the ball out of their goal. This was the first Hungarian win for the tournament.
 
The Hungarians didn’t stop there though. What was a heartbreaker for the Belgians, was a second win for the hosts. The final result was 3-2.
 
The highlight match of the day was that between Great Britain and Sweden. A very tight tussle with both teams deserving to win. Sweden had a chance to take the three points in the dying seconds when Team GB received a penalty for a 5th time out. However, the British player blocked the penalty and the final score remained at 3-3.
 
This means that Sweden and Denmark are through to the semis while Great Britain, Hungary and Greece will fight for the remaining two positions with the scheduled match between Greece and Great Britain really being the decider.
 
RESULTS
Men Pool A
Israel 16 Portugal 7
Russia 1 Portugal 6
Poland 3 Israel 13
Russia 7 Ukraine 12
Men Pool B
Hungary 3 Slovenia 7
Denmark 9 Italy 5
Sweden 8 Hungary 2
Slovenia 11 Italy 8
Women
Hungary 2 Great Britain 0
Sweden 3 Greece 0
Denmark 5 Belgium 2
Great Britain 3 Sweden 3
Greece 0 Denmark 2
Hungary 3 Belgium 2
 
STANDINGS
Men Pool A
Israel – 12points
Ukraine – 6points
Poland 3 points
Portugal – 3points
Russia 0 points
Men Pool B
Sweden – 7 points
Slovenia – 7 points
Hungary 4 points
Denmark – 4 points
Italy – 0 points
Women
Sweden – 10 points
Denmark – 9 points
Hungary – 6 points
Greece – 6 points
Great Britain – 4 points
Belgium – 0 points