Portugal
quarters
Belgium
The Belgian Cats did what had to be done in the European Championship preliminary round: they beat host country Portugal, but that also says it all. Portugal simply underwent the law of the strongest, but Belgium – which lacks Meesseman and Linskens – did not sparkle. If they also beat Ukraine on Saturday, the European Championship ticket will be in
Cats make the difference for half time …
Against Portugal, the Belgian Cats started their second leg in the preliminary round for next years European Championship. Against Portugal, the number 47 in the world, the Cats had to do without star player Emma Meesseman and Kyara Linskens.
The level difference between the Cats and the Portuguese was already clear in the first quarter. Until 9-10 they were able to keep pace somewhat, but thanks to a smooth scoring Kim Mestdagh, the first quarter ended with a 10-16 lead.
In the second quarter, the Cats seemed to push the accelerator a bit further. After flashes from Kim Mestdagh and Allemand and two three-pointers from Vanloo, the game seemed to be over: 17-33 at half time.
… and then take your foot off the accelerator
You would think again in the second half, but the Cats fell into nonchalance. The burden of errors grew with the number 7 in the world and the lack of match rhythm clearly played tricks on the Belgians, with veteran Ann Wauters sporadically on the prosecutor’s office.
The Cats were able to settle the third quarter in their favor, but in the last quarter the Portuguese actually cleared up a lot of ground. The home team did not reach closer than 10 points: 49-59 was the final score.
With the simple but colorless victory against Portugal, the Belgian Cats take a new step towards the European Championship. If they also manage to put aside the stiff Ukraine on Saturday, the Cats will have their European Championship ticket.
