Czech Republic do just enough, Congo impress

The last match of Spain 2021 for both sides saw an upset on the cards for nearly all of the first half as Younes Tatby’s Congo managed to put in an impressive first 30 minutes – something they had not managed in their previous five games, according to the players and coach at least.
 
However, in a tight game, Congo fell just short with the Jan Basny’s Czech team doing enough in the last five minutes to take a three-goal victory.
 
“There was some fatigue and some injuries,” said Tatby after the match. “I can only say I am very proud of my team.” That team included line player Rita Saraiva, who admitted she was “…really motivated,” and the “team had nothing to lose”.
 
Congo vs Czech Republic 21:24 (11:11)
 
Congo, missing their only professional club player in Josephine Nkou since their opening game of Spain 2021, also saw Noisy Le Grand’s Fanta Diagouraga missing, but welcomed back the influential line player Sharon Dorson after illness.
 
A slow start from both teams saw just five goals in 10 minutes and it took a further two for the Czech Republic to take the lead (4:3), but aided by the impressive Ruth Kodia in goal, who averaged a 50% save rate throughout the opening period, Congo kept the impetus with the scoring.
 
They wasted a number of chances to go ahead by two (7:6, 8:7, 9:8, 10:9) through a variety of misplaced shots, passive play, or turnover faults but eventually they did (11:9, 28th minute) and it should have been three (12:9) but they turned the ball over.
 
After missing their attack following a time out (11:10, 30th minute), Czech Republic replied with their own time out with 25 seconds left on the clock, drawing level, and not leaving enough time for a Congo attack.
 
The initial catch-up from their European opponents saw the African side stutter in the opening exchanges but led by Kodia in the goal, captain Diane Yimga and left wing Kimberly Rutil. When Kodia made a save with her side one goal behind (21:22), you could feel the Congolese pressure building on the Czech defence, but try as they might, and with the crowd inside the Palau d’Esports in Granollers, they simple could not put the ball in the net and the Czech Republic took a much-needed win away from Spain with them.
 
“It was a very difficult match because we came into it as favourites,” said Basny. “We really wanted to finish the championship with a win and I would like to thank my players in handling the match accordingly.”
 
Despite the loss, Congo’s Rita Saraiva was more than happy with the Spanish experience for her side.
 
“Our goal was met when we beat Tunisia (in the preliminary round) and everything else is a bonus,” said Saraiva. “I see great potential of our team. We have just started to work in a structured path so I can only see growth.”
 
hummel Player of the Match: Sharon Dorson, Congo