European champions on course for last eight

Slovenia, European champions of this 1998-1999 generation, had a test against the Koreans today, especially in the first half, but moved up the gears to ensure a sixth win out of six games played at Spain 2019.

EIGHTH-FINAL
Slovenia vs Korea 32:28 (17:17)
As Travesas Sports Hall, Vigo

It was the team with the perfect record, Slovenia, versus one playing below par and with an indifferent set of results behind them, Korea.

In the end, Slovenia were made to work harder than expected as Korea played their best game of the championship so far, but with players like left back Gregor Ocvirk in your side you are never far away from a moment of magic.

And that magic came with his four goals in a row (11 in total) from the 49-55th minute to move his side from 26:25 up to 30:25 killed any hopes Korea had of mounting a comeback in a game where they led just three times.

That lead came directly after the half-time break in which the teams went in all-level (17:17), but two goals in a row had put them 19:18 up and then stayed ahead until the 35th minute before Slovenia stepped up a gear again. 

The ability to turn on the magic when the pressure becomes a bit too close is the sign of any good team and Slovenia were able to do that time and again against the Asian junior champions.

A total of nine saves from Gasper Dobaj also played its part at the back and they came at key times for Slovenia (10:8 down, 11:8, 13:10, 15:13) in the first half, but the really crucial one came with his side 19:18 behind as he stopped a Seonghyeon Jeong fast break in the 34th minute.

This ensured that Korea did not open up a gap and by the 43rd minute Slovenia were ahead again (22:21) and they never went behind again for the remainder of the game.

“We knew perfectly well that it would be a very tough game, and we prepared for it,” said Sasa Prapotnik, Slovenia’s coach. “I think we played a very difficult team which they are because of their speed and because they are disciplined.”

Best Player of the Match: Marko Kotar (SLO)