Sometimes, you have to go for it, and that’s what Shivan McCutcheon did. With the score reading 3-3 in overtime against France, the Great Britain star took a leap of faith as he lobbed the ball from the halfway line.
The result? An absolute banger of a goal and a chance to fight for a place on the podium. The Canoe Polo quarterfinal matches at The World Games Chengdu 2025 provided high-class entertainment as expected.
The match between France and Great Britain looked like it was going the former’s way, with the French leading 3-1 with less than five minutes to go.
But two quick goals from Santanam McCutcheon and Fergal McConvey ensured it needed a golden goal to decide the winner.
Up stepped Shivan McCutcheon, with a sublime finish to help Great Britain set up a semi-final against the mighty Germans, who defeated them in the group stage.
For Germany, it was business as usual as they eased past Poland 5-2 in their quarterfinal.
Italy will face European champions Denmark for a spot in the final after defeating familiar foes Spain 5-3, thanks to Fabrizio Massa and Gaetano Tommaso Lampo scoring two goals each, with Andrea Bertelloni adding one more in the dying moments.
The Danes, who were up against China, beat them 4-0, to make it four wins from as many games in Chengdu.
In the women’s category, Germany will face Italy while the Netherlands will take on New Zealand for a spot in the final.
A rejuvenated German women’s team played out an absolute classic against Denmark in the women’s quarterfinals, clinching a 3-2 win in overtime.
The Danes were leading 2-1 with seven minutes to go, but persistence paid off as Lara Jill Rutzen made it 2-2 from the penalty shot.
Rutzen, adding to some crucial saves, was wearing the all-roounder shirt, scoring Germany’s first in the seventh minute with a powerful drive.
However, Cecilie Weinreich showcased sublime ball-handling skills, scoooping it with her paddle before a superb strike.
She then bettered that with a delicious backflip facing away from the goal, early in the second half, before Rutzen’s equaliser.
After a tense first period of overtime, Katharin Grunewald sealed the deal for the Germans, who enjoyed success in both categories.
The Netherlands had an easy quarter-final against China, winning 4-1, while New Zealand was involved in a high-intensity affair against Spain, and Italy triumphed over Iran.
The Spaniards were playing their high-pressing game as always, but reigning world champions New Zealand managed to squeeze through and win 3-2.
Three of the five goals happened in the last two minutes, as Emma Malcom and Georgia Wheeler delivered the vital blows.
The Italians, meanwhile, secured their passage, getting the better of Iran 5-2.
In the consolation semi-finals, Denmark beat Iran 2-1 and Spain crushed China 10-1 among women, while France cruised past Poland 8-4 and Spain defeated China 10-0.
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