Switzerland Triumphs Over Poland 30:28 to Secure Main Round Spot


In an intense and back-and-forth battle, Switzerland secured their spot in the Main Round of the World Championship with a hard-fought 30:28 victory over Poland, who will now play in the President’s Cup in Poreč.
Poland started strongly, leading 3:1 in the 4th minute, but Switzerland quickly leveled the score at 4:4 by the 9th minute. A critical save by Swiss goalkeeper Nikola Portner and a steal by Lenny Rubin allowed Switzerland to take their first lead at 5:4. The game then developed into a series of momentum shifts, with both teams exchanging goals in rapid succession.
Noam Leopold’s impressive Kempa goal for Switzerland (7:5, 15th minute) prompted Poland’s coach, Marcin Lijewski, to call a timeout. His team responded with a 3:0 run to retake the lead, but Switzerland countered with their own strong sequence, going into halftime with an 18:15 advantage, thanks to two late goals by Gino Steenaerts.
Switzerland extended their lead to 21:15 early in the second half with solid defensive work and effective finishing. Despite a spirited fightback from Poland, including Damian Przytula’s standout performance (9 goals), the Swiss maintained control.
Poland managed to equalize at 22:22 in the 44th minute, taking advantage of a Swiss penalty and a defensive lapse. However, Swiss coach Andy Schmid’s timely timeout refocused his team, who regained the lead through Lucas Meister and Lenny Rubin.
As the game neared its conclusion, Switzerland’s defense and Nikola Portner’s crucial saves under pressure proved decisive. Lucas Meister’s goal for a 27:24 lead in the 53rd minute gave Switzerland breathing room. Despite Poland’s relentless efforts, Przytula’s late goal to make it 30:28 came too late to change the outcome.
Switzerland celebrated their first win at the World Championship, advancing to the Main Round. Poland, despite their valiant effort, will compete in the President’s Cup.
Mandatory Credit © Nebojsa Tejic / kolektiff
