Matchday 5: Netherlands on Course for 9th Place in the Padel World Championship
On match day 5 of the 2024 Padel World Cup, the Dutch men's team achieved an important victory by beating Uruguay 2-1. Crucial to this victory was the exciting final match, in which Nicolas van Betuw and Sten Richters secured the victory after an intense three-setter. In the third set, they won 7-6, an exciting climax that gives the team plenty of confidence. Thanks to this victory, the Netherlands will once again face Sweden in the battle for 9th place, and the team is determined to get the most out of it.
Dutch women are also well on their way
The women's team also had a successful day: they won 2-1 against Brazil and will now compete for a nice final ranking against Sweden. This match for places 5 and 6 promises to be exciting and is a great performance by the Dutch women in this tough tournament.
Setbacks for Germany and Belgium
The German women had a hard time and lost 2-1 to Egypt, which made their chances of a high ranking fade. Matchday 5 was also disappointing for Belgium: they lost 2-1 to Sweden and were therefore out of the race for the top 10.
Title contenders Spain and Argentina dominate
In the semi-finals, Spain and Argentina showed their strength. Both teams won convincingly with 2-0 and seem ready for a confrontation in the final. Portugal came closest to a victory in their match against the Argentinian couple Stupa and Di Nenno. After an exciting battle, the Deus brothers lost 6-4 in the third set.
This match day not only emphasizes the perseverance of the Netherlands, but also the dominance of the defending champions. Before the final match day, the tension for the top positions and qualifications is greater than ever, and the Netherlands is ready for a new challenge.
Women's semi-final results
Results women 5 to 8
Looking back with Steffie Weterings
After the beautiful victory of the Dutch women against Brazil we spoke with a proud and cheerful Steffie Weterings . Afterwards she shared her joy about the performance of her team.
"In the first match we certainly had chances, but we just didn't manage to take them," Steffie says openly. Still, the team didn't get discouraged. Together with Marcella Koek, Steffie managed to win the second match convincingly. "We really easily passed them, and in the third match our team took another convincing win. I'm incredibly proud of how we play, and how we continue to support each other off the court."
On the final match day, the Netherlands will face Sweden in the battle for fifth place. It is an exciting match-up, as the teams have already met in the group stage. "We just lost to them then," says Steffie, but she feels ready for revenge. "Sweden remains a strong team, but I am confident that if we continue to fight as a team, we can achieve a victory."
With this determined attitude, the Dutch women's team is ready for an exciting conclusion to the Padel World Cup.
Results Men 1 to 4
Results Men Netherlands, Belgium & France
How does it feel to make your debut for the Dutch national team now? [Interview Nicolas van Betuw]
After the impressive match against Uruguay, we spoke to Nicolas van Betuw , who played his second match at the World Cup for the Dutch men's team. We asked him how it feels to represent his country, and his answer was full of pride and emotion.
"You can't really describe this feeling," says Nicolas. "You're proud, but at the same time you just want to give everything for your team and for every Dutch padel player watching at home. I'm really grateful that I'm allowed to experience this."
During the conversation, we also asked Nicolas about the differences between competitions on Dutch soil, such as the P500 tournaments, and international FIP tournaments, such as this World Championship. "You really can't compare them," he explains. "Here at the World Championship, you know that every match is at a high level and that you really have to work hard to win."
This intensive preparation paid off when Nicolas, together with Sten Richters , won the decisive match against Uruguay. Thanks to this victory, the Netherlands will face Sweden again on the last match day in the battle for 9th place. This match is extra exciting, because the winner will secure a place at the next World Cup.
Tomorrow we will return with the last blog of this World Cup, in which we report on this important match and see the Dutch team in action one last time.
