The very last two matches of the men’s Main Round of the Beach WCH in Antalya decided the participants for the semi finals. The only obvious fact before those games Brazil – Egypt and Russia – Hungary was that Denmark will finish on sixth place. Still five teams had the chances to go for the medals after Turkey – frenetically celebrated by their spectators – had beaten Denmark in the penalty shoot-out and increased their account to six points – the same as Hungary and Brazil had before the decisive games. And after the clear 2:0 (25:13, 23:17) of Brazil against Egypt only some, but not all decisions had been taken: Brazil had won the Main Round with eight points and their in total seventh victory in their eight match in Antalya. Aside Hungary and Turkey (each six points) had qualified for the semi finals, no matter how the Hungarian match against Russia would end. Despite three defeats in three Main Round matches Egypt (four points) still could hope for the semis – but they had to support Hungary, as the Africans only qualified, if Russia lose. And the last game was a real thriller – with great atmosphere: On the tribunes there was a “spectator battle” of the Hungarian women’s team and Russian tourists, on the other side the Brazilian men danced to the music. After Russia had won the first period 18:12, the hopes were high for the semis, but Hungary fought back and took the second period (18:16) – the penalty shoot-out had to decide. And as Russia missed three shots Hungary won 2:1 and secured the second place in the Main Round with eight points ahead of Turkey (6). Lucky winner were the Egyptians, as they took the profit of the Russian defeat. Equal in points Egypt had won the direct duel against Russia and reached the semi finals. The first semi final Brazil – Egypt will start on Sunday at 11am local time, followed by the match Hungary – Turkey at 12 am. Denmark will meet Russia in the placement match 5/6. The final will be at 8 pm. Reigning champion Croatia remained spotless in the men’s Consolation Round, as they took the points in the top match against Spain. Those teams will play the placement match 7/8 again. Qatar is ranked third in the Consolation Round and will play against their neighbor Oman for the places 9 and 10. Libya lost against Qatar and now will fight in the duel of the Beach WCH newcomers against Australia for the places 11 and 12. In contrast to the men’s tournament the Main Round of the women’s tournament was decided even before the last two matches, both semi finals were already settled. Brazil had won the postponed match against Croatia 2:0. After a very close first period, Croatia couldn’t take the advantage that the Brazilian goalkeeper Jerusa Dias received an early suspension in the second period. She was replaced by field player Nathalie Souza who showed some outstanding saves. Later-on Brazil remained unbeaten in the Main Round by beating Ukraine 2:0. Denmark needed a thrilling penalty shoot-out against host Turkey to qualify for the semis. Despite losing the first two games in the Preliminary Round the Danes secured the fourth place in the Main Round with now four points. On Sunday morning at 9 am local time Denmark will meet Brazil, the second semi (Sunday, 10 PK local time) will be Norway (ranked second) against Ukraine (third), the final will start at 7 pm. In their duel in the Main Round Norway took a 2:0 victory – but it was a very lucky win. Norway won their last Main Round match against reigning champion Croatia. The Croats will play the placement match 5/6 against Turkey on Sunday. European champion Italy won the women’s Consolation Round by winning the decisive last match against Hungary in a thrilling shoot-out with in total 16 attempts. Both teams will meet in the placement match 7/8 on Sunday again. Japan secured the third place by beating China, the opponent in the placement match 9/10 will be Spain. New Zealand will go for their major objective – winning one period – in the 11/12 placement match against China.