Four teams emerged from the league phase unbeaten as Russia, China, Croatia and Canada stamped their authority on the tournament and moved into the quarterfinals with momentum firmly on their side.
Finishing the opening stage without defeat has earned the quartet favourable last-eight matchups against the lower-ranked sides in the top eight. With semifinal places now on the line, each will believe they hold a slight advantage. Behind them, the battle for fifth to eighth also remains fierce, while the remaining nations now turn their attention to classification games that should produce several tightly contested encounters.
Canada completed a perfect group campaign with an impressive 15-10 victory over Portugal in one of the most competitive matches of the day. Portugal repeatedly fought back to level at 4-4, 5-5 and 8-8, but Canada’s greater composure and experience proved decisive. Kyra Christmas starred with six goals, including a dominant final-quarter burst that broke the contest open. Emma Lawson and Nicole O’Neill added three each as Canada secured third straight win and fourth place overall.
Croatia made it three wins from three by overpowering hosts Malta 22-11. The Croatians effectively ended the contest in the opening quarter, racing into a 7-1 lead and never looking back. Iva Rozic was sensational again, scoring eight times to take her tournament tally to 20 goals in just three matches. Captain Ria Glas added four, while Aurora Stipanov netted three. Malta battled bravely in the second half, with Martha Perici scoring four.
China continued their excellent campaign with a ruthless 14-1 defeat of Germany. After a cagey opening quarter ended 1-1, China gradually tightened control and then overwhelmed their opponents, keeping Germany scoreless for the final three periods. Xie Liyi and Yan Siya both scored three, while Germany goalkeeper Darja Heinbichner impressed with nine saves despite the heavy loss. China now head into the quarterfinals as one of the most balanced teams in the field.
Great Britain booked a quarterfinal clash with Canada after defeating Kazakhstan 17-9. GB built the platform early, leading 5-2 after the first quarter and never allowing Kazakhstan back into contention. Toula Falvey and Katy Cutler each scored five, while Milly Wordley added three. Madeline Brown also impressed in goal with 10 saves as Britain claimed second victory of the campaign.
Russia finished top of the standings after another devastating display, thrashing South Africa 27-5. Their speed, movement and outside shooting again proved too much to handle. Vladislava Nechaeva scored six, while Marina Kazanina and Anastasiia Adikova added four each. Russia scored 83 ranking points across the league phase and now look the team to beat.
Elsewhere, Argentina powered past Slovakia 20-8 thanks to six goals from Isabella Mastronardi, while Turkiye surged into the top eight with a commanding 23-10 win over Singapore after pulling away in the second half.
Final Ranking
- Russia
- China
- Croatia
- Canada
- Great Britain
- Portugal
- Turkiye
- Brazil
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Argentina
- Singapore
- Germany
- Slovakia
- South Africa
Day 4 Schedule
10:00 Argentina v Singapore
11:30 Germany v Slovakia
13:00 Russia v Brazil
15:00 China v Turkiye
16:30 Croatia v Portugal
18:00 Canada v Great Britain
19:30 Malta v South Africa
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