The Polish national U23 men’s team was the best in the 3×3 U23 World Cup! In a crazy and emotional final, the White-Red beat Serbia 21:20, although 66 seconds before the end they were losing 15:20! The MVP of the finals was Mateusz Szlachetka.
THIS IS HOW YOU BECOME #3x3U23 WORLD CUP WINNER
CONGRATS POLAND pic.twitter.com/VHr5FvrpqV
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) October 9, 2022
Poland are your last #3x3U23 World Cup finalists pic.twitter.com/dVWQCo06hv
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) October 9, 2022
What a World U23 Championship final it was! For years, Polish national teams have accustomed fans to fighting to the very end, incredible comebacks, and last-second throws. The U23 national team was no different in this respect, as in the match against Serbia they were far from winning at times.
The Polish national team began their struggles at the World Championships on Wednesday. At the opening of the tournament, the Poles competed against top-seeded France. The Poles won 19:16. Two hours later, the team got off to a bad start against Brazil, which unfortunately defeated the Polish team.
On Friday, the Poles played two more group matches, which ended with their victories. First, the White-Reds clearly defeated Ukraine (21:12) and then the Netherlands (21:17). In the battle for the best four of the World Cup, the Poles faced China. Their rivals started the match well, taking a 3:0 lead, but the Polish team quickly made up losses. Until the end of the match, the Polish team kept the lead.
In the semi-final, the Poles faced the Lithuanians. Thanks to consistent play, two minutes before the end Poles led 17:12. Lithuanians rushed to make up for the loss, but Poles kept the advantage.
The last and the most important match for gold and the title of the World Champions was between Poles and Serbia. After a very even game, the Poles defeated them and became the Champions!
What is more, the MVP of the U23 World Championship was Mateusz Szlachetka!