Semifinals line-up complete, Europe’s Top 4 set for Friday action

Spain, Portugal and Italy all secured a double presence, while France and Sweden also ensured their place in the final stage. Day 3 of the FIP Junior Euro Padel Cup in Porto delivered the four men’s and women’s teams that will compete on Friday in the decisive phase of the tournament, fighting for the continental title and podium places.

 

GIRLS Three expected contenders are joined by the tournament’s surprise package. The girls’ semi-final line-up features three teams that reached the podium in the 2024 edition — Spain, Italy and Portugal — along with the side that progressed from the qualification stage and is now among the continental top four. Sweden secured second place in Group B thanks to victory over Estonia: standout wins came from the Under 16 pairing Varmfors/Engzell and the Under 18 duo Misanovic/Sjöland, both in straight sets, while the Under 14 match was not played due to the withdrawal of the Estonian players.

 

Sweden now prepare for a high-profile clash against reigning champions Spain, who also overcame Portugal (3-0) in the decisive tie for first place in Group A: Sola/Villegas, Ferrán/Vera and Verdejo/Martin all delivered straight-set victories. The hosts will therefore face Italy in a repeat of the 2024 semi-final, when the Italians prevailed. Italy closed their group stage with a 3-0 win over France: after the 2-1 result in the Under 14 match, won with a strong comeback by Conti/Scarcella, victories from Speziali/Caruso and Minelli/Giraldi sealed the tie.

 

BOYS A perfect record for Spain’s boys’ team, with a 3-0 win over Sweden delivered by Riesgo/Rodriguez, Leira/Delgado and Garcia/Garcia. As in the girls’ draw, the boys also complete Group A with nine wins from nine matches. In the semi-finals they will face Italy, who, after an opening-day defeat to France and a comeback win over Belgium, secured decisive points with a 3-0 victory over the Netherlands, thanks to wins from Temperini/Filetti, Rufo/Sarti and Giovannini/Indomenico.

 

Portugal also impressed, closing the first stage of the Final 8 with another 3-0 win over Denmark: after the opening point from Morales/Afonso, the Portuguese side sealed the tie with Esteves Aniceto Do Carmo/De Almeida Lacerda and Simões/Da Costa Araujo. They will face France, winners in Group B after a tie secured against Belgium, with Debroy/Bessiere, Huard De La Marre/Perrot and Guy De Chamisso/Fonteny all featuring in key wins.