France and Japan lined up for gold medal match

The final day of the judo tournament promised magic, with top teams France and Japan lined up for an epic showdown. The qualification rounds, however, were anything but predictable, with hard-fought matches determining the finalists.

The day began with the round of 32. Spain swiftly defeated the Refugee Team 4-0, while Israel faced a tougher challenge against Mongolia. Israel took the first three wins, but Mongolia rallied, tying the match at 3-3. In the deciding match, Muki redeemed himself and secured Israel’s advancement to meet France in the round of 16. 

Italy and Hungary clashed next. Pirelli threw Veg for an early waza-ari, and Toniolo secured an ippon after a 7-minute battle. Despite a comeback by Hungary, Italy clinched a 4-1 victory.

In the round of 16, the Netherlands faced Serbia. Kukolj scored the decisive win against Michael Korrel, leading Serbia to a 4-2 victory. Japan, seeking redemption, faced Spain with a strong team. Abe overcame Toro Soler with a last-second throw, Takaichi won in ne-waza, and despite a strong fight from Mosakhlishvili, Japan won 4-3 after a golden score rematch.

France versus Israel saw Cysqiue throw Nelson Levy for ippon, and Gaba outlasted Butbul in an 8-minute marathon. Gahie quickly dispatched Sharir, and Ngayap-Hambou sealed the win by throwing Muki twice. France advanced 4-0.

Germany defeated Austria 4-0, with Starke, Butkereit, and Trippel securing wins. Kazakhstan faced Brazil, where Silva and Souza led Brazil to a narrow 4-3 victory, with Goncalves confirming the win.

Korea swiftly took a 3-0 lead against Turkey, but Zgank’s ippon gave Turkey hope. Kim’s victory over Ozdemir, however, confirmed Korea’s 4-1 win.

In a dramatic match, Georgia faced Italy. Liparteliani’s quick ippon against Giuffrida was followed by a Lombardo victory. Polling and Bekauri also won, but a disqualification of Somkhishvili for aggressive gripping led to a 3-3 tie. Lombardo won the deciding rematch, sending Italy to the quarter-final.

Uzbekistan dominated Canada, with Aminova and Yuldoshev winning their matches, followed by strong performances from Matniyazova and Bobonov, securing a 4-0 victory.

With intense preliminary rounds setting the stage, the final team event promised to be a thrilling conclusion to the judo tournament.