From forty nations battling for the right to have their name etched on the 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts, we are down to just eight – and after a quarter-final session packed with drama, tension, and no shortage of quality, the semi-final line-up is now set. From all-Ireland fireworks to German heroics, Welsh dominance, and Dutch precision, Frankfurt witnessed a night that delivered everything the World Cup promises and more.
NORTHERN IRELAND 8-5 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
An absolute belter to kick the quarter-finals off, with the lads from the North getting the better of their Irish neighbours in a curtain raiser full to the brim with excitement
The Eissporthalle exploded into life as all four, donned in various shades of green, kicked proceedings off at a blistering pace, trading big scores and setting the tone for what would become a thrilling encounter. At the interval, the teams were separated by just a single chalk, with each leg going with throw. Trailing slightly ahead of the restart, the Republic seized the advantage and began their surge to the winning line, leapfrogging their opponents to lead 5-4. But, disappointingly for O’Connor and Barry, they couldn’t hang on to that advantage as Northern Ireland – led by an inspired Josh Rock peppering the treble twenty – surged to victory in a clash that had quality written all over it.
All four can take a big bow after producing highly credible individual performances for their respective countries. A great advert for Irish darts.
GERMANY 8-7 AUSTRALIA
Looking like the balloon might burst after their epic victory over tournament favourites England, Team Germany provided a spirited fightback to keep the party going for the hosts. It wasn’t the highest in terms of quality, but for drama, it was as good as it gets.
The opening few legs followed the same script as the Irish derby, all going with throw. A break apiece followed before Germany stood firm to take a 4-3 half-time lead. Back roared the Aussies with three on the bounce to put themselves in a commanding position. Once again, the duos exchanged legs, making the scoreline a precarious 7-5 as far as the partisan crowd was concerned.
When Heta missed tops for the match, it seemed to inject Schindi and Pikachu with renewed energy – not that they needed it, with the Frankfurt faithful providing it in abundance. The game swung once more in the Europeans’ direction and, after a nervy fourteenth leg, we were all square, giving the Germans a chance to throw for victory. Minutes later, much to the delight of the thousands in attendance, it was over. With Ricardo on his haunches in the background, The Wall stepped up and pinned the winning double – cue crowd eruption and wild celebrations.
It should be feisty later in a semi-final against Northern Ireland, which promises more drama and tungsten tension.
WALES 8-4 HONG KONG
Two-time World Cup champs Wales sent out a statement of intent louder than Gezzy’s roar. On the flip side, sole remaining Asian nation left Germany with their heads held high after what was a highly successful tournament for Hong Kong.
Leading 5-2, the Welsh looked like they were cruising into the semi-finals with maximums galore and a plethora of two-treble visits. But with Jonny comically and inadvertently leaving his team-mate bogey number finishes, the Hong Kong pair closed the gap – and had they pinned one of their two shots at double to level at 5-5, it could well have gotten very interesting. As soon as that opportunity came and went, Wales banged in an 11-darter and, from that point, eased to victory.
All in all, it was a colossal display from the Red Dragon pair, ending with an average just shy of the ton mark, seven 180s, and a very healthy 50% on doubles. On this form, they’ll be tough to beat this evening.
NETHERLANDS 8-2 CZECHIA
Another demolition job by the Dutch who, once they got motoring, never looked like stalling. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early on, with the Czechs nicking the opening leg. But from that point, it was pretty much one-way traffic, with Gian and Danny becoming an orange blur in the distance.
This Netherlands outfit don’t drop many legs – and once again, it was a drama-free journey into the final session of the tournament. Despite not fully jettisoning the engines, the Dutch still managed a credible 93.63 average, and with almost half of their attempts at the outer ring finding the target, it was simply too much for a plucky Czech duo to live with.
Going off what we saw in the previous match, they may well need to go up a notch when they meet Wales later this evening. But the new-look Van Veen and Noppert connection have already flexed their muscles – and can step it up if needed. It all makes for a fascinating clash tonight.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC Europe / Jenny Segers
