Schedule of U-15 World Cup released
The World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC for short) has released the schedule of the U-15 World Cup that will be played from August 10 through August 19 in Panama.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is in the tough group B together with Japan, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia and South Africa.
On day one, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will face reigning U-15 World Champion Cuba.
On the second day, Japan will be the opponent of the Dutch.
South Africa will be the opponent for the Dutch on day three.
On day four, the Dutch will face Australia.
Day five will bring a matchup between the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic.
Pending on the spot the team will finish after the preliminary round, the Dutch advance to the Super Round in which they will battle for a spot in the final or they will play the Consolation Round that is played between the lower three of each group.
It is always hard to tell how good these youth teams are. But you can bet that Japan, Cuba and the Dominican Republic will be the strongest teams in group B as their kids are born and raised with baseball. Possibly, South Africa may be the weakest opponent, but again, it is hard to tell how good (or bad) these teams are. Also, Australia may be an opponent that may be a match, but as youth baseball in Down Under is very well organized, the Aussies will be a tough opponent as well as the national youth teams are very strong in general and the country has won three bronze medals in the past.
The numbers one and two after the Super Round will play in the final on Sunday, August 19. The numbers three and four of the Super Round will play in the bronze medal game on the same date.