On Saturday, 11 December 2010, the winners of the two Group Phase tournaments – Finland and Israel – met in Gigantium, Aalborg (DEN) Aalborg for the final of the 2010 IHF/EHF Women’s Challenge Trophy.

The Challenge Trophy, supported by the International Handball Federation, gives emerging or developing handball nations the chance to compete in an international competition.

The game took place before the decisive EHF EURO 2010 final Group A matches.

Both Finland and Israel started with tremendous speed in attack, with Finland having a better start against the very offensive Israeli 6-0 defence formation.

The Scandinavians were able to find their pivot easily; a rapid three goal lead was the consequence.

The Israelis then started changing in defensive systems which led to the wanted success as Finland could not go through that easily anymore.

In attack the Israeli team came back into the game, producing a lot of offensive pressure, especially from their left side.

After the lead was reduced to two goals at half-time, Finland coach Lindholm changed to a 3-2-1 defence that blocked their opponents effectively and let the Northeners rush away to a five goals lead.

But Israel never stopped fighting. They cleverly found holes in the Finnish defence and came back into the game.

With only a quarter of the game left, the Fins were forced to go back to their old 6-0 system. This settled their game play and made them able to keep the Israel in distance over the last minutes.

2010 IHF/EHF Women’s Challenge Trophy Final
Finland – Israel 28:26 (13:11)

Annette Tallqvist (FIN): “It was a lot of fun to play in an arena this big. I believe that we could have played even better, but it was enough today. The key was our better defence, so we are really satisfied.”

Nitsan Dunay (ISR): “It was a hard game for us, and I believe we handled the Fins the best we could. I am sorry we lost but the experience was amazing. This is the biggest handball arena I have ever been in.”

Among the spectators was also Ulrik Wilbek, coach of Denmark’s men’s national team. “I always come and watch the Challenge Trophy Final regardless of whether it’s at the men’s or women’s EHF EURO.

This match is a great signal to send out to the handball world as coming from such a passionate handball nation like Denmark, I find the development of our sport the most interesting thing.

It’s not about which team is number one, two or three in the world for me. Playing before the final round of Group A matches is a great experience and good preparation for these developing teams to be part of such a large tournament.

There was a very good crowd for the match here today. The fans here all appreciate and love the game; they want to watch all the teams playing here today, regardless of their experience.”

Team Finland
1 KOSKINEN Sonja
2 LILLQVIST Betina
3 KOSKELA Katri (2)
4 CAINBERG Linda (2)
7 JÄNTTI Sara (3)
9 JÄNTTI Inka
10 ROOS Alexandra (8)
11 VON VEH Carolina (2)
12 EKLUNDH Bianca
13 LINDAHL Anna (3)
15 SANDBERG Malin (3)
17 TALLQVIST Annette (3)
18 JÄÄSKELÄINEN Annamari
19 OLIN Linda (2)

Team Israel
4 DUNAY Nitsan (5)
5 IZAK Amit
7 RUF Nofar (1)
8 COHEN Oshry
9 BEN HAROSH Keren
10 BABYAN Shani
12 SHOSHAN Ravit
14 FRIEDMANN Aura Maria (1)
16 YERUSHALMI Tamar
18 VIKRAT Shir (12)
19 SONEGO Dor
20 SHINHOLEZ Einav
23 LEVINKIND Shani Rahel (4)
55 ROZENSTAIN Yelena (3)

Find more information about the 2010 IHF/EHF Women’s Challenge Trophy.