Estonia take easy victory, Finland draw in EHF EURO 2016 qualification

Estonia and Finland remain in a perfect position for the play-offs of the EHF EURO 2016 qualification.

While Estonia recorded their third victory in their match in this first qualification stage, Finland gave their first points from their hands as their match against Luxembourg ended in a draw.

Only the three group winners from this phase will progress to a knock-out phase where they will meet the three lowest ranked fourth placed teams from EHF EURO 2014 Qualification Phase 2 in two play-off matches, home and away, on 2/3 April 2014 and 5/6 April 2014.

The winners of these play-off matches will join the already qualified remaining participants for the EHF EURO 2016 Qualification Phase 2.

Group A: Luxemburg vs. Finland 24:24 (9:14)

After the narrow defeat against Cyprus on Wednesday, Luxembourg showe great morale and fighting spirit against the favourites Finland, which had won the first leg 28:21.

The Finnish team, still topping the group with, can proceed to the play-offs, if they at least draw in their match on home ground against Cyprus on 15 June.

Finland had the better start in Luxemburg courtesy of their strong defence and led by five goals at the break.

But the hosts did not surrender but started their catch-up chase to first equalise and then take the lead for the first time in the middle of the second half.

Then Finland stopped their downswing and the lead changed constantly until the end.

In the dying minutes the Finnish team seemed to be on the winner’s way, but Luxemburg equalised again.

Top scorers were Martin Muller (eight goals for Luxemburg) and Termu Tamminen (five goals for Finland).

Group C: Ireland vs. Estonia 15:45 (6:21)

Estonia cruised to another confident victory in Dublin, taking another clear win against Ireland after they had won the first legt already 44:13.

Led by the five time scorers Patrail, Mägi and Voika, the Estonians marched ahead easily and had forged ahead to a margin of 15 goals already at the break.

By adding another 24 goals to their tally, they proved too strong for Ireland.

With six points in their account and due to having won the first leg against runners-up Belgium 31:24, Estonia have all chances to qualify for the play-offs in their hands.