Faroe Islands reclaim Emerging Nations crown

Faroe Islands are once again champions of the IHF Men’s Emerging Nations Championship, after winning the first edition of the competition in 2015. The team claimed the 2017 trophy following a one-goal victory over Turkey in a dramatic final with a score of 26:25, while Kosovo won the bronze medal with a clear win versus Cyprus.

Besides the silverware, Faroe Islands, Turkey and Kosovo also secured themselves a place in the EHF EURO 2020 Qualification.

The Emerging Nations Championship marked the second and final of two first qualification possibilities for the EHF EURO 2020, the first which will be played with 24 teams. 

In the first qualification phase, Estonia, Italy and Greece already secured their place. They are now joined by Faroe Islands, Kosovo and Turkey. The EHF EURO 2020 Qualification will be played with 32 teams and starts in autumn next year.

The EHF EURO 2020 Qualification Draw will take place in April 2018 in Norway.

“We are very happy that we are once again champions of this tournament,” said Faroe Islands head coach Halgir Dahl Olsen. The finale was a typical sixth match in this tournament, it was very difficult. Both teams were tired and did not play their best handball. This match was a matter of endurance, but we were better in this respect.”

Turkey created an early lead at 5:3 after 10 minutes of play in the ultimate match, before Faroe Islands took control and held a 13:11 advantage at half-time. Turkey started the second period stronger, but once again the Nordic team claimed the upper hand and held it through to the final whistle.

The match saw a tight finish as Faroe Islands were in front 26:23 with two minutes on the clock before the runners-up came dangerously close with the last two goals of the match. Faroe Islands Peter Krogh was the top scorer of the game with nine goals, while Gorken Bicer tallied six for Turkey.

Kosovo won the bronze-medal game with a more decisive final score line, as they beat Cyprus 32:25 after a 16:12 half-time advantage.

The results on Sunday mean it is Kosovo that join Faroe Islands and Turkey in securing places in EHF EURO 2020 Qualification. All three were previously eliminated in Phase 1 when Greece and Estonia won their respective groups.

Prior to the Emerging Nations medal matches, the placement round games took place to determine final ranking with direct encounters for each position. The final standings out of all 16 teams that contested the event are as follows:

1. Faroe Islands
2. Turkey
3. Kosovo
4. Cyprus
5. Bulgaria
6. China
7. Luxembourg
8. Georgia
9. Moldova
10. Azerbaijan
11. Great Britain
12. Ireland
13. Malta
14. Andorra
15. Albania
16. Armenia