Hosts Slovakia fight back against Norway, Hungary and Denmark through

The second day of games at the Women’s 17 EHF EURO in Slovakia saw half-time losses switch into full-time wins as both Denmark and Hungary confirmed their places in the Main Round. Teams have a rest day today (Saturday 12 August) ahead of the final Preliminary Round matches tomorrow (Sunday 13 August).

All games of the Women’s 17 EHF EURO will be live on ehfTV.

Group A

Russia beat Austria 29:23, coming back from a 13:12 half-time deficit to easily win. Best Russian player Elena Mikhaylichenko scored seven for her side while Kristina Dramac’s five goals were enough to take that award for Austria.

“I'm very proud of my team because this is the first time our team has participated at an EHF EURO,” said Ausra Fridrikas, Austria’s coach after the game. “We played good but there were some little mistakes that our opponents were able to take advantage of and we congratulate them on that.”

The Germans were dominant against neighbours Netherlands, winning 31:26 (16:12) to cement their position at the top of the group. While Dana Bleckmann’s six goals saw her top the scoring charts, her German teammate Leonie Kockel was named best player. Zoe Sprengers – the tournament top scorer by far – scored 11 goals to be named best player for the Dutch. She was also named best player against Austria yesterday when she scored 15.

“We’re thrilled with the win,” said Zuzana Porvaznikovah, assistant coach for Germany. “The game was tough, however we were prepared and fought as hard as we could and didn’t give in, mentally or physically.”

The results mean that Germany top the group on four points with Russia and Netherlands on two each. Austria lie bottom, yet to get off the mark.

Group B

With their 22:13 loss to Denmark, Montenegro will have one eye on the intermediate round as they look forward to their third group match tomorrow. A second half where they could only score five times was in direct contrast to the tight defensive display they put on against the Danes to be drawing 8:8 at the break, but the second half saw Denmark spread the goals around with Andrea Ulrikka Aagot Hansen scoring five times in total, earning the best player award for the Danes, while Nikolina Knezevic won the award for Montenegro.

“The end of the match was terrible for our team,” said Marija Radovic, Montenegro’s coach. “Denmark have played in a lot of similar matches like this and we haven’t so it was all new for us. This game was a very important lesson for us."

Croatia had a two-goal half-time lead (12:10) against Hungary as they fought for their qualification lives, but the Hungarians do not give up and eventually squeezed past 22:21 to qualify for the main round and knock the Balkan side out. The fact the Croatia’s goalkeeper Katarina Borac was named best player for her side showed the performance Croatia put on, but seven goals from Tamara Pal and a Hungarian best player performance from Nikolett Toth were enough.

Group B is already decided as both Hungary and Denmark have maximum points of four each and with one matchday left in the group, cannot be caught by Croatia or Montenegro who are both without any points.

Group C

France easily beat Czech Republic 24:19 (12:8) as their best player Soralie Moore scored eight times to secure their first points at Slovakia 2017. Romania beat Sweden 24:21, impressively turning around a 14:8 lead for Sweden into a three-goal win, and with it, they can start thinking about the Main Round. Cristina Andreea Popa scored nine goals for the Romania who had Diana Cristiana Cicuca in goal to thank for a best player performance.

Romania’s win sees them top the group on four points ahead of France and Sweden (two points each) and Czech Republic (0).

Group D

Over 1,000 home fans inside the Chemkostav Arena in Michalovce were treated to an amazing turnaround by the host nation as they came from four goals down at half-time (13:9) and elimination, to a two-goal win against Norway (25:23). Barbora Lanczova scored more than half of the Slovakian goals (13) and was clearly the best player for her squad, presented with the award to rapturous applause. Slovakia were deadly from the penalty spot too – converting all seven of their opportunities.

“We are all very excited,” said Lanczova after the match. “We had a meeting before the game where we talked about all our mistakes and we knew that we are going to fight in this match from the beginning until the end – this was our best match.

“On Sunday, we will fight and I hope that we will get into the first eight teams, because it was our dream for the whole year during our preparation.”

Another half-time turnaround saw Spain beat Serbia 25:21 after being 13:11 down at the break. Serbia had lost Milijana Stosic to a red card after three two-minute suspensions as they conceded 11 penalties which ultimately lost them the game. A best player performance from Janna Sobrepera Casol saw her score 12 goals for the Spanish.

Table-topping Spain have four points, followed by Norway and Slovakia (two points) and Serbia bottom, without a point.

Follow the Women’s 17 EHF EURO

All games of the Women’s 17 EHF EURO will be live on ehfTV.

For all the match throw-off times click HERE.

For the official competition website click HERE.

Photos: Slovakian Handball Federation