DAY REVIEW: Two tense semi-finals and the first round of Placement Matches 5-16 took place in Michalovce, Slovakia as the competition draws to a close.
Norway to play Germany in Women’s 17 EHF EURO Final
In its 25-year history, the Women’s 17 EHF EURO has never seen a title grabbed by the big handball nation of Germany, but that could all change now as Germany will meet Norway in the final on Sunday (20 August). The two semi-finals saw clear wins for both teams as Hungary and France will now have to pick themselves up for the bronze medal match.
Semi-Finals
France vs Germany 21:27 (10:13)
Aimee von Pereira kept up her scoring prowess as her six goals helped her German side ease past France in an easier-than-expected six-goal win, double the difference of their half-time lead. Leonie Kockel was named best player for the German in recognition of her hard work in both defence and attack while France’s Ilona di Rocco registered seven goals for her best player award.
Germany have only reached the final of the competition once before when they lost to Russia in 2001. They have two bronze medals from 1992 and 1999, when it was held on home soil.
Hungary vs Norway 21:26 (13:14)
Norway restricted their opponents to just eight second half goals as they inflicted the first defeat on the Hungarians to reach their third final in the competition after their win in 1992 and silver in 1997.
It was no surprise that both goalkeepers – Noemi Magera for Hungary and Norway’s Eli Skogstrand Smorgrav – were voted best players of the match for their teams as a tight first half ended 14:13 to the Norwegians. With four goals, Rebeka Arany top-scored for Hungary while Henrikke Hauge Kjolholdt powered her side through, scoring eight times.
Placement Matches 5-16
The first of two days of placement matches, to decide places 5-16, saw hosts Slovakia lose again, against Netherlands 26:24 (13:12), despite Zoe Sprengers, the tournament top-scorer, missing from the Dutch line-up.
The game of the round was the 5-8 place match which saw Denmark narrowly defeat Romania 30:29 (26:26) (12:15) after one additional period of two five minutes. Danish goalkeeper Anna Opstrup Kristensen won best player for the Danes who had Andrea Ulrikka Aagot Hansen to thank for eight goals.
In the other 5-8 place match Russia beat Spain 28:27 (17:12) nearly losing a large first-half lead to set up a fifth-place match.
The remaining games played in the round saw Sweden beat Montenegro 28:19 (16:10), Austria defeat Serbia 23:22 (15:10) and Croatia beat 26:22 (13:11).
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.
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EHF