Spain fight off Norwegian comeback; Sweden defeat improved Austria

Spain were close to losing a nine-goal lead at home against Norway on Sunday night, but in the end, the European champions managed a 30:27 victory that set them in the pole position after two rounds of the EHF EURO Cup. Sweden also won by three, 34:31, after some trouble away versus Austria.

EHF EURO Cup
Austria vs Sweden 31:34 (16:16)
Sweden earned their first win in the competition, while Austria suffered their second defeat – but the Austrians did particularly better than in the 43:31 opening loss against Norway. Enthusiastically supported by 3,000 spectators in a full Raiffeisen Sportpark in Graz, Austria had the far better start, leading 3:1 and 5:2.

Six Swedish goals in a row change the scored into an 8:5 intermediate in favour of the visitors, but the home team fought back to 12:12 and even had a couple of one-goal leads before half-time. A brilliant debut for goalkeeper Thomas Eichberger played a big part, as Austria kept within reach during most of the second half.

Towards the end, Sweden pulled in front by four goals for the first time, but it was only two goals from Jerry Tollbring in the last minute that finally decided the matter in favour of the EHF EURO 2018 silver medalists.

Spain vs Norway 30:27 (18:10)

Spain were near to losing a nine-goal lead completely, as Norway came as close as just one goal twice in the second half – but the reigning European champions managed to fight off the Scandinavian comeback to win by three and take the leading position in the tournament.

It took Norway nine minutes and 16 seconds to score their first goal in the match. At this point, Christian O’Sullivan reduced the Spanish lead to 4:1, but neither this nor a penalty save from Espen Christensen marked the end to Norway’s troubles. With brothers Alex and Daniel Dujshebaev working with playmaker Daniel Sarmiento as a highly successful back-court trio, Spain went on to increase the lead to 12:4 and 17:8 in the first half.

It was a completely different Norway team that entered the court in Valladolid for the last 30 minutes. Bit by bit, the visitors decreased Spain’s lead until the difference was only one goal at 23:22 and 24:23. At the end however, the home team kept a cool head and took a three-goal win.