17.06.2009, 10:44
EURO Qualification: Round 9

The penultimate round is coming up with a number of decisive battles on the way to the EHF EURO 2010 in Austria.

EURO Qualification: Round 9

The first ever EURO Qualification series is down to its last two rounds. The decision on the 16 teams taking part at the Men’s EHF EURO 2010 in Austria will be reached this week.

As the hosting nation Austria and the defending champion Denmark had directly qualified for the EURO, a total of 36 teams have been playing the Qualification since October 2008. World and Olympic champions, teams from the absolute elite were fighting for the 14 available EURO tickets, while upcoming nations and handball minnows were trying to leave their mark on a European stage.

And competition has been fierce! With two rounds from the end of the qualification phase only Sweden and Germany have secured their places at the EURO – no other team can let their guard down during this decisive last week.

EURO chances

It’s time to take a brief look at the chances. Sweden are through from Group 1; the game in Niksic between Montenegro and Poland may be decisive on Wednesday.

In Group 2, Russia have the best chances to qualify; Serbia and Bosnia are still battling for the second place.

Group 3 promises Nordic success; however, FYR Macedonia are still within reach.

Croatia are just a small step away from winning Group 4. The Slovakia vs Hungary game on Sunday will decide the second position.

The German team can already prepare for the EURO. Slovenia and Belarus will meet on Sunday to clash for the second place of Group 5.

Group 6 and 7 are highly similar: France and Spain would be difficult to stop now; Czech Republic are in a favourable position, while the Ukraine vs Netherlands game will be crucial in the run for the last available EURO tickets.

Don’t miss the last two rounds of the Qualification and find out which teams will follow Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Germany to the EURO 2010.

Useful links

To check out the results and group standings, click here.
TV schedule
Download a five-page newsletter with all the information on the EURO Qualification and the Final Tournament Draw.

TEXT: EHF