12.06.2013, 09:04
25-all draw against Latvia sees Hungary through to EHF EURO 2014

EHF EURO 2014 qualification summary 3: Hungary and Norway become the next two teams to qualify for the EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark

25-all draw against Latvia sees Hungary through to EHF EURO 2014

Norway and Hungary can start looking for suitable accommodation in Denmark as both teams booked their tickets to the EHF EURO 2014 on Wednesday night.

Norway beat Turkey 32:20, while a 25-all draw against Latvia gained Hungary the crucial point they needed to qualify.

Group 3: Turkey vs. Norway 20:32 (13:13)

Following in Sweden's footsteps, Norway became the second Scandinavian team on Wednesday (12 June) to qualify for the EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark.

The 32:20 victory against Turkey also meant a decision on the placement in group 3 with France (with 10 points) confirmed for the top spot and Norway (with six points) the definite runner-ups.

Lithuania and Turkey (with two points each) are out of the race for the final tournament.

During the match Turkey stood strong for the first 30 minutes and made life hard for Norway. However, in the end Norway, the squad with the better substitution alternatives and much more power during the match's crucial stages, prevailed.

Turkey only scored seven times after the break, while the 'Norwegian express train' got up to full speed, netting 19 times in 30 minutes. Best scorers were Can Celebi and Tolga Özdahar for Turkey as well as Espen Lie Hansen and Havard Tvedten for Norway with five goals each.

Group 4: Latvia vs. Hungary 25:25 (12:11)

The 25-all draw against Latvia was enough for Hungary, the team of coach Lajos Mocsai, to clinch their berth at the EHF EURO 2014.

However, after the clear result in the first leg (32:25 in favour of Hungary), nobody expected such en even encouter in the re-match.

Latvia was even close to cause a major sensation, as they were constantly in the lead after the break.

In the end it was Gabor Czaszar who secured the lucky as well as important point for Hungary by scoring the equaliser some seconds before the final buzzer.

Czaszar was the second best Hungarian scorer with five goals, behind Laszlo Nagy with nine.

Latvia, pushed by their best scorer Aidis Jurdz (7 goals), fought hard in defence and pushed the guests to the limit.

TEXT: Björn Pazen / ts