Victory never in doubt for Russia
Russia are the 2013 Women’s 19 EHF EURO champions after a comprehensive victory over Hungary in front of 2,000 fans in Kolding, Denmark.
The Russian attack, surprisingly lead by Alena Ikhneva's nine goals alongside the ever-reliable Daria Dmitrieva with eight, were not holding back in the first half and Hungary simply could not keep up.
Russia struck 19 times in the first half, while their opponents could only reply with 11 and even with 30 minutes left to play it seemed like the Russians were going to stretch their unbeaten run right to the very end of the tournament.
Hungary stepped up their game in the second half, but even Gabriella Tóth’s eight goals were not enough to keep Hungary in the game. Russia held on to their lead and ran out 36:28 winners to take the gold.
In the bronze medal match, Denmark got over the disappointment of Friday’s loss to Russia with a dominant second half performance to beat Norway.
Norway kept somewhat in touch during the first half, trailing by just five at half-time. However, the home team were not to be denied during the second 30 minutes and powered to a 33:22 win and claimed bronze in front of a happy crowd in the Koldinhallerne.
All-Stars announced
At the competition's last day the All-Star Team of the Women's 19 EHF EURO was named: Denmark's Annika Meyer was named best defender while Russia's Anna Vyakhireva received the honours for 'Most Valuable Player'.
Furthermore Russia's playmaker Daria Dmitrieva and left wing Ekaterina Chernova were voted into the All-Star Team.
They were joined by Hungary's goalkeeper Zsofi Szemerey and right back Luka Szekerczes. Denmark was represented by left back Anne Mette Hansen, Norway's Jenny Groeten became best line player, while Netherlands' right wing Kelly Vollebregt also found her way into the All-Star selection.
Final rankings:
Gold: Russia
Silver: Hungary
Bronze: Denmark
4: Norway
5: Romania
6: Netherlands
7: France
8: Sweden
9: Austria
10: Germany
11: Spain
12: Slovenia
13: Croatia
14: Czech Republic
15: Portugal
16: Slovakia
TEXT: EHF / cor
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