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Slovakia spring surprise, Serbia stopped
The first stage of the EHF EURO 2014 is over as the last matches in the Groups C and D determined not only the last main round participants, but also how many points will qualifiers take to the main round Group II in Zagreb.
The action resumes on Sunday after all six teams from Varazdin and Osijek will move to the Croatian capital.
Slovakia, who reached the EHF EURO for the first time after 20 years, sprang the biggest surprise of the tournament so far as they eliminited Serbia, the runners-up of the 2013 World Championship. Slovakians were trailing by seven goals in the first half, but turn the tide completely and celebrated tnot only their first EURO victory (23:21), but also the main round ticket.
In the earlier match in Osijek France take four points with them to the main round after they beat Montenegro 24:20 as the defending champions struggle with unexpected errors
The result sees France taking the maximum of four points to the main round, while Montenegro will arrive with two points in Zagreb and Slovakia with zero.
In the Group C in Varazdin all tickets to Zagreb had been already distributed before the last match day and the only question to be solved was how many points will Sweden and Germany take to the main round.
Swedish team won the high-scoring encounter 39:32 to take three points to the main round. Isabelle Gullden scored ten goals and three of her teammates celebrated scoring milestones as Sweden defeated Germany 39:32 (23:17) in their last Group C match in Varazdin.
After failing to qualify for the main round, Croatia found at least some solace in their last match at the EHF EURO 2014.
Andrea Penezic put on another great scoring performance and with 11 goals she led her team to a 31:27 win against Netherlands.
After all six matches have been played Sweden top Group C with five points ahead of Netherlands (3 points), followed by Germany and Croatia with two points each.
Sweden and Netherlands take three points each to the main round. Germany will go to Zagreb with zero points.
Find more information on the EHF EURO 2014 on the official website
TEXT: EHF / br
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