30.07.2015, 02:57
European Youth Olympic Festival reaches knock-out phase

Semi-finalists decided in Tbilisi, Georgia as main round is completed

European Youth Olympic Festival reaches knock-out phase

Europe’s top under 17 men’s and women’s national teams take a well-earned break in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on Thursday as the European Youth Olympic Festival reached the knock-out stages.

Eight men’s and eight women's teams are playing in the handball competition, which runs from 27 July to 1 August 2015.

Germany, Norway, Hungary and Denmark played in Group A of the men’s competition, whilst France, Slovenia, Switzerland and host nation Georgia were in Group B.

In the women’s competition it was Denmark, Norway, Germany and Montenegro in Group A and Russia, Czech Republic, Romania and Georgia in Group B.

Defending champions make the semis

In the men’s competition, Germany were top in Group A but failed to take maximum points, drawing 27:27 against second-placed team, Norway.

In Group B the defending champions from EYOF 2013, Slovenia, were defeated only by the group winners France, who top the table with maximum points.

Semi-finals will be played on Friday, 31 July as Germany take on Slovenia (18:00 hrs local time) and France play Norway (20:15 hrs local time).

Maximum points for Denmark and Russia

A strong Danish side, defending champions from 2013, swept aside all their opponents in Group A, reaching the semi-finals of the women's tournament with maximum points.

There was disappointment however for Germany, third in 2013, who suffered a narrow 21:20 defeat at the hands of the eventual second semi-finalists, Norway, finishing in third place in the group.

Russia, were in good form in Group B, making it through to the semi-finals undefeated. Czech Republic will join them in the semi-finals thanks a close one-goal victory against their group opponents, Romania, and a clear win over Georgia on the opening day.

In the semi-final phase, Denmark will meet Czech Republic (13:30 hrs) and Russia and Norway (15:45 hrs) on Friday.

Catch the action live

The latest results from the event can be found on the eurohandball.com website (men / women) and all matches can be followed via live ticker.

Live streaming is available via the event's official website with handball scheduled to be shown at the following times:

31.07.2015    18.00–19.40    
01.08.2015    14.00–15.45    
01.08.2015    16.15–18.00    
01.08.2015    20.00–22.00    (Closing ceremony)

All times are local (GMT plus four hours)

Selected matches are also available via the YouTube channel of the Georgian Handball Federation.

TEXT: EHF / jjr