10.10.2015, 10:45
Away sides take home the points in Round 2

ROUND REVIEW: Round 2 of Women’s EHF EURO 2016 Qualification began with Poland the first to move up to four points, while Croatia defeat FYR Macedonia

Away sides take home the points in Round 2

Women’s EHF EURO 2016 Qualification continued on Saturday with Poland the first to add a second set of two points to their tally.

The Round 2 away win against Slovakia means the 2013 World Championship Semi-finalists are now on four points. Slovakia remain on zero points after the loss.

Croatia became the second team to make it two wins from two matches and now lie on four points at the top of the table. FYR Macedonia remain behind on zero.

GROUP 5
Slovakia vs Poland 21:23 (11:14)

The first ten minutes of the match were marked by high attacking efficiency from both teams that meant one quick goal after another. The score was level with Poland chasing until Slovakia’s pace slowed and five consecutive goals gave the visitors an 11:7 lead at the 20-minute mark.

Slovakia fought to close the gap but Poland held on to the break, with almost every player from the visiting side already on the score board.  

Slovakia came back stronger to keep Poland on their toes in the second half. They closed the gap to one several times throughout the half, but even nine goals from left back Martina Skolkova were not enough to reclaim the lead.

When Poland retained control into the last ten minutes it looked as though they would add another two points to their tally. Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc scored her fourth to take Poland three in front inside the last two minutes, and the game was decided.

GROUP 4
FYR Macedonia vs Croatia 22:36 (11:15)

It was a sign of the 60 minutes that would follow for FYR Macedonia when Croatia were first to make their mark on the score board. The visitors created an early lead and never looked back. Midway through the half, Andrea Penezic, who is currently the top scorer of the qualification phase, put Croatia three in front at 9:6 and the difference only increased throughout the match.

Despite Croatia maintaining firm control during the first period, it was a showcase of shooting skills from both sides. At half-time, 11 players were on 100% shooting accuracy and many of Croatia’s squad retained that statistic through to the final whistle.

The away team held a four-goal lead when the half-time whistle went and when the second half began they streaked ahead to hit a 10-goal advantage for the first time in the 43rd minute, courtesy of Vesna Milanovic Litre (five goals total).

FYR Macedonia had some strong moments but Croatia were the better team on the day, holding on to earn another well-deserved two points.

Penezic finished the match top scorer with nine goals out of 10 shots. Sara Ristovska was the best shooter for the hosts with eight goals from nine attempts.

TEXT: Courtney Gahan / ec