The Women’s EHF EURO 2024 main round in Vienna threw off with an interesting clash between Germany and Switzerland, two teams who travelled to the main round without points after winning their decisive last matches in the preliminary round.
Germany’s defence forced Switzerland into mistakes and set the ground for easy goals, thus winning 36:27 and preventing the Swiss team from grabbing their first-ever win against Germany. Player of the Match, presented by Grundfos Xenia Smits led Germany with five goals out of five attempts in 35 minutes.
The Netherlands kept their cool and grabbed their fourth win at the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 by beating Slovenia 26:22. Even though they were ahead already in the first half, Slovenia made a comeback in the second half and took over the lead. Dutch players never faltered, and backed by their goalkeeper and Player of the Match, presented by Grundfos, Yara ten Holte spurred what would be a decisive goal run.
The first day of the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 main round in Vienna concluded with the rematch of the EHF EURO 2022 final and once again the Norway was the winning side (27:24).
Even though both teams produced great shots and showcased great defensive performances, the difference was made with Norway’s excellent second half start. Led by Player of the Match, presented by Grundfos, goalkeeper Silje Solberg-Østhassel, Norway prevailed in the battle of perfect streaks and remained unbeaten at the Women’s EHF EURO 2024.
Day 2 – ViennaSwitzerland vs. Slovenia 25:34 (16:17)
Slovenia celebrated their first victory in the main round of the Women’s EHF EURO 2024 with a clear 34:25 win against Switzerland. The match was evenly poised until half-time, then Slovenia gained a comfortable lead which they were able to extend significantly in the final 10 minutes.
Dragan Adzic, Team Manager Slovenia: ‘I’m satisfied, especially with the performance in the second half. They are at the same level, they are also a young team and have good potential. That’s why this win is all the more important for my young team.’
Denmark vs. Germany 30:22 (15:13)
Denmark took control in the final third of the game and led 25:20 at the start of the last 10 minutes, after a fairly close game in which the Danes had a lead of a few goals on more than one occasion, but could not completely pull away from Germany until the final phase.
Jesper Jensen, Team Manager Denmark: ‘Our defence and goalkeeper Anna Kristensen were decisive, they put in a great performance today. Maybe we conceded too many goals in the first half, but we adjusted a few things. We also recovered from the defeat two days ago and it was important to prove to ourselves that we are good despite everything. I’m very proud of today’s performance.’
Netherlands vs. Norway 21:31 (9:15)
Norway remain the only team with an unblemished record in Group II after a commanding 31:21 victory over the Netherlands at the end of the second day of the main round. After taking a six-goal lead at the break, the defending champions had victory in sight. The preliminary decision was made midway through the second half when the score was 22:12. The 44-year-old goalkeeper Katrine Lunde was once again outstanding in the win, saving 41.18% of shots (14/34).
Thorir Hergeirsson, Team Manager Norway: ‘The key, as always in games like this, is the goalkeeper and the defence. We play a pretty good defence and Katrine (Lunde) is excellent. In attack it’s a bit more variable. We’re building a new team and we’re not so stable in attack. So we have to be strong in defence and goalkeeping and I think we played some good counter-attacks. And a lot of players played this game, which is good for us.’
Day 3 – ViennaWith their 32:27 victory over Germany, record European champions Norway can no longer be displaced from first place in the main round Group II and can now relax and watch who their semi-final opponents will be on Friday in Vienna – this will be decided in the direct duel between Hungary and France in the parallel group. Behind the Scandinavians, there will also be a showdown for the second semi-final ticket on Wednesday in Vienna. The Netherlands celebrated an unchallenged 37:29 victory over Switzerland, while Denmark beat Slovenia 33:26. This leaves both nations on six points ahead of the final matchday, when they face each other at 18:00.
Day 4 – ViennaThe Women’s EHF EURO 2024 semi-final line-up was completed in the second last match of the main round in Vienna, when Denmark defeated the Netherlands 30:26 to join France, Norway and Hungary in the battle for the title.
Norway had secured first place in group II on the previous main round day, Monday, thanks to their perfect record of wins so far at the EHF EURO 2024. The results up to Wednesday’s games left Denmark and the Netherlands in a direct encounter to decide the semi-final spot, and it was the Scandinavian side who clinched it after leading throughout the match.
Denmark have now booked a semi-final clash with current world champions France, while Norway will play Hungary. After ranking sixth at both the 2022 and 2020 editions of the EHF EURO, the Netherlands will play the 5/6 placement match for the third straight time, meeting Sweden.
Day 5 – ViennaJust like two years ago, Norway and Denmark will face each other in the final of the Women’s EHF EURO next Sunday at 18:00. Defending champions Norway beat Hungary 30:22 in front of more than 8,000 spectators in the Wiener Stadthalle, while Denmark celebrated a 24:22 victory over world champions France. Sweden finished the tournament in fifth place thanks to their 33:32 victory over the Netherlands.