Sweden was heading towards a surprising loss against the Netherlands. But after some late heroics from Andreas Palicka the swedes managed to secure a tight win and they are now heading to the Main Round with two points in the bag.
Sweden were big favorites before their group final against Netherlands. But Staffan Olsson’s squad stood up well and caused a lot of problems for the swedes. But after a late goal by Felix Claar, they managed to get an important win – and two points through to the Main Round. But Claar’s goal was far from the biggest takeaway from the game.
After Claar’s goal there was still two minutes left of the game. In the first attack Andreas Palicka came up big with a sliding save from the wing. After that, Sweden looked to have secured the win, but a technical fault gave the Netherlands a last chance. The ball came to Dani Baijens, who shot from distance, but yet again, Andreas Palicka stood in the way – and Sweden could celebrate their third straight win.
Slovenia won thriller
Norway dropped a point after huge drama against Faroe Islands. But despite the collapse, Jonas Wille’s team had secured their place in the Main Round. This became definitive after Faroe Island’s loss against Poland in the early game during the Monday.
But the game against Slovenia still meant a lot, as the winner would advance with two points ahead of the Main Round. Slovenia, who has impressed thus far, stood up well and finally it all came down to the man of the hour – Aleks Blah.
The Aalborg player got left alone and pushed through to make his seventh goal of the game. The goal meant 28–27 to Slovenia and after that Sander Sagosen got a final chance to even things out, but the superstar’s attempt got blocked and Slovenia could celebrate the first place of the group.
Denmark impressed
In the third late game Denmark faced Portugal, who had also won their first two games of the tournament. But the Portuguese players stood up well – in the first half.
After “only” leading byt 17–15 coming into the second half, the Danish players hit the ground running and could secure a comfortable 37–27-win. A result that came after eleven goals from Mathias Gidsel and seven goals from Simon Pytlick.
Among the takeaways from the other games is a piece of history. This, as Georgia managed to beat Bosnia and Hercegovina by 22–19, their first win in their first participation at the EHF Euros. The result didn’t change their chances of qualifying, but after the final whistle the Georgian celebrated like there was no tomorrow.
EHF Euros 15th January:
Bosnia and Hercegovina–Georgia 19–22 (9–9)
Czechia–Greece 29–20 (15–8)
Poland–Faroe Islands 32–28 (15–15)
Denmark–Portugal 37–27 (17–15)
Norway–Slovenia 27–28 (17–17)
Sweden–Netherlands 29–28 (15–15)