Hungary’s first championship medal since 2012 is secured after winning the Euro bronze medal match against France with 25–24. Match winner? Goalkeeper Zsofi Szemerey and right wing Viktória Győri-Lukács.
Is “motivation beats class” one of the most overused expressions in sports? Yes. After all, did it fit the outcome of the Euro bronze medal match between Hungary and France? Definitely. At the same time, Hungary showed more class in crucial situations than France, so perhaps it was a mix of motivation, hunger and class that secured the bronze for Hungary.
The match was a tight affair from start to finish, but with Hungary in command more or less the entire match, thanks in large part to a comeback from Zsofi Szemerey (the goalkeeper missed the semi-final against Norway with an injury).
Szemerey saved 13 shots and landed on 36 in save percentage – very strong in such a big match against such skilled players. The other match winner for Hungary, in a situation where it could have ended either way, was Viktória Győri-Lukács. The right wing scored the decisive goal that meant 25–24.
A historic medal for a Hungary that has not won a medal since the 2012 European Championship. Perhaps this was the beginning of a new era of glory for Hungary, which has a lot of players who will only get better in the coming years.