After back to back wins both France and Hungary stand very near semifinal advancement. Sweden fell suddenly against Romania leaving both teams with a slim chance to join the top four.
Sweden¨s Nathalie Hagman is top scorer of the championship and Johanna Bundsen leads the save statistics. When the goalkeeper entered the pitch in Debrecen during the Friday game Sweden was surprisingly six goals down versus Romania.
Romania had the hard-working star shooter Bianca Bazaliu in charge of the impressive performance and the allow Sweden to return until the minute 55 equalizer. Still Romania kept cool and breakaway failure by Sweden decided the game, 23–25.
France controlled the game versus Montenegro despite a red card on Orlane Kanor or in the first half. Grace Zaadi produced seven goals and Sebastien Gardillou´s team could rely on a solid defense throughout.
Hungary saw through Poland´s seven against six attempts in the beginning and nurtured a stable lead for most of the late game. Petra Vamos scored eight goals and Hungary didn’t show any weaknesses in the tight scheduled setup.
– We were preparing for a tough game today and it was kind of a new situation because we had to play two matches in two days without rest, but our stamina was good and it was a physical advantage on our side, said the coach Vlagyimir Golovin to eurohandball.com.
With two rounds of Main Round action remaning France and Hungary are four points ahead of the trio Sweden, Romania and Montenegro. One more point for each of the top teams means the semifinal spot is granted.
Euro 2024, group I
Sweden–Romania 23–25 (13–17)
France–Montenegro 31–23 (15–11)
Hungary–Poland 31–21 (17–9)
Table: France & Hungary 6p, Sweden, Romania & Montenegro 2p, Poland 0p.