Poland and Slovenia made it to the Main round via quite close calls, Sweden advanced with ease. France, Hungary and Norway confirmed early domination to top their respective group.
Hungary prepared another energy boost in front of their home crowd. Nadine Szollosi-Schatzl on the left and her right wing colleague Dorottya Faluvegi relied on speedy runs to take the third straight win.
Sweden needed a point to join the top twelve. The Nordic nation benefitted from a much higher pace than Türkiye, Nathalie Hagman didn’t flinch at all with several success shots while both goalkeepers (Johanna Bundsen and Jessica Ryde) recorded high saving percentages (55 and 50) to the overwhelming end result 47–19.
Poland stopped Spain with a solid defense and found revenge on the very nation who denied Main Round entry in 2022. Alexandra Rosiak created back court opportunities and Poland even survived a lot of two-minute suspensions towards the end in their three goal triumph.
France conceded only eight goals in each half and continues the perfect campaign. As usual there is no sign of the blue national team in the top scorer list, Alicia Toublanc and Sarah Bouktit produced five goals as both players made score sheet debut in the tournament.
In Group E Austria was eliminated by the smallest of margins, one hit post away from a tie against Slovenia and another goal from the Main Round. Slovenia broke through in the final three minutes after some twists and turns. Tjasa Stanko was the backbone in the winning team, joined by many slightly more unexperienced players in the tight 25–24-experience.
Norway set the scene for a blazing party in Innsbruck. Camilla Herrem resumed fast break duty and Slovakia was soon left behind. In their last Euro 2024 appearance Slovakia missed Barbora Lancz with injury and the goalkeeper Bella Olahova left the court after nine minutes with a red card. No matter what, Norway remains one of the tournament favorites after three uncomplicated games.
Euro 2024
Group A, North Macedonia–Hungary 19–29 (10–11)
Türkiye–Sweden 19–47 (12–25)
Hungary 2p and Sweden 0p to the Main Round.
Group C, Poland–Spain 26–23 (14–12)
Portugal–France 16–28 (8–16)
France 2p and Poland 0p to the Main Round
Group E, Slovenia–Austria 25–24 (13–13)
Slovakia–Norway 15–38 (8–20)
Norway 2p and Slovenia 0p to the Main Round