Two rounds was enough for European top sides Netherlands and Spain to achieve an olympic ticket. Hungary is on top of things on home ground, while Sweden can smash on Sunday with need for two more points.
Netherlands from the slow start in the first game and used the opposite recipe to total control against Czechia.
– We started really good and were not in danger from the start. I am also proud that we kept it going. For 60 minutes we didn’t slow down and it was a really good job from the team, said Lois Abbingh to ihf.info after 32–18.
The first half was especially impressive, Netherlands only allowed six goals and Yara Ten Holte shone with an outstanding keeper effort.
Argentina faced two formidable opponents and came very close to surprise Spain. Still, a final push from the home nation secured 26-23 with Marta Lopez behind the gap with vital shots. Two games and two wins takes Spain and Netherlands through to Paris.
Hungary´s Csenge Kuczora and Katrin Klujber led the team to a 5-1-advantage. The attacking dup was equally important in periods where Sweden gained momentum and made sure to cut off the yellow and blue towards the end.
Sweden had an uphill for most of the game and lost the contest despite Jenny Carlson´s constant effort. In the final round, Sweden still has all in their hands against Great Britain. Third-placed Japan face a tough batttle, two points and a five-goal-win I is a must to pass Hungary in the qualification race.
Olympic Qualification
Group 1, Japan–Great Britain 43–16 (25–9)
Sweden-Hungary 25–28 (11–15)
Group 2, Netherlands–Czechia 32–18 (18–6)
Argentina–Spain 23–26 (14–14)