Slovakia claimed the title in the Women’s 17 Euro. The golden team had a splendid second half against Croatia before the celebrations with good combinations and necessary coolness in the winning game.
Slovakia had some hiccups during the tournament, a tie with Germany in the preliminary round and a main round loss to Denmark (21–22).
In the quarterfinals the playoff setup meant a rerun against Denmark and this time Slovakia was ahead at the finish, 30–29. Montenegro was spurred on by the home fans in the semifinal, but the left back Maria Bartkova who made it into the all-star team became a deciding factor with eleven goals in the 29-27 win.
By the tight standard the final was a clear victory, 34-30. Slovakia took the lead late in the first half and built the confidence throughout. In the last 20 minutes the lead was four goals as a minimum.
Montenegro bounced back to receive bronze medal. In the all-star team, Bartkova and defender Liliana Gogová had some extra shine with gold medal beyond their individual proficiency.
Women’s 17 EURO All-star Team
Source: EHF
MVP – Martina Knezevic (MNE)
Goalkeeper – Masa Dubljevic (MNE)
Left wing – Lauryn Mierzwa (SUI)
Left back – Mária Bartková (SVK)
Centre back – Antea Jerkovic (CRO)
Line player – Sofie-Matilde Taylor (DEN)
Right back – Edurne Donderis Sánchez (ESP)
Right wing – Nayenka Noslen (FRA)
Defender – Liliana Gogová (SVK)
Top scorer – Gazel Dikme (TUR) – 75 goals