On a full day of main round matches at the Women’s EHF EURO 2018 on December 9, the Netherlands became the only team to maintain a perfect record of victories as they defeated Romania in Group II. The earlier Group II match in Nancy saw Hungary secure a one-goal win over Germany after an exciting finish. In Group I in Nantes, Sweden and France played a draw before Russia opened their main round campaign with a win over Serbia.

 

The Olympic champions Russia could become the first team to book a place in the semi-finals thanks to their commanding victory, 29:25, versus Serbia, as they now top their table. Let by Rio 2016 MVP Anna Vyakhireva, who was named the player of the match, and captain Daria Dmitrieva, Russia played a great attacking game and could also rely on a strong performance from goalkeeper Anna Sedoykina at the other end of the court.

 

The 16:13 advantage for Russia at half-time meant the two points were far from decided, but they never allowed Serbia to level the score from that stage and the win hardly ever looked to be in question.

 

Earlier in the evening in Nantes, Sweden led France throughout most of the match, before Alexandra Lacrabere equalised for the hosts in the 55th minute. The 21:21 (14:11) draw was settled when France wing Siraba Dembele Pavlovic’s last attempt was saved by the player of the match Filippa Idehn, who recorded a 41% rate in goal for Sweden.

 

In Group II, Hungary recovered from their tough loss to Norway in the first main round match and started strong to leave Germany chasing for most of the game. Helped by nine goals from right back and player of the match Alicia Stolle, Germany took the lead late in the second half. But it was Hungary who had the final say – with the two last goals of the game, including the powerful final strike from 2018 Junior World Championship All-star Team left back Noemi Hafra, they claimed the two points, 26:25.

 

The second Group II clash would see either Romania or the Netherlands lose their perfect record of victories through the EHF EURO 2018 – and it was the 2017 World Championship bronze medallists who kept theirs. Led by a stand-out performance from their 2015 World Championship All-star keeper Tess Wester, who received the player of the match award, the Netherlands edged in front 11:10 at half-time and finished with a clear win at 29:24.

 

The main round continues on Monday December 10 with two Group I clashes in Hall XXL in Nantes. Russia will open the day against Denmark, before Montenegro and Serbia take the court. More information can be found on the official website.

 

Photo: European Handball Federation