DAY 3 OF THE W19 EURO

Kolding

Norway and Romania opened the last day of the preliminary round when they played the group final in group A. The winning team would take two points to the main round and from the beginning of the match Norway claimed these points. With a 6 goal lead at half time, 11-5, they continued to dominate the match which ended 31-22.

Afterwards Slovakia and Portugal played to avoid the 4th place in group A. Both teams experienced big defeats in the first two rounds and now it was time to chase the first win. After an even start the Portugese slowly gained a comfortable lead and won the match 33-21 after the half time score 14-10.

When Hungary and Sweden met in the group final in group D the Hungarian girls almost kept a two goal lead throughout the whole match. After 8-7 at half time the Swedes lost a bit of their drive and Hungary won the match 20-16.

Finally Spain and Slovenia met in the last match in group D. Although Slovenia fought intensely there was nothing they could do against the Spanish girls who won the match 35-19 (15-10 at half time) and claimed the third place in group D.

Sønderborg

With a win over Germany Austria could candidate for a place in the main round instead of France. The Germans had nothing to play for, but they played at full blast. A good performance from the German keeper held the Austrians from scores, so the result of the first half turned out in Germanys favor 14-6. The Austrian girls were ready from the second half and made a comeback, but the Germans managed to keep the lead to the end result 23-21.

Both Croatia and the Czech Republic did not have much to play for in today's game, because they both ranged last in Group C. At half time the Croatian girls had taken the lead with 11-8. The Croatian girls kept up the good play and got to points with the end result 21-19.

The winner of Group B had to be found between Russia and France. Both teams were ready from the start and they played aggressively. Soon the Russian showed their strength and speed, and the French girls were unable to stop them although they tried their best. Half time score 18-12. The French girls had found new energy from the beginning of the second half and added extra excitement to the match. But the Russians took the lead at the end and won the match 29-27.

Main round places were secured for both Denmark and Holland, but there were important points at stake. Once again Skansen was field with a lot of Danish spectators, but also a group of Dutch fans had found their way. In the beginning of the match the lead went forth and back between the two teams. Denmark had difficulties following the fast Dutch players, and 15 minutes in the game the score was 10-5. But Denmark came back and went to half time break one down, 12-13. In the second half the Dutch girls continued their fast play and good defense and though the Danish girls tried their best, it wasn’t enough and Holland won group B after the 29-27 win over Denmark.

Fonte: http://www.w19euro2013.com/news/2013/August/day_3_of_the_w19_euro