Summary: Six teams confirm EHF EURO 2024 spots in round 4
The race to the Women's EHF EURO 2024 continued with round 4 of the qualifiers on Saturday and Sunday. The round saw six teams - Sweden, France, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain - secure their spots at the final tournament, while Hungary and Norway won their matches in the EHF EURO Cup.
I told the girls not to expect it to be easy, because Serbia is a great team and has players who know how to play and slow down the pace. I told the girls to get ready to play persistent defence, but in the first half we conceded goals we shouldn't have. In the second half, we played better in defence, but in attack we did not use some chances to break away to a bigger difference.
We knew that they had a good team with experienced players and we have almost completely new generation in our national team. We came here thinking we have nothing to lose, we just have to play our best game and give everything we can to win and that's what we did here today.
A job well done by my players. Kudos to the players who were very focused and game hungry. As the goal difference was quite big early on, we got to try out different players together. We had all 16 players in the game and everybody performed very well and this was good preparations for the next games.
We had set two goals, to get our first win in the EHF EURO qualifiers and then to take third place and we achieved both of them. In previous years we did not even dare to think that we might qualify for a final stage, but the girls with their passion and competitiveness make us dream.
19:54 | FULL-TIME
ITALY 21:3 LATVIA
After beating Latvia 25:5 in Latvia on Thursday, Italy win by an even bigger margin in Chieti. Latvia struggled again to find solutions, particularly to Italy's defence: after Francesca Luchin's superb first half, Maddalena Cabrini took over in goal for the second half and stopped 11 shots (68.8 per cent). All 13 Italian field players scored, 11 of them at least twice.
19:45 | FULL-TIME
GERMANY 32:18 SLOVAKIA
Germany take a decisive victory against Slovakia, and remain undefeated in group 2. Annika Lott was the only German field player not to score, while Katharina Filter was superb in goal, making seven saves (41.2 per cent). She was backed up by an equally good Sarah Wachter, who made five saves (41.7 per cent).
19:40 | FULL-TIME
MONTENEGRO 26:25 SERBIA
Montenegro manage to seize the win with a tense closing period; after Andjela Janjusevic made it 25:26 for Serbia inside the last minute, Montenegro fumbled their last attack and missed the opportunity to make it a two-goal game. However, Serbia then failed to score in their closing attack, and after a long pause while the referees consulted over the last action, the game was restarted with six seconds on the clock. While Montenegro could not score they had done enough - and they are through to the EHF EURO 2024!
SPAIN 24:20 NORTH MACEDONIA
Spain are through to the final tournament after a win driven by the second half, with much better efficiency in attack and defence. However, North Macedonia will be pleased with a significant improvement compared to their round 3 performance, and are still in contention for a qualification spot depending on the results of the last two rounds.
FAROE ISLANDS 39:21 LUXEMBOURG
The Faroe Islands take another win against Luxembourg, and will finish no worse than third in the group - qualification is definitely not out of the question, although it is still not certain by any means. Anna Halsdottír Weyhe is the Faroes' top scorer with six goals, while Joanne Rodesch also scores six for Luxembourg.
19:24
Spain's earlier difficulties are behind them and they now hold a solid seven-goal lead. This was much earlier in the second half, but it's what set them on the right track.
19:18
Armelle Attingre is doing her best to keep Montenegro up - there's still only a goal in it with less than 10 minutes to go!
19:13
Montenegro take the lead again, Tatjana Brnovic putting them up 22:21 with an unstoppable shot that prompts a Serbian timeout.
Spain now lead North Macedonia 15:11 and look a bit more relaxed.
19:07 | HALF-TIME
ITALY 21:3 LATVIA
Latvia have had an incredibly challenging first half, with the Italian defence backed up by an outstanding Francesca Luchin in goal basically stopping everything. Luchin has made 14 saves (82.4 per cent), allowing Italy to romp away with what looks like an unassailable lead.
19:02
It looks like Serbia and North Macedonia are out to spoil the Montenegrin and Spanish parties; Serbia have taken a two-goal lead early in the second half, while the Macedonians are continuing to make life tricky for Spain. That said, Spain have just managed to pull ahead 12:10, clearly wanting to extend their advantage early in pursuit of that ticket.
18:56
In this small gap, here's some thoughts from the Netherlands' Kelly Dulfer, after their earlier win against Czechia secured them their EHF EURO 2024 place.
The big difference was I think the return run. We were very fast back in the defence. We could also kill them in contra. I think the defence was really good with a good goalkeeper behind so we could make fast goals. The attitude was just different this game.
18:52 | HALF-TIME
GERMANY 17:7 SLOVAKIA
In their third game, Germany look set for a third win which would put them level on points in the group with Ukraine - with a game in hand. They have had a good first half against Slovakia, effectively preventing their visitors from scoring and restricting them to just 35 per cent. Jenny Behrend and Alexia Hauf have both netted four times; Sarah Wachter has made five saves (41.7 per cent).
18:43 | HALF-TIME
MONTENEGRO 14:14 SERBIA
We have a real game on our hands here as Montenegro look for an EHF EURO ticket - while Montenegro had a better start, Serbia have found another gear to draw level into the break!
SPAIN 10:9 NORTH MACEDONIA
Spain beat North Macedonia by 12 goals in round 3, but the Macedonians are staying much closer tonight and we have an exciting second half to look forward to. Carmen Campos is currently the top scorer, with three goals, in a low-scoring affair.
FAROE ISLANDS 17:9 LUXEMBOURG
In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Torshavn, the Faroe Islands are on track for another win against Luxembourg, helped by goalkeeper Annika Petersen and her seven saves (46.7 per cent), plus good teamwork in attack.
18:34 | FULL-TIME
FRANCE 41:21 SLOVENIA
France join Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands in having secured their EHF EURO 2024 place, with another dominant victory over Slovenia. The French attack continues to be one of the most efficient of the competition, and they've scored an average of more than 45 goals in their four games so far. They limited Ana Gros to only five goals, while Chloé Valentini notched up nine goals from 10 shots and Laura Glauser finished with a 50 per cent save rate.
CROATIA 23:24 ROMANIA
A mistake in the last Croatian attack saw them lose the ball and the victory, with Romania's excellent crunch-time play delivering them a second successive win against their hosts. That means Romania are also through to the final tournament ahead of rounds 5 and 6.
Both Andrea Šimara and Sonia Seraficeanu scored six times. In goal, Bianca Curment came on late for Romania and proved key - saving all but one of the six goals she faced.
18:23
Croatia are hanging on, but Romania have closed the gap again to one goal and there's five minutes to play ...
18:17
It was a very slow start in Spain, with neither side managing to score for the first couple of minutes. After 10 minutes, Spain lead 5:4.
Montenegro have made a solid beginning again against Serbia, after beating their neighbours on Thursday, and lead 8:6. Meanwhile the Faroe Islands have a 9:5 advantage over Luxembourg, as they look for their second win of the Qualifiers.
18:13
Germany are handing out awards tonight to recognise their players who have reached landmark caps - Emily Bölk and Meike Schmelzer's 100th caps, and 50 caps for Maren Weigel and Jenny Behrend. All four already reached those milestones. Meanwhile, this game is the 100th for the national team for Julia Behnke.
18:10
Croatia lead 20:17, and Florentin Pera calls a timeout - Romania still have time to close back up, but the hosts have had a strong period.
France lead Slovenia 32:15.
18:00
In Koprivnica, both sides have already held the lead during the first six minutes of the second half, and the crowd are getting excited as Croatia regain a two-goal advantage.
17:52
We have several more matches about to throw off: Spain vs North Macedonia; Montenegro vs Serbia; and the Faroe Islands vs Luxembourg, all at 18:00 CET. Then at 18:15 CET, Germany host Slovakia, and at 18:30 CET, it's Italy vs Latvia.
The key ones to watch are the first two, as the hosts can both confirm their place in the final tournament. Everything will be live on EHFTV!
17:40 | HALF-TIME
FRANCE 19:9 SLOVENIA
France are showing why they're world and Olympic champions, and are comfortably cruising against Slovenia. The trademark French defence, backed up by Laura Glauser (nine saves for 50 per cent) is holding strong, while their attack are cruising. Tamara Horacek is the top French scorer so far, with five goals from five shots; Ana Gros has netted seven times from 10 for Slovenia.
CROATIA 11:11 ROMANIA
Croatia and Romania are very evenly matched in all areas at the break - Croatia slightly less efficient in shooting, but that's about the only difference. Plenty of players have scored, and Tea Pijevic and Daciana Hosu in the goals are both doing a very good job. Croatia really need this win, especially as Greece have just drawn level with them on points.
17:32 | FULL-TIME
AUSTRIA 22:39 NORWAY
Defending EHF EURO champions Norway win their fourth EHF EURO Cup match and leave Monique Tijsterman with lots to think about ahead of rounds 5 and 6 in April. Ingvild Bakkerud is the game's top scorer, netting eight times from 11 shots, but all the Norwegian field players scored at least once.
GREECE 27:22 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Greece have done enough to confirm third place in group 1 - whether they can qualify is still an open question, but they've produced two solid games against Bosnia and Herzgovina this week.
Eleni Kerlidi ends the game with nine goals, while left back Armina Isic is Bosnia's top scorer with six. Greek goalkeeper Magdalini Kepesidou was solid throughout, ending up with 16 saves (41 per cent).
17:24
Romania are currently leaders in group 1, with three wins from three games, but after their 24:26 loss on Wednesday Croatia look determined to use their home advantage today and it's a tight game at this point - 6:5 to the hosts.
17:17
France's chances of taking that qualification ticket are already looking good - they lead 6:2 after 14 minutes of the game. Laura Glauser has saved two-thirds of the Slovenian shots, and Ana Gros is the only Slovenian player to find the net so far.
17:10
Checking in around Europe: Norway lead Austria 13:29 about halfway through the second half, while it's 20:14 to Greece against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
France lead Slovenia 5:1 in a very fast start, while Romania are 4:1 up against Croatia.
17:02
Austria are playing seven-on-six in attack in an attempt to close the gap with Norway - an attempt which hasn't yet worked. With Sonja Frey suspended, they don't even have the superiority in attack and when Veronica Kristiansen steals the ball it's an easy goal for Camilla Herrem to score. Norway lead 23:9.
16:55
Lots happening now in EHF EURO Qualifiers world: Austria vs Norway and Greece vs Bosnia and Herzegovina are beginning their second halves, while Croatia vs Romania and France vs Slovenia are throwing off at 17:00 CET. France can book their final tournament place if they win.
16:42 | HALF-TIME
AUSTRIA 8:19 NORWAY
In their team timeout Monique Tijsterman told Austria "you're making too many mistakes" - and that's helped Norway to an 11-goal half-time lead. Norway are just a bit too dominant - and Marie Davidsen is making saving look easy, with 10 stops from 18 shots (55.6 per cent).
GREECE 11:8 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
It's another close one between these two teams - Greece won by only two goals in round 3 - but the hosts are leading. The low score is thanks to goalkeepers Magdalini Kepesidou of Greece (13 saves, 61.9 per cent) and Bosnian Anica Gudelj (eight saves, 42.1 per cent). Greek right back Eleni Kerlidi is top scorer so far, with five goals.
16:35 | FULL-TIME
LITHUANIA 43:25 AZERBAIJAN
Lithuania get their first EHF EURO Qualifiers win in 14 games, and it's a huge one. 18-year-old left back Gabija Pilikauskaite is the top scorer with 10 goals from 10 shots. That puts them level on points with Azerbaijan.
16:29 | FULL-TIME
Türkiye 38:13 Bulgaria
Türkiye secure a win which could be key in determining the final placings in the group, and keeps them in with a very good chance of a place in the final tournament - especially if Montenegro beat Serbia again tonight. All but one of their players scored, and their goalkeepers made a combined 11 saves (45.8 per cent).
16:25
Norway are rotating their bench and have a comfortable 12:4 lead now as we get to the 20-minute mark.
16:21
Halfway through the first half in Greece and the game is tied 5:5.
16:18
Not much is getting past Marie Davidsen in the opening minutes of this game and Norway lead 9:3.
16:14
After nine minutes, Norway lead 5:2. It's been a fairly good start for Austria, with good defence forcing Norway into a few mistakes.
16:03
Norwegian coach Thorir Hergeirsson is testing out his squad and has brought quite a different squad to Austria from those who played on Wednesday - but being Norway, that means there's still huge experience and quality there. Notable absences include Henny Reistad, Nora Mørk and Katrine Lunde.
15:55
Today's Highlight Match is about to throw off. In the EHF EURO Cup, Austria host Norway, hoping to bounce back from their big 22:43 win earlier in the week. Look out for the home team's Ines Ivancok, who is the top scorer of the EHF EURO Cup so far with 24 goals. This is only Austria's second match under new head coach Monique Tijsterman, so she'll be looking for some changes from Wednesday's game.
Also throwing off now is Greece vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece won in round 3 and another win today would ensure they finish third in group 1.
15:44 | HALF-TIME
LITHUANIA 18:12 AZERBAIJAN
Lithuania have lost their last 13 EHF EURO Qualifiers matches, but they have a nice six-goal lead at the break against Azerbaijan in group 5. Azerbaijan won in round 3, but they will need to find another gear in the second half; only three of their players have scored so far.
Türkiye 19:7 Bulgaria
Türkiye are well on their way to their 25th EHF EURO Qualifiers win, and a step closer to their first appearance at the final tournament. Victory would see them leapfrog Serbia in the standings ahead of the latter's game against Montenegro later. Goalkeeper Yaren Göker is on fire, with seven saves (50 per cent) in the first half.
15:34
The Netherlands have become the first team to qualify for the EHF EURO from today's games after a 42:25 victory over Czechia - solid goalkeeping from Rinka Duijndam (14 saves, 38.9 per cent), backed up by Yara ten Holte, and a great team attacking performance paid off despite Charlotte Cholevová's nine-goal outing.
13:30
Full live blog coverage of today's games will begin in a couple of hours, but the action starts now as the Netherlands play Czechia, with a place in the Women's EHF EURO 2024 final tournament up for grabs for the hosts if they can win.
Here's the Dutch line-up. We'll be back later, in time for the Highlight Match in the EHF EURO Cup; in the meantime, follow all the action on EHFTV and social media!
Saturday 2 March
19:55
Our daily review containing everything you need to know about the matches we've seen today is bringing our day to a close! Again, thank you for being with us, and we hope to see you again tomorrow! Have a great rest of the night!
