Summary: Norway beat Spain; Germany and Russia out
Sunday's group II matches could be pivotal to decide which teams make it to the semi-finals, with Spain in pole position.
It was a perfect match for us. This 24 years since the last victory against Spain was big for media, but we did not have it in our heads during the match. We only wanted to win.
22:55
And that's it for tonight. More EHF EURO 2022 drama will happen tomorrow, so join us again from 10:00 CET as we head into the final week of the tournament.
22:50
Here are the updated group II rankings with one match to play. In the event of a tie on points, head-to-head results would come into the equation.
22:23
Before tonight, many may have thought that the first semi-final ticket would have been booked. But Norway put paid to Spain's hopes and group II will now finish with a crucial Scandinavian derby between the EHF EURO 2020 bronze medallists, and the 2021 world silver medallists. Definitely something to look forward to on Tuesday night.
Russia and Germany were both disappointed this evening but will play for pride on Tuesday, while Spain are hoping for a win against a resurgent Poland. So much to look forward to!
One week ago, Norway were scratching their heads and trying to find solutions to bounce back after a painful loss against Russia, in the preliminary round. Three consecutive wins later, they seem they have it in their back pocket. Especially as they are leading Spain at the break. Why is that impressive? Well, Spain have not lost for more than four years at the EHF EURO. Truly, Norway have been magnificent both in attack and in defence. They forced seven turnovers from Spain. They scored two in-flight goals. And Sander Sagosen did not play for more than 15 minutes. The reigning champions must come up with something, fast, otherwise, the biggest unbeaten streak in history at the EHF EURO will be over.
It has not been the prettiest of first halves at this EHF EURO 2022 in terms of goals scored, but the first 30 minutes of the game between Sweden and Germany have surely been a joy for the purists. As the four goalkeepers made only nine saves between them in the first 30 minutes, the conclusion is that the defences have played at a very high level. The favourites, Sweden, are still missing that creative spark in attack that could take them to the next level. Yet a win would see them live another day in the tournament. For Germany, the next 30 minutes will be the difference between a possible semi-finals berth and the end of their hopes. Improve that 53 per cent attacking efficiency and it's not out of the question.
We have just witnessed one of the greatest-ever performances by a goalkeeper in the first half of a game at the EHF EURO 2022. Prior to this game, Polish shot stopper Mateusz Zembrzycki had four saves in 56 minutes played in the tournament, for a meagre 11 per cent saving efficiency. Well, in just under 18 minutes, Zembrzycki nearly tripled his tally, recording 10 saves (67 per cent). And this is precisely why Poland managed to stay afloat in the game and even take the lead. The news is not good for Russia, who will be out if they lose this game.
16:04
Poland are back in the game and have even briefly led - they're playing more like they did early in the tournament. Arkadiusz Moryto has now surpassed 50 EHF EURO goals in his career and is starting to close in on top scorer Kay Smits, now sadly sidelined by Covid.
15:55
Sergei Mark Kosorotov has scored three times already in a comeback showing his importance to Russia - but is now sitting out a two-minute suspension too.
15:50
A switch between the Polish posts, from Mateusz Kornecki to Mateusz Zembrzycki, has turned the game around. Russia have failed to score for seven minutes and Poland are back to a one-goal deficit. Extraordinary.
15:44
There have been rather a lot of turnovers so far - three for Poland, two for Russia, in 12 minutes. Russia's attack is proving more effective and they have a 7:4 lead.
15:37
A bit of a shaky start from both teams, with more effectiveness in attack than defence. Russia have their first suspension after Alexander Kotov fouled Michal Olejniczak, but then Poland lose the ball and concede a goal. Russia lead 4:2.
15:30
Throw-off is imminent. What can Poland do?
15:02
With half an hour before throw-off, the teams are warming up in Bratislava. Russia are welcoming back Sergei Mark Kosorotov, a key player before he tested positive for Covid-19 and still their joint top scorer alongside Dmitry Zhitnikov despite missing two matches. Will he make the difference in a must-win game for this powerful side?
- Poland’s 13th goal in the game will be their 1,500th at the EHF EURO, making them the 13th team in history to reach this milestone
- Polish wings Przemyslaw Krajewski and the second top scorer of the competition, Arkadiusz Moryto, need only two goals to hit the 50-goal milestone at the EHF EURO. Moryto has scored 34 goals in this tournament
- Poland won five of the last six mutual meetings between the two sides, including a 24:22 win in the preliminary round of the EHF EURO 2014
14:50
News from Spain: Ian Tarrafeta is out of isolation, having returned two negative Covid-19 tests. He's available for tonight's game against Norway.
14:45
Quick, head to Twitch for our live show ahead of tonight's matches, with special guests Vid Kavticnik, Andrea Lekic and more.
13:37
We're going to take a little break now, but before tonight's games here are the current main round standings. Spain can book themselves a semi-final place tonight, while Germany and Russia must win to have any chance of making it.
13:24
Statistics can tell you a lot, and in this piece from Julian Rux we explore why Iceland were able to beat France last night. Fascinating stuff!
