Slovakia (SVK)

Ending a 10-year wait, Slovakia return to the Women’s EHF EURO for the first time since reaching the main round of the 2014 championship in Hungary and Croatia. Back then, they spectacularly upset Serbia 23:21, coming back from 6:11 down at half-time, in the decisive match of their preliminary round group — still Slovakia’s only ever win at an EHF EURO final tournament after two participations and 11 matches in total.

Slovakia are relieved to be finally back on the big European stage as their build-up under the guidance of head coach Jorge Dueñas continues towards the EHF EURO 2026, which they will co-host with four other nations. Previously in charge of the national teams of Spain (2007-17) and Brazil (2017-21), Dueñas has won four medals at major championships, including silver at the EHF EURO in both 2008 and 2014. The Spanish coach will need all his experience if he is to guide Slovakia to success in the tough group E in Innsbruck, where defending champions Norway, co-hosts Austria, and Slovenia wait as strong opponents.

Slovakia came through the qualifiers as one of the best third-placed teams, advancing from a group that also included Germany and Ukraine. With 32 and 23 goals respectively, right back Barbora Lancz and left wing Martina Popovcová were the two leading scorers for Dueñas’ team in the qualifying campaign. Lancz is expected to be one of Slovakia’s key assets again at the final tournament. She grew up in the youth ranks of Györi Audi ETO KC and still plays in the Hungarian league, for Motherson Mosonmagayrovari, and the 22-year-old back adds valuable international experience to the squad that mostly consists of players from Slovakian club teams.

The Women’s EHF EURO 2024 is another stepping stone on the development path of Slovakia. The team is eager to soak up and learn from their EHF EURO experience ahead of their home tournament in two years’ time.