Narrow semi-final loss for the Junior girls in EYOF
The U girls (LK05) have made it solidly through the group stage of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) after victories over Croatia and Montenegro, as well as a sour one-goal loss against Germany. On Friday evening, the stage was set for the semi-finals for the U girls, where they met Hungary in an exciting battle for the second final place.
It was today’s home team Hungary that got off to the best start in the semi-finals. Hungary, who made it through the group stage undefeated, played fast handball and stood hard at the back. Ten minutes into the match, they were thus in the lead 5-3. However, it did not take long for the Junior girls to eat up Hungary’s lead, and got ahead at 6-5.
The teams continued to play evenly, but after a period of Norwegian leadership it was Hungary who took over ten minutes before the break. The score was then 10-8 in favor of the Hungarians. Pia Grønstad was one of the Norwegian players who really stood out from her right winger position, with 4/4 five minutes before the break. Hungary kept their lead, and the teams went into the break at 14-13.
Pia Grønstad played big on Norway’s right wing. Photo: Svein André Svendsen
After the break, it was extremely even between the two teams at the start of the half, and after 35 minutes played, the teams were tied at 17-17. Norway had the initiative ten minutes after the break, punishing Hungary for their mistakes, resulting in quick counter goals. Norway went into a two-goal lead, and Hungary took a time-out. The teams played evenly and took turns scoring goals, but Norway was always a step ahead. Ten minutes before the end, Norway increased the lead to 26-24, and the stage was set for an exciting end to the match.
Bertine Emilie Sundby Lunde scored an important goal and sent Norway into a three-goal lead for the first time in the match, but Hungary had not given up hope. The young girls reduced the score to 28-29 three minutes into the end, but immediately afterwards Norway’s top scorer, Pia Grønstad, scored an important goal for Norway. One minute before the end, Hungary had equalized at 30-30, and had ball control when there were 30 seconds left. Goalkeeper Frida Molaup Selnes saved an important shot just five seconds before the end, thus securing extra time for Norway.
Norway started the first extra period clearly the best, but halfway through the half Hungary took over. Hungary led 33-32 after the first extra period. Hungary continued to be at the start of the second extra period, leading by a goal after half time. A minute and a half before the end, Hungary put the nail in the coffin, and thus won the semi-final. Norway lost the semi-final 36-33, and will thus meet Germany in the bronze final on Saturday 29 July at 12:00.
FACTS
European Olympic Youth Festival (EYOF) Girls – Semi-Finals
Hungary–Norway 36-33 (14-13)
That’s it, Slovakia
Norway: Vilde Amalie Klaussen, Nora Isabell Husom Nordstrand 1, Pia Grønstad 7, Ebba Kjetildatter Nossen 1, Linnea Hareton 2, Zara Johnsson Solberg 1, Jenny Bing Husaas 1, Synne Olsen 3, Bertine Emilie Sundby Lunde 5, Julie Diesen Soleim 2, Sanna – Varhaug Romvig 3, Frida Molaup Selnes, Thea Kristensen 2, Linnea Maria Ramén, Andrea Nalbant Moe 5.
Top scorer Hungary: Liza Palmai & Fanni Horvath, 8 goals each.
Expulsions: Norway 4×2 min., Hungary 3×2 min.
Match report
More about the U girls
More about EYOF