Round 6, Day 1: 2 June 2012

Group 2

Romania vs. Greece 31:14 (16:10)

After the fifth-round victory of Romania against Portugal, coach Radu Voina´s team had already secured an EHF EURO berth, so the game against Greece, the team's last match in the group, was not too important. The main talking point was that this was Voina’s last match in charge.

It was a clear victory and so Romania finished in first position, but despite qualifying for the EHF EURO, the country will bid farewell to trainer Voina who was unable to qualify for the Olympic Games with his side.

Serbia vs. Portugal 37:21 (21:9)

The women's national team of Serbia has finished the group phase of the EHF EURO qualifications with a clear victory over Portugal.

From the beginning it was a clear opportunity for the hosts to celebrate their fifth victory in the group, but other than prestige, it had no other significance. 

Already at minute 11 Andrea Lekic and her team-mates forced Portugal to an early time-out, as Serbia led 8:3.

This did not deter the Serbian players, who continued to grind their opponents down. In the 19th minute it was 14:5 and three minutes later the scoreboard showed a clear 17:6 advantage for the hosts.

Only a small drop at the beginning of the second half helped Portugal to reduce to 24:15, when a series from Serbia of 5:0 definitely sealed the fate of the guests.

Group 5

Austria vs. Slovenia 29:26 (15:11)

Slovenia had the better start to the game, as the away side led 5:2, but as time went on, Austria showed more efficiency in attack and more aggressiveness in defence.

Thanks to quick counter attacks Austria caught up nicely and a fantastic Laura Magelinskas led her side marvelously throughout the game. With her in command, coach Herbert Müller's team turned the result and didn´t let the lead out of their hands.

Slovenia chose a 6:0 defence instead of a 5:1 formation and so after Austria being in front by 10 goals, the away team closed up to 22:25.

The final minutes were even, but the hosts maintained their lead and deservedly finished in second position in the group.

Sweden vs. Czech Republic 34:24 (14:13)

Both teams had already qualified before their sixth round clash for the EHF EURO, so their direct duel would decide which of the two teams would finish in top position in the group.

After an equal first half that only gave a slim advantage to the Scandinavians, Mathilda Boson and co. started top-gear and increased the Swedish lead.

In the second period, Sweden, with an increased pace, controlled the match, and as the Czech Republic slowed the tempo, the Scandinavians celebrated first place in the group, and with it, a better pot place in the next draw.

Group 6

Denmark vs. Italy 38:21 (18:8)

Although their concentration fell in the second half, it was an expected Danish victory against Italy in the crowded Roskilde Sports Centre.

Coach Jan Pytlick's players managed through several periods to maintain a good level, but the fight did not exactly reveal that Italy is a great handball nation. 

The concentration in the long draft was on an acceptable level and in the Danish squad, especially Mie Augustesen, Lotte Grigel and Louise Burgaard netted some lovely balls past the Italian keepers.

The hosts controlled the match in both halves and had no problems in winning their last home match of the EHF EURO qualification before they start their preparations for the Olympic Games.

Group 7

Spain vs. Switzerland 29:19 (15:8)

The Spanish National Team has secured a ticket for the EHF EURO after the hosts clearly defeated Switzerland in a one-sided game. 

Switzerland started the game very intensely, scoring easily and controlling the first few minutes. 

Then, Spain woke up from their dreams and with a super catch-up phase, Macarena Aguilar and co. leveled to 5:5.

From that moment on, the hosts used every Swiss mistake to score and so, Spain clearly led after 30 minutes.

In the second half the Swiss were unable to stop the hosts who showed marvelous combinations and fantastic attacks, even though several players were rotated.

The ticket to the women's EHF EURO 2012 is secured with this victory, so now Spain will watch tomorrow's duel between Iceland and Ukraine to know which team will finish in first position in the group. 

The draw for EHF EURO 2012 is to be announced.

Further Information

Find more information on the Women's EHF EURO 2012 Qualification HERE.

View more detailed information on the event on the Official EHF EURO 2012 Website.
http://www.facebook.com/EHFEUROWomen