Serbia under pressure, while Netherlands are close to qualifying for EHF EURO 2014

Two matches on Thursday, 12 June conclude Round 5 of the Women’s EHF EURO Qualification.

Two European top teams will take to the court for their last away matches respectively – but the situation for Netherlands and Serbia is quite a different one.

All matches can be followed with the EHF live ticker.

Group 4: Italy vs. Netherlands
Thursday, 20:00 hrs. local time in Conversano-Bari

Depending on Spain's result in their match against Turkey, a draw can already be enough for Netherlands to qualify for the EHF EURO.

This is the case, if Spain win on Wednesday and considering they won the first leg at home against Turkey 28:11, it also a quite likely scenario.

Italy lost the first leg 13:28 against Netherlands and are still waiting for their first point in this qualification campaign after they also conceded two defeats against Turkey in March.

Therefore Netherlands are the clear favourites despite losing two test matches against Germany last weekend.

If Netherlands finish equal in points with Spain, the latter will top the group ranking courtesy of the better goal difference in the direct encounter between the two teams.

Group 5: Switzerland vs. Serbia
Thursday, 20:00 hrs. local time in Stäfa

Depending on the result of the Slovenia vs. Sweden encounter on Wednesday, Serbia will be almost out of the race for the EHF EURO 2014 if they lose against Switzerland.

After taking only one win from four matches - a 32:21 in the first leg against Switzerland - the World Championship silver medallists are under enormous pressure.

A win against Switzerland, who are without a win in the qualification campaign so far, is a must for Serbia – and furthermore they must beat Slovenia in the final match after losing the first leg 26:31.

To make things worse, their top stars Andrea Lekic and Sonja Damnjanovic, are struggling with injuries and it remains to be seen until throw-off how much they will be able to help their team.