NEWS REPORT: Gold for Denmark in Valencia, Spain as they defeat defending champions, Russia
Denmark win Women’s 19 EHF EURO 2015
Russia, who went into the final with a psychological advantage, having defeated the Danes 25:22 in the Main Round, took control of the match early in the game but were unable to prevent the Danes pulling away to a three goal lead at half time.
The Russians staged a comeback in the second half but it was not enough to enable them to defend their title won in 2013.
Denmark ran out 29:26 (13:10) winners, upgrading the bronze medal they won at home in 2013 for gold.
Having thanked the 100 or so Danish fans, who made the trip to Valencia, the Danish coach, Flemming Dam Larsen, talking to the DHF website, said: “Even in the second half, when the Russians came back again, we kept a cool head and stuck to our game, and as we also saw both goalkeepers perform at a high level, and all players take responsibility, I can only praise the team's breadth and quality.”
MVP and All-star Team announced
Most Valuable Player
Djurdjina Jaukovic (MNE) Top Scorer & MVP
All-star team
Tonje Haug Lerstad (NOR) – Goalkeeper
Marianna Egorova (RUS) Left Wing
Emily Bölk (GER) Left Back
Yaroslava Frolova (RUS) Centre Back
Celine Lundbye Kristiansen (DEN) Right Back
Maitane Etxeberria (ESP) Right Wing
Sara Trier Hald (DEN) Line Player
Sofia Hvenfelt (SWE) Best Defensive
Direct qualification to U20 World Championship
Follow the completion of the competiton, the following teams have qualified directly for the next Women's U20 World Championship in Russia:
Organiser - Russia
EUROPE 1 - Denmark
EUROPE 2 - Sweden
Final rankings:
1. Denmark
2. Russia
3. Sweden
4. Hungary
5. Germany
6. Norway
7. Montenegro
8. Spain
9. France
10. Romania
11. Serbia
12. Croatia
13. Belarus
14. Portugal
15. FYR Macedonia
16. Lithuania
TEXT:
EHF / jjr