It did not look pretty at times but a strong run early in the second half propelled Hungary to a 32:29 win against the Czech Republic tonight in Llíria and with that, a main round berth. 

GROUP E
Hungary vs Czech Republic 32:29 (17:15)

Marketa Jerabkova scored 28 seconds into the game to give the Czech Republic the lead at 1:0. In the end, it would turn out to be their only lead of the game.

The two sides battled back and forth with none able to take control of the game. At times, it looked like Hungary were well on their way when Katrin Gitta Klujber put them ahead 8:4, 12 minutes into the game. 

However, two straight goals from Sara Kovarova would bring the Czechs back to just within one and in minute 25 Jerabkova added another one to her tally to equalise at 12:12. 

Hungary eventually finished the first half with three-straight goals from Petra Vamos to go into the break ahead 17:15.

The Hungarians carried that momentum built by Vamos’ goals into the second half as they came out with a key 8:3 run led by Klujber. Hungary’s lead would then get as high as seven at times as they cruised for the rest of the game. Klujber finished as the game’s top scorer with 11 goals.

Jerabkova did all she could offensively for the Czechs contributing 10 goals.

With that Hungary win and Germany’s win earlier against Slovakia, the game on Monday between Czech Republic and Slovakia will determine who will be the third team from Group E to proceed to the main round. 

hummel Player of the Match: Katrin Gitta Klujber, Hungary

Photo: RFEBM / J. Navarro