Hungary confirmed that they are one of the main title contenders at North Macedonia 2024, as they were dominant against the Republic of Korea and cruised to a 15-goal win, 32:17, taking two points to the main round. 

GROUP C
Hungary vs Republic of Korea 32:17 (13:9)

Both teams had secured main round berths before their mutual encounter, but a lot was at stake at Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre, as both teams were determined to win this high-profile clash and carry two points into the next stage.
 
Hungary's Lili Szabo opened the score, but the Asian champions answered with a 3:0 run to open up a 3:1 lead. However, none of the rivals could pull clear by more than one goal in the next 11 minutes before Hungary used their own 3:0 run to create a 8:6 advantage.

The European side improved their defence a lot as the first half progressed, and their goalkeeper Klara Zaj made a few important saves towards the end of it, finishing with a 38% saving efficiency. The Republic of Korea scored just once in 10 minutes before the break, so Hungary led 13:9 at half-time after Liliána Csernyánszki's last-second goal.

The Republic of Korea were seen as one of the favourites of the 2024 IHF Women's Junior World Championship, but they struggled already on Friday against Argentina, winning 33:31. And the Asian had a lot of problems playing against Hungary - they were vulnerable in defence, had a below-par 46% shot effiency, and their goalkeeping was far from perfect, as Gayeong Kim and Sarang Pak combined for only seven saves. 

Hungary started the second half with a powerful 7:1 run, increasing the gap to 20:10, and the match was basically decided. But the European champions continued to push forward, and 12 of their players netted at least once. Csernyánszki became Alkaloid Player of the Match, scoring seven goals and setting up four, and Zaj ended the game with a 43% saving efficiency, as Hungary celebrated their third win in a row, 32:17. 

Alkaloid Player of the Match: Liliana Csernyánszki, Hungary