All 32 teams will line up for one last time at the 2024 IHF Women's Junior World Championship in Skopje, North Macedonia, as the final standings from the eighth to the 32nd place will be decided. The last two matches of the day in the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center in Skopje will also decide the two finalists.

Hungary will face the Netherlands, while Denmark face off against France in two mouth-watering clashes in the semi-finals of North Macedonia 2024, a competition which has seen a superb level delivered so far in the 96 matches played.
 

SEMI-FINALS
18:00 CEST Netherlands vs Hungary
Hungary, the big favourites to clinch the title at the 2024 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, have suffered a huge scare in the quarter-final against Iceland. Up by seven goals at the break, 19:12, the reigning European champions drew at the end of the regular time, 29:29, only to stay strong and secure a 34:31 extra-time win.

The extra 10 minutes played could be crucial against the Netherlands, one of the two teams which secured six wins in six matches in regular time, in the battle of two of the best defences in the competition so far. Only Angola have conceded less goals, 118, than the Dutch team (122) and Hungary (126) so far in the competition, therefore this looks like to be a defence-first minded match.

Two years ago, also in the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center, Hungary clinched a 27:26 win in the bronze medal match at the 2022 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship, when these two generations also collided on the court. Now, their rivalry will be rekindled, with a spot in the final ready to be taken, but for Hungary, the top scorer in that match, Petra Simon, is no longer in the roster, making the step to the senior national team.

While Hungary have played the final four times at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, winning once, when they hosted the competition in 2018, this will be only the second semi-final for the Netherlands, after the one lost against Norway in 2022, 23:32.

20:30 CEST France vs Denmark

France have sealed their second semi-finals berth, 12 years removed from the first one, after their best-ever start in history at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, as Eric Baradat’s side has secured six wins in the first six matches, including a clear 34:26 win in the quarter-final against Switzerland.

It was yet another fantastic display of grit and team spirit from France, which have the seventh best attack in the competition so far, with 193 goals, but have no player in the top-50 goal scorer standings, with all the players chiming in for their side.

But the match against Denmark looks to be a difficult one for France, especially as the Scandinavian side has delivered a fantastic 49:22 win against Portugal in the quarter-finals, the largest-ever win in this phase of the competition at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, as well as the largest number of goals scored by a single team in this phase of the competition.

Denmark have conceded a loss against Hungary in the main round, but they bounced back admirably and looked flawless in the match against Portugal on both sides of the ball, now having the second best attack in the competition, with 218 goals scored in the first six matches.

In their previous six semi-finals played, Denmark have won four times and lost twice, but this generation has already a chequered record, with a silver medal at the 2022 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship and another silver one last year, at the W19 EHF EURO 2023.

PLACEMENT MATCHES 5-8

18:00 CEST Sweden vs Iceland
20:15 CEST Switzerland vs Portugal

There is obviously disappointment for each of the four teams now heading to the Placement Matches 5-8, but Switzerland and Portugal can still secure their best-ever finishes in the competition.
Iceland have already clinched their best finish, after making the quarter-finals, and proved they are a tough team to beat, having rallied from seven goals down against Hungary at half-time, to deliver a fantastic comeback and push the match into extra-time, only to concede a 31:34 loss.

Sweden, on the other hand, are on a two-match losing streak, which they will hope to snap in this match and finish in the top-5, as they have the best goalkeeping efficiency in the competition, 38.9%.

In the other match, Portugal will need to shake off the record loss, 22:49, against Denmark, but will face a plucky Switzerland side, which is also coming after a two-match losing streak.

Portugal’s best finish in the competition is the sixth position, while Switzerland’s top placement was the eighth place, therefore the winner of this match will have a chance to secure their best finish ever in the world handball flagship competition for this age category.

PLACEMENT MATCH 9/10
13:30 CEST Germany vs Norway

Both sides have bounced back after tough losses in the preliminary and main rounds, with wins in their previous placement matches, securing a top-10 finish, which might not be exactly what they thought about at the start of the competition, but can act like a consolation prize.

Germany have had a tough draw, facing mostly European sides so far, but their 34:32 win against Romania proved that they have a good attack, while Norway might have lost the title they won two years ago at Slovenia 2022, yet they delivered a pitch perfect performance against Montenegro, 42:27, in the previous match.

Norway (196 goals) and Germany (192 goals) are both in the top-10 attacks in the competition, therefore we can expect an entertaining match, with plenty of goals.

PLACEMENT MATCH 11/12
15:45 CEST Romania vs Montenegro

With an average of 11.3 goals per match and 68 goals scored so far, Montenegro’s right back Jelena Vukčević is the top scorer of the competition and the main weapon which Romania have to stop in order to finish 11th.

It has been an underwhelming competition for Romania, the bronze medallists at the W19 EHF EURO 2023, as their main scorers, Alisia Boiciuc and Diana Lixândroiu, lacked the firepower needed to push their side into contention for a medal, combining for 58 goals, 29 each, 10 less than Vukčević scored alone for Montenegro.

PLACEMENT MATCH 13/14
13:15 CEST Egypt vs Republic of Korea

Finishing 20th, 23rd and 15th in their previous three appearances at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, Egypt have now secured the best-ever finish in the competition, as they cannot finish lower than 14th, irrespective of the result against the Republic of Korea.

They beat another Asian side to get here, the People’s Republic of China, but a tougher challenge awaits them, the Republic of Korea, which have taken a step backwards with this generation, after winning the 2022 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship.

The Republic of Korea are sure of finishing outside of the top-10 for the second time in history and for the second time in a row, as they have 15.6 turnovers per match, but will start as favourites against a streaky Egypt team, which are still trying to find their consistency.

PLACEMENT MATCH 15/16
15:30 CEST People’s Republic of China vs North Macedonia

Hosts North Macedonia have lost the last two matches and drew another one on their way to the Placement Match 15/16, as their attack could simply not sustain the rhythm required at this level.

17-year-old back Iva Mladenovska confirmed her potential by scoring 30 goals so far, while goalkeeper Matea Churlinovska has saved 37.3% of the shots she faced, as the European side hopes to secure a win in the last match.

The People’s Republic of China have been the big surprise of the competition, securing a top-16 finish, but have lost the last three matches, including a 20:25 loss against Egypt on Thursday, hoping to end the competition on a high.

PRESIDENT'S CUP
PLACEMENT MATCH 17/18
10:30 CEST Spain vs Angola

Given the improvement during the competition in North Macedonia, Angola could have finished higher in the final standings. However, they are eyeing to win the President's Cup in their last match of the competition, when they face Spain, another team which has impressed.

On Thursday, Angola made a comeback and celebrated victory against Japan as left back Bernardeth Belo led them once again with 11 goals. The competition's second-best top scorer, with 48 goals, will be the big challenge for Spanish defenders. Yet, Spain can be proud of conceding only 22.23 goals per game and home their last appearance at the 2024 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship will be as lucky as the one in 2018 when they won the President's Cup.

To achieve it, Spain need to perform at the same level as against Brazil the day earlier when they powered ahead in the second half and won by 13 goals (33:20). Right back Eider Poles Olucha was unstoppable, netting eight times. The back is among best scorers of the competition, ranking seventh, with 36 goals.

These two sides last met at 2018 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship Placement Matches 17-20. After a nail-biting and levelled 60 minutes (27:27), Spain were better in the penalty shoot-out and won, 32:31.

PLACEMENT MATCH 19/20
09:00 CEST Brazil vs Japan

Two teams lost their chance to win the President's Cup following their losses on Thursday. Brazil were on a good run with three straight wins in the competition, but their positive streak ended against Spain. Now, they want to redeem against Japan and secure higher placement after finishing 22nd two years ago.

Led by centre back Lorenna Silva, Brazil will try to respond to Japan's roaming defence and stop their fast breaks. Japan are one of the most efficient teams, scoring 201 goals or 33.50 per game on average, which could be their upper hand in this match. The South American side lags behind Japan and have scored 53 goals less in the six games played.

In the first mutual encounter between these two sides at the IHF Women's Junior World Handball Championship, Japan are slight favourite on paper as they will fight for the 19th place, their worst placement since 2014.

PLACEMENT MATCH 21/22
11:15 CEST Serbia vs Argentina

Serbia aim to end the competition on a high with a fourth straight win. It comes as a relief for the European side, which had an all-European group in the preliminary round, losing by double digits in all matches. But they bounced back and most recently beat Tunisia, in a high-pressure game after not being able to seal the deal after numerous leads.

While Serbia are efficient in fast breaks and have a solid defence, they had trouble with long-range shots. The 2023 South and Central American Women's Junior Handball Championship winners had no trouble against Guinea, winning 31:2,6 which came as a good encouragement after a tight loss against Japan on Tuesday.

Argentina hope their top scorer Sofia Gull Querin will extend her current tally of 34 goals and help them finish on the 21st place. Two years ago, Argentina finished 25th at Slovenia 2022 and have already secured an improved position.Serbia, on the other hand, never ranked worse than 12th place but their comeback to the big stage after a 10-year hiatus could already be seen as progress.

PLACEMENT MATCH 23/24
10:30 CEST Tunisia vs Guinea

After a tough time in the preliminary round, Tunisia opened the President's Cup with a win over the Islamic Republic of Iran, but lost to Brazil and Serbia and are now aiming for redemption in an all-African derby.

The duel between Tunisia and Guinea comes only nine months after their last encounter at the 2023 Asian Women's Junior Handball Championship. Guinea triumphed by 36:31 and won the bronze medal after a high-scoring first half, leaving Tunisia empty-handed.

Guinea also faced continental champions Angola but lost 22:23 despite having a lead on more than one occasion, followed by a more convincing loss against Argentina. 

PLACEMENT MATCH 25/26
18:00 CEST Czechia vs Chinese Taipei

Czechia looked disappointed after missing out on the main round. In the President's Cup, they conceded another loss against Serbia, but bounced back and shared the spoils with Spain (29:29).

Now, before entering the last day of the President's Cup, they defeated the Islamic Republic of Iran, as their head coach Dušan Poloz gave fair chance to feature in the game to all players. The Chinese Taipei also had a more easygoing duel against Uzbekistan, winning 39:31 and for the first time scored more than 30 goals in a single match at the world flagship competition.

They impressed with their fast-paced play and quick transition. Right backs Ya Ting Chang and Yun Ju Tien were instrumental in their offensive efforts and hope they will perform at the desired level in their first clash against Czechia.

PLACEMENT MATCH 27/28
20:30 CEST Islamic Republic of Iran vs Uzbekistan

The Islamic Republic of Iran made their IHF Women's Junior World Handball Championship debut in 2022, when they won people's hearts and finished 30th. Two years later, ran made significant improvements, as they could finish as high as the 25th place.

After challenging times in the group phase, the Islamic Republic of Iran fought hard against Tunisia in a 23:26 loss, they celebrated against Chile by 27:25 but then again faltered against Czechia (17:29). Their attack depends on right back Fatemeh Merikh, who is the fourth top scorer of the competition with 42 goals scored. She will compete with Sevinch Erkabaeva and Sabina Mullaeva who are both in the top-10, with Erbakaeva scoring 43 times and Mullaeva netting 35 goals.

Uzbekistan managed to beat only the United States of America (42:25) in this competition. They certainly have good ground for a win here, as they lost their previous duel at the 2023 Asian Women's Junior World Handball Championship by only one goal (36:37). 

PLACEMENT MATCH 29/30
15:30 CEST Chile vs United States of America

The United States of America claimed their maiden with at North Macedonia 2024 after beating Mexico, 25:22. It was also their second-ever win at the IHF Women's Junior World Handball Championship and it certainly boosted their ego.

Slovenia 2022, the previous edition, marked the USA's return to the competition after 41 years and they managed to finish 31st. Now, they made a step forward, having entered the battle for the 29th place. Their opponents, Chile, come after the exhausting game against Algeria which went into the penalty shootout and where Chile became the winners after seven successful shots.

Even though Chile never placed worse than 27th place, they will look to secure a win in their final match at North Macedonia 2024. 

PLACEMENT MATCH 31/32
13:00 CEST Algeria vs Mexico

Mexico finished in 32nd place at the 2022 IHF Women's Junior World Handball Championship, and this time around, they are determined to improve their standing and avoid finishing last again. They have struggled throughout the tournament, coming into the last place match off with six straight defeats.

Despite their best efforts, they have found it challenging to compete with more experienced teams as they lack depth and concentration in the attack. The same was true in their last game against the United States of America when they performed well for 30 minutes but then just stopped in the second half.

Algeria made a comeback to the world stage after their last appearance at the 2018 IHF Women's Junior World Handball Championship, where they finished in 16th place. Like their opponents, Algeria have faced a tough tournament and are coming with a six-game negative streak, including a 33:34 loss against Chile in the last match, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.