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Hungary dominate Guinea for first win at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025

17 Jan. 2025

Hungary dominate Guinea for first win at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025

Hungary bounced back in style after they drew with North Macedonia and delivered a convincing performance, defeating Guinea 35:18 for their first win in the competition, sealing a main round spot.

GROUP D
Guinea vs Hungary 18:35 (9:20)

Hungary's defensive strength, or better to say goalkeeper Roland Mikler's saves, set the tone in the opening 20 minutes of the game. His antics, which put the Hungarian goalkeeper at a remarkable 50% efficiency, shut down Guinea's backcourt players and allowed Hungary to set a commanding 13:7 lead. His great performance erased any mistakes made in the attack, while left back Zoltán Szita took charge in the attack, netting seven goals to maintain Hungary's momentum.

Guinea showed their trademark fighting spirit, and their goalkeeper Rubens Pierre was not too shabby either, being responsible for a short-timed comeback and narrowing the gap to four. Despite their effort, Hungary's determination to showcase a top performance and boost their fans, and themselves, was evident.

With a focused approach and clear straight-forward, quick shots, they widened the gap while making full use of their rotations to keep energy levels high. By the 27th minute, Hungary extended their advantage to double digits at 19:9. Young right back Máté Ónodi-Jánoskúti also seized the moment, further widening the gap to a 20:9, in his just fifth game for Hungary.

The second half offered no surprise as Hungary confidently marched toward their first win at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025. Guinea's attack struggled to find their footing, remaining below 40% efficiency. Rubens Pierre, who features at French Starligue club Tremblay, continued his good efforts, keeping Hungary from hitting the 20-goal lead.

However, head coach Kevin Decaux gave a fair chance to feature even more players in the last ten minutes, further exposing Guinea's woes as they could not stop much stronger players. As a consequence, Hungary, who at that point had 13 out of 14 outfield players scoring at least once, welcomed the 55th minute with a 35:15 lead, courtesy of right wing Bence Imre and his sixth of the day.

Hungary secured a convincing 35:18 win with Zoltán Szita remaining the top scorer with seven goals in 34 minutes played, Bence Imre netted six, while goalkeeper Roland Mikler had 18 saves at 50% efficiency. For Guinea, three players scored three times: line player Sambou Sissoko, right back Lilian Pasquet and left back Yven Corcher with 21 saves at 40% efficiency from Rubens Pierre.

Hungary, now with three points and a spot sealed in the main round, eye their final clash in the group against the Netherlands. The winner of the match will take over the group, while Guinea will try to avoid the Presidents' Cup by winning against North Macedonia.

hummel Player of the Match: Zoltán Szita (Hungary)