Russia (against Montenegro) and Denmark (against Korea) were the dominant winners of today’s top matches at the IV Women’s Youth World Championship in Montenegro. Both teams, which had met 2011 in the European championship final in Brno with the better end for the Russians, clearly underlined their ambitions for the medal’s matches. The third European top team Norway had no problems to clash Angola, while the Dutch team tied with Hungary.

After all 20 teams have played two matches Sweden (group A), Russia, Romania (B), France, Denmark (C) and Norway (D) still have a clear spot.

Group A in Podgorica:

Netherlands – Hungary 24:24 (16:15)

First draw of the IV Women’s Youth World championship:  Thanks to the eighth and final goal of Luka Szekerczes 90 seconds before the end, Hungary took a tie in a thrilling match, in which both teams missed the winner’s goal in the final minute. The all-European encounter was a match of two halves, as the Hungarians had dominated the first 25 minutes, leading 15:12, before the Dutch team scored four straight goals and from then on was in lead nearly to the end. The second half was imprinted by two strong goalkeeper performances of Jannek Vandewall (NED, 14 saves) and Zsofy Szemerey (HUN, 18 saves). So no team could forge ahead in completely leveled second 30 minutes. Thanks to the four late goals of Kelly Dulfer, Netherlands extended the gap twice to two goals, but Hungary caught up again and again, including their final – tie-bringing shot. Both teams remain unbeaten with three points each on their account, below defending champions Sweden (4 points).

Group B in Bar: 

Montenegro – Russia 29:39 (11:22)

A demonstration of Russian girl power: The team of coach Wjatscheslaw Kirilenko taught host Montenegro, who did not play bad, a free lesson in modern handball. The spectators – a lot of Russian tourists supported their team, as on the other hand the home fans were vociferous – created a great atmosphere for today’s top match. But all Montenegro hopes had been shattered very early, as Russia played close to perfection from the first minute on. Speed and efficiency in attack, a strong and movable defence, genius combinations and highest individual skills – the European champions underlined their ambitions with a top class performance. And as the match was decided early, the Russian excited the spectators by spectacular goals, led by their again outstanding right back Anna Vyakhireva. But Montenegro did not give up until the final stage, and even “won” the second half. Top scorers were Despotovic (MNE) and Snopova (RUS) with seven goals each. Russia remain in lead of this group, equal with Romania with four points each.

Group C in Podgorica: 

Korea – Denmark 21:33 (8:16)

Like Russia, like Denmark: The European silver medallist showed their real and strong face in Podgorica, after they had not been stipulated in their opener against Uruguay. But unexpectedly the Asian champions were not that high hurdle to cross. In contrast: Thanks to a perfect Danish start and an early clear 10:2 and 11:4 lead, the Koreans got pulled their teeth already in the first half. The Danes counted on a strong defence and by intercepting the Korean attacks very early, they started their successful counter-attacks. After a quite comfortable eight goal margin at the break, the Danes even extended the gap to23:13 in the middle of the second half – and their hunger was not stilled, as the distance arose to 14 goals at 30:16. Sofie Olsen (DEN) and Min Shin (KOR) were the best scorers with each seven goals. Denmark kept their clear record, and mostly the final encounter with France (four points, too) will decide the group winner.

Group D in Bar: 

Angola – Norway 14:37 (8:15) 

Norway overran the African champions, after Angola had stood strong with their hard working defence only in the first 15 minutes. As the Norwegian were clearly better by their physical conditions and mainly their speed, the Africans were beaten early. When Norway could start their counter-attacks, from which they scored 16 goals, Angola was not able to return to defence quickly enough. Until the score of 7:5 for the European bronze medallist, Angola was quite on one level, but due to several suspensions they were chanceless in the end, despite a strong performance of their goalkeeper Wilma Luceu. After the break Norway double-figured for the first time at 18:8 and extended the gap to 15 goals at 27:12, in the end the 21 goals margin did not reflect the strong fight Angola had shown before the break. Best shooter was Marit Jacobsen with seven goals. Thanks to this clear victory, the Scandinavians are the only team in group D with a 100% clear record after two matches.