Twenty-eight teams across Europe played the first rounds of matches in the second qualification phase for the Women’s EHF EURO 2020 from 25 to 29 September, and the situation at the completion of the games was rather remarkable – 14 teams enjoyed two wins, and the other 14 recorded two defeats. It is remarkable to see half the teams so dominant early on. 

The hosts of the EURO 2020, Norway and Denmark, are automatically qualified, leaving 14 tickets to the final tournament available. From each of the seven qualification playing groups, the top two teams will clinch a berth at the EURO. Therefore, with four rounds of qualifiers remaining – two rounds to be played in late March next year and the final two in May – the 14 sides on maximum points are already looking to be in with great chances to reach the final tournament in December 2020. 

The top four teams from the previous EURO in France all stayed unbeaten in the opening rounds. Playing in Group 6, defending European title holders France – who are also current world champions – defeated Turkey and Iceland in their opening encounters. Croatia are also on the maximum four points in Group 6. 

EHF EURO 2018 silver medallists Russia won their games against Slovakia and Switzerland to sit on top of Group 4 alongside Serbia, who beat the same opponents. Serbia had one of the closest wins so far in the qualifiers in round 2, overcoming Slovakia by just one goal thanks to a last-second penalty. 

The bronze medallists from the previous EURO, as well as at the 2017 World Championship, the Netherlands, enjoyed two commanding wins. They beat Austria in round 1 then Greece away in round 2. At the top of Group 1 on the maximum four points, the Netherlands are joined by Spain. 

Romania, who placed fourth at the EHF EURO 2018, had some difficulties but took two victories nevertheless – in round 1, they defeated Ukraine 27:24 and in round 2 earned a 25:20 win against Faroe Islands. Poland also won their matches against those opponents, and sit beside Romania with four points in Group 7. 

In the other groups, it is Hungary, Montenegro (Group 2), Germany, Slovenia (Group 3), Sweden and Czech Republic (Group 5) who collected four points in the opening rounds. 

Her team were defeated in both encounters, but it is Lithuania’s Greta Kavaliauskaite who leads the top scorer ranking after the opening rounds, with 20 goals. Behind Kavaliauskaite, in second position on this ranking, is 2018 junior world champion Katrin Klujber, with 17 goals.

More information on the Women’s EHF EURO 2020 can be found on the official website.

Photo credit: Hungarian Handball Federation