Live blog: 16 teams will be taking the court in Celje in another crucial day for the 23rd IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, as main round berths will be delivered, with no less than seven European teams able to progress to the top 16 of the competition with their second win in a row.

There were two surprises today: Angola clearly defeated Czech Republic and Egypt defeated Poland. Germany and Slovenia also secured their tickets to the main round, while Lithuania, Chile and Mexico will definitely miss out. Tomorrow, the last 16 matches of the preliminary round are on the agenda, and while some teams can look forward to a relaxed day, there will also be some nail-biting matches. 

 

Today’s matches:

• 12:30 CEST Czech Republic vs Angola (25:36)
• 14.30 CEST Poland vs Egypt (25:27) / Lithuania vs Romania (20:29)
• 16:30 CEST United States of America vs Hungary (5:46) / Mexico vs Germany (14:42)
• 18:30 CEST Austria vs Croatia (26:40) / Slovenia vs Chile (29:12)
• 20:30 CEST Switzerland vs Kazakhstan (43:21)

 

21:58 CEST Full-time: Switzerland vs Kazakhstan 43:21 (19:12)

Switzerland scored 20 fastbreak goals after 60 minutes. That was the key to this clear victory. Sev Albrecht also played a major role with 9 goals. Norma Goldmann contributed 6 goals. 

With this resounding victory, Switzerland have retained a chance of making it to the main round. However, the chance is rather small, as Croatia is the most difficult opponent in this group. Austria, on the other hand, are favourites for tomorrow's match against Kazakhstan and could move up to second place in the table with a win. 

Kazakhstan will surely miss the main round after this defeat. Croatia would have to lose heavily against Switzerland to lose their ticket to the main round. But then a lot would have to go wrong tomorrow. 

Group G standings: 1. Croatia 4p (2g, +35 goal difference), 2. Switzerland 2p (2g, +15),3. Austria 2p (2g, -7),  4. Kazakhstan 0p (2g, -43)

 

 

21:38 CEST Switzerland dominates thanks to fastbreak goals

The fastbreak goals continue to work for Switzerland. There are 11 after the first 15 minutes of the second half, and the goal-scoring efficiency is also 92%, but only 69% overall. Kazakhstan has settled at 59%. Kazakhstan's Zlata Zvyagina has scored 7 goals so far, one more, and she appears in the top scorer ranking. Only Switzerland's Sev Albrecht is better in this game with 8 goals. 

The score is now 28:17, and if Switzerland doesn't give up completely, the first victory should be in the bag.

 

21:05 CEST Half-time: Switzerland vs Kazakhstan 19:12

The fastbreak goals work, there is room for improvement in the penalties, but overall satisfied: That could be Switzerland's conclusion. Overall, the goal-scoring efficiency is still 73%, but Switzerland have only converted a third of the penalties. This is something that needs to be worked on in the future. Switzerland managed 8 quick counter-attacks, while Kazakhstan only managed one. They have also slumped in terms of efficiency. They have only 63%.

Will Kazakhstan catch up again or can Switzerland celebrate their first victory?

 

20:45 CEST With cowbell support to victory?

While Kazakhstan briefly found their way into the game better and scored the first goal, Switzerland had to warm up first. But then it went like a Swiss clockwork and they pulled away to 5 goals in the meantime. After 15 minutes, the score was 10:7. Will Switzerland be inspired by the cowbells of its fans?

In terms of scoring efficiency, both teams are tops so far in terms of stats. Switzerland have 83% and Kazakhstan have 88%. Switzerland's Sev Albrecht is the most successful scorer of the match so far with 5 goals. She is followed by Kashastan's Zlata Zvyagina, who scored four times.

 

20:30 CEST Last game of the day: Switzerland vs Kazakhstan

Both teams suffered defeats on Wednesday. Especially for Switzerland, who wanted to present themselves as well as possible in only their third participation in an IHF World Championship. Coach Damian Gwerder said after the game against Austria: "We made too many mistakes - especially in the offensive, we allowed ourselves too many missed shots." Can Switzerland put an end to that today?

Kazakhstan would also like to win and thus give up the red lantern in the Group G table. 

 

19:57 CEST Full-time: Austria vs Croatia 26:40 (9:20)

Croatia dominated the game until the end. They gave their opponents no chance and won clearly with a difference of 14 goals. This means that Croatia has qualified for the Main Round. Even if they lose against Switzerland, the goal difference will save them. Because +35 is a more than clear cushion.

Austria can also continue to hope for the Main Round. But they have to put the defeat behind them and concentrate on tomorrow's match against Kazakhstan. 

They will meet Switzerland in the last match of the day. They want to redeem themselves after the defeat against their neighbours Austria.

Group G standings: 1. Croatia 4p (2g, +35 goal difference), 2. Austria 2p (2g, -7), 3. Switzerland 0p (1g,   -7), 4. Kazakhstan 0p (1g, -21)

 

19:54 CEST Full-time: Slovenia vs Chile 29:12 (15:7)

It’s over! Slovenia and Germany are through to the main round from Group F, joining Japan, Sweden, France, Norway and Croatia between the top 16 sides at the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship. It was another clear-cut win for the hosts, 29:12, against Chile, after their 19-goal win in the first round against Mexico. Slovenia duly looked like they were preserving their strength for tomorrow’s game against Germany, but also for the matches in the main round, against the teams coming from Group E, two from Romania, Angola and the Czech Republic.

On the other hand, Chile will try to beat Mexico tomorrow, to secure their first win at Slovenia 2022, in the battle of the teams that failed to qualify for the main round. It is their best chance for a win in this phase of the competition and the match will likely decide their final ranking in the competition.

Group F standings: 1. Germany 4p (+50 goal difference), 2. Slovenia 4p (+36), 3. Chile 0p (-38), 4. Mexico 0p (-47)

 

19:38 CEST Croatia continue to overrun Austria

Again, Austria's head coach Helfried Müller took an early time-out to get his team on the right track. After just 3 minutes the score was 11:24, but that didn`t help much either. After 15 minutes the score was 16:30 and it would take a miracle for Austria to turn the game around. 

At least they were able to increase their scoring efficiency to 49% and Kristina Dramac tops the list of scorers with her seven goals.

 

19:37 CEST Slovenia`s Novak jumps to third in the top scorer standings

Slovenia are really using this match as a test for the next opponents, as they really amped up their defence, with Chile failing to break down their opponents, irrespective of how hard they try. The turnovers are still mounting for the South American side, while Slovenia’s experienced players, like left back Erin Novak and line player Valentina Klemencic are raking up the goals, combining for ten of their team’s 20-goal output in this match.

Novak has now jumped to the third place in the top goal scorer standings at Slovenia 2022, with six goals, only four goals shy of the top scorer, Austria’s Kristina Dramac, who is currently featuring in the match against Croatia in the Zlatorog Arena in Celje. There are still 15 minutes to go, but Slovenia will preserve their strength for tomorrow’s clash against Germany, as they are now leading 20:9 conceding only two goals in the second half.

 

 

19:07 CEST Half-time: Austria vs Croatia 9:20

Croatia continues to be the dominant team. Austria have not really found a means to assert themselves against their physically superior opponents. They also still lack accuracy. The efficiency of the Croatians has also decreased a little. Nevertheless, they are leading 20 to 9 at half-time. Bruna Zrnić is the best scorer on the Croatian side with 8 goals. For Austria`s Kristina Dramac it might be a small consolation that she is working her way up the scoring list with 4 goals and is currently in second place. Behind Czech Republic`s Charlotte Cholevová.  

Will Austria, who are supported loudly, find their way into the game better in the second half and be able to turn the match around? Or will it be a resounding defeat?

 

19:03 CEST Half-time: Slovenia vs Chile 15:7

Slovenia are cruising to the main round of the 23rd IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, after another solid display in defence in the second part of the first half, where they conceded only two goals in 15 minutes. It is starting to look like a pattern, but will it keep up against stronger teams? This is a question for later, though, as the hosts are clearly in control and scoring at free will.

On the other side, Chile turned the ball over 13 times, which has clearly hurt their chances to come out with a smaller gap from this game. It is a learning curve for the South American side, which will need to improve for the next match, against Mexico. But Slovenia and Germany will be the two teams qualified for the main round. Only 30 minutes left to see this mathematically confirmed.

 

18:50 CEST Croatia determine the game

It took Austria almost 7 minutes to score the first goal. Croatia had already scored five times by then. By minute 15, Croatia had extended their lead to 7 goals. Head Coach Helfried Müller's early time-out did not help much either. But the motivation was great after the 33:26 win against neighbour Switzerland. But Müller had warned before the game: "Croatia is a different calibre. They are physically superior to us, we will not be able to cover as defensively as in the duel with the Swiss and there will be more duels.

Austria make too many mistakes and miss chances. Their goal-scoring efficiency is just 32%, while Croatia can boast an impressive 90%. 

 

18:47 CEST Slovenia`s slow start creates small gap

Two days ago, in the first match of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship against Mexico, Slovenia failed to register a strong start until going to a 14:1 run to create an unassailable gap. This time around, the scenario is quite the same, as Chile weathered an initial storm to tie the game, 3:3, after six minutes, as Slovenia’s defence created too many lanes, which were taken advantage of by Chile. Both sides had the same players scoring the first three goals, with Erin Novak putting three in Chile’s net, while Valeria Carrasco did the same for the South American side.

Despite a large number of turnovers, Chile have continued to stay strong in the game and are only two goals down after 15 minutes, 5:7. This is the moment when Slovenia pushed even harder against Mexico. Will we see the same scenario?

 

17:57 CEST Full-time: USA vs Hungary 5:46 (2:23)

In the end, USA managed to score three goals in the second half, one more than in the first, but it did not stop Hungary from taking the biggest win at the tournament so far, by 41 goals. Hungary boasted a 79% shot effieciency, and Zsofia Mlinko stood out in their attack, scoring 10 goals from as many attempts.

With two big wins in two games, Hungary will hardly miss a main round spot. Tomorrow they will face Poland, while USA will meet Egypt.

Group H standings: 1. Hungary 4p (2g, goal  difference +60), 2. Poland 2p (2g, goal difference +21), 3.Egypt 2p (2g, goal difference -17), 4.USA  0p (2g, goal difference -64)

 

17:57 CEST Full-time: Mexico vs Germany 14:42 (7:22)

Germany’s record 41-goal win against Egypt, 51:10, from four years ago at Hungary 2018 was not in danger at any time in the match against Mexico, but they surely tried to score as many as they could today, in the Golovec Arena in Celje. Only a single outfield player from Germany failed to score, while their goalkeepers – Alexandra Humpert (58% saving efficiency) and Annabell Marie Krueger (58% saving efficiency) – had stupendous games.

It was another good test for Germany before their last match of the preliminary round against Slovenia, while Mexico also prepare for the game against Chile, which is the most important of the competition. They will just need to brush up their attack, which turned the ball exactly 37 times. After two matches, Germany have the best attack in the competition, with 82 goals scored.

Group F standings: 1. Germany 4p (2g, +50 goal difference), 2. Slovenia 2p (1g, +19), 3. Chile 0p (1g, -19), 4. Mexico 0p (2g, -47)

 

17:36 CEST Hungary does not slow down

After leading by 21 goals at half-time, the Hungarians did not relax their approach in the second half and continued to increase their advantage minute after minute. With 15 minutes remaining, they are in front 38:2, which means that the USA have not scored any goals after the restart. Their players simply cannot get past the Hungarian defence, but this match with a top-level opponent will be a good lesson for their future.

 

 

17:35 CEST Jörgens climbs to third place in the top scorer standings

Germany’s back Lucy Jörgens has just climbed to the third place in the top goal scorer standings, after scoring five goals already in this game. She is now on 15 goals at Slovenia 2022, four behind the leader, Czech Republic’s Charlotte Cholevova and only one goal behind the player in the second place, India’s Bhawana Sharna.

Germany are still going strong in this game, scoring 11 goals in the first 13 minutes of the second half. The gap is getting bigger and bigger, as it will probably surpass the 22-goal win secured by Germany in their first match, against Chile. Mexico are down 22 goals themselves now, 33:11, with 17 minutes left in the game.

 

17:06 CEST Half-time: Mexico vs Germany 7:22

There is not much to say about this match than Germany clearly dominating. Whether they will top their previous record of scored goals in a single game in the competition, 51, set at Hungary 2018 against Egypt, it is still to be seen, but they definitely have the strength and put the right amount of effort, by scoring a lot of goals via fast breaks. In fact, six of their 21 goals from this half have been via fast breaks, after taking advantage of Mexico’s turnovers.

Unfortunately for Mexico, they turned the ball over 19 times, a staggering amount for a single half, and the difference on the board, one of the biggest at half-time at Slovenia 2022 is just justified. As coach Andre Fuhr started resting his key players, the gap has grown to 15 goals at the break, 22:7.

 

17:05 CEST Half-time: United States of America vs Hungary 2:23

USA needed 16 and a half minutes to score their first goal in this match, and they netted just twice in 30 minutes – this sentence is enough to illustrate the huge gap between the rivals. Reigning champions Hungary simply have much more quality, and while their defence and goalkeeping were excellent, they also increased their shot efficiency to 74% as the game progressed. There is no doubt that the European side will win this match, but the question is whether they will give USA more opportunities to score after the break.

 

16:47 CEST Germany jump to early big lead against Mexico

Mexico managed to stay near Slovenia at the start of the first game at the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, as the exuberance of their comeback in the competition was just enough to power them against a more experienced side. This time around, however, the situation is different. Germany have already secured one of the biggest wins in the competition, a 22-goal drubbing of Chile, and are set to improve their goal difference with a strong start in today’s game.

Adriana Garcia Castillo, Mexico’s coach, has already called a timeout after only nine minutes to try to instil some life into her side after Germany jumped to an early 8:3 lead. With right wing Judith Tietjen scoring three goals and the European’s side top scorer in this competition, back Lucy Joergens, adding another two, Germany have been nearly unstoppable, scoring at a rate of one goal per minute at the start of the game. After 15 minutes, the difference ballooned to eight goals, 12:4.

 

16:47 CEST USA still waiting for their first goal

Poland's defeat against Egypt earlier today means that Hungary will not be able to mathematically secure their main round spot already today. However, a win against the USA will anyway bring them closer to this goal, and the reigning champions are not wasting their time. Even with a mediocre 64 % shot efficiency, they comfortably lead 7:0 in minute 16, while the United States are still waiting for their first goal in this match.

 

16:05 CEST Full-time: Poland vs Egypt 25:27 (14:14)

This game could have ended in anyone's favour, as both teams were in front many times. Compared to their 19-goal opening defeat against Hungary, Egypt improved a lot and ultimately snatched two very important points. Their goalkeeper Mennaallah Osman did a very good job and was elected the Player of the Match. The African team had a 66% shot efficiency compared to Poland's 53%.

This win gives Egypt a good chance to qualify for the main round, if they also beat the USA tomorrow. But now let us see how the USA will play against the defending champions Hungary this evening – their match starts at 16:30 CEST, also at Zlatorog Arena.

Group H standings: 1. Poland 2p (2g, +21 goal difference). 2. Hungary 2p (1g, +19 goal difference). 3. Egypt 2p (2g, -17 goal difference). 4.USA 0p (1g, -23 goal difference)

 

15:55 CEST Full-time: Lithuania vs Romania 20:29 (11:10)

It was neither the easiest, nor the prettiest win for Romania, but they did the job and clinched the crucial two points, which would likely see them through to the main round. However, there are serious questions for coach Horatiu Pasca, as the team did not look properly focused and failed to fulfil their potential, especially in the first half. As Lithuania got more and more tired, the gap between the two sides was exposed, but still, credit to the Baltic side for pushing Romania for over 33 minutes in this game. They also cut the gap late in the game from seven goals to only four, 24:20, but it was too little, too late for them, as Romania eventually sealed a 29:20 win, ending the game on a 5:0 run.

Romania have a good path to the quarter-finals but will need to improve greatly, especially on the percentage of the shots converted by the wings. The defence must also be more focused, while the back line has been on and off throughout the whole match. If there is a warning sign in handball, this match has surely been the one for Romania.

In the last round of this phase of the competition, Romania will play against the Czech Republic, while Angola face Lithuania.

Group E standings: 1. Romania 4p (+12), 2. Angola 2p (+8), 3. Czech Republic 2p (+6), 4. Lithuania 0p (-26)

 

15:40 CEST Still close fight in second half

Both teams need a win in this encounter, but who will take two points – or maybe the rivals will share spoils? Midway through the second half, it is still an extremely hard-fought match. Poland started the second half better, but then Egypt pulled in front. In minute 46, Poland lead again, 22:20, but no one can guarantee that they will win today.

 

15:34 CEST Romania regain control

Romania have regained control of the game, but they surely were not expecting such stiff resistance from Lithuania until this late in the game. However, the misses that piled up from the wings – seven out of ten shots – have really hampered Horatiu Pasca’s side, who came into the game as a huge favourite. It is definitely a match to forget for Romania, who might have thought that this will be a walk in the park and focused on tomorrow’s game against the Czech Republic, which looked to be more important.

But Lithuania failed to take advantage of Romania’s woes, as the lack of experience really impacted them. After Romania’s goalkeeper Sara Rus was named the MVP of the previous match, it is possible to have a repeat, as the other shot-stopper, Clara Preda, has been outstanding, saving nine shots for a 42% saving efficiency. The turnovers are piling up for Lithuania now, with six lost attacks, as Romania opened a five-goal gap, 18:13, with 16 minutes to go.

 

15:10 CEST Half-time: Poland vs Egypt 14:14

An entertaining game at Zlatorog. Poland, who beat USA by 24 goals on Wednesday, are now facing a much tougher opposition. A well-organized defence and a number of saves by Mennaallah Osman helped Egypt to stay in front during most of the first half. The Polish players struggled, looked nervous and conceded three 7m shots, which were converted by the African team. Poland improved towards the end of the half and pulled in front, 14:13, yet Yara Mahmoud drew level seconds from the half-time whistle.

 

15:06 CEST Half-time: Lithuania vs Romania 11:10

We did tell you about the first surprise of the day when Angola beat the Czech Republic by 11 goals. Well, this is even bigger. Lithuania have just surprised Romania by taking a 11:10 lead, which is projected to be the biggest shock at the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship so far. Just to put everything into context, Romania beat Angola by three goals on Wednesday, while Lithuania were totally outplayed by the Czech Republic, losing by 17 goals.

And yet here we are, with the Baltic side taking an astonishing lead at the break after Romania scored only one goal in the last 11 minutes and 28 seconds of the game. It has been a first half to forget for Horatiu Pasca’s side, which definitely lacked the ability to open Lithuania’s defence at times, especially in the second part of the game. Their attacking efficiency plummeted to 48%, as Lithuania’s goalkeeper, Skirmante Gecaite had an outstanding 41% saving efficiency. Changes need to be done by Romania, otherwise, this game will definitely hurt their chances of progression to the main round, blowing the group wide open.

 

14:48 CEST Egypt lead against Poland

Poland took an early 2:0 lead, but then Egypt woke up and hit back at 4:2, forcing the Polish coach to call for his first time-out eight minutes into the match.

However, it was not of much help, as the Polish players continued to make a lot of mistakes. In turn, Egypt is playing with a lot of passion, and they are in front 8:6 in minute 15.

 

14:45 CEST Lithuania fail to deter Romania in the first 15 minutes

Judging by the first six minutes, it should be all Romania in this match against Lithuania, but the Baltic has been slowly getting back into the rhythm. Of course, Romania only need a win to virtually assure a place in the main round, the goal difference does not matter so much in this match. But after the first match, where goalkeeper Sara Rus was named the Player of the Match, the second Romanian shot-stopper, Clara Preda, has been slowly getting into form, saving three shots for an outstanding 42.8% saving efficiency.

The main problem for Romania was the right wing, where Alexandra Coman missed the first three shots, but the difference in level is quite big in this game. Romania are leading 7:4 after the first 15 minutes and are likely heading to their second win in as many matches.

 

14:20 CEST Poland looking for second straight win

Zlatorog Arena in Celje will be the venue of four matches today, and in the first of them, Poland and Egypt will meet in Group H. Poland, who opened the tournament with a commanding 37:14 win over the USA, hope to claim another victory which will most probably secure their spot in the main round.

Egypt, who were defeated by defending champions Hungary in their first game (20:39), look to bounce back now, as they need a win to stay in contention for a main round berth.

 

13:55 CEST Full-time: Czech Republic vs Angola 25:36 (13:16)

The biggest surprise of this edition of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship has just happened. In a stellar display, dazzling with speed and creativity, Angola secured an impressive win against the Czech Republic, 36:25, making a huge step towards progressing to the main round of Slovenia 2022. It was a collective effort from Angola, who had a great attacking outing and secured their biggest-ever win in the competition since a 42:23 win against Uzbekistan at Russia 2016. It was also a testament of versatility of back/line player Liliane Mario, who scored six goals, while line player Thayany Castro also added six goals, as well as back Stelvia Pascoal.

This loss will certainly impact Czech Republic’s chances of progression to the main round, after a strong 17-goal win against Lithuania in the first match. The goal difference will be crucial in a potential three-team tie with Romania and Angola and the Czech Republic will need a huge win against Romania in the next game to leapfrog one of the two sides. It remains to be seen how exactly the Czech team will clinch a win against Romania on Saturday. They will surely be down after a painful loss, which was surely unexpected and have a single day to bounce back.

Group E standings: 1. Angola 2p (2g, +8 goal difference), 2. Czech Republic 2p (2g, +6), 3. Romania 2p (1g, +3), 4. Lithuania 0p (1g, -17)

 

13:42 CEST Can the Czech Republic save something from this game?

It is getting clearer and clearer that the Czech Republic are losing this game. They will need to make some last-minute adjustments to avoid a loss against Angola, especially when defending the line player, as the African side has constantly exploited this problem in the Czech defence, with line playe Thayany Castro being their top scorer, with five goals. But, at least for this game, Angola look to have it all: a strong connection to the line player, some great shooting from their backs and the needed athleticism to stop the Czech team in defence.

On the other hand, Czech’s dependence on left back Charlotte Chovelova is starting to hurt Dusan Poloz’s team. Until the 42nd minute, Cholevova has scored nine times, half of her team’s goals, becoming the top goal scorer of the competition, with 18 goals so far. It is also true that the Czech goalkeepers, Michaela Mala and Sarka Spurna, have saved only three shots until this point in the game, which translates to a meagre 11%. Yet Angola are still leading by six goals with 16 minutes to go, 25:19, as nothing the Czech side did in defence could weather the storm. There are some gems to be uncovered in the future in this Angola junior women’s team, for sure.

 

 

13:04 CEST Half-time Czech Republic vs Angola 13:16

After Slovakia drew yesterday with the Netherlands, 27:27, this could definitely be one of the biggest surprises at the 23rd IHF Women’s Junior World Championship. At the break, Angola are leading the Czech Republic, 16:13, despite a weak start, which saw them down, 0:3. It was a remarkable comeback and the score line is surely well-deserved, with the African side dazzling through speed, intelligent passes to the line player, but also through strong shots, from backs Regina Marcos and Bernadeth Belo.

The Czech Republic were surely not expecting this kind of game from Angola, despite the African side losing by only three goals against Romania, 23:26, in a hard-fought game in the first round. They will surely need an improvement in the second half, but it is definitely hard to think what could change. Their top star, Charlotte Cholevova, has scored five goals, while Petra Kuxova added three, but they severely lacked in the line player and wings department. Let’s see how the second half unfolds.

 

12:49 CEST Angola are ready to surprise the Czech Republic

It has been a roller-coaster start of a game, as Angola failed to score in the first four minutes, finding themselves down 3:0, but mounted a superb comeback to take back the lead, 6:5, as the Czech Republic faltered and found themselves in a tough spot immediately after the tenth minute. Were it not for Angola’s lack of discipline, with three suspensions in seven minutes, the African team might just have taken a bigger lead at this moment of the game.

After 15 minutes, Angola lead 8:6, as they constantly find solutions in attack, especially ingenious passes to the line player, Thayany Castro, who scored three goals already and constantly frustrated the Czech defence. Angola are playing for their lives here and this can definitely be seen.

 

12:20 CEST Czech Republic aim to secure second win against Angola

Ready for another full day of handball? We know we are! The third day of the 23rd edition of the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship throws off with a game between Czech Republic and Angola, a clash of two different styles, which will be definitely interesting to watch, especially after the Czech side won their first game, while Angola lost against Romania.

A Czech win would virtually see them through to the main round, while Angola are nearly sure to be eliminated if they lose. However, it is not looking to be a walk in the park for the European side. Let’s see what happens.

 

12:15 CEST: The race for the top goal scorer title heats up

The parallel ranking of the top goal scorers in the competition is always entertaining to watch, as games are finished and results keep coming in. After two days in the competition, India’s Bhawana Sharna is leading the standings, with 16 goals scored in her team’s two losses in the competition so far. In fact, she scored 39% of India’s goals at Slovenia 2022, a superb performance for a rookie in such an important competition.

Three other players – Dutch back Kim Molenaar, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Fatemeh Merikhi, and Montenegro’s left wing Nadja Kadovic, have scored 15 goals, while Austria’s Kristina Dramac is placed sixth, with 14 goals, despite playing a single game so far in the competition.

 

12:00 CEST How to watch

Want to follow the action live in the halls in Celje and Lasko? Then you can do so via livestream or partly also on TV. 

Viaplay, for example, today broadcasts several matches like those of Poland. AMC / Sport 1 will cover the matches of Hungary and Czech Republic.

 

11:50 CEST Main round places up for grabs

The second day of the competition saw four teams qualify for the main round, with Japan, France, Norway and Sweden each going through to the next phase of the competition. Several European countries can progress on Friday, as the second round of the preliminary round concludes in Celje.

In Group E, Czech Republic and Romania will earn safe passage to the next round provided they secure wins against Angola and Lithuania, while hosts Slovenia and Germany will qualify if they win against Chile and Mexico in Group G.

Group H could also see two straightforward wins from Poland and Hungary, which would see the two sides qualified, while the two winners from Group G, Croatia and Austria, collide with the winner being virtually safe for progression.

 

11:15 CEST Czech Republic relies on experience and friendship to go through

With a 33:16 win against Lithuania in their maiden game at the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, the Czech Republic missed beating their record for the largest win in the competition by only three goals, with the 39:19 win against Kazakhstan at Croatia 2014 still staying firm for now.

But left back Charlotte Cholevova picked up where she left off at the Women’s 19 EHF EURO 2021, where she scored 55 goals, being the second top scorer of the competition, by putting nine goals on the board.

Inspired by another Czech left back, Marketa Jerabkova, who was the MVP of the EHF FINAL4, Cholevova wants to help her side enjoy the best-ever result at the IHF Women’s Junior World Championship.

You can read her story here.

 

10:30 CEST Third day at Slovenia 2022 throws off

Welcome to today's live blog for the 2022 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship, the place you will find everything you need for the competition that hosts the best junior players in women’s handball.

As usual, you are just one click away for every meaningful piece of information from our website and on the competition mini-site, including the schedule, the results and the freshest stats to see who’s hot and who’s not at Slovenia 2022.