The importance of this game was visible and palpable throughout the entire match. The Czech Republic had a better start into the game, then Slovakia came back strong but would lose the lead again to the Czechs at half-time after receiving a red card. The second half was just as exciting as the first as the teams stayed head-to-head with the final possession to decide in favour of the Czechs. 

GROUP E
Czech Republic vs Slovakia 24:23 (15:14)

It was a low-scoring game in the beginning as both teams missed several shots after Marketa Jerabkova’s goal in the first minute. It took six minutes until the Czechs scored again and shortly after, the Slovaks broke the ban through Simona Szarkova. The atmosphere was tense as both teams desperately needed this win to advance. 

After 10 minutes, the Czech Republic looked stronger so far, leading 5:2. But Slovakia recovered and used the opportunity when Jerabkova received a two-minute suspension. With two goals, Barbora Lancz cut the deficit to make it a one-goal-match (6:5). Slovakia were now in the game, managing a draw despite being one player short themselves. Goalkeeper Viktoria Oguntoyava had an outstanding evening so far and initiated several fast breaks, which led to easy goals. When Bibiana Stefanikova put Slovakia up by three goals, the Czech Republic had to call for a time-out. The game got even more intense with Karin Bujnochova of Slovakia being red carded after a foul. Approaching half-time, the Czech Republic gave the match another turn as they took the lead again. 

Szarkova opened the second half to tie the game once more (16:16). Shortly after that, it was also even in red cards as Czech Republic's Michaela Holanova had to leave the game. Both teams performed equally strong in the further course of the half – staying head-to-head with no one escaping further.

Ten minutes before the end, the game was tied again: 21:21. Dominika Zachova put her Czechs up again – Boglarka Bizik was quick to answer. In the final minutes, of course, no one wanted to make the mistake that could decide the game. Jerabkova scored to put the Czech Republic up by two goals just three minutes before the end and it looked like the game have turned for good. But Stefanikova replied once more for Slovakia – the final say in the game, however, had goalkeeper Petra Kudlackova, who saved the win for the Czech Republic. 

The main round starts on Wednesday 8 December 2021 with the Czech Republic alongside Germany and Hungary. Slovakia remain heartbroken after this tough loss and will compete in the President's Cup. 

hummel Player of the Match: Viktoria Oguntoyava, Slovakia

Photo: RFEBM / J. Navarro