Denmark mounted a late comeback to beat Hungary and top Main Round Group I, producing a sharp surge to steal a 28:27 victory and finish the main round unbeaten.

Main Round, Group I
Hungary vs Denmark 27:28 (15:13)

The first 15 minutes offered exactly what was expected: a hard, balanced start in which neither side managed to break away. Both goalkeepers were in focus early, with Zsófi Szemerey making six saves at 50% and Anna Kristensen close behind with five stops at 38%.

Denmark had the edge on a few occasions, but as the half moved on, that small difference in goalkeeping began to show. Hungary were the first to pull two goals ahead at 8:6, putting real pressure on Denmark and forcing Helle Thomsen into a time-out. The reaction came quickly, and thanks to Andrea Aagot’s third goal of the day, Denmark levelled again at 9:9.

From there, neither team stepped back, trading goals and short leads until the 28th minute. Neither side backed down and the lead kept changing hands between the 20th and 28th minute. But when the half started slipping into its closing moments, Szemerey produced two crucial saves that opened just enough space for Hungary to breathe. They headed into the break with a deserved two-goal edge at 15:13.

After the break, it was Hungary who imposed their rhythm and completely shut down Denmark's recognisable game. In just six minutes, they went up by four, running fast and not allowing Denmark to take over. The Danish side, who were the second-best attack ahead of this game, were on just 47% attack efficiency, struggling more than usual, and nerves started to creep in.

But if Denmark knows one thing, it is how to deal with pressure. With a defensive approach that forced Hungary into mistakes, Denmark narrowed the gap to two (21:23) by the 45th minute. Amalie Milling entered the court instead of Anna Kristensen and made a crucial save to push her side even closer, as Trine Jensen netted a nice one from the wing for a one-goal game (22:23).

The momentum clearly shifted. Even when Hungary briefly went up 26:24, Denmark responded again, Milling adding more key stops, and in the 54th minute they completed the turnaround, taking their first lead since 6:5. Two minutes later, they were up 28:26.

Whether it was fatigue or nerves, Hungary lost clarity in attack and, although they pushed for a late comeback with a 5-1 defence, Szemerey's 19th save gave them one last chance to at least secure a draw, but they failed.

Denmark closed the main round on a perfect record, winning Group I and heading into the quarter-finals with full confidence. Hungary suffered their first defeat but advanced as the second-placed team. Both now await the outcome of France against Netherlands to learn their quarter-final opponent.

hummel Player of the Match: Petra Simon (Hungary)