After a spectacular game between Czech Republic and Slovakia for the third main round spot in Group E, the audience in Llíria was treated to another exciting match to determine the first place in the group. Germany and Hungary showed all they got during highly entertaining 60 minutes. 

In the end, the Germany side finished strong on both ends of the floor and secured the top of the table, remaining unbeaten at this World Championship. 

GROUP E
Germany vs Hungary 25:24 (14:9) 

Both Germany and Hungary struggled to score in the first three minutes, then Julia Maidhof and Antje Lauenroth opened the game in style for Germany. Greta Marton’s goal to get the offence going was important for Hungary. After that, the game continued with slight advantages for the Germany side. Maidhof scored another incredible goal to push her team to 6:3 after twelve minutes. 

However, Hungary stayed close and did not let the Germans pull away. Noemi Hafra scored her second goal of the night to keep her team in punching distance. Another Marton goal and two contributions by Szandra Szollosi-Zacsik even put Hungary in front, 8:7 in minute 17. Germany seemed only shocked by that for a couple minutes, then coach Henk Groener saw his team pulling away again. At half-time, Germany had the lead again, with Alicia Stolle scoring with the buzzer to make it a five-goal lead, 14:9.  

Whatever Hungarian coach Vladimir Golovin said in the half-time, it had an impact on his players. With three consecutive goals to start off the second half, they made it clear that they still had a say in this game. 

Germany looked a bit shocked at this point, and with a German suspension and more Hungarian goals, the match was tied at 16:16. Meike Schmelzer put Germany in front again but Hungary kept scoring, too. In addition, Hungary had a key player in goalkeeper Blanka Biro, who saved numerous attempts from the Germany side. Even after a two-goal deficit, Hungary cut the gap and drew level again. It was 21:21 with 13 minutes on the clock. 

Five minutes before the end, Germany had another two-goal lead as Alina Grijseels and Schmelzer scored. Katharina Filter added a brilliant safe against Katrin Gitta Klujber to seal the deal. 

Germany finish first in Group E, carrying over the wins against Hungary and Czech Republic, who both also qualified for the main round. Hungary thus enter the next stage, which will start on Wednesday, with a balanced track record of one win and one loss.  

hummel Player of the Match: Blanka Biro, Hungary 

Photo: RFEBM / J. Navarro