Denmark passed their biggest test so far at the 2021 IHF Women’s World Championship, defeating Hungary by 11 goals (30:19) which saw Jesper Jensen’s side concede just eight second half goals with goalkeeper Althea Reinhardt saving 18 of the 36 shots she faced after playing nearly all of the match.
 
MAIN ROUND GROUP III
Denmark vs Hungary 30:19 (15:11)
 
Spectators inside the Palau d’Esports in Granollers may be thinking they have seen one of the possible medallists at Spain 2021 as Denmark turned in a blistering performance.
 
Maybe they are hungry for world championship success after years in the wilderness which has seen them win just one medal since 1997 but they faced a Hungary side depleted by injury and illness with players filling in gaps on court and youngsters taking on responsibility early.
 
A shaky start saw Denmark not go in front until the 17th minute (8:7) following a 4:0 run and they never went behind again, taking a 15:11 half-time lead and then switching tactics late on to go 7 vs 6 and nullify any potential comeback for Hungary.
 
Katrin Klujber looked uncomfortable early on for Hungary and registered just under four minutes on court before moving to the bench for the remainder of the game while youngster Greta Kacsor was only used for a blink of an eye as coach Golovin Ylagymir looked for other ways forward for his team.
 
“I'm very disappointed, because I felt [we would have] more success in this game before the match,” said Hungary’s Reka Bordas after the match. “In defence, we weren't enough disciplined as we were against Germany (last time out). We have two more matches in the main so we have to go forward.”
 
Denmark coach Jesper Jensen again said he was proud of his team following the match and went and went even further, calling the performance extraordinary which saw his side go 10 goals ahead in the 52nd minute (26:16).
 
“Hungary have so much talent and what we did today I believe was extraordinary,” said Jensen. “The defence worked so hard to bring some good positions for the shooters and tried to push hard with our fast-break and we were lucky today.”
 
“We played as a team and that’s one of our biggest strengths,” added Denmark player Laerke Pedersen. “I have an amazing team.”
 
Late registration Michala Moller scored her first-ever World Championship goal for Denmark after being brought into the squad earlier this week.
 
hummel Player of the Match: Althea Reinhardt, Denmark