Hungary secure main round spot after a spectacular comeback

Hungary are the first team from Group D to secure the main round berth after an incredible comeback against Iceland. The Hungarians withstood the high pressure and loud cheering of the Icelanders with the help of goalkeeper Roland Mikler.

Group D

Iceland vs Hungary 28:30 (17:12)

What a start for Bjarki Már Elisson with three consecutive goals for an early 3:1 lead against Hungary. The high-intensity match soon saw Hungary level as Máté Lékai scored from seven metres for 4:4.

With his first goal of the night, Ómar Ingi Magnússon restored a two-goal lead from the start of the match, but it was a short-term satisfaction. Hungary rebounded and scored an equaliser.

Hungary's defence tried to keep it tight and aggressive, but they did not stop Iceland. Moreover, two two-minute suspensions in a short period really shook their game. Add six saves by Björgvin Páll Gústavsson, and you get a 5-0 goal run, setting the biggest gap at 13:8.

Head coach Chema Rodríguez had no other option than to call a time-out. However, Icelanders were merciless with their blocks and powerful shots, leaving no space for Hungary to cut the opponent's lead.

It seemed like the match was going to be one-sided, as with each new goal it seemed like the Kristianstad Arena was about to the explode with roaring Iceland fans clapping and jumping for their team.

As time passed, Hungary started to act nervous and did not utilise the chances given to them. Iceland took advantage of that to keep the gap of five to six goals. Then, Rodríguez tried to change to course of the match by substituting some players, and it worked.

The good reaction of the defensive players allowed a breakthrough and Zoran Ilic netted for 26:23. Only a few minutes later, Zoltán Szita repeated the same, closing the gap even more (25:27).

What to say about the finish of the match? What a comeback from Hungary!

In the third attempt, Hungary finally grabbed an equaliser following a turnover and the lost ball on Iceland's side. And you know the saying that it's not the number of saves that count, but the ones you make in crunch time? Well, exactly that happened as Roland Mikler built the wall on his side. He stopped three consecutive shots by Elisson, leaving Iceland in awe.

Bolstered by the happenings in defence, Hungary's attack was precise and efficient, with Richárd Bodó being the team's first name. Bodó scored two last goals and left fans in blue with tears in their eyes.

Hungary will now take on Portugal to secure the first spot in the group, while Iceland will try to break Korea to make amends.

Iceland's head coach Guðmundur Guðmundsson did not hide his dissatisfaction: "We are disappointed. It was a white and black match for us. We played well for 53 minutes, but we made too many technical mistakes in the second half and we were not scoring from clear chances. Our defence was not at its best in the second half, but when we scored for 28:25, I really believed we had the win." 

"It was a really tough match, but the most important thing was that we were fighting until the end. We are like a family, just like coach Rodríguez said. In the first half, we made too many mistakes in the attack and could not stop their fast breaks. We reduced the mistakes in the second part, Roland Mikler was great in goal and when we saw a chance for a turnover, we took it", said left back Zoltán Szita with a smile on his face at the press conference.

hummel Player of the Match: Bjarki Már Elisson (Iceland)