Just over one month after Hungary claimed their first Women’s Junior World Championship title, the nation have the chance to celebrate another historic success. The Under 18 squad followed the example of the older generation and reached the trophy match at the 2018 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship with little trouble, defeating Asian champions Republic of Korea in the opening semi-final in Hall Legionow.

The second semi-final saw Russia qualify for their second straight Women’s Youth World Championship final, as they defeated Sweden to extend their perfect record at Poland 2018. 

 

Semi-final: Hungary vs Republic of Korea 34:29 (19:12)

It was expected to be an interesting clash of tactics, but Hungary proved they were far more prepared to control their opponents from the first whistle. Though Hungary’s players were pushed somewhat out of their comfort zone by the pace of the Asian champions’ attack, they controlled the game from the first whistle to the last, scoring the opening goals and allowing the game to stand level only once, at 3:3 in the sixth minute.

That was the last time Korea were in reach of the Women’s 17 EHF EURO 2017 bronze medallists, as Hungary pulled ahead to lead 10:6 at the end of the first quarter and hold a seven-goal advantage at the break. The depth of Hungary’s squad allowed coach Beata Bohus to rotate extensively without losing any quality in the game, and by the end of the match all but two players had stepped on the court to contribute to the victory.

Hungary initially had some trouble against Korea’s flexible, offensive defence, but as the match progressed it became clear the Asian champions simply could not challenge their powerful opponents enough to threaten the score line.

Players of the match:
Hungary: Csenge Kuczora
Republic of Korea: Yejin Yun

Semi-final: Sweden vs Russia 23:29 (13:17)

It was a strong opening to the match that won Russia the second Poland 2018 semi-final, as the defending champions quickly created an advantage before Sweden found their rhythm and kept pace for the rest of the game. Russia pulled ahead to lead 4:1 by the fifth minute, when Sweden coach Niklas Harris called his first time-out, but the critical damage was already done.

The Scandinavian side were something of a surprise in the semi-finals, as they entered the knock-out stage as the fourth-ranked team in Group B, while the remaining three squads in the medal round all topped their preliminary groups. However, Sweden have proved that all that matters is performing in the critical stages, playing strong eighth- and quarter-finals to reach the penultimate stage. Against Russia, it was the early deficit that hurt them.

After the time-out in minute five, Sweden began to play on an equal level with their favoured opponents, but could never close the gap completely. Russia started with Nadezda Kolesnikova in goal rather than the top-ranked keeper at Poland 2018, Anna Vereshchak. Kolesnikova had a solid game, saving at 36%, though she was replaced by Vereshchak for the final 20 minutes of the first period when Sweden became more of a threat.

Both teams played strong 6-0 defence and efficient positional attack, with neither side able to score fast breaks – Sweden tallied three in the match, while Russia scored none on the counter attack. But Russia were always in control after they opened the early lead. At the final whistle, the 2016 title winners celebrated qualification for what is their second consecutive Women’s Youth World Championship final and third overall.

Players of the match:
Sweden: Isabelle Andersson
Russia: Valeriia Kirdiasheva