The girls’ semi-finals of the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing are confirmed with the completion of the preliminary round on Friday (23 August) – and both will be intercontinental duels: After the Russian win over Korea, Sweden beat Brazil in the decisive match of group B by 32:24 and - like the Russians – finally top their group.

Brazil will face Russia in their semi on Sunday, while Sweden will compete with Korea before for the ticket to the final, which is played on Monday.

Angola and China will face twice on Sunday and Monday in the placement matches for the positions 5/6.

Girls’ tournament:

Group B:

Sweden – Brazil 32:24 (16:11)

After both sides had beaten host China before and both were already confirmed for their semi-final spot, Sweden had an easier match than expected to win the group.

Thanks to the great performance of Olivia Mellegard, who scored all her seven goals in the first half, the Scandinavians had gained a five goal advance at the break – and intermediately had even been ahead by 11:5. On the other hand, Brazilian goalkeeper Maite de Lima prevented her team from an even bigger backlog by saving eight Swedish shots only in the first half.

In the first ten minutes after the break Brazil had their best period, reducing the gap to only three goals at 20:17, but then Sweden – backed by goalkeeper Joumana Chaddad (14 saves) - took the full control and ran a series of successfully accomplished fast-break to latest decide this encounter at 24:18 in minute 44. The Brazilian resistance was broken and the Pan-Americans lacked the power and precision to endanger the victory. Best Brazilian scorers were Bruna Almeida and Talita Alves, scoring six times each.

 
The further schedule of the girls tournament in Nanjing (all times are local):

Sunday, 24 August:

Placement match 5/6:

9:00: Angola vs. China

 

Semi-finals:

13:00 Korea vs. Sweden

15:30: Russia vs. Brazil