(photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
The hour of decision approaches in this year’s women’s handball European Championship, where Hungary and Norway will face each other in the first semifinal in Vienna. Can the handball girls make it to the final?
Hungary in first semifinal as 2012
It has been several lean years for Hungarian women’s handball at the national team level. Györ has dominated the Women’s Champions League, while the national team has barely managed to break into the top 10 in championships. This year, however, it has finally turned around, as they are in their first semifinal since the Euro 2012.
Back then, they were defeated 30-19 by none other than Norway, where they eventually went home with a bronze medal after beating the host nation Serbia. They have participated in every women’s handball Euro so far, where they have won gold once (2000) and bronze three times.
In this year’s championship,they have won six out of seven matches,but the loss to France in the last main round game meant they had to settle for second place in the group. Katrin Klujber is among the tournament’s stars so far with 46 goals; can she shoot them to a much-desired final?
Norway in third consecutive Euro semifinal
The handball Euro has been a bit of a parade for Norway so far. The two-time reigning champions have won seven out of seven matches in the group stage and main round, something only they and France have achieved this year. They have also scored the most goals of any team, with Henny Reistad being Norway’s top scorer with 35 goals.
Norway has dominated considerably in the handball Euro, marking their third consecutive semifinal and 14th overall. In fact, the Norwegian handball girls have lost a semifinal in the euro only once before, which happened all the way back in the first championship in 1994. Will it be another final in Thorir Hergeirsson’s last tournament as Norwegian national team coach?
Previous encounters
Hungary has faced Norway several times in various handball tournaments over the years. They last met in a major championship in the last Euro in 2022, where Norway won 32-22 in the group stage. Norway has won ten consecutive matches head-to-head, with hungary’s last victory coming in the Euro 2014 (29-25).
That is actually the only victory the Hungarians have against the Norwegian handball girls in the Euros, as they have or else lost twelve out of twelve matches against Norway in the championship’s history. This includes three losses in the semifinals, in 1998, 2004, and 2012, respectively. Will the Norwegian dominance continue in Vienna,or can Hungary surprise?
Path to the semifinal – Hungary
12.12.24, main round: Hungary – France 27-30
08.12.24, main round: Hungary – Romania 37-29
06.12.24, main round: Hungary – Poland 31-21
05.12.24, main round: Hungary – Montenegro 26-20
02.12.24, group stage: North Macedonia – Hungary 19-29
30.11.24, group stage: Sweden – Hungary 25-32
28.11.24,group stage: Hungary – Turkey 30-24
Path to the semifinal – Norway
11.12.24, main round: Switzerland – Norway 24-40
09.12.24, main round: Norway – germany 33-27
07.12.24, main round: Netherlands – Norway 21-31
05.12.24,main round: Denmark – Norway 24-27
02.12.24,group stage: slovakia – Norway 15-38
30.11.24, group stage: Norway – Austria 38-24
28.11.24, group stage: Norway – Slovenia 33-26
Where to watch the semifinal Hungary – Norway
Both semifinal matches will be broadcast on TV 2’s platforms.The match between Hungary and Norway will be shown on the main channel TV 2 Direkt, and it can also be followed via streaming on TV 2 Play. The game is scheduled for Friday, December 13, at 17:45.
FAQ
The semifinal in the handball Euro 2024 will be shown on TV on TV 2 Direkt. The match will also be streamed on TV Play.
The match will be played on Friday, December 13, at 17:45 in Vienna, Austria.
The Norwegian handball girls are the reigning champions of the women’s handball Euro.Norway has won a total of nine Euro golds, including two consecutive championships in 2020 and 2022.
What are the past performances of Norway and Hungary in women’s handball championships?
Interview: Exploring the High Stakes of Women’s Handball Championship
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our interview segment where we delve deep into the exciting world of women’s handball. Joining me today is renowned handball expert, Dr. maya Jensen, who has been following the sport closely for years. Dr. Jensen,thanks for being here!
Dr. Maya Jensen: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exhilarating championship.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. We are on the cusp of an electrifying semifinal between norway and hungary. What makes this match so meaningful for both teams?
Dr. Jensen: This matchup is momentous for both teams for different reasons. For Hungary, it’s their first semifinal appearance since 2012, marking a much-needed resurgence in their national team’s performance. After years of lower placements, they have finally made it to this critical stage, and it’s a huge milestone for them. On the other hand,Norway is looking to defend its title as the reigning champions,having already secured the championship in two consecutive Euros. The pressure is definitely on both sides!
Editor: Hungary has had quite a journey to this point. They’ve had a strong presence in the tournament, with standout performances like Katrin Klujber’s remarkable 46 goals. What do you think has changed for the Hungarian team this year?
Dr. Jensen: That’s a great question. The Hungarian team has frequently enough been overshadowed by their domestic club successes, particularly with Györ dominating the women’s Champions League. However, this year’s performance reflects a renewed strategy and cohesion within the national squad. Klujber’s skill and consistency have been instrumental, but it’s also about the team’s overall improvements in their gameplay and mental toughness, which has enabled them to perform under pressure.
Editor: And what about Norway? With their undefeated record so far, do you see any weaknesses that Hungary could exploit, or is Norway too strong?
dr.Jensen: Norway is indeed formidable; they boast depth and experience, especially with players like Henny Reistad leading the scoring charts. However, every team has weaknesses. Norway can sometimes struggle against a well-organized defense, and if Hungary can disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on counter-attacks, they might create scoring opportunities.The key will be for Hungary to maintain discipline and focus throughout the match.
Editor: Looking ahead, what implications could this semifinal have for the future of women’s handball in both countries?
Dr. Jensen: This match could significantly shape the narrative for both teams moving forward. For Hungary, success here could reinvigorate interest and investment in women’s handball domestically, possibly attracting more young players to the sport. As for Norway,continuing their dominance reinforces their status as a powerhouse in women’s handball,possibly influencing their development programs and talent pipelines.
Editor: It’s exciting to consider how this tournament can impact both nations beyond just the scoreboard.Lastly, how do you predict the match will unfold? Any predictions?
Dr.Jensen: while it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes in such a high-stakes matchup, I believe it will be closely contested. If Hungary can leverage their home game energy and delve into a defensive strategy, we could see a thrilling bout. Ultimately, it could come down to the last few minutes—I expect a nail-biter for fans!
Editor: Dr. Jensen, thank you for your insightful analysis and for joining us today! We look forward to witnessing this pivotal match.
Dr. Jensen: Thank you! It’s always thrilling to watch how these champions perform under pressure. Let the best team win!