They finished third in Group B and will face the Italian, Croatian, Greek or the U.S. team in Wednesday's quarter-finals.Continue reading
Our women’s handball team fell out of the Paris Olympics after a narrow 36-32 loss to Sweden in extra time during the quarter-finals. Despite a valiant effort, the team’s journey in the tournament ended, leaving them to reflect on their close miss at reaching the semi-finals.
Hungary led in the final minute of normal time, but Sweden equalized with five seconds remaining. The match went into extra time, where Hungary failed to score in the first half, ultimately losing 36-32. Hungary’s path to the quarter-finals included a loss to France (31-28), a win against Brazil (25-24), a draw with Angola (31-31), and a victory over Spain (27-24).
Photo: MTI / Illyés Tibor
The team finished third in their group with two wins, one draw, and two defeats. Goalkeeper Kinga Janurik and point guard Kinga Debreczeni-Klivinyi returned for the quarter-finals, but despite their efforts, Sweden prevailed.
Head Coach Vladimir Golovin reflected on the game, saying:
it is hard to say what decided the game. For 60 minutes, we played great; we took the lead. There could have been a shot on goal, a save, a lot could have been different in the last ten seconds.”
He expressed pride in the team’s performance throughout the tournament, noting, “we are definitely disappointed but also proud to have gotten here and to have shown through six games what a strong team we are. We have never been in this position as a national team to play in the knockout stages.”
Kinga Debreczeni-Klivinyi highlighted the missed opportunity in the final seconds, stating: “We really wanted to make a miracle. I am really sorry about that last cross goal in normal time, because we knew what was coming, we just should have knocked it down.” She emphasized the team’s preparation and disappointment:
it is such a good team, and we so deserved to be in the last four, and I am so disappointed.”
Petra Simon noted the psychological advantage Sweden had in extra time, commenting: “We were very close to achieving a bravo, but I do not think an Olympic eighth is such a bad result.” She added, “It is always easier for the team that catches up at the end.”
Photo: MTI / Illyés Tibor
Our women’s handball team showed resilience and strength throughout the Olympics, advancing to the quarter-finals and challenging Sweden to the end. Despite their elimination, the team’s performance highlighted their potential and growth, leaving a foundation for future successes.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Illyés Tibor