Women’s Handball Team Triumphs over France to Win European Bronze Medal

In a match for the ages, the Hungarian national women’s handball team defeated reigning world champions and Olympic silver medalists France 25-24 to secure the bronze medal at the European Women’s Handball Championship. The game, held in Vienna on Sunday, marked Hungary’s fourth European bronze, adding to their successes in 1998, 2004, and 2012.

The bronze-medal match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with Hungary holding a narrow 13-12 lead at halftime. In front of a roaring crowd of 8,775 spectators, including a large contingent of Hungarian fans, the team displayed exceptional grit and determination against one of the world’s top squads.

Hungary’s standout player, Katrin Klujber, was the driving force behind the victory, scoring nine goals and securing her position as the tournament’s top scorer with 60 goals. Goalkeeper Zsófi Szemerey was another hero of the match, making 13 critical saves, including a decisive seven-meter penalty stop in the final minutes.

The victory avenged Hungary’s earlier losses to France this year, including a defeat in the semi-finals of this very tournament.

This win improved their overall record against France to 32 victories in 58 encounters.

Hungary’s performance was characterized by resilience and smart tactics. After a nervous start that saw France take an early 5-3 lead, Hungarian head coach Vladimir Golovin called a timeout to refocus his players. The strategy worked, as Hungary rallied to a 10-7 lead midway through the first half.

France, however, fought back, closing the gap repeatedly, but Hungary held their composure. The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the score tied at 16-16 midway through. The game remained on a knife’s edge until the final minute, with Hungary leading 23-22. Klujber’s brilliant defensive play -chasing down and deflecting a potential French equalizer- and her subsequent conversion of a penalty ensured Hungary’s victory.

The victory is a historic achievement for Hungary, marking their return to the European handball elite.

The tournament also saw several Hungarian players earn individual accolades, including Petra Simon, named Best Young Player, and Viktória Győri-Lukács, who scored the winning goal.

French stars Estelle Nze Minko and Pauletta Foppa, both key players in Hungarian club teams, played valiantly but fell short in the face of Hungary’s united front.

With this bronze medal, Hungary continues to build momentum in women’s handball. The team’s blend of experienced players like Klujber and rising stars such as Simon showcases a promising future.

Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Tóth Zsombor