Russia defeated the Netherlands 15:10 in the last match of the European qualifications for the Women’s World League Super Final.
That means that Hungary, Spain, Russia, and Greece will represent Europe at the Final Eight.
The Dutch needed two points in today’s match to qualify for the F8. On the other side, the Russians had already qualified before this match, since they will be the hosts of the F8. But, Russia took this match seriously finished the group stage with a nice win.
Women’s World League, European Qualification Tournament, Budapest
March 27 (Day 6 of the European qualifications)
Netherlands – Russia 10:15 (1:2, 3:4, 2:4, 4:5)
Netherlands:Van de Kraats 4, Keuning 2, Genee 1, Van der Sloot 1, Sevenich 1, Koolhaas 1.
Russia: Karimova 4, Ivanova 4, Bersneva 1, Prokofyeva 1, Churzina 1, Glyzina 1, Simanovich 1, Timofeeva 1, Fedotova 1.
The Dutch had 11 players on the team due to the disciplinary sanctions, just like yesterday against Spain. The Netherlands defeated Spain with this shorter roster, but they ran out of gas for a new feat.
Russia led throughout the game. The Netherlands equalized just once (1:1). In the middle of the second quarter, the Russians already had a 4-goal advantage (6:2). The Dutch tried to keep close to the rival, but they just managed to reduce the gap to two goals (4:6 and 6:8). Russia scored two goals in the last minute of the third period to earn a safe 10:6 lead before the final quarter and controlled the match until the end.
1 Hungary 6 – 16
2 Spain 6 – 14
3 Russia 6 – 9*
4 Greece 6 – 9*
5 Netherlands 6 – 8
6 Italy 6 – 7
7 France 6 – 0
*Head to head: Russia – Greece 12:9
