Montenegro, Croatia and Switzerland join EURO line-up

• Matea Pletikosić and Djurdjina Jaukovic both scored seven goals in the highlight match, with the former named Player of the Match
• Switzerland recorded a 19-goal win against Bosnia and Herzegovina to clinch an EHF EURO 2026 ticket in emphatic fashion
• Anastasija Babović Vujović played a key role in the highlight match, making 12 saves (42 per cent save efficiency) to neutralise Portugal’s attack
• Lucija Bešen made an outstanding 17 saves (48 per cent) in Croatia’s win against Finland and was named Player of the Match
• The Netherlands limited Italy to just eight first-half goals on their way to a dominant 15-goal victory
• Andjela Janjušević (9) and Tijana Simić (7) combined for 16 goals for Serbia in Klaipėda

GROUP 1

Finland vs Croatia 18:32 (9:16)

Top scorers: Ellen Voutilainen 5/13 (Finland); Dejana Milosavljević 6/7 (Croatia)

The low-scoring start to the match suited Finland more, as Tomas Westerlund’s squad managed to keep up with Croatia until the 10th minute (4:5), when Emma Aarnio received a direct disqualification for a dangerous challenge while stopping Andrea Šimara from scoring on a fast break.

This proved to be a turning point in the match, as Croatia gained momentum and allowed only three goals between the 15th minute and half-time, resulting in a solid seven-goal lead at the break. Ivica Obrvan’s side carried that momentum into the second half and marched confidently towards securing a ticket for the final tournament. Croatia’s advantage continued to grow, eventually reaching 14 goals, as the Shock Queens celebrated a deserved victory in Vantaa.

Kosovo vs France 17:44 (10:21)

Top scorers: Vanesa Kastrati 6/15 (Kosovo); Emma Jacques 6/6 (France)

With Kosovo being one of only three national teams without a point in the qualifiers, Agron Shabani’s squad looked determined to leave a positive impression against the favoured France in Prishtina from the throw-off.

Despite Sébastien Gardillou’s side showing their quality, Kosovo stayed relatively close to Les Bleues during the opening 15 minutes, but Kiara Tshimanga initiated a four-goal run before half-time, allowing France to take a double-digit lead (10:21) into the break.

The French coach made full use of his squad in the second half, giving playing time to every outfield player and goalkeeper, resulting in everyone getting on the scoresheet. Léa Fargues and Floriane André each made seven saves, enabling their teammates to dominate offensively and secure a convincing victory.

GROUP 2

Italy vs Netherlands 20:35 (8:17)

Top scorers: Ilaria Dalla Costa 5/13 (Italy); Nikita van der Vliet 8/12 (Netherlands)

The qualified Dutch made no room for Italy to surprise Nikita van der Vliet & co. with the Oranje Dames making an impressive start and limiting the hosts to only a couple of goals scored (2:8) until the 14th minute.

The match quickly turned into a one-way street for the Italians, as the Netherlands took a nine-goal lead (8:17) at half-time. Henrik Signell's squad did not stop in the second half, and the talented Daphne Luchies scored in the 43rd minute to take the Netherlands' advantage (12:27) to 15 goals, bringing an end to any Italy hopes for mounting a comeback. In the end, the Dutch secured a win to remain unbeaten and keep their perfect record in the qualifiers with another eye-catching performance

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Switzerland 13:32 (7:21)

Top scorers: Ana Lovrić 5/9 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Nuria Bucher 8/10 (Switzerland)

With a draw or a win taking Switzerland to the EHF EURO 2026, the Knut Ove Joa-led squad began the match on the front foot in Cazin leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina behind early with Mia Emmenegger & co. rushing into a double-digit lead (4:14) in the 17th minute.

Subsequently, the Swiss were lightning quick in attack and on the break, while Lea Schüpbach was impressive in goal and allowed only seven goals until the half-time break. Not much changed in the second half, as Switzerland continued to dominate and only strengthened their already big lead with their advantage rising to emphatic 20 goals (9:29) in the 44th minute. In the end, the impressive Swiss secured a massive win and thus a place at the final tournament with the second place in group 2 clinched as well.

GROUP 4

Highlight Match: Portugal vs Montenegro 26:34 (13:17)

Top scorers: Carmen Figueiredo 7/15 (Portugal); Matea Pletikosić 7/10, Djurdjina Jaukovic 7/9 (both Montenegro)

Portugal started the match with great energy and kept pace with Suzana Lazović’s side in the opening 20 minutes, with only one or two goals (11:12) separating the teams until the 22nd minute.

However, the introduction of Anastasija Babović Vujović in place of Armelle Attingré changed the course of the match, as the goalkeeper made five saves (56 per cent save efficiency) in a short period before half-time, allowing Montenegro to build a four-goal lead (13:17).

After the break, Matea Pletikosić continued to lead the attack, while Tatjana Brnović posed constant problems for Portugal on both ends of the court, with the line player’s physical presence causing major difficulties for the hosts. Montenegro’s quality and experience helped them extend their lead to double digits (21:31) in the 48th minute, which proved more than enough to secure a convincing victory and another EHF EURO appearance.

GROUP 5

Lithuania vs Serbia 34:36 (18:20)

Top scorers: Gabija Pilikauskaitė 11/15 (Lithuania); Andjela Janjušević 9/11 (Serbia)

The match remained evenly balanced for most of the first half, with the scoreline shifting back and forth as neither team managed to build more than a two-goal lead.

However, two late goals in the 29th minute from Aleksandra Stamenić and Aleksandra Vukajlović gave Serbia a narrow advantage at the break.

The same pattern continued in the second half until the 49th minute, when Serbia created a decisive five-goal lead (26:31), which ultimately proved crucial in deciding the outcome.

Although Lithuania attempted a late comeback, Serbia’s experience ensured they held on for the win, collecting two important points to remain second in group 5 ahead of Ukraine.