The Great Britain Women’s National Team is currently in Poland taking part in EHF Group Qualification Play for the Women’s 2011 World Championships. Through 3 rounds of play, Great Britain has a 2-0-1 record with wins over Cyprus (39-20) and Slovakia (27-26) as well as a loss against Austria (30-20). The win over Cyprus is no surprise, except perhaps for the margin, but the victory over Slovakia is pretty noteworthy. Slovakia is not part of Europe’s elite, but they have a long tradition of playing the sport. To knock them off a neutral court is clearly a sign of British progress.
Going into the final two rounds of games, it’s even possible that Britain could play Poland in a winner take all match on Sunday to qualify for the next round. Austria will need to lose to both Poland and Slovakia for that scenario to play out. A prospect that is conceivable with Poland hosting the event and Slovakia playing Poland close, losing 28-31.
British Handball: Injury Mars Great Britain Win Over Cyprus: http://fastbreak-handballnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/injury-mars-great-britain-win-over.html
British Handball: Last-Gasp Goal Helps GB Women Beat Slovakia: http://fastbreak-handballnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-gasp-goal-helps-gb-women-beat.html
EHF 2011 Women’s World Championship Qualification Page: http://www.eurohandball.com/wch/women/2011/round/3/Qualification+Europe