It’s decision day for the 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships as the final day of Main Round Group play concludes with 6 matches. When the dust settles we’ll know who will play who in the semifinals on Friday. Here are the standings, scenarios, video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Tuesday, 15 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)

Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

16:00 Montenegro vs Spain (-1.5)  (Live on ehfTV)
(Commentary: Paul Bray)

18:15 France (-5.5) vs Sweden (Live on ehfTV)
(Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Denmark vs Russia (-1.5) (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch (Commentary: Paul Bray)

France will play Sweden first and then Denmark will take on Russia. Here are the 9 different possible outcomes for the combination of results for those 2 matches:

Scenarios to Make the Semifinals

Here is what each nation needs to do to advance to the semifinals:

Denmark: Denmark has to beat Russia in order to qualify for the semifinals.

France: If France wins or draws vs Sweden they will qualify for the semifinals. If France loses to Sweden they can still qualify if Russia beats Denmark or the Russia-Denmark match is a draw. They can even still qualify if Russia loses to Denmark, but it is a mathematical improbability. (See note below)

Russia: If Russia wins or draws vs Denmark they will qualify for the semifinals. If Russia loses to Denmark they will still likely qualify if Sweden beats France. (See note below)

What About 1st Place and Avoiding Norway?

Norway has looked very strong and has already won Main Round Group II. This means finishing first in the Group and avoiding Norway in the semifinals is highly desirable.

There are multiple scenarios, but Russia is in the strongest position as they are likely to win any tiebreakers with France. France is in the next strongest position as they win any tiebreakers with Denmark. Finally, Denmark does have one possibility for finishing first: Demark beating Russia and Sweden beating France

A side note on a mathematical improbability*

Russia and France are level on points and played to a 28-28 draw earlier in the competition. This means that should they finish level on points the first tiebreaker will be goal differential in all matches. Russia is currently +14 and France is +5. This means that if both France/Russia lose or both France/Russia win, France would have to gain 10 goals on Russia in the matches played. While this is possible given the teams playing it seems unlikely that much ground could be made up. Additionally, Russia playing second would know exactly what margin they would need to maintain a goal differential advantage.

Main Round Group II (Kolding, Denmark)

Main Round Group II Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

16:00 Netherlands (-4.5) vs Romania (Live on ehfTV)
(Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

18:15 Croatia vs Germany (-1.5) (Live on ehfTV)
(Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

20:30 Hungary vs Norway (-7.5) (Live on ehfTV)
(Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

Norway is undefeated and has already beaten Germany and Croatia so no matter the outcomes of matches played Tuesday they will finish first. This leaves Croatia and Germany fighting for 2nd. The Netherlands can no longer qualify, but their match vs the Romania may have an impact on which team gets second. Here are the 9 different possible outcomes for the combination of results for those 2 matches:

Scenarios to Make the Semifinals

Here is what each nation needs to do to advance to the semifinals:

Norway: Norway is guaranteed to finish first. Their match vs Hungary will have no bearing on the final standings.

Croatia: If Croatia wins or draws vs Germany they will qualify for the semifinals. If the Netherlands beats Romania they can also still qualify for the semifinals with a 1 goal loss to Germany. (See note below)

Germany: If Germany wins vs Croatia they will qualify for the semifinals. They will also have to win by 2 goals in the Netherlands beats Romania. (See note below)

Why the Netherlands has been eliminated, but their match with Romania could still impact qualification

Should the Netherlands beat Romania and Germany beat Croatia all three teams will be level on 6 points. The next tiebreaker is head to head goal differential n the 3 matches played. The table below depicts the current goal differential for each team and how that goal differential will change based on Germany’s margin of victory in the their match vs Croatia

As you can see the Netherlands has already played their two matches and is stuck at -1 goal differential. And, it is a mathematical impossibility for a -1 goal differential to ever head to the top of the table. If the Netherland had managed a 2 or larger goal win they would have had ever increasing chances. As it is, however, Croatia goes through if Germany wins by 1. If Germany wins by two or more they will go through to the semifinals.

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues with 2 main round matches from Group II. Here are the standings, odds and links to a preview article that was written before these matches were played.

Monday, 14 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group II (Kolding, Denmark)

The Netherlands and Germany play first and and both teams still have chances to make the semifinals. A German win or draw in today’s match will set up a winner take all match between Germany and Croatia tomorrow.

A Netherlands victory in today’s match will keep their hopes alive, but they can only qualify on Tuesday if the final table results in a 3 way tie between Croatia, Germany and the Netherlands. Should that happen only the results of the 3 matches between the teams will count. As a result, Netherlands not only needs to win, they need to win by several goals to improve their chances of reaching the semifinals. At a minimum, they need to win by 2 goals. And, with each goal higher than 2 they improve their chances.

The Hungary vs Romania match is strictly for pride and will have no bearing on the semifinals.
Main Round Group II Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Netherlands (-1.5) vs Germany  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

20:30 Hungary (-1.5) vs Romania (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues with 2 main round matches from Group I. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Sunday, 13 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)

Montenegro and Sweden play first and since neither team can make the semifinals this match is for pride only. Spain has also been eliminated, but if Denmark can either pick up a draw or a win vs Spain their last match on Tuesday vs Russia will be for a semifinal spot.
Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Montenegro (-1.5) vs Sweden  (Live on ehfTV) (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Denmark (-2.5) vs Spain (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch) (Commentary: Paul Bray)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues with 2 matches from Main Round Group II. Here are the standings, video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Saturday, 12 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group II (Kolding, Denmark)

Hungary and Germany play their first Main Round match. Germany starts with 2 points and if they win out they can qualify for the semifinals. Hungary starts with no points and they will need some help in order to qualify. The second match features unbeaten sides, but there’s no doubt which team is considered the pretender and which one is the contender. Norway is a 9.5 goal favorite over Croatia.
Main Round Group II Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

16:00 Hungary (-1.5) vs Germany (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

18:15 Croatia vs Norway (-9.5) (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues with 2 main round matches from Group I. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Friday, 11 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)

Russia and France both hung on for victories yesterday and are tied at the top of the table. A win for either side doesn’t quite guarantee a semifinal, but it practically does. Denmark and Sweden play the nightcap and the winner there will keep their hopes for a semifinal berth alive.
Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 France (-1.5) vs Russia  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Denmark (-1.5) vs Swedem (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships shifts to the main round with 2 matches each from Main Round Groups I and II. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Thursday, 10 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)

Russia and France carried the maximum 4 points with them from the preliminary groups and with victories today they will be one step closer to qualifying for the semifinals.
Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Montenegro vs Russia (-5.5)  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 France (-3.5) vs Spain (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Main Round Group II (Kolding, Denmark)

Norway will take on a Netherlands side that almost didn’t make it to the Main Round. Surprising Croatia will take on Romania. And, here’s a fun fact for you: Undefeated Croatia has yet to be favored in a match at the European Championships. As Rodney Dangerfield used to say, “I can’t get no respect.” For more on Croatia check out this podcast interview with Larissa Kalaus and Dora Krsnik: Link
Main Round Group II Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Croatia vs Romania (-1.5)  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

20:30 Netherlands vs Norway (-6.5) (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with the final preliminary matches in Groups A and C. Here are the video links, odds, standings, scenarios for advancing and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Tuesday, 8 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Group A (Herning, Denmark)

Group A is real simple. Denmark and France will play for 2 points in the Main Round, while Montenegro and Slovenia will play to see who takes third and advances.
Group A Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Montenegro (-1.5) vs Slovenia  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 France (-1.5) vs Denmark (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Group C (Kolding, Denmark)

Going into the tournament Croatia was a 50-1 underdog to win Group C. That bet is looking pretty good right now and their surprise showing is the talk of the tournament. Check out this podcast for more on Croatia and how they have pulled this off so far: Link Meanwhile, the current World Champions could get bounced out of the tournament if they don’t beat Hungary today.
Group C Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Serbia (-1.5) vs Croatia  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

20:30 Netherlands (-1.5) vs Hungary  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

Here are the 9 possible outcomes for the 2 matches today.

Here is what each nation needs to do to advance to the main round:

Croatia: Already qualified, but they will still want to take 2 more points into the Main Round.

Serbia: If Serbia wins or draws vs Croatia they will qualify for the Main Round. If they lose to Croatia they can still qualify if the Netherlands does not win their match vs Hungary

Hungary: If Croatia beats Serbia in the first match, Hungary qualifies for the Main Round. If, however, Serbia beats Croatia or the match is a draw, Hungary will need a win or a draw in their match vs the Netherlands.

Netherlands: For the Netherlands it’s quite simple: Beat Hungary and they will qualify regardless of the outcome of the first match.

A side note on a mathematical possibility*

You might have noticed in the chart that if Croatia beats Serbia and the Netherlands beats Hungary there is actually a 3 way tie between Hungary, Serbia in the Netherlands. However, thanks to Hungary’s 38-26 win over Serbia, Serbia would need need the Netherlands to beat Hungary by 20 goals to turn the tide on the 3 way Goal Differential tiebreaker. That may be a mathematical possibility, but, it’s just not going to happen. See below:

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with the final preliminary matches in Groups B and D. Here are the video links, odds, standings, scenarios for advancing and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Monday, 7 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Group B (Herning, Denmark)

Everything is pretty straightforward in Group B. Spain and the Czech Republic will play first to determine who will be the 3rd qualifier from the group. The Czech Republic needs to win while Spain will go through with a win or a draw. Russia and Sweden have already qualified, but their match will result will carry through to the Main Round standings.
Group B Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Spain (-3.5) vs Czech Republic  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Russia (-3.5) vs Sweden (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Group D (Kolding, Denmark)

Norway and Romania have both qualified for the Main Round and they will play a match that will carry through in the standings. Norway steamrolled over Poland and Germany by 13 and 19 goals respectively, so they are huge favorites to get another 2 points. Assuming Romania loses to Norway, Poland has a chance to qualify by beating Germany and creating a 3 way tie with (GER-ROM-POL) all level on 2 points. The tiebreaker for 3 way ties is Goal Differential among their common games and the table below shows why Poland needs to win by 4 to qualify. Germany qualifies with a win, draw or loss by 1-3 goals.

Group D Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Germany (-4.5) vs Poland  (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

20:30 Romania vs Norway (-10.5) (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues today with 2 matches each from Groups A and C. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Note for U.S. fans: Today there are no live matches on beIN Sports Xtra.

Sunday, 6 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Group A (Herning, Denmark)

Group favorites France pulled out a win in their first match against Montenegro and a win vs Slovenia will set up a showdown vs Denmark on Tuesday.  Hosts Denmark will also try to stay undefeated against the same Montenegrin team that gave France trouble.
Group A Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Slovenia vs France (-5.5)  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Montenegro vs Denmark (-3.5) (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Group C (Kolding, Denmark)

Match Day 1’s upsets have mad Group C really, really interesting as the standings are currently upside down with underdogs Serbia and Croatia with 2 points and favorites Netherlands and Hungary trailing.  Will order get restored today?  If so, the final match day could be real entertaining with every side having a clear chance to advance.
Group C Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

16:00 Serbia vs Hungary (-1.5)  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

18:15 Croatia vs Netherlands (-5.5) (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with match day 2 for Groups B and D, plus a catch up match in Group C between the Netherlands and Serbia. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.

Saturday, 5 December
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Group B (Herning, Denmark)

Russia are huge favorites to move to 2-0-0 in the Group while Spain and Sweden will play in a match that could determine 2nd place in the Group and who will take points into the main round.
Group B Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

18:15 Czech Republic vs Russia (-8.5)  (Live on ehfTV )
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

20:30 Spain (-1.5) vs Sweden (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Group D (Kolding, Denmark)

Poland and Romania clash in a match that’s likely to determine 3rd place in the group while Germany takes on Norway in a battle of unbeatens
Group D Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link

16:00 Poland vs Romania (-3.5)  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

18:15 Germany vs Norway (-6.5) (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

Group C (Kolding, Denmark)

For awhile there it looked like Serbia’s two positive COVID tests results might lead to more positives and the team getting sent home.  Fortunately, the rest of the team has tested negative twice and the match will go ahead, albeit a day later than planned.

20:30 Netherlands (-3.5) vs Serbia  (Live on ehfTV)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)