Iceland Secures Crucial Win in Kristianstad
Iceland's men's national handball team emerged victorious against Hungary with a final score of 24:23 in a gripping preliminary round encounter at the EHF EURO 2026 championship. The match, which took place on January 20, 2026, in Kristianstad, Sweden, was a pivotal fixture in Group F, determining which team would carry two points into the main round.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
The game was characterized by intense play from both sides, with the score tied at 14:14 at halftime. Iceland's triumph was significantly bolstered by the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Viktor Hallgrímsson, who made 18 saves and was subsequently named the Player of the Match.
Notable offensive contributions came from Gísli Kristjánsson of Iceland and Bence Imre of Hungary, both of whom netted 7 goals for their respective teams. The match saw several dramatic swings, including a red card for Iceland's Ýmir Örn Gíslason early in the second half, followed by a red card for Hungary's Máté Ónodi-Jánoskúti later in the game. Despite these challenges, Iceland managed to establish a two-goal lead in the closing minutes, which they defended successfully.
EHF EURO 2026 Context
The EHF EURO 2026, the 17th edition of the biennial international men's handball championship, is being co-hosted by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from January 15 to February 1, 2026. The preliminary round matches are being played across various venues, with Kristianstad Arena hosting Group F. This victory allows Iceland to advance to the main round in Malmö with a valuable two points.
Looking Ahead
The tournament features 24 teams vying for the European title, with the preliminary round concluding on January 21. The top two teams from each of the six preliminary groups will progress to the main round, which commences on January 22. The final stages of the championship, including the semi-finals and final, are scheduled to take place in Herning, Denmark.
5 Comments
Comandante
YES! Crucial two points for Iceland, well deserved after that battle.
Habibi
It was a thrilling match down to the wire, showcasing the competitive nature of EHF EURO 2026. Both teams had moments of brilliance and struggle, making it a true spectacle for fans.
ZmeeLove
Hungary should have won that. So frustrating to lose by one point!
Habibi
Hallgrímsson was undoubtedly the MVP, but the article highlights how close the scoring was from both teams' top offensive players. The narrow margin shows the strength of both sides.
Donatello
Heartbreak for Hungary, they fought so hard but just couldn't close it out.