Holstebro shock Metz to win EHF Cup

Holstebro shock Metz to win EHF Cup

Kristina Kristiansen scored twelve goals as Team Tvis Holstebro rallied from four-goal deficit from the first leg of the Women's EHF Cup Final and won their first European trophy in club's history. Danish side lost the first leg at home last weekend 31:35, but never gave up in the rematch in front of a capacity crowd 5500 spectators in Les Arenes in Metz and defeated the home team 33:28 winning the final 64:63.

Holstebro entered EHF club competitions for the first time only two years ago. On the other hand the final appearance was also the best achievement of Metz, who have taken part in all 20 seasons so far.

Women's EHF Cup Final, second leg:
Metz HB vs Team Tvis Holstebro 28:33 (14:15)
First leg: 35:31

Metz had to face a huge disillusionment on Sunday evening. After winning the first leg with a four goals margin away, many fans were confident their favourites are bound to get the trophy.

At half time, Holstebro were only leading by one goal, thanks to many saves of the French goalkeeper Gervaise Pierson, who was keeping her team afloat. But already, Metz' defense was having a hard time against Kristiansen, who scored the last goal of the half to give her team a one goal advantage at the break (15:14).

But Holstebro kept their foot on the pedal after the break and scored four unanswered goals and rapidly gained a five goals advantage. Despite Pierson between the posts and Broch in attack played a great second half, they never went under the three goals barrier.

Sandor Rac, Metz's coach: "What can I say? The second half was probably our worst half-time of the season. Gervaise Pierson did her best to give us a chance, but she was nearly the only one who didn't make mistakes. It's a huge, huge disappointement for all the squad, I think we saw ourselves winning a little bit too early."

Ann Grete Norgaard-Osterballe scored six goals and became the top scorer of the season with 92 goals.