Larvik crash out as defeat to FTC sends THC through

Larvik crash out as defeat to FTC sends THC through

FTC will take four points into the Women's EHF Champions League Main Round after an overwhelming 30:21 win at Larvik, who have been eliminated due to an inferior head-to-head record with Thüringer HC.

• THC join already-qualified Vardar and FTC into main round

• Larvik miss out on main round for first time since 2008-2009

GROUP C

Larvik HK (NOR) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) 21:30 (9:18)

FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria made sure they took four points into the main round after a full-throttle performance at Larvik gave them an overwhelming victory.

The result also played into the hands of Thüringer HC, who squeezed into the second group stage of the competition thanks to a better head-to-head record against Larvik.

With Vardar romping through on a maximum eight points after Friday’s home win over THC, Larvik needed to avoid defeat in order to leap over the German side.

Larvik slashed an early 2:6 deficit to 7:8 and looked capable of springing the required upset, but a rampant FTC then scored seven unanswered goals to put the game beyond the home side.

Larvik's porous defence went hand in hand with a struggling attack. For most of the opening period, Larvik were confined to long-range shots against a physical Hungarian outfit.

With Nerea Pena, Aniko Kovacsics and Nadine Schatzl leading the charge for FTC with a combined total of 10 first-half goals, the second period produced an expected pattern as the visitors were in cruise control and moved up a gear or two at will.

Larvik’s turnovers in attack opened up a barrage of fast breaks for FTC, who exploited every inch of space to demonstrate their superior quality in all departments.

The outstanding Schatzl led FTC with a game-high seven goals.