Summary: Dramatic draw ends thrilling qualifier marathon
22:16
Before we bring the weekend's EHF EURO live blog to an end, here's a quick overview of the qualifier results today.
The majority of today's games were evenly-fought affairs, making it a brilliant day of handball. The eight groups are taking shape nicely and we now look forward to the final two rounds of matches, beginning on 28 April.
Thanks for joining us today and all week long, goodnight!
21:55
Saves like this from Mrkva were crucial for the Czech Republic's late flourish as they claimed an important draw. The point puts Russia clear at the top of Group 3 on 6 points, one ahead of Ukraine, while the Czech's are on three points with a game in hand.
21:46
RESULT: Czech Republic 27:27 Russia
Dmitriy Kiselev whips in a penalty right over the keeper's head to equalise in the final minute. A man down, Czech Republic take a timeout with the last possession of the game.
Incredibly, Tomas Babak plays the ball right into the hands of Russia's Dmitrii Santalov, who now faces a full-court shot into an empty net to win it. He launches it timidly, and the ball rolls towards goal as the final seconds tick away. Just before the buzzer, the balls rolls wide to the right of the goal and the Czechs are spared another painful loss. A point probably the fair result in this clash.
21:35
Just over six minutes left and, yes you guessed it, it's a tight one. Czech Republic turn the tables once again to lead 26:25 thanks to Jakub Hrstka's fifth goal of the day. More drama on the way?
21:24
Kiselev leading all scorers at the moment with five goals as Russia begin to turn the screw and take a 23:21 lead with just over a quarter of the match remaining.
21:16
Russia starting the second half the better side and they have closed that two-goal gap without much hassle. We're all square at 18:18 after 36 minutes.
20:56
HALF-TIME: Czech Republic 16:14 Russia
An entertaining first half closes with a Dmitriy Kiselev buzzer-beater, making him the only Russian player to score more than two goals in a 30 minutes where both teams spread the love in attack and looked dangerous everywhere.
Having held a four-goal lead at one point, the home side may be bothered by the tight scoreline, particularly considering the fine margin they lost to Russia by earlier this week.
20:46
After all that, we still have a big game left to decide in Brno as Czech Republic currently lead Russia 15:12 as we approach the end of the first half.
20:32
RESULT: Faroe Islands 25:26 Ukraine
Yet another dramatic finish! Ukraine with a one goal lead and the ball in the final minute, trying every trick in the book to kill time but they need to shoot and it's saved - Faroe Islands take a timeout.
They work a shooting opportunity but to no avail and Ukraine escape Torshavn with a valuable win. Great fightback by the hosts but they fall just short.
20:25
Ukraine up 26:24 with just over two minutes remaining. Is there hope for the islanders?
20:17
10 minutes left in Torshavn and another Ellefsen a Skipagotu goal, this time an in-flight finish, brings Faroe Islands within two, 22:20 to Ukraine.
As we have a save from Nicholas Satchwell in the video below and it's an Olympic qualification weekend - did you know that Satchwell was the 15th man in Great Britain's Olympic squad for London 2012. In the Olympics, handball squads are only 14 players, so he just missed out on playing, but here he is now, doing the business for Faroe Islands.
20:10
Faroe Islands are making a go of it in the second half, closing the deficit to 20:17 with 45 minutes played. Part of their second half revival is the goals from Elias Ellefsen a Skipagotu, an 18-year-old ambidextrous player, making his competitive debut.
20:03
Just look at this! What a way to win the game for the Dutch and no better men to pull it off than the two who combined for 17 goals today (10 for Smits, 7 for Steins).
That victory puts the Netherlands level on points with Slovenia at the top of Group 5 and is a big step towards qualification for their second consecutive EHF EURO.
19:54
RESULT: Poland 26:27 Netherlands
Whaaaaat!? Netherlands just scored the best game-winning buzzer-beater of all time!
Adam Morawski makes a big save with a minute left, giving the hosts a chance to run down the clock and claim a late win, but Bart Ravensbergen matches it with a save of his own. Netherlands take a timeout with 6 seconds left - Luc Steins flies down the left wing with no angle to shoot, turns back in the air and flings the perfect assist to Kay Smits for an in-flight goal to win it at the very last moment!
19:39
HALF-TIME: Faroe Islands 11:16 Ukraine
The packed crowd in Torshavn hasn't been given too much to shout about as a strong run midway through the half gave Ukraine a nice lead at half-time. Five goals with a home crowd isn't impossible to turn around though and we've seen enough from today's matches to suggest anything is possible.
19:32
Maciej Gebala has really come into his own in the second half, scoring four goals since the break, but it still hasn't allowed Poland to shake off their hosts. Bart Ravensbergen is producing some fine saves in the Dutch goal and down the other end, Luc Steins gives them a 21:20 lead with 12 minutes remaining.
19:20
Poland looking to take control of the game early in the second half but some risky 7vs6 attacking has backfired and it remains a closely-fought contest. 16:16 after 40 minutes.
19:05
Only one qualifier on at a given time doesn't feel like enough, so Faroe Islands vs Ukraine gives the game in Poland some company on EHFTV.
Faroe Islands have taken an early lead and there is a packed crowd in to enjoy it in the practically COVID-free archipelago.
18:54
HALF-TIME: Poland 11:11 Netherlands
The Dutch will be happy enough to go into half-time with the scores level. Luc Steins and Kay Smits combined for eight of their 11 goals, while Michal Daszek led the way for Poland with four. Defence has very much been on top in this game so far but it has still been an entertaining clash. I'd expect it to open up somewhat in the second period.
18:42
Former Kosovo coach Taip Ramadani, who can be credited with doing much of the groundwork for this team, is loving today's result and highlights just how far they have come.
18:29
RESULTS: Romania 25:30 Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina 27:21 Austria
Kosovo go wild at the final buzzer as they celebrate an extraordinary victory over Romania, a side who before this week's drawn game had always beaten them by double-digit margins.
Valon Dedaj and Kastriot Jupa led the way with seven goals each in a brilliant team performance which speaks volumes of how far this team has come in recent years. That win puts them second in Group 8 and they now have a real chance of earning a place at EHF EURO 2022.
As do Bosnia Herzegovina, who produce a very impressive second half performance to outplay Austria and put them in the driving seat for the second automatic qualification place in Group 2.
18:19
Seven minutes remaining in Romania and Kosovo are still in the lead! 27:24 and they are on the verge of something special.
18:12
Coming up next is Poland vs Netherlands at 18:15 CET, live on EHFTV.
Poland have four points in Group 5 after winning both matches of the double-header against Turkey in January.
Netherlands are one point behind them after beating Turkey and earning a sensational draw against Slovenia in January, so this game is crucial in the race for a final tournament ticket.
18:05
I asked who would be the adventurous side in Bugojna and so far in this second half, it is Bosnia Herzegovina. They've opened up an 18:14 advantage after 41 minutes and force an Austrian timeout.
17:59
Kosovo continue their strong form at the start of the second half, opening up a 20:15 lead over Romania. If they were to hold on and claim their first win of the campaign, it'll throw Group 8 wide open but I'll hold my tongue before getting too deep into that.
17:40
HALF-TIME: Bosnia Herzegovina 11:10 Austria
The importance of this game is not lost on Bosnia Herzegovina and Austria as they're letting the nerves show in the first half. Both sides have held the lead in this opening period but neither look to certain of controlling the game. We'll see who will come out of the dressing rooms with a more adventurous spirit in the second half.
17:37
HALF-TIME: Romania 12:16 Kosovo
Kosovo caught fire in the final 10 minutes of the first half, going on an 8:2 run to give themselves a surprise lead at the break. Romania looked fairly comfortable in the opening minutes but once their guests got a sniff of an opportunity, the confidence they built from midweek grew as they took the lead late in the half.
17:26
RESULT Denmark 37:21 North Macedonia
The World Championship hangover is well and truly over for Denmark as they put their midweek loss behind them in style.
After an early back and forth, the introduction of Kevin Møller made all the difference as Denmark go top of Group 7, while Kiril Lazarov will have a thing or two to think about before they take on Switzerland in what looks certain to be a clash for second place later this spring.
17:19
After his brilliant effort, Møller makes way and Emil Nielsen gets the final few minutes between the sticks for Denmark, who have been able to give everyone a run out in what is turning out to be a Sunday stroll. 34:21 with 6 minutes remaining.
17:10
Kevin Møller has the Macedonians in his pocket today. 14 saves from 24 shots faced as Denmark extend their lead to 30:17 after 47 minutes.
Meanwhile, Romania and Kosovo look set for another fascinating clash as they're all-square at 6:6 after 10 minutes.
16:58
Denmark pick up where they left off at the end of the first half and a beginning to make this a real lopsided contest. Kevin Moller is saving almost everything and he and his teammates are scoring for fun. 24:12 after just six minutes of the second half.
16:48
The games are coming in thick and fast now. We have Romania and Kosovo going at it again after their 23:23 midweek draw. Bosnia Herzegovina and Austria meet in an important battle for second place in Group 6.
Both matches well worth watching and they're live at 17:00 on EHFTV.
16:41
RESULT: Lithuania 31:28 Israel
12 goals from Yermiyahu Sidi was not enough for Israel as they fall just short against Lithuania.
A purple patch early in the second half, including this moment where Truchanovicius trucks through the Israeli defence, gave Lithuania the platform they needed to claim their first points of the qualifiers.
16:36
HALF-TIME: Denmark 17:10 North Macedonia
Well, I think we all expected a Danish response after the midweek loss and we've seen it. Despite taking control of the game, coach Nikolaj Jacobsen is demanding more from his players as they look to make a statement.
Mathias Gidsel is continuing to cement his place as Denmark's new right back with five goals so far.
As for the Macedonians, it seems coach Lazarov feels their job was done with the win in Skopje and this is a bit more of a test for him as a coach.
16:30
RESULT: Hungary 36:26 Slovakia
After being given a minor scare by Slovakia, Hungary canter to another win in the EHF EURO Cup with Dominic Mathé once again the top scorer with seven goals.
Slovakia will have some positives to take away from this game at least but they have a lot to work on before hosting next January's championship.
16:20
Denmark look to have taken command of the game suddenly with Kevin Moller coming in between the posts and sparking a 5:0 run for the home side. Trailing 12:6 after just 18 minutes, perhaps Kiril Lazarov will be wondering whether he should have included himself in the playing squad today.
16:14
Lithuania have really stepped up in attack in the second half, already scoring nine goals in 12 minutes, while Morkunas in goal continues to thwart Israel's shooters. 20:15 to the home side.
16:08
Having played practically the entire game in midweek, player-coach Lazarov has decided to drop himself for this one, giving Martin Velkovski the start at right back.
In the opening nine minutes, Denmark have a slight edge but look to be in for another tough test, 6:5 to the world champs.
15:48
The next match we'll focus on here on the live blog is Denmark vs North Macedonia, a bit of a grudge match from a few days ago. Don't know why? Well check out the highlights from their first clash, where new player-coach Kiril Lazarov took on the world champions.
15:44
We've hit half-time in our 15:00 throw-offs and while it looked like Hungary were on their way to another large win, leading 14:5 after 16 minutes, Slovakia have rallied and brought the score back to a much more respectable 19:15 at the break.
Meanwhile, Lithuania and Israel are engaged in a real scrap with the home side taking an 11:10 lead into the dressing rooms, thanks to four goals from Valdas Drabavicius.
15:37
RESULT: Switzerland 32:30 Finland
What guts Finland have shown today. From being whipped against the same opposition just days ago, they have given us one hell of a start to the day with a brilliant effort. Alas, it was not enough to earn a point today as a fantastic 14 goals from Andy Schmid spares Switzerland's blushes and earns them their second victory of the campaign.
15:30
Andy Schmid really bailing his team out of jail here. Four goals in a row for him, plus a pair of saves from young Leonard Grazioli and suddenly the Swiss have some confidence again. 31:28 with five minutes remaining.
15:24
We may have a sensation on the cards. Finland looking dominant in defence but they just can't get it right in attack, which gives Schmid an equaliser for Switzerland, his first of the second half. The Rhein-Neckar Löwen playmaker needs more goals like this from his teammates, who seem a bit shoot at the moment. 10 minutes left, 28:27 to Finland!
15:15
These Finns are not going anywhere! Patrick Roslander's top saves and a couple of empty-net goals sees them momentarily take the lead, before Switzerland strike back to make it 26:26 with 15 minutes remaining!
15:09
Aidenas Malasinskas, the man usually responsible for orchestrating Lithuania's attack, is not with them today and that is a big pity as he has enjoyed a nice season so far with HC Motor. They do have 2018 EHF Champions League winner Jonas Truchanivicius, however, which may give them the edge over Israel today. The score is 2:2 after 7 minutes.
15:03
Finland doing their utmost to prove the first-half performance was no flash in the pan as they have come out flying in the second half and drawn themselves level - 20:20 after 36 minutes.
14:50
We have two matches throwing off at 15:00, the second game in three days between Hungary and Slovakia in the EHF EURO Cup and a crucial match for both Lithuania and Israel as they go in search of their first points in Group 4. And of course, both games are live for you to enjoy on EHFTV.
14:40
HALF-TIME: Switzerland 18:16 Finland
It's all happening in Schaffhausen. Max Granlund is having a day to remember with six goals already and a few assists to boot as Finland go into the dressing room just two goals down and good value for it.
If not for the 10 goals from Andy Schmid, Switzerland may have found themselvesin real trouble.
14:28
As you would expect, Andy Schmid is banging in the goals for Switzerland, scoring five so far. Lenny Rubin has four but they're not getting much more support from their teammates.
Finland continues to cause problems as they trail 11:10 after 22 minutes.
14:21
Goals were the biggest problem for Finland on Thursday but they are enjoying much more success so far today. Left back Max Granlund has fired in four of his own as Finland have cut the gap to 8:7 after 16 minutes. Pressure mounting on the Swiss!
14:13
As we pass the 10-minute mark in our first game, Switzerland have opened up an early 5:2 lead. It is clear to see that Finland are a bit more confident and aggressive in attack compared to Thursday, however.
13:52
With the other two teams in Group 7 facing off just after this games, Denmark (4 points) vs North Macedonia (6 points), Switzerland need a win to keep in touch before facing both of them in April and May.
A quick reminder that the top two in each group qualify for EHF EURO 2022, plus the four best third-placed sides, based on their results against the top two in their group.
13:39
Today's matches are all nicely spread out through the day, allowing us to give most of them good coverage. We'll begin the fun in Schaffhausen, home of European League contenders Kadetten, for the Group 7 clash of Switzerland vs Finland, beginning at 14:00 CET and live on EHFTV.
Switzerland dominated the reverse fixture on Thursday, winning 32:19, thanks to ten goals from line player Alen Milosevic.
In the history of this fixture, Finland only beat Switzerland once in seven matches, back in 1997 and will need something special to do it again today against a Swiss side boosted by their unexpected World Championship participation in Egypt, where they performed admirably.
Sunday 14 March - 13:20
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the start of what promised to be an action-packed day of EHF EURO 2022 qualifiers.
Eight games on the way today, plus an EHF EURO Cup clash between Hungary and Slovenia. Here's our schedule.
16:23
If you haven't done so already, check out EHF journalist Björn Pazen's review of the Latvia vs Belarus game. The live blog will return tomorrow for a bumper day of EHF EURO 2022 Qualifiers.
15:40
RESULT: Latvia 27:39 Belarus
Comprehensive and emphatic are just two of the words that you could use to describe Belarus's 12-goal win against Latvia. Goal machine Mikita Vailupau bagged himself 14 goals on the way to his side's dominant win.
15:30
Mikita Vailupau has now scored 12 goals in the match and Belarus lead by nine goals (33:24), but the end of the first half and their teamwork laid the foundations for their huge advantage as we enter the closing stages.
15:20
Trailing 28:20 with just under 18 minutes left, Latvia's timeout is now over. Are they about to produce a sensational comeback? Recovering an eight-goal deficit in the time remaining will require something incredible.
15:13
Kulesh, Karalek and Vailupau scored for Belarus as part of a 3:0 run that extended their lead to 24:18. With the score now at 26:19 after 10 minutes of the second half, it is looking bleak for Latvia.
14:57
Here is Dainis Kristopans' goal for Latvia in the first half that was scored when the hand was up for passive play after a lengthy attack.
14:52
HALF-TIME: Latvia 15:20 Belarus
For 20 minutes, we appeared to have a tight encounter on our hands, but Belarus have stormed ahead to a five-goal lead after 30 minutes. Latvia will need to tighten up defensively in the second half and hope that Kristopans can continue to inspire them at the other end of the court.
14:46
Vailupau converts a rebound chance from the right wing to score his sixth of the game for Belarus before netting a seventh shortly after to extend his side's lead to five goals, 18:13, for the first time in the match.
14:39
Check out how Artsem Karalek turned provider for one of Belarus's early goals in the first half.
14:32
Belarus clearly had one eye on Kristopans during Latvia's lengthy last attack, looking as though they were considering individually marking him, but did it change the outcome? Of course not. Kristopans used his height and leverage to score his fourth of the game, reducing Latvia's deficit to one goal once more (8:9).
14:24
After almost 11 minutes played in Latvia, Belarus have a 6:4 lead. Right wing Mikita Vailupau has already scored three goals and had five shots for the away side.
14:15
The national anthems are over and the group 6 match between Latvia and Belarus is underway!
14:00
Here is a shot of the warm-up in the arena from the EHFTV broadcast, plus the group 6 standings prior to throw-off. If Latvia defeat Belarus in this match, they will join Norway and Belarus on four points at the top of the group.
13:40
As was noted earlier in the day on the EHF EURO Twitter account, the clash between Latvia and Belarus at 14:10 CET will see EHF Champions League Men stars Dainis Kristopans and Artsem Karalek face off on the court.
13:15
Good afternoon and welcome to Saturday's live blog coverage from the EHF EURO 2022 Qualifiers. There is just the one match on the schedule this Saturday: Latvia vs Belarus in group 6.
On Wednesday, Belarus recorded their second win in group 6, defeating Italy 37:32, but this will be Latvia's first match in the group against a team other than Italy.
20:24
RESULT: Slovakia 15:30 Hungary
Hungary begin this weekend double-header with a victory over their fellow EHF EURO 2022 co-hosts and it was probably even too comfortable for their liking.
Dominic Mathé leads the way in attack with 10 goals while Roland Mikler shut up shop in Hungary's goal. Plenty of lessons for Slovakia to take on board before the two teams go again on Sunday.
20:15
Roland Mikler has had a day today! 19 saves so far for the Hungary goalkeeper, restricting Slovakia to a measly 13 goals in 53 minutes. Meanwhile, Hungary reach 30.
20:05
Up the road in Brno, Czech Republic welcome Faroe Islands in tonight's qualifier and it begins in just 10 minutes!
Both have played just one game so far in this campaign and lost narrowly in midweek, so hopes are high for the two contenders that they'll put some points on the board tonight. The Czechs are favourites but you never know what the men from the North Atlantic are capable of.
19:57
The second half is underway in Bratislava and Hungary have breached the 20-goal mark with Mathé's ninth strike. Slovakia look well-beaten at this stage but know there is plenty to play for as they build towards next January's championship. 20:8 to Hungary after 38 minutes.
19:44
Check out this excellent stop by Igor Chupryna, his first of the night and he has since added a few more. Slovakia will need more quality like that at both ends of the court if they are to make a game of it in the second half.
19:35
HALF-TIME: Slovakia 8:17 Hungary
Well, it hasn't been much of an improvement on Wednesday for Slovakia as they have been outmatched in every department by Hungary in the opening 30 minutes.
Their shooting has been particularly out of tune, with Patrik Hruscak the only Slovakian to score more than once, his four goals keeping the scoreboard ticking over, just about.
19:29
Slovakia's Igor Chupryna is finally getting some saves under his belt and they can't come soon enough as Slovakia continue to struggle against their neighbours.
His opposite number Roland Mikler has saved over 50% of his shots and Hungary lead 15:6 at the 25-minute mark.
19:19
Big Mathé continues to dominate with five goals in the opening quarter-hour. When it's not him scoring, the wings are getting involved and the fake home crowd noise is not liking it one bit. 10:5 to Hungary and it forces Slovakia to take their first time out.
19:11
Three early goals from Elverum right back Dominik Mathé have made the difference in the early stages of this clash, giving Hungary a 5:2 lead after 10 minutes. Early warning signs yet again for Slovakia!
18:58
We're about to begin in Bratislava. Can Slovakia improve upon their 30:18 loss to Spain on Wednesday? We're about to find out on live on EHFTV.
18:44
Not long to wait before we get the action started in the EHF EURO Cup as the two hosts of next January's championship face-off.
Hungary are favourites for this one, having impressed many at the World Championship by reaching the quarter-finals and losing out to France after extra-time.
in Bratislava.
18:30
The biggest tale from the midweek clashes and the entire qualifier campaign so far came last night as North Macedonia claimed their first win over Denmark, beating the world champions 33:29 in Skopje.
What made the story even more remarkable is that it was Kiril Lazarov's debut as player-coach. Thr 40-year-old inspired the team to victory, scoring four goals in a brilliant team performance.
The result sent shockwaves around Europe and Balkan media beaming with pride.
18:15
Good evening and welcome to the live blog for the weekend's action in the EHF EURO 2022 qualifiers and EHF EURO Cup!
We'll bring you running coverage of the 11 matches taking place in both competitions over the next three days, beginning with host nations Slovakia and Hungary facing off in the EHF EURO Cup at 19:00 CET, followed by the qualifier between Czech Republic and Faroe Islands at 20:15.
Czech Republic were in one of the most exciting midweek games, just falling short against Russia on Wednesday, we'll see if they can get back on track against their tricky guests.
