Russia in handball final as Hungary falls to Bliznova blitz
Posted
The Russian women's handball team has defeated Hungary 22-20 in the Olympic semi-final to set up a gold medal showdown with Norway.
The reigning world champions led throughout the match, helped to a convincing victory by a seven-goal haul from Russian right back Irina Bliznova.
The game began as a low-scoring, defensive affair, with only three goals scored in the first five minutes.
It then opened up as Russia asserted its authority and raced to a 7-3 lead after 15 minutes, urged on by passionate support from the stands.
The Russians extended their advantage to 14-9 at half-time and took the score to 17-12 shortly after the break, helped by some wayward shooting from the Hungarians.
Hungary looked threatening 10 minutes from time but then Gabriella Szucs received a two-minute suspension for a high challenge around Bliznova's throat and the stretched defence conceded a penalty throw.
Russia's Irina Poltoratskaya converted and her team retained a buffer of at least two-goals through the game's final minutes.
-AFP
