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Slovenia recorded a hugely important victory over Hungary (35:32), showing character and strength in the second half of a match packed with momentum swings and tension.
The opening minutes were completely even. Domen Tajnik scored first, Hungary replied quickly, and thanks to a brace from Blaž Janc, Slovenia moved in front at 3:2. But as the first half progressed, Hungary took control. Led by a tough defensive display and their back-line leader Adrián Šipoš, the Hungarians forced turnover after turnover and gradually built a lead. Miklós Rosta made it 8:5 in the 10th minute to give his team a first three-goal advantage.
Still, a run of suspensions prevented Hungary from turning that spell into something bigger. Slovenia capitalised, scoring into the empty net to pull level at 11:11. Hungary then raised the tempo again and reached a maximum +4 (17:13), but Slovenia answered with two quick goals to reduce the deficit, going into the break trailing 15:17.
After the restart, Slovenia came out with far more energy. A 3:0 run flipped the scoreline in their favour, forcing Hungary coach Chema Rodríguez to call a timeout just four minutes into the second half. However, Slovenia’s momentum didn’t stop. It’s worth remembering that Slovenia have been playing this tournament with a shortened rotation, missing key names such as Aleks Vlah, Miha Zarabec, Blaž Blagotinšek, and first-choice goalkeeper Klemen Ferlin—yet the players at Uroš Zorman’s disposal continued to give everything on court.
Hungary looked uncertain in attack after the break, committing too many technical errors and missing clear chances, while Slovenia punished almost every opportunity to extend their advantage, which on several occasions reached three goals. In the closing minutes Hungary threatened again and, with an extra player five minutes from the end, managed to cut the gap and make it tense. But Slovenia stayed composed, played with maturity in the key moments, and saw the game out to secure a big, fully deserved win.
Blaž Janc was outstanding for Slovenia, driving his team through difficult phases and finishing with 10 goals. For Hungary, Bence Imre scored eight.
Slovenia – Hungary 35:32 (15:17)
Slovenia: Baznik (4 saves), Vujović (2 saves); Henigman, Janc 10, Tajnik 4, Jovičić 5, Kodrin 1, A. Makuc, Horžen 5, Grmšek 1, Cokan, Zabić, D. Makuc 4, Grbić, Mackovšek 1, Novak 4
Hungary: Palasics (5 saves), Bartucz; Šipoš, Boka 1, Pergel 1, Ligetvári, B. Krakovszki, Fazekas 4, Szita 4, Bodó, Ilić 4, Rosta 5, Onodi-Janoskuti 4, Lukács, Hanusz 1, Imre 8
