In the FM series in handball, GrIFK and HIFK make up the second final place. The third match of the semi-final series was close to the end, but GrIFK managed to hold on and won with the odd goal.
Grankulla IFK, runner-up in the main series, has one leg in the final series. On Sunday evening, the team took a 30-29 victory at home against the third-placed Helsingfors IFK. GrIFK now leads 2–1 in matches and three victories are required for a final ticket.
The teams kept pace during the first half and at halftime it was tied, 14–14.
Ella Holopainen was HIFK’s and also the best scorer of the whole match. She accounted for nine complete hits.
Bild: Matti Matikainen/Newspix24/Handbollsförbundet
handboll, ella Holopainen
The GrIFK jolt came early in the second half when 14–14 turned into 18–14 in two and a half minutes. At the end, HIFK started a strong final sprint, but never managed to equalise. It was thus an odd-goal victory for Grankulla and the victory numbers were written 30–29.
– We made too many mistakes in the beginning. It took a lot of energy to come back, says HIFK coach Nils Kühr to the handball association.
The winning team’s coach Patrik Johanson praises his goalkeeper Moa Sjölund.
– Nice win, we bounce back in a good way from the last game. We keep our cool in the attacking game and Moa is magical in goal, says Johanson.
GrIFK can secure the final place in the fourth semi-final which will be played in Helsinki on Wednesday. A possible fifth and decisive match will be played in Grankulla on Saturday. The winner gets to settle for the gold together with finalist Dicken.
Results
GrIFK–HIFK 30–29 (14–14)
GrIFK: Johanna Hilli 7, Anette Rakkolainen 5, Sandra Laitinen 4, Corinna Jensen 3, Linnea Harms 3, Mathilda Sandblom 3, Ella Paukku 2, Emily Johansson 2, Greta Wirén 1.
HIFK: Ella Holopainen 9, Anniina Nyholm 6, Jannie Grönmark 4, Sara Jäntti 3, Emma von Nandelstadh 3, Isabel Larsson 2, Natascha Foley 1, Mari Paukku 1.
Audience: 303 spectators
GrIFK leads with 2–1 in matches.
