The Netherlands won an epic semi-final against Hungary, a thrilling game that was decided down to the wire in both sets.

Both teams confirmed, with their quality play, the distinctions the carried with them in Crete (Hungary are the reigning European champion and the Netherlands the European and World runners-up).

The Dutch took a six-goal lead (20:14) in the first set, but a 6:0 run by Hungary levelled the score at 20:20. Dutch sealed the set with a golden goal.

The second set was even more exciting. The two rivals were even at 16, when Hungary used a 5:0 run to build a five-goal gap (21:16). The impressive comeback of the Netherlands in the last 90 seconds, brought them up by a mere one goal (22:21), nevertheless the narrowest of margins was adequate to secure a place in the final for the Dutch.

Hungary – The Netherlands (20:21, 21:22)

THE NETHERLANDS: Meerstad, Heuten 6, Jongejan 8, Blom, Van Den Ηoek, Marsman 14, Stege 15, Luis, De Jager, Olde.

HUNGARY: Orban, Pelle, Kazeem 4, Zentai 22, Levai 7, Szabo, Czifrik 4, Kreutz 2, Bartok, Buzsaki 2.

Referees:  Dos Santos Sydiney Antonio (BRA) - Asis Flavio (BRA). Suspensions:  1-1

Quotes

Veerle Meerstad (The Netherlands - Player)

"It’s amazing! Last year we did not succeed against them and we lost in the end, but this year we got what we wanted. We played very well against a very good team.

"We want to keep the same pace in the final game and give everything left on the tank to lift the trophy".