Denmark and Montenegro played out a thrilling 32-32 draw in Main Round Group III of the 2026 IHF Women's Junior World Championship, with Martina Knežević's late equaliser cancelling out Julie Groth Persson's go-ahead goal.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
The match at Jinzhong City Gymnasium started with both teams trading goals at an electric pace. The first half ended 16–16, a fair reflection of two evenly matched sides who each entered the main round with confidence after opening victories on 29 June — Denmark had thrashed Czechia 40–18, while Montenegro beat hosts China 31–25.
The second half followed the same pattern. Denmark's Cecilie Frydendahl Norskov (6/8 shooting) and Isabella Jensen (a perfect 6/6) led the Danish attack, while Montenegro relied on the prolific Ivana Savić (7/12) and Martina Knežević (7/9).
Denmark edged 24–22 ahead shortly after the 42-minute mark, but Montenegro responded immediately. The scoreline remained knotted through the final 15 minutes. Julie Groth Persson (5/6) twice put Denmark ahead in the closing stages — first at 59:49 with a long-range strike for 31–30, then again at 57:14 for 32–31. Each time Montenegro found an answer: Savić equalised at 59:23 with a 9m effort, and Knežević crashed through for 32–32 at 56:47.
In a frantic last minute, Denmark pressed for a winner with Montenegro's Natalija Lekić serving a two-minute suspension. Cecillie Wiking Antivakis missed a right-wing chance at 58:47, and Kirstine Emilie Hoppe — the tournament's leading scorer — saw her 9m attempt saved at 58:20.
The Turning Point
Montenegro's refusal to let Denmark build a multi-goal lead defined the contest. The closest either side came to a decisive gap was Denmark's 24–22 advantage in the 42nd minute. Montenegro coach Draško Kaluđerović called a timeout at 47:01, and within 90 seconds Mia Grujic pulled one back. From that moment, the margin never exceeded one goal.
Key Performers
Isabella Jensen (Denmark) — A flawless 6/6 from the field, the Danish right back was the most efficient shooter on the court and added an assist.
Ivana Savić (Montenegro) — A game-high 7 goals from 12 attempts (58%), the left back was the creative hub of Montenegro's attack, contributing two assists and forcing multiple suspensions.
Martina Knežević (Montenegro) — Also netted 7 goals from just 9 attempts (78%), including the crucial equaliser at 56:47, and added two assists. Her combination play with Savić gave Denmark's defence persistent trouble.
Kirstine Emilie Hoppe (Denmark) — The tournament's leading scorer with 40 goals across four matches added 5 goals and 3 assists, though she was well contained by Montenegro's defence (56% shooting).
Player of the match: Martina Knežević (Montenegro U20 W)
By the Numbers — Interpreted
The 47–48 shot count is as close as the score suggests. Denmark shot 68% (32/47) and Montenegro 67% (32/48) — near-identical efficiency. Montenegro dominated the near-range (6m) zone with 22 goals to Denmark's 15, while Denmark were more effective from distance (11 9m goals to Montenegro's 8) and on the fast break (3–0). Denmark also converted both their 7m penalties; Montenegro missed one of two.
Both teams generated similar quality chances; the draw was the fairest reflection of the balance of play.
What It Means
After two rounds of Main Round Group III, Denmark and Montenegro each have 3 points (one win, one draw from main round play), having both carried forward maximum points from the preliminary stage. Combined with Czechia's and China's results, both teams are well positioned for quarter-final qualification — the top two from each main round group advance. Denmark face China and Montenegro face Czechia in the final main round matches on 2 July 2026.
For Denmark, the draw extends an unbeaten run in the tournament after three preliminary wins and this main round result. Montenegro remain undefeated in regulation time (one win, one draw in main round) and have shown resilience against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Verdict
A fittingly tight result between two of Group III's strongest sides. Denmark will rue their missed chances in the final minute with a player advantage, while Montenegro will take confidence from matching a top-tier opponent shot for shot. The quarter-final picture remains wide open ahead of the decisive final round of main group matches.
Rivalry since 2016
Denmark U20 W vs Montenegro U20 W Head to Head Results· 2
Denmark U20 W and Montenegro U20 W have met 2 times — Denmark U20 W won 2, Montenegro U20 W won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2016. Denmark U20 W leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 88 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 44.00 per match (48 for the home side, 40 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 24–20 in 2022.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 1 Jul 2026