After Switzerland beat Montenegro by fourteen goals, it was clear that the Faroe Islands were forced to take points against Slovenia to progress. Switzerland’s improbable goal celebration in the second half meant that they had passed the Faroe Islands in terms of goal difference.
An unfortunate start with three goals behind and missed free-kicks forward meant that the Faroe Islands began an uphill battle with 0–3. But they did not bow down.
In the last second of the first half, you could reduce the penalty to 15-16.
Three straight goals at the beginning of the second half almost caused the roof in the hall in Oslo, where almost all 6,500 people were in the Faroe Islands, to lift. The Faroe Islands suddenly led 18–16.
But Slovenia came back, turned around with three straight goals and then never relinquished the lead. Even though it was dramatic and the Faroe Islands had the ball with a minute left and a two goal deficit, But superstar Elias Skipagøtu’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Thus, Slovenia and Switzerland advance to the main round in Malmö, where Sweden, among others, awaits.
Iceland enters the intermediate round with two points after winning a dramatic group final against Hungary 24-23.
For Denmark, the group stage ended with a shock loss to Portugal by 29–31. Thus, Denmark advances to the main round – the second group played in Herning – without points.
Ready teams for the main round in Malmö are: Sweden, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Iceland and Hungary. So Slovenia and Iceland have two points so far.
The main round in Herning is attended by: Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France and Norway. Portugal, Germany and France have two points with them.
