The Borussia Dortmund women’s handball team are currently in the final international break of the season. Several players are away with their national teams. Among them are Yara ten Holte and Harma van Kreij, who were part of the Netherlands side that took on a Sweden B-team that included Emma Olsson in Almere on Friday and Saturday.

The first match saw the hosts run out 31-27 winners, with ten Holte producing a very strong performance and excelling with a string of saves. “In total, we had five debutants in the team and we gave a rest to a few regulars who could’ve also played. Hence why I’m satisfied,” said the goalkeeper after the game. Zoe Sprengers, who was actually called up, did not play due to a minor injury and has already travelled back.

The two teams returned to the court for the re-match on Saturday lunchtime. The Netherlands once again enjoyed the upper hand and claimed a 33-28 victory. Germany will be in action on Sunday. Alina Grijseels, Lisa Antl and Meret Ossenkopp will take on outsiders Greece in the World Cup play-offs in Hamm. The match will get under way at 17:15 CET and can be watched free of charge at sportdeutschland.tv.