Julie Scaglione is the youngest woman in the Danish national team squad at the World Championships in the Netherlands, but that certainly wasn't evident against Croatia on Saturday evening in Rotterdam.
When Denmark struggled in the attacking game in the first half, the 21-year-old fullback stamped her authority on the Danish game and created the lead that established the 35-24 victory in the Danes' second game at the championships.
With two wins, Helle Thomsen's girls now have a total of four points, which means that they are already qualified for the intermediate round.
The match was also Line Haugsted's first match at the tournament. The defensive specialist sat out against Japan due to a muscle injury in his arm, but immediately took part in improving the organization of the Danish defense.
Denmark, however, struggled to get their attacking game going with lots of personal mistakes and bad timing from Michala Moller at right back, among others, meant that Croatia hung on to 5-5.
Coach Helle Thomsen demanded more attitude during a timeout and introduced Julie Scaglione. And the greatest talent in Danish handball quickly turned the game in Danish favor.
Scaglione continued to impress after the break, with Denmark quickly establishing a ten-goal gap.
The two final round debutants, Nanna Hinnerfeldt and Laura Borg, were given the big responsibility in central defence, while Scaglione also got a rare chance to shine defensively, and Amalie Milling replaced Anna Kristensen in goal.
Championship debutant Sarah Paulsen also got valuable playing time and made a fine contribution to Denmark, preserving their lead to the final whistle.
