برعاية

Germany, Poland and Denmark in the eighth-final

Germany, Poland and Denmark in the eighth-final

After no team from Group D clinched a berth for the knock-out stage of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship after round 3, the fourth match day on Thursday (22 January) confirmed three of four eighth-finalists.

Germany, Poland and Denmark won their respective matches, with the Germans expected to finish on top of the group, in which Argentina and Russia fight in a direct duel on Saturday for the last spot. A draw would be enough for the Pan American champions.

In Group C the Czech Republic showed a brilliant comeback after three straight defeats, beating Iceland to be back on track for the eighth-final race. Egypt proved their brilliant form with a draw against Olympic finalist Sweden. France are equal in points with the Scandinavians.

On the final match day the Czechs (two points/against Algeria) and Iceland (three points/against Egypt) will fight for the final eighth-final spot.

Sweden vs Egypt 25:25 (10:10)

The fans - including thousands from Egypt - saw a true thriller, in which that Northern Africans let a victory over the Olympic finalists slip from their hands. 

After a mostly equal first half Egyptian top scorer Ahmed Elahmar (nine goals) was on fire, striking from all cylinders to provide his team with the first five-goal lead at 19:14. The clear margin remained until minute 53 (24:20) when Sweden struck back with five unanswered goals to take the lead in the dying minute, backed by Niclas Ekberg’s ten goals. Elahmar scored the ultimate equaliser.

Iceland vs Czech Republic  25:36 (11:21)

The Czechs showed the most incredible comeback in the tournament thus far, as they were down on the ground after three defeats. But backed by Filip Jicha’s 11 goals and 17 saves by goalkeeper Peter Stochl they shocked the Icelandic side, which was down at the break by an incredible ten goals.

The Czechs now need to beat Algeria in their final encounter and hope that Egypt at least draws against Iceland to advance. Top scorer for the Icelandic squad was Snorri Steinn Gudjohnsson with five goals.

Algeria vs France 26:32 (12:19)

As expected, France remained unbeaten while Algeria are still on zero points. After an outstanding first French half, the Olympic champions lacked concentration and allowed Algeria to reduce a seven-goal gap (12:19) to just one at 22:23. Finally four consecutive strikes by French top scorer Michael Guigou (seven in all) decided the encounter. France needs to beat Sweden in their final duel to take the top position. Best Algerian scorer was Massaoud Berkous with 11 goals.

Germany vs  Argentina 28:23 (13:14)

The final result does not reflect how close the games was, in which the “Gauchos” were a tough opponent for the Germans who remained the unbeaten leader of Group D and secured their eighth-final spot. 

Argentina need at least a draw in their final match against Russia to proceed.

The “Gladiators” took a close lead to the dressing room and remained even until the Germans produced a 4:0 series to essentially decide the match in the 54th minute. Patrick Groetzki scored seven goals for Germany and Frederico Fernandez six for Argentina.

الخبر بالكامل
رأيك يهمنا