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Final group stage matches in groups E – H were on Monday played in Egypt. What matters the most to us and makes us happy and proud is the fact both Macedonia and Belarus managed to secure a ticket for themselves in the Main Round which we’ll see them face off against the best in the world. Day behind us was once again full of great matches and splendid performances so let’s get started with our daily recap!

In group E we’ve seen France reach their third WCh win coming out on top in an amazingly narrow match against Switzerland. In the end 25:24 with Telekom Veszprem’s Kentin Mahe once again marvelously orchestrating their offense leading the way with seven goals. In the second match of the day in the same group his club teammate Kent Robin Tonnesen caught fire against Austria with seven goals as well along with Sander Sagosen who is having an amazing tournament. This time he’s managed to find opponent’s net nine times.

France is going to the Main Round with 4 points, Norway has 2 while Switzerland carries on without points.  Austria will play in the President’s Cup.

In group F Portugal managed to defeat Algeria with 26:19 while Iceland defeated Morroco 31:23.

Portugal marches on with 4 points, Iceland carries on with 2 while Algeria continues with 0. Morocco will play in the President’s Cup.

Teams that have managed to get through from groups E and F will in the Main Round be placed in group III.

In group G Macedonians managed to grab the final ticket for the next phase with a 32:29 win over Chile. Nenad Kosteski netted five, Dimitar Dimitrioski three while already legendary Kiril Lazarov proved to be the best when his team needs him the most leading the way offensively with eight goals. In the second match of the day in group G Egyptians were close to stealing a point versus Sweden. In the end however, unfortunately for Telekom Veszprem’s Omar Yahia (six goals) and his teammates Sweden managed to secure a 24.23 win led by Linus Persson and his eight goals.

Because of that, Sweden advances to the next round with 4 points, Egypt carries on with 2 while Macedonians bring nothing. Chile will play in the President’s Cup.

In group H we’ve seen Russia come out on top against South Korea (30:26) while our SEHA national team Belarus fell 29:25 short against Slovenia. Astrashapkin netted three for Belarus while Vailupau netted three. Stas Skube and Blaz Blagotinsek on the other side finished the match with two each.

Russia are therefore moving on with 3 points, Slovenia will bring 2 and Belarus 1. South Korea will play in the President’s Cup.

Teams that have managed to get through from groups G and H will in the Main Round be placed in group IV.

Group stage officially ends tomorrow with final matches in groups A – D. Match we’re especially excited for are the ones in which we’ll see Croatia and Hungary in direct battle for the first place after the opening phase of the competition. Croatia will from 18.00 CET play Qatar in Alexandria and Hungary will later on in Giza meet Germany. Both teams need a victory in order to finish the first stage as leaders in their respective groups so we wish them best of luck!

SCORES & GOALS

DAY 6 (18.1.)

Group E

France – Switzerland 25:24 (Mahe 7)

Norway – Austria 38:29 (Tonnesen 7)

Group F

Portugal – Algeria 26:19

Iceland – Morocco 31:23

Group G

MACEDONIA – Chile 32:29 (Kosteski 5, Dimitrioski 3)

Sweden – Egypt 24:23 (Yahia 6)

Group H

South Korea – Russia 26:30

Slovenia – BELARUS 29:25 (Skube 2, Blagotinsek 2/Astrashapkin 4, Vailupau 3)

TOMORROW IN EGYPT

DAY 7 (19.1.)

Group A

Uruguay – Cape Verde 10:0

Germany – HUNGARY (20.30 CET)

Group B

Spain – Tunisia (18.00 CET)

Brazil – Poland (20.30 CET)

Group C

Japan – Angola (15.30 CET)

CROATIA – Qatar (18.00 CET)

Group D

Bahrain – DR Congo (18.00 CET)

Denmark – Argentina (20.30 CET)