Norway faced a disappointing defeat against Portugal, losing 28:31 at the Handball World Cup, jeopardizing their chances of reaching the quarter-finals. In other matches, Switzerland triumphed over Poland 22:20, Hungary secured a win, and North Macedonia defeated Guinea 29:20. Egypt outperformed Croatia 28:24, with goalkeeper Mohamed Aly earning ‘Player of the Match’ honors. As the tournament progresses, teams are fiercely competing for advancement, delivering unexpected results and thrilling performances.
Norwegian National Team Faces Defeat at Handball World Cup
In a thrilling match at the Handball World Cup, the Norwegian national team suffered a disappointing loss against Portugal, ending with a score of 28:31 (13:14). This match, held in Oslo’s Unity Arena, was witnessed by a record crowd of 11,345 fans, including Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit. With this defeat, Norway’s chances of advancing to the quarter-finals are now hanging by a thread.
The pressure was on the Norwegian team following their earlier loss to Brazil in the group stage, making a win against Portugal essential. Initially, Coach Jonas Wille’s squad looked promising, even taking a lead of 19:16 after a strong start in the second half. However, it was the exceptional performance of Portugal’s goalkeeper, Gustavo Capdeville, that ultimately turned the tide. His remarkable saves, including a crucial stop against star player Sander Sagosen in the 56th minute, sealed Norway’s fate.
Switzerland and Hungary Shine in Their Groups
In Group A, Switzerland celebrated their entry into the main round with a hard-fought victory over Poland, winning 22:20. The Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning was filled with cheers as the Swiss team overcame a shaky start. Led by standout player Lenny Rubin, who scored five goals, Switzerland took the lead at halftime and managed to fend off Poland’s late-game efforts. Goalkeeper Nikola Portner played a pivotal role in securing the win with key saves in the closing moments.
Meanwhile, in Group D, Hungary claimed victory, while North Macedonia achieved their first win of the tournament against World Cup debutants Guinea, finishing with a score of 29:20. North Macedonia’s dominance was evident from the beginning, showcasing a strong team performance as they prepare to face formidable opponents like France and Qatar in the upcoming rounds.
In Group H, Egypt showcased their resilience by defeating Croatia 28:24. Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Aly was a standout, making 14 saves and earning the title of ‘Player of the Match.’ Croatia, still reeling from the absence of star player Domagoj Duvnjak, struggled despite Ivan Martinović’s six goals.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build, with teams vying for a spot in the next round. With unexpected results and standout performances, the Handball World Cup is proving to be a thrilling event for fans around the world.