After the first 12 games at the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 this weekend, nothing is set in stone. Therefore, the last day of the three tournaments taking place in Podgorica, Montpellier and Berlin will be crucial for the teams involved.

By winning their games against Brazil and Chile, Norway have made a huge step to earn their first berth to the Olympic Games since 1972. 

They are facing the Republic of Korea in the last game of the tournament, with the Asian side most likely finding themselves in a three-way battle with Brazil and Chile for the second Olympic berth in Tournament 1. The two South American sides will meet on Sunday, as Chile are in a must-win situation to progress to the Games.

France have scored 70 goals and beat Croatia and Tunisia on their way to the eighth consecutive Olympic berth.

The French side could still lose against Portugal and proceed to Tokyo, but coach Guillaume Gille underlined that they want to end the tournament they are hosting on a high. Meanwhile, Croatia earned a hard-fought 25:24 win against Portugal and aim for a win against Tunisia in Tournament 2 – a win that could send them through to Tokyo.

Moving on to Tournament 3: In Berlin, Germany need a win against Algeria to proceed to the Olympic Games this summer, after their clear win against Slovenia, 35:26. Yet nothing is over, as Slovenia face a must-win game against Egypt 2021 silver medallists Sweden, with the winner progressing to the Olympic Games.

After a disappointing performance at the IHF Men’s World Championship, Korea look to be back in business, despite losing 24:30 against Brazil on Saturday. Their captain Ha Min Ho is leading by example and his story can be read here. 

If it had not been for the experienced Ivan Cupic, Croatia would have been long gone from contention for an Olympic Games berth, but the 34-year-old right wing is looking sharp and younger than ever, scoring 19 of Croatia’s 51 goals at the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020. 

Another experienced player, another beautiful story: This could be the last chance for legendary line player Bjarte Myrhol to fulfil his Olympic dream and we talked to him during the tournament in Montenegro. A fascinating insight into the Norwegian captain can be read here. 

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Photo: FFHandball / Icon Sport