Wow, it is definitely good to have elite handball back! The three Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 tournaments threw off on Friday, and there was great handball on display in Podgorica, Montpellier and Berlin.

Down five in the beginning of the second half, France capped off an impressive comeback to seal a crucial 30:26 win against Croatia, forcing the Croatian side into a must-win situation.

In Berlin, Egypt 2021 silver medalists Sweden had a roller-coaster game against Germany, with the hosts snatching a 25:25 draw in the final seconds.

Meanwhile, Norway made a huge step to earn their first Olympic Games berth since 1972, with the clearest win of the evening, 32:20 against Brazil.

There is no time to rest, though, as the second round in all three tournaments is scheduled for Saturday. In Tournament 1, Norway can seal their Olympic dream with a win against Chile, while Brazil are playing for their lives against a rejuvenated Republic of Korea team. 

Wins by France and Portugal against Tunisia and Croatia will see both teams through to Tokyo in Montpellier, but the Croatian side will be reeling to avenge their defeat against the hosts on Friday evening in Tournament 2. 

Moving on to Berlin, hosts Germany are facing a must-win situation against Slovenia in Tournament 3 to keep their hopes alive, while Sweden can get closer to their goal, provided they win against Algeria.

After missing several key players at Egypt 2021, Germany’s coach Alfred Gislason aims to improve and shared his thoughts with us prior to the tournament. 

Meanwhile, France try to keep the dream of eigth Olympic Games berths in a row alive, despite undergoing a serious makeover. 

Are you curious who scored the most goals on the first day of the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020? Well, you can visit our statistics page, and here’s a clue: he is Croatian!

Do not forget that in a week’s time, 10 teams will be also vying for six places at Tokyo 2020 in the women’s Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020, with more info here.

You can find out everything you need to know about the event on our mini-site dedicated to the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 and on our official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels. 

Click here for more information on how you can watch the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020.

Photo: Marco Wolf/DHB