Group B: Spain face must-win match against Poland

17 Jan. 2021

Group B: Spain face must-win match against Poland

There is no time to dwell on past mistakes, as Spain aim to bounce back against Poland, while Brazil can earn their main round berth provided they win against Tunisia on Sunday at the New Capital Sports Hall.

Tunisia vs Brazil 19:00 CAT

Two years after recording their best-ever finish at the IHF Men’s World Championship, the ninth place at Germany/Denmark 2019, Brazil are still riding high.

A win against Tunisia would see them through to the main round, after the African side conceded their first loss at Egypt 2021 on Friday, a 28:30 defeat to Poland.

However, Brazil still face some difficulties, especially not being able to field influential line player Thiagus Petrus, while coach Marcus Tata Oliveira has not joined the team in Egypt, due to a positive COVID-19 test prior to the departure.

Their defence has been hit especially hard, as well as the left back position, after Felipe Borges also tested positive upon arrival to Egypt.

Even under these tough conditions, the experienced Brazilian side marched on the field and managed to secure one of the most prestigious results in their history at the World Championship, drawing against the reigning European champions (29:29) in the first game of the group on Friday.

Tunisia, though, hold the head-to-head record in games against Brazil, winning two out of three at the previous World Championship editions.

With left back Mosbah Sanai being in superb form, scoring nine goals against Poland, Tunisia can mean trouble for any side at Egypt 2021.

However, the African side must prove they can also play under pressure, as another loss would mean that their fate is out of their hands when they meet Spain on Monday.

Poland vs Spain 21:30 CAT

Drawing against Brazil on Friday was not the start that Spain envisioned at Egypt 2021, with the reigning European champions failing to shrug complacency in the second half against the spirited South American side.

It can soon be forgotten, though, provided Jordi Ribera’s side win against Poland in their second game at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship.

It is a crucial game between two European powerhouses, especially since the points won against the teams that proceed to the next phase will also be taken into the main round.

Experience will be key in this clash and ‘Los Hispanos’ have plenty of that, with their squad’s average age firmly set at 30.1 years old, the oldest at Egypt 2021.

“We must not lose concentration like we did against Brazil. It cost us,” said Spain’s coach, Jordi Ribera, after the 29:29 draw on Friday.

With Poland looming, Spain must quickly forget about their first game and engage in a physical battle against a younger, hungrier and more physical side.

Yet, this is a game between two sides that know each other well. Three of the Spanish players – the Dujshebaev brothers and Angel Fernandez – are plying their trade for Polish champions Lomza Vive Kielce, a powerhouse that also provides five players for Poland, including one of the top scorers of the tournament, right wing Arkadiusz Moryto.

However, Poland’s task could be monumental. The last seven meetings between the two sides ended with Spanish wins, as Poland have failed to stop Los Hispanos in the past six years. Their last win came in the bronze-medal game at Qatar 2015, after a see-saw game that ended 29:28 after extra-time.

Photo: Egypt 2021