A much-needed win for Slovenia against Argentina ensured the Europeans have kept themselves in a hunt for a last-eight spot, although an injury to right back Nejc Cehte will be of concern to the Europeans going forward into tougher clashes against Egypt and Croatia.

MAIN ROUND, GROUP IV
Slovenia vs Argentina 34:23 (15:8)

With Slovenia aiming to win all three of their main round games at the Arena Zagreb to stand any chance of qualifying through to the quarter-finals of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, Argentina, the first of the trio they will face, were swept away by the Europeans, the victory already confirmed by the 19th minute.

Their 11-goal win was just what Uros Zorman and his Slovenian team needed after a record defeat at the hands of Iceland last time out, the coach making two changes from the team, leaving out Urban Lesjak and Nik Henigman, bringing in Joze Baznik and Tadej Kljun. Argentina coach Rodolfo Jung added Gaston Mourinho to his squad of 15, the player coming in for the injured Lucas Moscariello.

While Slovenia may have played with capacity to spare, the entire delegation will be concerned after a painful injury to Nejc Cehte in the eighth minute.

As the right back attempted to cut in for a shot, Argentina’s Martin Jung collided with him, appearing to connect with the HC Eurofarm Pelister player in the ribs, the resulting pain fully registering by the time the player ended up in the Argentina goal on the floor.

Shepherded by Argentina captain and goalkeeper Leonel Maciel, medical attention was swiftly called over and the player received on-court treatment for six minutes. Leaving the arena on a stretcher, the 32-year-old managed a pumped fist in response to his supporters chanting his name as he was wheeled off, but an immediate grimace on his face, full of pain, was evident of the extent of the injury.

At this point, Argentina had kept in touch with their opponents and by the 12th minute, it was all-square (5:5). But the game was beyond them quickly after as the South Americans saw their next seven attacks thwarted and Slovenia, seeing Aleks Vlah start for the first time at the championship, punished them.

An Argentina time-out in the middle (15th minute, 8:5) did not stop the run from their opponents who were ahead 11:5 shortly after (19th minute). As the first half ended, Argentina had managed to get back to scoring ways, but the seven-goal difference (15:8) would prove insurmountable in the second period.

“We caught the right rhythm,” said Slovenia’s Miha Kavcic at half-time to TV Slovenija. “This is the only right way to continue the tournament: with a win.”

Argentina did push back on the Slovenian attack, going on a 3:0 run to reduce the gap (20:15) in the 42nd minute, but Zorman’s side clicked back in to game, going ahead by double figures for the first time in the 54th minute, through a Kristjan Horzen fast-break (30:20), before ending with a 34:23 victory.

The South Americans had stated ahead of the match that a win against Cape Verde and performing well in their games against Slovenia and Iceland were their priorities in this round, and with that clash against the Africans next, they will be relishing the opportunity to get another win in Zagreb.

Slovenia face Egypt following that clash on Friday (24 January), with the African champions likely to be their toughest opponents yet.

hummel Player of the Match: Klemen Ferlin (Slovenia)