Both European teams in Group D opened the World Championship with big victories, and they are also seen as strong favourites in their second matches on Sunday. If Sweden and Netherlands win again, both sides will secure progression to the main round. 

Sweden vs Puerto Rico 15:30 CET

Against Uzbekistan, Sweden somewhat struggled in the first 20 minutes, but then took the match under full control and cruised to a 46:15 victory.

Their 46 goals were distributed among all 14 court players, and while four of them netted five times, the 23-year-old left wing Clara Lerby became top scorer with six goals in her debut game at this level. 

"It was a good match to start the tournament. We knew that there should be a difference between the two teams, and we have shown it," Sweden's coach Tomas Axner said.

Now, his team are scheduled to play another game against an opponent of a smaller caliber, this time Puerto Rico, whom they have never faced before.

The Central American side lost by as many as 40 goals against Netherlands on Friday, 15:55, but they still have a chance to reach the main round.

Even if it will be extremely hard for Puerto Rico to snatch any points from Sweden, they know that the third match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday will be crucial for them. 

Uzbekistan vs Netherlands 18:00 CET

On Friday, Netherlands wrote history, as they claimed their biggest-ever win at an IHF World Championship and became the first team at the event since 2009 to hit the 50-goal mark in a match.

All 16 Dutch players had their time on the court, including Estavana Polman, who has just recently returned to the court after a knee injury. The centre back played some minutes in the first half and scored one goal.

"I'm getting a little freer in my head. Of course it's still a long way to go, but I'm glad to be here," Polman said after the game. 

The title-holders thus made the first step towards defending their title, and the second one is expected to follow in the match against Uzbekistan.

The Uzbeks are participating in the World Championship after a 24-year break and their current players have no experience at this level and, therefore, they see the tournament as a good chance to learn and develop.

"We have a very young team and lack experience, but we are very happy to play at the World Championship. It's a new motivation, and we will try to improve in the next matches," said centre back Sevara Razakbergenova.

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio