The group phase of the 10th IHF Men's Youth World Championship is coming to an end after 32 games across four venues in Croatia. Teams in Varaždin already know their fate, but top-of-the-group clashes, Hungary against Slovenia and hosts Croatia against Portugal are yet to be decided.

Koprivnica will witness more thriller games. While Spain can be relaxed, Brazil and Bahrain will fight for the second main round spot. Egypt, with two wins in their hands, are hoping to stop Iceland, who need to have an over-the-top performance if they want to progress further instead of the Czechia.

Group A

• 15:30 CEST Rwanda vs Algeria

In an all-African duel, two bottom-placed teams will fight for two points, which will be taken into the Presidents' Cup. European sides were favoured to progress to the next phase even before the start of the competition, and despite a good fight, the inexperience of Rwanda and Algeria came to light.

Algeria had a huge blow against Portugal and Croatia, scoring only 19 goals in both cases. Rwanda had a similar outcome, but against hosts Croatia, they looked good in the first 15 minutes of the game but completely lost touch as the game progressed. While the defences are not on the highest level, the fighting spirit isn't missing from these two sides.

Atek Youcef has been instrumental for Algeria, showcasing his skills and netting 14 times in two games. When talking about Rwanda, two players that have been taking responsibility for the attack are Samuel Mbesutunguwe and Emmanuel Kubwimana.

• 19:30 CEST Portugal vs Croatia

The top-of-the-group game will bring top-class actions to Varaždin. Two sides meet again after a year, and once again, they will close the group phase with a mutual encounter. Portugal and Croatia were together in Group B at the M18 EHF EURO 2022, and in the nail-biting finish, Portugal narrowly won 25:24. José Ferreira netted six times and Aleksandar Čaprić had one more, but that wasn't enough for Croatia to snatch a win.

Both of them are at Croatia 2023 and ready to repeat the same, with hosts Croatia hoping to be the winners' side this time. Playing against two African sides in the group was an easy task for Portugal and Croatia. Consequently, this match will show the real capabilities of both sides and what they need to work on as they progress from game to game.

So far, Croatia, as always in younger generations, have a strong goalkeeping duo Tin Herceg and Marko Prpić, but their two wing players, on the left Marko Bajan and on the right Marko Tkalec, together netted 27 times, putting a spotlight on themselves. When it comes to their opponents, Portugal, above mentioned Ferreira has been instrumental, just like Nuno Oliveira. The two have 28 goals between them.

Group B

• 13:30 CEST Morocco vs New Zealand

Some would say New Zealand were left devastated after their performance at Croatia 2023, but they are proud of representing their country and culture after being partially financed through a crowdfunding campaign.

With a total of just 17 goals in two games, it is obvious that Morocco must get their first win in the flagship competition. In that small number of goals, it is easy to find the best player, and his name is John Whittaker. The goalkeepers didn't have it easy, having 124 shots pointed at them.

More experienced Morocco are to be tested, and they hope they will manage to win after 14-year hiatus from the IHF Men's Youth World Championship. If you ask Ouahib Ilyasse and Abdellah Razgui, authors of eight and nine goals respectively, they are confident they will commence the Presidents' Cup with two starting points.

• 17:30 CEST Hungary vs Slovenia

Hungary and Slovenia sealed the main round berth already after two games played with a no-nonsense win over New Zealand and Morocco. In the last group match, they will decide the winner of the group. Even though they had an easy task in the group, especially against New Zealand, the attack efficiency on both sides is not on the level you might think.

The Hungarians' efficiency stands at 69% while Slovenia were more precise, at 78% and are the most efficient team in the competition on goals scored on average. Neighbouring countries did not meet at the M18 EHF EURO 2022, and it will be interesting to see how two similar styles of handball will adjust and consequently change tactics.

Slovenia's fulcrum are their goalkeepers, Ivo Jan Marušić and Ian Mesarec, both having above 45% save efficiency but Luka Kačičnik with a 17/18 shot, should not be forgotten. Hungary, who is dreaming about their first medal at the World Championship, highly relies on Roland Terjek and Balázs Szücs and their wide range of shots.

 

 

Group C

• 13:30 CEST Japan vs Czechia

Czechia made a surprise on the first day of the IHF Men's Youth World Championship. As debutants, they defeated Iceland and gave themselves hopes of the main round. However, they need to eye game between Egypt and Iceland and, in a way, cheer for the Pharaohs.

Even though the European side lack experience in big competitions, young players who are paving their way in the domestic league showed against Egypt that they can make a run for it and make a comeback. Led by Daniel Erebai and goalkeeper Pavel Dufek, Czechia is going all-in.

Japan's performance has yet to progress since their fourth place at the 2022 AHF Men's Youth Handball Championship. Already with a place in the Presidents' Cup and going towards their lowest-ever ranking at the flagship competition, Japan will need luck on their side if they want to upset the Czechia. They need to improve their defence skills and hope Kotaro Tachibana has a good day at the office again.

• 15:30 CEST Egypt vs Iceland

Egypt extended their winning streak to two and is in the best position to claim the main round spot. Winning over Iceland would not only bring the next phase but also a better starting position. Boosted by the success of the previous generation, which became the first non-European side to raise the trophy, Egypt is not messing around.

Despite their top performances so far, the well-fitted team still didn't show all their skills. Deadly from all positions, their offence is strong, but even in times of doubt, they can count on their goalkeepers. Youseff Ahmed and Youssef Salama both have above 33% save efficiency.

Iceland have put the tough game against the Czechia behind them and redeemed themselves against Japan, winning 35:28. Their fight is still not over, but they need luck on their side if they want to be among the top 16 teams. After being placed 10th at the M18 EHF EURO 2022, Iceland will have their worst ranking ever if they don't make it. Reyvnir Thór Stefansson and Elmar Erlingsson will make sure the dream stays alive as the duo leads Iceland's top scorer list.

Group D

• 17:30 CEST Brazil vs Bahrain

The final day of Group D will be opened with a top-notch duel which will decide the second traveller to the main round. Both sides have a defeat against Spain on their account but also a win over the Republic of Korea. However, Bahrain are in a slightly better position, and even a draw would see them through. Brazil must aim for a win if they want to join the top 16 teams.

Brazil's main weapon are their powerful backs, but even when they are blocked by good defensive strategy, Brazil can rely on their wing. However, it is yet to be seen how they will react to Bahrain's tactics and good goalkeepers duo Ali Almadani and Talal Alzowayed.

Bahrain's main problem against much stronger Spain were inaccurate shooting and turnovers, and if they want to have a no-questions-asked win over Brazil, those should be put to the minimum. Yet, if Mikael Lopes Candido, Jao Vitor Lindoso and Lucas Gabriel Vieira Da Silva continue on the same path, they set in the first two games.

 

• 19:30 CEST Spain vs Republic of Korea

Young Spanish players were the second ones to secure the main round spot after Germany succeeded the same. After two straight wins over Bahrain and Brazil, without pressure on their backs, Spain is also looking forward to sealing first place in the group. As the Republic of Korea is already in the Presidents' Cup, Spain know they have both points in their pockets for the next phase.

One of the favourites for the medal, Spain can take the opportunity to rest their key players and give more playing time to others but also take the opportunity to test their defence against the fast-paced handball that Korea can serve. So far, Petar Cikuča Jeličić, Alberto Delgado Molina and Alejandro Pisonero Cartujo are Spanish top scorers, but it will be interesting to see who will take the spotlight against the plucky opponent.

The 2022 AHF Men's Youth Handball Championship winners had a tough start to Croatia 2023. After a 28:32 defeat against Bahrain at the opener in Koprivnica, the win slipped their hands against Brazil after a great fight on the court.

Now, without a chance of progressing further and joining other teams in the Presidents' Cup, Korea will see their worse placement in history since their astonishing first appearance in 2005 when they took the silver medal. Still, Jihwan Choi, Minjun Lee and Jinhyeok Moon will continue to be the leaders of the group and prepare for the upcoming matches in placement from 17th to 32nd place. And they will certainly try to make Spain sweat with their 3-3 and 4-2 defence.

Photos: Croatia 2023/Kolektiff images