All 32 teams have played one game in the preliminary round of the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, with the second round ready to start on Saturday.

While Denmark and Germany recorded easy wins against Bahrain and Uruguay, two other favourites learnt that no game is easy at the men’s handball flagship event.

Despite leading by six goals in the second half against Brazil, reigning European champions Spain had to settle for a 29:29 draw, with Men’s EHF EURO 2020 silver medallists Croatia saving a 29:29 draw against Japan in the dying seconds of the game.

Saturday is headlined by hosts Egypt who will be looking for their second win in a row in Group G, as they face North Macedonia, a team whom Egypt’s coach, Roberto Garcia Parrondo, knows all too well.

France can also seal their main round spot if they are not defeated by Austria in Group E, while Portugal could also progress to the next phase of the competition, provided they do not lose to Morocco in Group F, which they have a flawless record against.

Portugal’s ambitions are still sky high after winning against Iceland, with coach Paulo Pereira highlighting their strengths and explaining how the current Portuguese side was built. 

After breaking their record for goals scored at the World Championship, with their 51:29 win against Republic of Korea, Slovenia are also eyeing their second win at Egypt 2021, against the Russian Handball Federation Team in Group H.

We also sat down with Germany’s right back David Schmidt, who displayed his first impressions about Egypt 2021, but also gave a short insight inside his story both in handball and in his personal life. 

Handball can also be a family legacy and this is exactly what happened in the Rubin family, with back Lenny Rubin starring for the Swiss side 25 years after his father also played for Switzerland. 

To ensure the security and improve the conditions at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, the International Handball Federation tweaked the testing regime for the stakeholders involved in the event. 

Do not forget to set your alarm and watch your favourite teams on TV and follow all the updates of the IHF regarding the IHF men’s flagship event.