Tick-tock! Can you believe it? We are in the final week at the IHF Women’s World Championship, with only seven days to go until all of us handball fans find out who the new world champions will be. Six teams are through to the quarter-finals, with other two joining them after today’s game, who conclude the main round.

Until those crucial games in Castelló, we are going through what happened yesterday at Spain 2021, with two groups in the main round concluding in Granollers and Torrevieja.

Let’s hand the privilege over to the hosts, Spain, who have been nothing short of amazing in the championship they are hosting, winning six out of six to secure first place in Group IV of the main round. Their last win, 27:24 against Brazil, was another testament of their defensive structure, with the South American side only ensuring the difference was lower in the dying minutes of the game.

In Group III, Denmark looked like a worthy title challenger when they faced Germany, another team that won all of their five matches before Sunday. What ensued was a true rout, a throwback performance from the Denmark side, who scored double the amount of Germany’s goals, in an amazing 32:16 win. 

It meant that Denmark and Spain won their groups, with Germany and Brazil coming second, as the first quarter-finals pairing have been decided, with Denmark facing Brazil and Spain eyeing to extend their winning streak against Germany. 

The other games scheduled on Sunday in the main round saw Hungary, the Czech Republic, Japan and Austria bowing out of Spain 2021 with wins. 

The President’s Cup Group II was also concluded with Tunisia’s 35:28 win against Paraguay, as the African side finished second and head to the 27/28 Placement Match against the second place from Group I. 

Now moving forward to today’s card, which is going to be… exciting! And it is Group II which will provide the most excitement, especially when Norway and the Netherlands, two of the last three world champions, will face up for a place in the quarter-finals. The two sides are tied on seven points, with Sweden close behind with six points, ready to pounce during their game against Romania. 

In Group I, France and RHF are already qualified, but will be facing off in Granollers, fighting for the first place in the group. France have eight points, having won all games until this point, while the RHF are just one point behind and need to win to take the first place. 

The President’s Cup group phase will also conclude today, when Angola take on Uzbekistan in President’s Cup Group I, being favourites to qualify for the final against Slovakia, with Cameroon facing the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Despite Germany’s loss, their performance at Spain 2021 has been nothing short of superb, and we talked with one of their most influential players, line player Meike Schmelzer. “Be a little cheeky” is her motto, and Germany will need that come the quarter-finals against Spain. 

If you are a stats nerd, we have everything you need here. The second-placed Elke Karsten and Patricia Kovacs are out of contention at Spain 2021, therefore everything is set to crown Nathalie Hagman as the top scorer of the 25th IHF Women’s World Championship. Sure, Hagman herself might be eliminated alongside Sweden today, but her advantage to the next player still in contention if Sweden are out is a whooping 20 goals.  

You can also win prizes at Spain 2021, if you prove that you are a handball expert. Are you confident you can top the charts? Find out for yourself! 

Unfortunately, injuries happen and players do get replaced at Spain 2021, so you can keep track of everything here. 

Curious where you can follow your team on TV? Don’t worry, we also got you covered – simply click here! 

The IHF is working hard to bring you the very best from what is sure to be an exciting competition and wherever you are, there are many ways to follow the action! Make sure to be always up-to-date! 

And do not forget to also follow our Instagram account dedicated to this competition, available here.