After 13 days with world-class handball, it is time for the remaining teams in the competition to recharge their batteries and focus on the task at hand.

There are still 11 games to be played at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship and this is what really matters: teams that are knocked out are going home.

On the programme of the last day of the main round were still several crucial games in Group I and II, as the quarter-final fixtures were determined.

In Group I, Hungary rested three key players and Spain duly took advantage, topping the group after the 36:28 win against the Hungarian side, which finished second. Brazil recorded their biggest-ever win at the IHF Men’s World Championship, 37:17 against Uruguay, while Germany saved a draw against Poland, only to finish 12th, their worst-ever placement in history.

Group II was even more captivating, with a do-or-die clash for Argentina and Qatar. The South American side led for 40 minutes, only to falter in the last part of the game, opening the door for Qatar to clinch their third quarter-final berth in the last eight years, after their 26:25 win. In the last match of the group, two European powerhouses collided, but Denmark got the better of a depleted Croatian side, which crashed out of the competition, while Japan secured their best ranking since Sweden 2011 before, winning 29:25 against Bahrain. 

After the completion of the main round, four promising games are scheduled for the quarter-finals, with the headliner undoubtedly being Spain against Norway. Hungary will clash for a semi-final place against France, while Sweden face Qatar. Hosts Egypt will face a tough game against title holders Denmark.

Sweden’s centre back Alfred Jonsson, is touted to be “the next big thing” and was taking exams in his spare time in Egypt. Read more about his story here.

After 96 games played at the 27th IHF Men’s World Championship, it is time to take another trip to the statistics in this event and the battle for the top scorer title looks set to be fought between two players, Qatar’s Franklin Marzo (53 goals) and Norway’s Sander Sagosen (50 goals). 

Unparalleled statistical access and player data monitoring can also be found in our new dashboard section of the website, where you can find out all statistics of your favourite player at Egypt 2021.

You can also watch the best highlights and follow everything that happens at Egypt 2021 on our Facebook page.

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.