Republic of Korea became the first team of Spain 2021 to qualify through to the main round of the first-ever 32-team IHF Women’s World Championship with a two-goal win over Tunisia on Saturday.

Ahead of the match it appeared to be another guaranteed win for the Asian side after they had dispatched Congo with ease on Thursday.

But Tunisia, who took Angola to additional time in the 2021 African Championship semi-final in June and finished one place above Congo in the continental championship, proved to be more than a match and will be left wondering how they lost with the result in doubt until the last 30 seconds.

GROUP F
Republic of Korea vs Tunisia 31:29 (14:14)

Korea were given an unexpectedly hard test against their second African opponents in three days, with Tunisia keeping the Asian champions on their toes until the last 30 seconds.

Despite the two-goal victory in the end for Korea, Tunisia will look back at a missed opportunity for a win which saw their goalkeeper Roa Mkadem make 10 saves in the 60 minutes, more than the combined total of Korea’s two shot-stoppers (9).

Ironically, it was a Korean goalkeeper who sealed the victory, but by scoring.

As the game entered the last minute, Korea lost possession, 30:28 ahead and Mouna Jlezi broke through the Korean defence far too easily, but her shot hit the right-hand post and dribbled along the line, but not across.

With seven in attack, Tunisia had an unguarded net the other end and Oh Sara had the presence of mind to grab the ball, compose herself and throw at speed a full court goal.

That made it 31:28 with 30 seconds to go and the Korean players celebrated, including Ryu Eun-hee who ended up playing all but 10 minutes of the encounter.

“It was a tough game, our players were in a hurry too much,” said Korea coach Jang In-ik after the match. “It was not easy to find our own pace in the beginning and it felt like Tunisia prepared for this game very well.”

Prepare they did with coach Moez Ben Amor philosophical in defeat but with the luxury of one more chance to guide his team through to the main round.

“We watched Korea in their first match against Congo and did a good game today,” said Amor. “Maybe, in that last five minutes of the match the experience of Korea was more, but I was so proud of my team, and I hope that will win our third match, against Congo and go to the second round.”

hummel Player of the Match: Migyeong Lee, Republic of Korea