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Group F: Two main round spots still up for grabs

18 Jan. 2021

Group F: Two main round spots still up for grabs

With Portugal already through to the main round at Egypt 2021, there are still two places up for grabs for the next phase of the competition.

Morocco are facing a must-win game against Iceland, as they must snap a three-game losing skid dating back to 2007 in order to avoid elimination.

Portugal vs Algeria 19:00 CAT

Portugal’s big ambitions at Egypt 2021 have been highlighted by their first two wins, 25:23 against Iceland and 33:20 against Morocco.

It is only the second time ever after Portugal 2003 for the Portuguese side to start an IHF Men’s World Championship with two wins in a row.

A third consecutive win would be a first for Paulo Pereira’s side in the men’s event and it would also mean that Portugal start the main round on four points.

“We had two wins in our first two games, which is very good, but if we want to achieve our objective and proceed to the quarter-finals, we need to start with four points in the main round, because our next opponents will be very tough,” said Pereira after the win against Morocco, 33:20.

With depth and character, the Portuguese side will be looking to challenge the spirited Algerian team, who can proceed to the next phase even with a loss, provided Iceland do not lose to Morocco in the second Group F match of the day.

Portugal have one of the top defences at Egypt 2021, conceding only 43 goals in their first two games, while right wing Pedro Portela and centre back Miguel Martins are taking care of the attack with a combined tally of 24 of Portugal’s 58 goals in the first two games.

The Portuguese side had mixed results against African teams in their four participations in Men’s World Championships, winning three out of six games, with two wins against Morocco and one against Tunisia at Portugal 2003.

Iceland vs Morocco 21:30 CAT

Morocco have only won two of their 30 games played at the IHF Men’s World Championship, but face a must-win game against Iceland now.

The seasoned Icelandic side had already won a game against their African counterparts at France 2001 (31:23) and are poised to repeat the result at Egypt 2021.

Iceland are coming in full of confidence after their 39:24 win against Algeria on Saturday, boasting an impressive 85 per cent shooting efficiency in that game, despite missing key playmaker Aron Palmarsson due to a knee injury.

With left wing Bjarki Mar Elisson putting 18 goals past the opponent goalkeepers in the first two games, Iceland – even though they are not an attacking powerhouse per se – can overwhelm opponents with their sheer speed and creativity.

The Icelandic side have not failed to proceed from the preliminary round since Tunisia 2005 and look to go on to the next stage for their seventh time in a row.

With experienced coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson on the bench, there will be no place for complacency for the Icelandic side, considering that the Nordic side never lost against an African team so far.

“We respect Morocco, because they are a very good team, we must start the game good and be hungry for the win, otherwise it will be tough,” said Gudmundsson.

If Iceland do not lose, they would start the main round on two points after their 39:24 win against Algeria on Saturday.