Can Hungary overcome title-holders France?

The all-European clash between France and Hungary takes centre stage in the third round of Preliminary Group B matches at the 2019 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship in North Macedonia today.

Either side of that, Sweden play Canada and Egypt take on Chinese Taipei at the Jane Sandanski Arena.

GROUP B
Feature match: France vs Hungary, 12:30 local time
Jane Sandanski Arena, Skopje

With two wins out of two each, France and Hungary go head-to-head in this all-European encounter looking to continue their run of form which has seen France beat Canada (44:16) and Egypt (28:24) and Hungary defeat Chinese Taipei (38:20) and Canada as well (41:13).

While the 28-goal wins over Canada for both sides suggests little difference on one hand, France have had more of a test in their early games so far, coming up against a determined and physical side who they were leading 14:12 at the break.

The title-holders were kept level numerous times in the second half but eventually broke free with Drevy Paschal impressing and winning the best player of the match award.

Krisztian Karpati, head coach of Hungary said he expected his team to be in the championship until the “last days” after that Chinese Taipei win and we will see today whether his side can rise to one of their strongest tests.

Debutants versus experience and power

In the other games, Sweden take on Canada and Egypt play Chinese Taipei. Both Canada and Chinese Taipei are appearing at their first-ever youth world championship while Sweden (six appearances) and Egypt (seven appearances) as nations, have a wealth of experience from the previous seven editions.

Both Canada and Chinese Taipei are without wins so far and Sweden and Egypt have a win and a loss each to their name.

GROUP  B
Friday 9 August
Jane Sandanski Arena, Skopje

10:30    SWE vs CAN
12:30    FRA vs HUN
14:30    EGY vs TPE