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Group D: Argentina and Denmark look to build on opening wins

17 Jan. 2021

Group D: Argentina and Denmark look to build on opening wins

There were no surprises in the first Group D matches on Friday, as Argentina and Denmark claimed two points and made a big step towards the main round. 

Another win will see each of these teams going through, while Bahrain and DR Congo, who opened the competition with defeats, hope to spring some surprises. 

Argentina vs Bahrain 19:00 CAT

In their opening match, Argentina played a poor first half against debutants DR Congo, but improved after the break to win by six goals in the end.

Their goalkeeper Juan Bar, who entered the court in the second half, made a special impact, as his numerous saves helped the South American team to pull clear and get the necessary result. 

“Our performance was good, but it will get better as the tournament progresses. That usually happens. We are a strong offensive team,” said 33-year-old Bar.

In the second game, Argentina will face Bahrain. Even though the teams represent South America and Asia respectively, they both have Europeans at their helm. 

While the ‘Gladiators’ are coached by Spaniard Manolo Cadenas, Bahrain’s technician is Halldor Sigfusson from Iceland.

He was hardly impressed with his team’s result on Friday, as Bahrain were defeated 20:34 by Denmark, yet the hope to reach the main round for the first time in history is still alive.

“The next two matches are very important – if we want to go through, we need to beat Argentina or Congo. We need more stability if we want to have a chance against Argentina,” Sigfusson said.

In 2017, the two teams already met at the World Championship in France. Argentina won 26:17 – however, both sides finished bottom of the preliminary group and could not progress to the Last 16.

DR Congo vs Denmark 21:30 CAT

The reigning world and Olympic champions Denmark successfully started their title defence, recording an easy 14-goal win against Bahrain and showing the handball world that they hope for a new big triumph. 

“Men’s handball is very equal, and there are a lot of good teams, but we would like to take the trophy to our plane when we fly back home,” coach Nikolaj Jacobsen said after the opening victory.

Before the match, Denmark’s Emil Jakobsen was tested positive for COVID-19, yet as he had already been infected in November, Jakobsen hopes that the next tests may give a negative result. 

However, he has already contacted a possible substitute player – Magnus Bramming from Team Twis Holstebro, who can join the European team in the next few days in case Jakobsen is not fit.

While Denmark are aiming for another big success, they are aware that everything will be decided in the next rounds. Meanwhile on Sunday, the Scandinavian side will be strong favourites against DR Congo, who are debutants at the World Championship.

The African team deserve credit for their performance against Argentina – especially for the first half which they won. Yet the second test against the world champions will be even more difficult for the Congolese.