Bahrain frustrate Slovenia, as Faroe clinch second win

A huge surprise at the 24th IHF Men's Junior World Championship took place on Thursday, as Slovenia were left reeling after a disappointing outing against Bahrain, as the European side saved a draw in the dying seconds of the game (29:29), which leaves their chances of progression to the main round intact.

In the other game played in the morning session in Magdeburg, the Faroe Islands extended their winning streak to two games at Germany/Greece 2023, dominating a fast-paced game against Japan (39:34).

• Group D

Faroe Islands vs Japan 39:34 (21:17)

It was a record first half for the Faroe Islands in terms of goals scored in a match at the IHF Men's Junior World Championship, with the European side and Japan combining for 38 goals in the first 30 minutes in a fast-paced game, where defences were totally outplayed by excellent attacks.

The Faroe side duly delivered an excellent start to the game, and it was once again the dynamic duo of centre back Elias Ellefsen Á Skipagotu and right wing Hákun West Av Teigum clearly the most experienced players for the European side which shined on the court.

Both players had seven goals in the first 30 minutes, but Ellefsen Á Skipagotu delivered eight more assists, having a direct hand in 15 of his team's 21 goals, therefore contributing directly to 71% of his team's goals, as Faroe edged closer to their second win in as many games at Germany/Greece 2023.

However, Japan were also there, constantly pushing through Naoki Fujisaka, who had four goals in the first 14 minutes, only for Futa Takahashi and Shin Izumoto to take over and score four goals themselves after the Faroe defence adapted and started frustrating Fujisaka with a man-to-man defence.

The Faroe Islands even used a seven-on-six attack to improve their chances, and that worked out excellently, as the European side, dark horses in the tournament, showed great skills to eventually down Japan (39:34), in one of the most entertaining matches so far at Germany/Greece 2023.

With an 11-goal outing, Ellefsen Á Skipagotu became the top goal scorer of the 24th IHF Men's Junior World Championship, with a 19-goal tally, while West av Teigum jumped to the fourth place in the top goal scorer standings, as he is only three goals shy from Ellefsen Á Skipagotu.

The second win in as many games helped the Faroe Islands edge closer to qualifying for the main round, a clear objective for the European side, which will be sealed if Spain do not lose in the next match against Angola. On the other hand, Japan are virtually eliminated from contention, but they duly have a strong generation on their hands, which can do some damage in the future.

hummel Player of the Match: Hákun West Av Teigum (Faroe Islands)

 

 

 

• Group F

Slovenia vs Bahrain 29:29 (12:12)

In one of the most exciting matches of the 24th IHF Men's Junior World Championship, Slovenia and Bahrain did not find a winner, which was actually the first draw at the tournament. After two matches, Slovenia have three points, and Bahrain one, so both sides stay in the fight for the main round berths.

Bahrain were very close to their first-ever win against a European team at this level. Slovenia led 1:0 and 2:1 early in the match, but they could never pull in front afterwards, so the Asians were slightly dominant for the most part. However, their biggest lead was just three goals at 20:17 and 24:21 in the second half.

Bahrain's goalkeeper Hesham Isa did a good job, finishing the game with 16 saves. He was particularly reliable in the first half when he boasted a 45% saving efficiency. In fact, both teams missed a lot of chances before the break, so the 12:12 score looked quite logical.

After the restart, the Asian team stepped up, but they could not withstand big pressure late in the match. Jasim Khamis and Mohamid Rabia missed 7m shots in the last five minutes, although the latter scored from a follow-up shot. Overall, Bahrain converted only two of their seven penalty shots in the match, which probably cost them a victory.

Slovenia were better in that aspect, converting four of their six attempts. In particular, one of their top scorers, Mitja Janc, netted from the 7m spot twice in the last minute, drawing level both times - and his shot just one second from full-time secured his team a draw. 

hummel Player of the Match: Hesham Isa (Bahrain)