Argentina and Saudi Arabia share spoils, Iceland open account

One of the most balanced games at Croatia 2023, the tie between Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group G, ended in a stalemate (29:29), with the two sides sharing the spoils after a topsy-turvy match, as Germany became the first team to progress to the main round of the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, after the result.

In Group C, which was already predicted to be one of the most balanced ones in the competition, Iceland opened their account with a 35:28 win over Japan. However, the European side will need a win against Egypt on Saturday to still hope to progress to the next phase after losing against Czechia on Wednesday.

• Group C

Iceland vs Japan 35:28 (13:10)

Iceland made light work of Japan in the second Group C game of the day at the Josip Samardžija-Bepo sports hall in Koprivnica, taking a seven-goal victory (35:28).

The win means Iceland are off the mark at Croatia 2023, having lost their opener yesterday against Czechia.

For Japan, it was the second loss in a row, following their 32:40 loss against the title-holders Egypt on Wednesday.

The team from Asia did not help themselves against the Europeans today, scoring just four times in the first 15 minutes and ending the first period with just 10 strikes from their 26 attempts (38%).

Despite their struggles to either get past "hummel Player of the Match" and Iceland goalkeeper Ísak Steinsson (12/37) or even hit the target, the Japanese side did come within one (8:9) in the 22nd minute, but Iceland kept their noses in front to take a three-goal half-time lead (13:10).

A 4:0 run straight out of the blocks at the beginning of the second period put Iceland 17:10 ahead (36th minute) and that was it, with Japan deciding not take a time out to restock.

Iceland were untidy at times though, their eight suspensions – including one for the coach – highlighting an issue that will be punished by harder opponents.

But they can be happy, having moved on from the disappointment in their opener, to putting themselves in a position to qualify through to the main round as they approach their final preliminary group game against Egypt on Saturday (5 August).

On the other side, with two losses, Japan now face the prospect of the President's Cup and the possibility of their lowest-ever ranking in championship history, so they will need all of the luck on their side when they face Czechia in their last preliminary group game.

hummel Player of the Match: Ísak Steinsson (Iceland)

 

 

 

• Group G

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia 29:29 (13:14)

Argentina had a tough time against Saudi Arabia, who managed to tie a game. The result sent Germany to the main round, while these two teams will have to wait for the outcome of their last games against Germany and the United States of America, respectively.

Even though South and Central American Men's Youth Handball Championship winners were the favourites on paper, they couldn't make a break and were trailing in 30 minutes before making a comeback. Saudi Arabia fought hard for their second-ever win at the flagship competition but even a tie is an award for the team.

The start of the game wasn't handball in all its glory, with many turnovers and missed chances. The first goal came in the fifth minute from the hands of Ezequiel Rozitchner, while Saudi Arabia waited another two minutes to score their first.

With strong and singing support from the stands, Argentinian goalkeepers had good impetus at the start of the game, having four out of eight saves but even their performance did not help the South American side to keep a significant lead. Their top was by four goals after 18 minutes of play but Saudi Arabia performed a magical 5-0 goal run before the half-time buzzer.

Saudi Arabia goalkeepers didn't have a good day, but even so, the defence wall was doing the job. Argentina couldn't score from 9 metres and really missed those powerful backcourt shots. Saudi Arabia were flying high on the wings of Ahmed Al Saeed and Sajjad Al Fardan; however, they didn't have enough strength to keep it for 30 minutes.

Mid-second half of the game, Argentina made a comeback with a well-executed breakthrough goal by Martin Augusto Arrom. This goal provided a much-needed energy boost and allowed for a fresh start to the remainder of the game. Lucas Ezequiel Obregon Gomez once again brought Argentina back to life.

Not only he scored ten times in the game but he also returned a lead to his team with two consecutive goals ten minutes before the final whistle, which was their first lead after having 11:10 in the 23rd minute. In a nail-biting finish, when Argentina had everything in their hands, they made two turnovers in a row allowing Saudi Arabia to score an equaliser. 

hummel Player of the Match: Lucas Ezequiel Obregon Gomez (Argentina)

Photos: Croatia 2023/Kolektiff images