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Group D: Everything up for grabs between three European sides

15 Jan. 2023

Group D: Everything up for grabs between three European sides

A top-notch match between Portugal and Hungary will see two top teams make a run for important points. While Hungary can secure first place by winning, if Portugal take it, we will have an interesting outcome for group D, provided Iceland will come back stronger and defeat the Republic of Korea.

  • 18:00 CET Republic of Korea vs Iceland

Iceland have to get back after a tough defeat by Hungary. After being in front by six for 50 minutes, Iceland's attack stopped and Hungary made a miraculous comeback and secured the main round.

Guðmundur Guðmundsson and his team were left in disbelief, and now they have to approach the match against the Republic of Korea in full concentration. Every point and every goal count in the possible group standing.

On paper, the Icelanders are clear favourites against Korea, but they will have to keep an eye on their speedy opponents whose strongest trumps are breakthroughs and fast breaks. However, if Björgvin Páll Gustavsson and Viktor Gísli Hallgrímsson continue with their excellent performances between the posts, Iceland should not worry about anything.

More interestingly, Iceland never won against Korea at the World Championship, but to be fair, their last encounter was at Iceland 1995. The only time Iceland defeated Korea was at the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992.

  • 20:30 CET Portugal vs Hungary

Are we going to have clear group standings or a more balanced and interesting one? This match will give us the answers.

The Hungarians have a chance to win the group if they score their third straight win at the World Championship. With the team full of confidence after a stellar comeback against Iceland, Chema Rodríguez will fight for two points, which would mean they are carrying a full pack with them to Gothenburg.

Portugal also have high ambitions after winning over the Republic of Korea and by winning over Hungary, they could spice things up in the group when it comes to the points taken to the main round.

The two sides' vast experience will come to the test while closing the competition in Kristianstad. The importance of the match is known to all, and Portuguese line player Luís Frade agreed with that on the portal.fpa.pt.

"We have to improve clearly without losing focus on the defence, but we have to improve and take two or three steps forward in the attack. Trying to make as many fast breaks, which are the so-called easy goals. The pressure is good for us because we are players who are used to it and when we feel the need to do well, we are there and we respond to this need."

This will be the sixth time these two teams meet, but the first time at the World Championship. Hungary lead in head-to-head records with the most recent 31:30 win at the EHF EURO 2022.