News

President’s Cup Group II: Chile and Morocco fight for the second place

24 Jan. 2021

President’s Cup Group II: Chile and Morocco fight for the second place

Austria have already secured the first place in the group after winning against Morocco and Chile, but still have a game to play against the team that will finish 31st at Egypt 2021, Republic of Korea.

Chile and Morocco will face off for the second place in the group, with the winner set to meet the second-placed team from Group I in the 27/28 Placement Match.

Morocco vs Chile 16:30 CAT

Both sides are on two points after losing against Austria in this group, as the winner will claim at least second place.

The Chilean side have dazzled in attack, scoring 31.8 goals per game, tied with Egypt for the second best attack in the competition, only five goals scored less than Slovenia. However, they have leaked goals in defence, conceding at least 32 goals in each game.

It is a testament for the fast-paced, creative style that Mateo Garralda has imprinted on the Chilean side, which continued to impress at the IHF Men’s World Championship.

“Our dream is to play nice and smart handball and win every game we play,” said Chile’s coach, Mateo Garralda.

The Moroccan defence will have their hands full with back Erwin Feuchtmann, who is the third best scorer at Egypt 2021 after five games, with 37 goals.

As Chile are searching their 10th win in 41 games at the IHF Men’s World Championship, Morocco will be motivated by their third win in 38 games in the competition – a 32:25 victory against Republic of Korea on Friday. 

The winner will seal second place in the group, as catching up with Austria is impossible after the European side won against both Morocco and Chile in the first two games.

Irrespective of the result of the game, both Chile and Morocco will – due to the expansion to 32 teams – record their worst-ever finish at an IHF Men’s World Championship.

Republic of Korea vs Austria 19:00 CAT

With two wins in the first two games, Austria secured the first place in the group, with one game still to play – against Republic of Korea.

With five losses in the first five games, Republic of Korea are certain to finish last in the group and leave Egypt 2021 on the 31st place, their worst-ever result in history at an IHF Men’s World Championship.

But the ambitious and young Korean team also look to secure at least a point, having never finished a World Championship on a six-game losing streak.

Yet the fast-paced Austrian attack could prove too much for a team that conceded the largest amount of goals at Egypt 2021 in the first five games (189).

As Ales Pajovic’s side will be preparing for the President’s Cup final against Tunisia or DR Congo, they will have earmarked this game as an important preparation still.

“Finding motivation for the winning the President’s Cup is not so easy, we would have wanted to play in the main round, so starting to win games is very important for us,” said Pajovic.

Photo: Egypt 2021