Group G: Egypt look to secure main round spot against Morocco

The second matchday for Group G sees Egypt trying to secure the main round spot in an all-African derby against Morocco. Croatia face a must-win match against the United States of America.

• 18:00 CET Egypt vs Morocco

After a dominating first match against Croatia, Egypt can secure the main round berth if they repeat the same against Morocco. Building on their 31:22 win over the only European side of the group, the Pharaohs will line up against Morocco in Jönköping.

The two African sides know each other well from the CAHB Men's African Handball Championship, where they faced off seven times in the last ten years. Most recently, Egypt dominated at the 2022 edition, defeating Morocco 36:21.

The Moroccan side will have to find a way to stop superb Egypt's attack, which remained above 74% efficiency against Croatia. Especially a recipe on how to stop great backcourt players like Ali Mohamed (known as Ali Zein), Yehia El-Deraa and Mohsen Mahmoud.

The ones who could help Morocco to keep the contest close can be goalkeeper Jamal Ouaali and good play with the line players if they trick the sturdy opponents' defence. Mehdi Alaoui Ismaili and Said El Malki both scored four times against the USA. 

Morocco's loss, if Croatia defeat the USA, would see them at the bottom of Group E without a point and with very low chances of the main round spot.

• 20:30 CET Croatia vs United States of America

Losing against Egypt was a cold shower for Croatia, who suffered their second-biggest defeat at the start of the World Championship or EHF EURO. Interestingly, the first 22:34 defeat against FR Yugoslavia at the EHF EURO 2002 also happened here, in Jönköping.

Croatia were powerless against a much stronger African team and found themselves on a troublesome path. However, there is no time to dwell, as Croatia need to redeem themselves and win the next two matches. First up are the United States of America, an inexperienced team that returned to the World Championship after 22 years.

The Croatian side is the clear favourite in the match. However, they should not underestimate enthusiastic Americans. Robert Hendin's boys are buoyed after their first win at the World Championship and, with their feet on the ground, will give their best against the five-time medallists.

"We have to focus on ourselves and have our heads clear after the defeat against Egypt. The USA won the first match and are coming into the match with positive emotions. They have a good centre back and right back, a strong shooter at the left back position and a good defence with our Croatian Domagoj Sršen", head coach Hrvoje Horvat told Croatian newspaper Sportske novosti.

Croatia and the United States of America played only two official matches, at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996 and 2021 Men's World Championship. Both times Croatia were unassailable.