Egypt and Germany extend winning streak at Croatia 2023

Reigning champions Egypt secured their second win in as many days at the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship (28:22), against Czechia, improving their chances of progression to the main round after another excellent display.

Germany also snatched their second win in a row with a dominating attacking display against the United States of America (46:15), tying their highest-ever win in the world handball flagship competition at this age category, previously set against Gabon in 2013.

• Group C

Czechia vs Egypt 22:28 (8:14)

Title-holders Egypt wasted no time dispatching their second opponent in 24 hours as two 14-goal halves saw Czechia downed by six (28:22).

The European side had gone into the game full of expectation after securing their first-ever win in this competition yesterday, and they went toe-to-toe with the African champions for most of the first period, despite the best efforts of Al Ahli’s left wing Belal Masoud, whose three goals in the first quarter had helped his Egypt side to a three-goal lead (9:6).

Czechia then closed the gap to two, but a 5:0 run from Egypt saw them take a 14:7 lead with seconds of the half remaining, just enough time for Czechia’s Radek Navrátil to grab one at the death – their first goal in 14 minutes.

Both squads were big on height, with a number of interesting duels in both defence and attack, but the organised Egyptians were a class apart from their on-court rivals.

Czechia coach Jiří Hynek was left scratching his head at the break after seeing his Czechia side convert just one of their five penalty shots and they would not get any more in the second.

His young team did attempt a comeback of sorts, a 7:1 run early in the second saw them come within two (34th-42nd minute) at 17:19, but the ever-popular Masoud, combined with a tough 6-0 defence and a goalkeeper pairing with a save rate of 46% (17 saves from 37 attempts), ensured another victory for the North African side and a possible focus switch to the main round.

“Czechia are a very good team and have very good players, but the mentality and spirit of my players was the difference. I am very satisfied,” said Egypt head coach Wael Aly to ihf.info after the game.

“Next up are Iceland and they are a very good team. I respect all the teams, but we play to win and my team has one target here in Croatia – to go far.”

hummel Player of the Match: Belal Masoud (Egypt)

 

 

 

• Group G

United States of America vs Germany 15:46 (7:21)

Germany celebrated their second win in a row at Croatia 2023 and they are one huge step closer to their first objective. Beating the inexperienced United States of America, they secured the main round berth if Argentina later in the day don't lose to Saudi Arabia, while their opponents will seek their first win at the flagship competition against an Asian side or new opponents in the Presidents' Cup.

Right from the start, there was no question of who the winner is going to be. Boosted with Frederik Höler saves and the impeccable shots by Tim Gömmel, in the mix with fast breaks, soon saw Germany in front by seven. 

It took 12 minutes for the USA to score, moving from being close (2:3) to trailing 3:10. With 17 turnovers and 30% of shot efficiency, the USA could not hope for a better result by half-time. Even though Germany proved to be a tough opponent, the debutants of the competition were giving their best until the final buzzer.

The team who came in second place at M18 EHF EURO 2022 viewed this match as an opportunity to evenly distribute playing time. As the game progressed, they began to slow down the pace by taking their foot off the gas, but even with that imposed rhythm, the USA couldn't keep up. They ended the match with 35 turnovers.

The double-digit lead was hit early in the game, but it took 39 minutes for the Germans to have +20 on their tally, setting 28:8 after yet another Kay Funke goal, who ended the game without a miss (7/7). 

The USA scored only 15 goals, being the second-lowest number of goals at Croatia 2023 but right wing John Gallittu will remember it by his four goals scored. Kay Funke took the "hummel Player of the Match" award after a great offensive performance, but once again, Marvin Siemer and Tim Gömmel reached high nine.

hummel Player of the Match: Kay Funke (Germany)

Photos: Croatia 2023/Kolektiff images