After Leipzig and Bietigheim on the first two days of Germany 2017, the third match of the day is hosted in Group C venue Oldenburg, where Denmark face their countryman Ulrik Kirkely, who steered Japan to a sensational draw against Brazil. Kirkely, who took over the team after Japan failed on their way to Rio, is one of four Danish-born coaches at Germany 2017 – besides Danish coach Clavs Bruun Jørgensen, Morten Soubak (Angola) and Helle Thomsen (Netherlands).

 

Kirkely can face his country fellows with his head held high: Japan played a superb opener against 2013 world champions Brazil, but finally were unlucky not to finish victorious. Scoring the last two goals in the final minute, Brazil took a draw. “We need to be on our highest level again then we have the chance to beat all top opponents”, said Kirkely.

 

Even despite their last minute draw, the Japanese side have a psychological advantage, as the Danes never expected a match like their opener against Montenegro. “We are shocked”, was the general impression after the 24:31 defeat, in which the record Olympic champions (1996, 2000, 2004) stood no chance against the Balkan stars. Partly being down by ten goals was a clear setback in the high Danish hopes.

 

And the Danes should be aware of the Olympic 2020 hosts – as history proves: at the 2011 World Championship in Brazil, Denmark were very close to an eighth-final elimination by Japan. Three minutes before the end, they were down by three, then luckily made it to extra-time, where they claimed a 23:22 victory. 

 

Group A:

 

The opener of round 2 in Trier is a duel of two teams who started the World Championship with wins: while Slovenia are on cloud number nine after their sensational 24:23 against France, Romania could save more power, rotating their players in the match against Paraguay. “We have nothing to lose again, but we are boosted by beating France”, said Slovenian top scorer Ana Gros. Another Slovenia win would be a big step the road to the eighth-finals.

 

France are under pressure already prior to their match against Angola. On last Wednesday, the side of Olivier Krumbholz easily beat the African champions in a test match 30:18, but in their opener against Slovenia they lacked efficiency in attack. “We are the underdogs, but we will fight bravely,” said Danish-born Angola coach Morten Soubak. His side stood strong against Spain, but finally were defeated 24:28.

 

The favourite role is clearly set in Sunday’s third match at Trier. Anything else than a Spanish win against Paraguay would be a huge sensation. “We are happy about our good start, but now we need to continue on this way,” Spain coach Carlos Viver said after beating Angola.

 

Group B:

 

Czech Republic vs Poland is a crucial duel for a spot in the eighth-finals in Bietigheim-Bissingen. Both sides have won their openers –  Czech Republic against Argentina (28:22) and Poland against Sweden (33:30). But if Karolina Kudlacz-Gloc strikes again like she did against the Scandinavians and goalkeeper Adriana Placzek has another great day, the young Poland team can make a huge step towards the knock-out stage.

 

How can Hungary cope with the demolishing 22:30 defeat against Norway – and how will Sweden react on their surprise pack against Poland? Those are the main questions prior to the duel of the two disappointed teams. The Hungary attack and the Sweden defence were below par in the openers – and this encounter can already be decisive for the path of the two powerhouses in this World Championship.

 

After their big win against Hungary, Norway are supposed to have an easy match against Argentina – but some examples of the opening day have proved that all opponents need to be treated with fair respect.

 

Group C:

 

After their 20-goal defeat against Russia, Tunisia only had one day to think it over. On Sunday, the African runners-up open round 2 in Oldenburg facing 2013 world champions Brazil. They had been extremely lucky with their opening draw against Japan, scoring the last two goals in the final minute. “We need to wake up now,” said Brazilian top star Eduarda Taleska. Again, Tunisia are the underdogs.

The second encounter will bring together the clear winners of the first day, as Russia (against Tunisia) and Montenegro (against Denmark) did not have any problems defeating their respective opponents. Russia definitely will be aware of Montenegrin top scorer Jovanka Radicevic (twelve strikes against Denmark). Having their top stars back on track, Montenegro might be a true challenge for the Olympic champions.

 

Group D:

 

In Leipzig three intercontinental encounters will take place on Sunday. First, Serbia are expected to take their second clear win after beating China 36:16. Their opponents Cameroon were demolished by Germany in the opening match on Friday (15:28).

After their sensational defeat against Korea, 2015 silver medallists Netherlands have their next Asian opponent ahead, but China are of another quality than Republic of Korea. The Dutch side mainly need to improve in attack, taking a look back at their opener. Germany will face those highly motivated Koreans in their second match. Both sides are hit hard by severe knee injuries of key players, both sides are on two points, and both sides count on fast attacks – thus, a goal spectacle can be expected.