Germany, France through to the semis
By beating Croatia by just a single goal in Cologne yesterday (22-21), Germany joined France in qualifying for the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
Croatia - Germany: 21-22
It was clear that the clash between Croatia and Germany could well be a decisive one, and it more than lived up to its promise. After 40 evenly matched minutes, Croatia slipped behind (45': 15-18) before clawing their way back to level pegging four minutes from time (20-20). But in the 59th minute, Uwe Gensheimer (four goals) put the Germans two goals to the good and Zlatko Horvat's final goal 30 seconds from the final buzzer wasn't enough to change the outcome.
Germany move through to the semi-finals, along with France, while the Spain of Rodrigo Corrales and Viran Morros, as well as Luka Stepnacic's Croatia, crash out of the competition.
Highlights: Croatia - Germany
Spain - Brazil: 36-24
Despite their big win over Brazil, Spain will not be in the semi-finals. Beaten by France in their previous outing, La Roja bounced back against a Brazil side full of confidence after beating Croatia. Dominant from the off, Spain never left Brazil any reason to hope for a result and will play their final match of the Main round against Germany on Wednesday.
Highlights: Spain - Brazil
Egypt - Denmark: 20-26
Mikkel Hansen (five goals) and Henrik Toft Hansen's Denmark bagged a seventh win on the bounce in the 2019 World Cup. Still unbeaten in the tournament, the Danes nonetheless had to dig deep to get past an excellent Egypt side, turning to a seven-man attack in the second half to create a decisive advantage. This crucial two-point haul leaves Denmark in sole control of Group 2, with a two-point lead over Norway and Sweden.
Highlights: Egypt - Denmark
Sweden - Norway: 27-30
Norway managed to come out on top in this Scandinavian showdown against neighbours Sweden. Sander Sagosen was once again in fine form, scoring seven goals, and Norway went into the break three goals to the good (14-17). The Norwegians immediately widened the lead in the second half, going seven goals clear by the 35th minute. Despite surging back late in the piece, Sweden couldn't bridge the gap and it ended up a first defeat for Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz (two goals) and co. at the 2019 World Cup. They sit level with Norway on points, leaving the final Main round matches on Wednesday to decide everything!
Group 1 and 2 standings
After the second-last day of main round matches, the first semi-finalists are known! France and Germany secure the places in the penultimate stage, while it remains a race between the three Scandinavian sides in Group II 👏🏼🔥#handball19 #GERDEN2019 pic.twitter.com/fvJzc2zPjb
— IHF (@ihf_info) 21 janvier 2019
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
France-Croatia 17:00 (Cologne)
Norway - Hungary 17:00 (Herning)
Germany - Spain 19:30 (Cologne)
Denmark - Sweden 19:30 (Herning)
(Credits: Frederico Gambarini/DPA)