Just like both earlier Wednesday's encounters in Plock, the 27/28 Placement Match was very tight. However, North Macedonia did better in the crucial moments of the game and claimed a three-goal victory in the end.
27/28 Placement Match
Republic of Korea vs North Macedonia 33:36 (19:20)
It was the last group match of the President's Cup and both teams, who were tied on two points, hoped to win it.
North Macedonia, the only European team at the consolation competition, had a big advantage against Morocco and finished second in Group II following a victory.
President's Cup Group II
North Macedonia vs Morocco 40:25 (18:12)
The winner of Group II has already been determined, as Tunisia, who have four points after two matches, are certain to fight for the President's Cup with Chile in the Placement Match 25/26. Their Monday rivals Algeria, in turn, have zero points and will finish last-placed in the group.
North Macedonia and Morocco are level on two points, so both sides have something to fight for, as the winner of their encounter will finish second and proceed to the Placement Match 27/28.
The two teams, who had started the President's Cup with wins, hoped to achieve another success and Tunisia ultimately earned a victory.
With four points, the African side have already secured a top position in Group II as they have a head-to-head advantage over North Macedonia and Morocco, who are tied on two points.
President's Cup Group II
North Macedonia vs Tunisia 28:33 (14:16)
Jonas Wille ended his first IHF Men’s World Championship game as Norway coach with a double-digit victory against the legendary Macedonian Kiril Lazarov, now coach of the North Macedonia team.
A slow start to the game gave way to an eventual 66 goals as the Norwegians, who took silver at the 2017 and 2019 IHF Men’s World Championships, were able to ease into Poland/Sweden 2023.