After their handball federation website had implored their fans to ‘believe in miracles’, Croatia kept their 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship quarter-final hopes alive with a business-like performance and 34:26 win against Belgium in their second match of the main round.
Both rivals needed a win to secure their main round berth, and while Belgium had a better start, Bahrain then claimed the initiative and had the upper hand for the rest of the match.
However, unless Tunisia beat Denmark later today – which looks unlikely – the Belgians, who have two points, will also go through.
Group H
Belgium vs Bahrain 28:30 (12:15)
Only one side from the 32 taking part at Poland/Sweden are making their debut at the IHF Men’s World Championship. While considered underdogs due to their lack of experience and pedigree, Belgium have flourished in the tournament and secured their first win in a major international tournament, shocking Tunisia (31:29), vastly improving their chances to progress to the main round of the competition.
In an extremely hard-fought match, Belgium claimed their maiden win at the World Championship and made a big step towards the main round as they have two points after two matches.
In turn, Tunisia are on just one point and will face Denmark in their last group encounter, so their progression to the main round is under serious threat.
Group H
Belgium vs Tunisia 31:29 (17:16)
Denmark were seen as strong favourites in their opening match at the current tournament against debutants Belgium, and the reigning champions lived up to expectations in Malmö, comfortably earning two points and taking the lead in Group H.
Group H
Denmark vs Belgium 43:28 (22:15)