Before the last matches on Sunday, the situation in Group I is quite straightforward. Republic of Korea and Chile, who are both on four points, will fight for the first place in the group in a direct duel, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, who have no points, will compete for the third position.
All four teams who ended up in the President's Cup Group I – Chile, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Republic of Korea – not only finished last-placed in their preliminary groups but also failed to take a single point, losing all their matches.
But now they hope to redeem themselves in the consolation tournament, and at least two of these teams are certain to earn their first points on Wednesday.
This meeting could hardly have changed anything for both rivals, as it was clear before the game that Sweden would finish top of Group C and start the main round with four points, while Uruguay would have to move to the President's Cup.
And the European team demonstrated their superiority, beating their opponents by as many as 35 goals, which is the biggest win of the competition.
Group C
Uruguay vs Sweden 12:47 (8:25)
Cape Verde and Uruguay, who are both heading into their second World Championship, will face off in Group C, while co-hosts Sweden, who became runners-up two years ago, are scheduled to meet Brazil.
Two years ago, Uruguay were reaping what they sowed after their third-place finish at the 2020 South and Central American Men’s Handball Championship. They made their IHF Men’s World Championship debut, a superb achievement for a side with little to no tradition in the sport.
Being on the highest of stages was both a reason for pride and a huge responsibility. Still, the South American side finished in 24th place, sealing a 10:0 win against Cape Verde in the preliminary round due to the withdrawal of the African side.