The main round of the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship is behind us, as the eight teams still with a chance to win the coveted trophy are travelling to Gdansk and Stockholm for the final days of the competition.
After 96 matches elapsed at Poland/Sweden 2023, it is time to check and see what was hot and what was not before looking forward to what projects to be a fiery final of an exciting competition.
Seven teams repeat quarter-finals ascension from Egypt 2021
Poland secured their second win at the 2023 IHF Men's World Championship (27:20), against Montenegro, after an immense performance from goalkeeper Mateusz Kornecki, who frustrated the opponents throughout the whole 60 minutes of the match.
Main Round Group I
Montenegro vs Poland 20:27 (8:11)
Co-hosts Poland were eliminated from contention for a quarter-finals berth after Spain delivered their third loss in four matches, 27:23, with an excellent all-round, gritty display. This strong defensive performance helped Jordi Ribera’s side extend their winning streak to four games in a row.
Main Round Group I
Spain vs Poland 27:23 (16:15)
It was not easy, nor pretty, but Poland finally opened their account at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship, taking a hard-fought win against Saudi Arabia (27:24), after the Asian side had previously cut the gap to a single goal with nine minutes to go.
Group B
Poland vs Saudi Arabia 27:24 (13:12)