Slovakia

Japan and Korea took the first victories of the last match day of the Preliminary Round. Japan secured the fourth place in group B, as Korea still can hope for the Main Round.

Group B:

Brazil – Japan 32:33 (12:13)

Tough fight for the fourth place in this group with a Japanese victory: The first half was on low level, as Japan was in lead only twice with a two goal distance (7:5 and 13:11). And nothing changed after the break, as everything remained absolutely close. But as Daisuke Miyazaki scored the 31:29 and Hidenori Kishigawa hit the back of the net for the first three goal lead (33:30) 90 seconds before the final whistle the match had been decided. Top scorer was Makoto Suematso with outstanding twelve goals for Japan. Brazil finish the Preliminary Round with 0:10 points and play for the places 21 to 24, as Japan took the fourth rank and go for the rankings 13 to 16.

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Group B:

Hungary – Brazil 36:24 (18:11)

Thanks to their second victory Hungary still have good chances to qualify for the Main Round – but Brazil only showed little resistance in this one-sided game.  In the upcoming games against Japan and Austria they can book their ticket, as Brazil will have to make their way to the President’s Cup with still no point on their account. The match was quite close until minute 19 (9:7 for Hungary), then the Europeans increased the gap to seven goals at the break. And the run-down remained the same in the second half, as Hungary was clearly dominant. 1500 spectators saw the first ten goal gap in minute 45 and the score of 28:18.  Top scorer was Gergely Harsanyi with ten goals.

Group D:

Slovakia – Argentina 18:23 (9:7)

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