As Croatia gave their first point from their hands after a thrilling draw against neighbor Serbia, France dismantled the German team with their fourth victory. Tunisia took their first points against Bahrain.

Group A:

Germany – France 23:30 (10:13)

Great French performance, weak German attack: By their fourth straight victory the reigning champion showed extremely clear the favourite role they want to play in Sweden. In the duel of the World Champions of 2007 and 2009 the Germans were on eye level only in the first 20 minutes.   France had not been impressed by an early German lead and played experienced and clever from that point on. Germany made too many mistakes even before the break to endanger the Onesta team, which had much more means in attack and led 13:10 at the break after Germany had scored only three times from minute 15 to 30. After the break the match became a disaster for the Germans, as the French team extended the gap very fast to intermediately ten goals. Only in the last four minutes when the winner was absolutely obvious, the Brand team could do some “cosmetics” for a better result.

Bahrain – Tunisia 21:28 (12:15)

First victory for Tunisia, fourth defeat for debutant Bahrain: Thanks to this result Tunisia kept alive the small hope for the Main Round. But if they want to go on, they need to beat Germany on Thursday with more than five goals. The African Champion took the two points well-deserved, as they led the whole 60 minutes and despite the fact that Bahrain played their best match in Sweden up to now. The Tunisians took a clear lead very early, at the match was quite close until the 17:21 in minute 43 – but then Bahrain lacked powers and Tunisia extended the gap minute by minute.

Group C:

Serbia – Croatia 24:24 (13:12)

Highest tension until the last second, 100 percent emotions and a well-deserved draw: The Balkan duel was on the highlights of the matches of the WCh in Sweden, a deli with ingredients handball need.  The whole match was equal on highest level. Croatia and Serbia – all players know very well since years – was a typical Balkan handball match full of power, physical strengths and emotions. No team could extend the lead to more than one goal in the first half, both sides nearly neutralized themselves in attack and defense. Balic, pivot Vori and Kopljar on the one hand side, Vujin and especially Nikcevic (five goals in 30 minutes, seven in 60) on the other. Both defenses had a good day, too – and the atmosphere was outstanding in the Malmö Arena, the spectators supported their teams in a motivating and fair manner. Right after the break – Serbia was in lead 13:12 – the Croats scored a  4:1 series, thanks to an improvement in defense, as they forced the Serbs to make mistakes.  But nothing was decided, as then the Serbian goalkeeper Darko Stantic improved and brought his team back to the match. By counter attacks and better tactic options the Serbs took the lead again (23:21) despite some impressive goals of Croat Igor Vori (awarded man of the match for his nine goals). And cheered by their spectators Serbia had the chances to decide the game after the 24:22 – but the Croats took the profit of a two minute suspension against Serbia and equalized to 24:24. The crucial final minute started. Croatia in ball possession, still four seconds to go – a Balic shot, but a great save of Stanic, who secured this important point for Serbia. And his team made a huge step to the Main Round with five points, as they know only need one point against Romania to go on. Croatia remain unbeaten with seven points, but have the group final against Denmark ahead.

Photos by Axel Heimken