Japan, which was playing for its survival in the Women’s Handball World Cup, created a huge surprise by beating Denmark in front of its home crowd (27-26) thanks to a goal scored on “kung-fu” three seconds from the siren just after having conceded the equalizer on Thursday in Herning. This success, acquired by a goal from Hikaru Matsumoto perfectly served by the sixth assist from Natsuki Aizawa, completely revives Group III of the main round, where five of the six teams can still qualify for the quarter-finals. It is dominated by Germany (6 pts), ahead of Denmark (4), Poland (4), Japan (2) and Romania (2), which remains in the race thanks to the Danish defeat.
Romania-Japan and Poland-Denmark during the next day should clear up the race for qualification, before a Germany-Denmark in conclusion which promises to be hot. Germany dominated Romania (24-22) by overcoming a poor first period (9-12) thanks to the saves of Brest goalkeeper Katharina Filter (17/38). Poland beat Serbia to the wire (22-21) thanks in particular to two saves in the last minute from its goalkeeper Barbara Zima.
Croatia also relaunched the race for qualification in Group I in Gothenburg by winning against Montenegro (26-25), also undefeated until then. Obliged to win with a single point on the clock entering the main round, the Croats (3 pts) remain hopeful: they are one step behind the Montenegrins and the Hungarians, victorious over Senegal (30-20) . Montenegro, third in Euro 2022, will have paid dearly for the injury of its goalkeeper Marta Batinovic, injured in the knee at the end of the first period. Opposite, Lucija Besen’s entry into the goal after half-time (4 saves on 14 shots) was decisive for the Croatians, relieved when Itana Grbic missed the equalizing shot 15 seconds from the end.
The Swedes (6 pts), calm against Cameroon (37-13) occupy the head of the group whose last day Monday, with Hungary-Croatia and Montenegro-Sweden on the program, promises to be suffocating.
