The match USA – Belgium ended the competition in the fourth group of the second phase. Both teams had zero points after four games and the only thing at stake was fifth place in the group. The clear favorites of the duel were the Belgians, who earlier defeated Tunisia 31:29, and lost to Egypt only 28:33.
A sensation at the Handball World Cup. Again with the participation of the Americans
Meanwhile, the Americans had the advantage from the beginning of the match. After eleven minutes they were leading 6:2. After switching sides, the duel evened out. Both teams had a big problem with effectiveness – the Americans had only 57 percent, and rivals even worse – 49 percent. In the 54th minute the Belgians were winning 21:20. Since then, however, they have conceded four goals in a row (Samuel Hoddersen and Alexandre Chan Blanco scored two each).
This is not the first US sensation. Already on the third day of the World Handball Championships, they defeated Morocco 28:27. It was their first ever World Cup win, and to date, the US has lost 25 straight games in the 1964, 1970, 1974, 1993, 1995 and 2001 editions of the World Cup. It was 59 years from debut to victory.
In other Monday matches in this group, Croatia will play Bahrain (6 pm) and Egypt will play Denmark (8.30 pm). The stake of this last clash will be the first place in the group.
In the other two matches, Serbia will play the Netherlands (6 pm) and Germany will play Norway (8.30 pm).
USA – Belgium 24:22 (14:12)
Group 4 table (games, points, goal difference)
- Egypt 4 8 125:88
- Denmark 4 7 144:105
- Croatia 4 5 128:111
- Bahrain 4 4 105:117
- US 5 2 113:162
- Belgium 5 0 132:164
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
