Olympic champion France started the main round of the Handball World Championship on Wednesday (18.01.23) with an undisputed success. In group 1, the record world champion defeated opponent Montenegro 35:24 (16:13) and still has a perfect score in the fight for group victory.
The French were the better team from the start, but Montenegro created many free throws in the first half. The outsider missed these numerous times, France goalkeeper Vincent Gerard shone again and again, who saved two seven meters from Milos Vujovic early on. But the Melsunger keeper Nebojsa Simic in the goal of Montenegro also played well and kept his team in the game in the first half.
Montenegro remained too weak to finish and could not threaten the French lead despite continued strong goalkeeping in the second half. In the title contenders, who could meet Germany in the quarter-finals, Melvyn Richardson was the most successful thrower with a strong ten goals. Milos Bozovic was the top scorer for Montenegro with six goals.
Iceland also clinches the first win of the second phase of the tournament
Insider tip Iceland also improved their chances of reaching the knockout stage with their first win in the main round. With a 40:30 (18:13) against Cape Verde, the team around Magdeburg’s Omar Ingi Magnusson is in second place with four points in group 2. The chances of Iceland progressing also improved Portugal’s 28:28 (12:11) against Brazil (both three points).
Also Sweden and Spain with good performances
On Wednesday evening, Sweden also proved its strength. In Group 2, the World Cup hosts defeated Hungary 37:28 (18:14) and ranked first without losing any points. Spain also presented themselves very well in the 27:23 (16:15) against co-hosts Poland, with which the Iberians pushed France out of first place in Group 1.