Netherlands has been in the Finals of the past two major tournaments. Can they make it to the top rung this time?

I’m going to pass on predictions for the Women’s World Championships because I haven’t followed the women’s game very closely since last December’s European Championships.

If you’re looking for some good insight check out the Handball Hour’s podcast with Bjorn Pazen and Sascha Staat’s preview commentary at Stregspiller:  Same Old Story?

I will say, though, that if you take their commentary and cross reference it with the published odds, you’ll see that the bookmakers might be undervaluing the Netherland’s chances.

Of interest to followers of handball in Pan America, will be whether Brazil, which has stumbled a bit in pre-tournament friendlies can perform better in the actual tournament.  Meanwhile Argentina, if they can spring a surprise might just have their best opportunity in their first match vs the Czech Republic on Saturday.

 All odds courtesy of Nordic Bet

Odd to win the 2017 Women’s World Championships

Norway                1.2 to 1
Russia                   6.5 to 1
France                  7 to 1
Netherlands       11 to 1
Spain                     15 to 1
Germany             15 to 1
Romania              15 to 1
Sweden                19 to 1
Denmark             21 to 1
Brazil                     23 to 1
Hungary               24 to 1
South Korea       29 to 1
Serbia                   49 to 1
Montenegro      49 to 1
Poland                  199 to 1
Slovenia               249 to 1
Angola                  299 to 1
Czech Republic 499 to 1
Japan                    999 to 1
China                     1499 to 1
Argentina            1999 to 1
Tunisia                  2499 to 1
Paraguay             2999 to 1
Cameroon           2999 to 1

Winner of Group A
France                  11/13
Spain                     2/1
Romania              5/2
Angola                  40/1
Slovenia               40/1
Paraguay             500/1

Winner of Group B
Norway                2/9
Sweden               9/2
Hungary               15/2
Poland                  30/1
Czech Republic 30/1
Argentina            149/1

Winner of Group C
Russia                   9/14
Brazil                     29/10
Denmark             29/10
Montenegro      8/1
Japan                    249/1
Tunisia                  599/1

Winner of Group D
Netherlands       11/13
Germany             8/5
South Korea       5/1
Serbia                   13/2
Cameroon           100/1
China                     100/1