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It’s Match Day 4 for Groups A and D. Unlike Groups B and C, the math for which nations are likely to advance is pretty straight forward.

IHF Preview of today’s matches: Link

Also, if you find yourself geoblocked out of the IHF web stream this article has some tips that should help you find a way to watch: Link

Thursday, 5 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Bwin

Group A

15:00 Cuba vs Slovenia (-15.5) Video Link
18:00 Serbia vs Netherlands (-2.5) Video Link
20:30 Norway (-9.5) vs Angola Video Link 

Barring some major upsets it appears that Norway, the Netherlands and Serbia are likely to advance to the Main Round. This means that the result of today’s match between Serbia and the Netherlands will likely carry forward to the Main Round. Slovenia, can also still possibly qualify with a win over Cuba today and win vs Serbia on Friday. But, they will need to dramatically improve upon their performance in the last two matches.

Group D

15:00 DR Congo vs China (-1.5) Video Link 
18:00 Japan vs Russia (-7.5) Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
20:30 Sweden (-10.5) vs Argentina Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)

Russia has already qualified for the Main Round and Sweden will also qualify with a win over Argentina. Japan will also likely qualify with a win over China on Friday. This means that the match between Japan and favored, Russia will likely carry through to the next round.