The 2020 Men’s European Handball Championships continues today with 2 matches each from Groups B, D and F. Here are the video links, odds and some predictions for those matches.

How to Watch Spoiler Free: Link

Sunday, 12 January
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of 10Bet

IHF Preview of day’s matches: Link

Group B (Vienna, Austria)

16:00 Czech Republic vs N. Macedonia (-0.5)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (No Commentary)

18:15 Austria (-4) vs Ukraine
Match Video (On Demand): Link (No Commentary)

The Czech Republic and N. Macedonia meet first in a match that could decide who goes through to the Main Round while Austria will be in good shape to qualify with a win over Ukraine.

Group D (Trondheim, Norway)

16:00 Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Portugal (-4.5)
Match Video (On Demand): Link ( Commentary: Paul Bray )

18:15 Norway vs France (Pick em)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)

Upstarts Portugal will look to go 2-0-0 vs Bosnia and then will watch the Norway vs France with a keen eye as to what it will mean for the final match day. The Norway vs France match could be epic. France is in a must win situation and arguably it is in a must win by 3 or 4 goals situation. The math is a little complicated, but if one envisions a 3-way tie (level on 4 pts) between France, Norway and Portugal goal differential in their 3 matches will be the decider. And, following their 3 goal loss to Portugal they are in a bit of a hole. A 4 goal win guarantees advancing and a 3 goal win probably does. And, they could also advance with a 2 or 1 goal victory, or even a draw, but they will want to win by more goals. But, can they even beat Norway in front of a hostile crowd? (see below for my prediction.)

Group F (Gothenburg, Sweden)

16:00 Switzerland (-2.5) vs Poland
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

18:15 Sweden (-2) vs Slovenia
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)

Switzerland was man handled by Sweden (a 13 goal loss), but will seek to rebound against Poland. Sweden and Slovenia meet in a match that may carry through to the Main Round.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’re doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be professional handball bettor, Samo Košmerl, from Slovenia.

John’s Pick(s):
– Current Bankroll: 700 Euros
– Yesterday’s Result: Germany (+190) money line bet to win vs Spain; Wagered 100 Euros to win 190. Lost 100 Euros as Spain dominated the match from start to finish for a 33-26 victory.
– Today’s Pick: Alternative point spread: Norway (-3.5 goals) vs France; Wager 100 Euros to win 300. France’s 28-25 loss to Portugal on Friday might was one of the most lackluster, lifeless defeats I’ve ever seen for this storied side that’s won so many titles. Time and time again, though, France has rebounded from such poor performances. But… this is not the French team of old. Nikola Karabatic may be the GOAT, but at 35 with a bum foot he looks more like Tom Brady hanging around for one more season. Perhaps, I’m chasing my losses and reading too much into one really bad loss. Perhaps… But, something tells me this is an end of an era. A really good Norway team playing in front of a roaring crowd. A really good Norway team knowing that a loss here could put them out of the semifinals. I don’t think this French team has it in them and I think this game could get out of hand which is why I’m taking the alternative spread.

Samo’s Pick(s):
– Current Bankroll: 1,059.36 Euros
– Yesterday’s Result: Netherlands (-130) money line bet to win vs Latvia; Wager 100 Euros to win 79.36. Won 79.36 Euros as Netherlands dominated the match for a 32-24 victory.
– Today’s Pick: Money Line bet Czech Republic (+130) v N. Macedonia; Wager 100 Euros to win 130. I am going with Czech Republic again. Against Austria their GKs had just 3!! saves. That and a bit of help from the refs is why Austria won that match. Kiril Lazarov saved North Macedonia in the last seconds against Ukraine which is probably the worst team in the tournament. For me, the Czech Republic are favorites here and if their GK, Mrkva, can save more than 6% of shots, they should take an important 2 points today.