Main Round play at the 2020 Men’s European Handball Championships concluded today. Here are the video links, odds and some predictions for those matches.
How to Watch Spoiler Free: Link
Wednesday, 22 January
All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs)
Odds courtesy of 10Bet <Open an account>
EHF Preview of day’s matches: Group I Group II
Main Round Group I (Vienna, Austria)
16:00 Spain (-1) vs Croatia
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
18:15 Belarus vs Austria (-0.5)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Germany (-5) vs Czech Republic
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
The Match of the Day in Group I will be the first match between Spain and Croatia. The winner here will top the Group and will likely avoid a tougher semifinal vs Norway. Belarus and Austria will then play a match to determine 4th place in the Group. At first glance this match appears meaningless, but depending on the results of the other Group and the Semifinals the winner could actually secure a slot to an Olympic Qualification Tournament. The day closes out with a match between Germany and the Czech Republic which is truly just for pride.
All 3 matches in this Group can be seen on Free TV in the the U.S. on beIN Sports XTRA. (How to watch) Check it out. I like ehfTV, but I personally get a better viewing experience with beIN Sports XTRA. The picture quality is better and it’s more reliable than the web stream.
16:00 Hungary vs Portugal (-1)
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
18:15 Norway (-1.5) vs Slovenia
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Sweden (-1) vs Iceland
Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
All three matches in this Group will impact the standings and which nations will secure a semifinal berth and/or a slot in an Olympic Qualification Tournament. In the first match of the day, Hungary needs a win to keep it’s semifinal chances alive. Portugal has no chance for a semifinal, but they still have good chances for 3rd place and a likely slot in an Olympic Qualification Tournament. The importance of the second match will hinge on what Hungary does in the first game. If Hungary beats Portugal, Slovenia will be in a must win situation to make the semifinals. But, even if Hungary loses, Slovenia will still be interested in winning and securing the top spot in the Group. The final match of the day between Iceland and Sweden will impact the which nations get the “backup” Olympic Qualification slot. An Iceland win will put Iceland or Portugal in that slot, while a Swedish win will give that backup slot to the winner of Belarus – Austria in the other group.
For all the possible scenarios click here: Link
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.
Odds are from the 10 Bet Sportsbook <Open an account>
John’s Pick(s):
– Current Bankroll: 923.94 Euros
– Yesterday’s Result: Norway (-3) vs Iceland 1.73/-135; Bet 100 Euros to win 74.07; Push, as a last second Iceland goal was scored for a 31-28 Norway win.
– Today’s Pick: Sweden (-1.5) vs Iceland 1.86/-115; Bet 100 Euros to win 86.95; Result: Back to back matches will take more of a toll on Iceland and Sweden will look to finish strong in front of the home crowd.
Samo’s Pick(s):
– Current Bankroll: 1619.43 Euros
– Yesterday’s Results: Slovenia (-1.5) vs Portugal; 1.79/-133; Bet 100 Euros to win 75.82; Win 75.82 as Slovenia won the match 29-24.
– Today’s Pick: Money Line Bet: Portugal to win vs Hungary; 1.79/-133 Bet 100 Euros to win 75.82; Hungary were still playing against Sweden just 18-19 hours ago. Awful scheduling and a big advantage for Portugal. Both are very motivated, but for me Portugal is the better team, with a lot of creativity in attack. Hungary’s confidence is hurt and I don’t think they will recover in such little time.