How to watch the Olympic Qualification Tournaments
- If you live in a country where there is no TV broadcast the matches should be available on the IHF YouTube Channel. Those matches can be accessed here and I will be posting a daily preview with direct links to each match video (see below).
- If you live in a country where there is a TV broadcast you may be geo-blocked out of accessing the IHF YouTube Channel. This is often the case even for matches that are not available on YouTube. It is, however, usually possible to watch matches using VPN. More information on how to use VPN; What I use) (Note: I would encourage handball fans to watch matches on TV when possible as usually get a better picture, but if there isn’t a TV broadcast available where you live… what else are you going to do?)
- USA Residents: There is no USA TV broadcast and matches should be available on YouTube
- Canadian Residents: The CBC will be live streaming the matches with English commentary: Link
Would you like to know when and where handball matches can be streamed online year round? If yes, follow Team Handball News on social media for regular updates: Twitter Facebook Instagram
While the U.S. and Canada have started Daylight Saving Time, Europe doesn’t start it until March 28. Because of this CET is currently 5 hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of 10 Bet.
Tournament 1 Polideportivo Pla de l’Arc, Llíria, Spain)
- Argentina vs Spain (-10.5) (Sunday, 1930 CET / 1430 US ET) Video Link
- Sweden beat Argentina by 13 yesterday and has qualified for Tokyo. Spain is also expected to have a big win, but on paper Argentina has a chance. If they can pull off an epic upset and beat Spain they will qualify for the Olympics.
Tournament 2 (Audi Aréna, Győr, Hungary)
- Serbia (-13.5) vs Kazakhstan (Sunday, 1730 CET / 1230 US ET) Video Link
- This tournament has been decided and this match will simply determine who meaninglessly finishes in 3rd place.
- Hungary vs Russia (-1.5) (Sunday, 2030 CET / 1530 US ET) Video Link
- Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
- Hungary and Russia have both qualified for Tokyo, but this match will determine seeding for the Olympic draw.
Tournament 3 (Verde Complex, Podgorica, Montenegro)
- Montenegro (-0.5) vs Romania (Sunday, 1600 CET / 1100 US ET) Video Link
- Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
- On paper, Romania still has a chance to qualify for Tokyo, but they are in a big goal differential hole behind Montenegro and Norway. To guarantee qualification they have the tall task of beating hosts, Montenegro by 6 goals or more. (See below for scenarios.)
- If Romania lose or win by 4 goals or less they will finish 3rd.
- A Romania victory by exactly 5 goals could result in some interesting scenarios.
- A 30-25 Romania victory would result in Romania and Montenegro qualifying and Norway staying home. (GF would be ROU: 54; MNE: 53; NOR: 52) Wins of 31-26, 32-27, etc. will have the same result.
- A 29-24 Romania victory would result in Romania qualifying and Montenegro and Norway drawing lots. GF would be ROU: 53; MNE:52; NOR: 52
- A 28-23 Romania victory would result in Romania and Norway qualifying and Montenegro staying home. (GF would be ROU: 52; NOR:52; MNE: 51) Wins of 27-22, 26-21, etc., will have the same result.
