The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues with 2 main round matches from Group I. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Friday, 11 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)
Main Round Group I Standings (Prior to Matches on 11 Dec)
Russia and France both hung on for victories yesterday and are tied at the top of the table. A win for either side doesn’t quite guarantee a semifinal, but it practically does. Denmark and Sweden play the nightcap and the winner there will keep their hopes for a semifinal berth alive. Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 France (-1.5) vs Russia (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Denmark (-1.5) vs Swedem (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Can surprise team, Croatia, get a little respect in the main round?
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships shifts to the main round with 2 matches each from Main Round Groups I and II. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Thursday, 10 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Main Round Group I (Herning, Denmark)
Main Round Group I Standings (Prior to Matches on 10 Dec)
Russia and France carried the maximum 4 points with them from the preliminary groups and with victories today they will be one step closer to qualifying for the semifinals. Main Round Group I Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Montenegro vs Russia (-5.5) (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 France (-3.5) vs Spain (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Main Round Group II (Kolding, Denmark)
Main Round Group II Standings (Prior to Matches on 10 Dec)
Norway will take on a Netherlands side that almost didn’t make it to the Main Round. Surprising Croatia will take on Romania. And, here’s a fun fact for you: Undefeated Croatia has yet to be favored in a match at the European Championships. As Rodney Dangerfield used to say, “I can’t get no respect.” For more on Croatia check out this podcast interview with Larissa Kalaus and Dora Krsnik: Link Main Round Group II Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Croatia vs Romania (-1.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Netherlands vs Norway (-6.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with the final preliminary matches in Groups A and C. Here are the video links, odds, standings, scenarios for advancing and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Tuesday, 8 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group A (Herning, Denmark)
Group A (Standings Prior to Match Day 3)
Group A is real simple. Denmark and France will play for 2 points in the Main Round, while Montenegro and Slovenia will play to see who takes third and advances. Group A Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Montenegro (-1.5) vs Slovenia (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 France (-1.5) vs Denmark (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group C (Kolding, Denmark)
Group C (Standings Prior to Match Day 3)
Going into the tournament Croatia was a 50-1 underdog to win Group C. That bet is looking pretty good right now and their surprise showing is the talk of the tournament. Check out this podcast for more on Croatia and how they have pulled this off so far: Link Meanwhile, the current World Champions could get bounced out of the tournament if they don’t beat Hungary today. Group C Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Serbia (-1.5) vs Croatia (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Netherlands (-1.5) vs Hungary (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
Here are the 9 possible outcomes for the 2 matches today.
Group C Scenarios
Here is what each nation needs to do to advance to the main round:
Croatia: Already qualified, but they will still want to take 2 more points into the Main Round.
Serbia: If Serbia wins or draws vs Croatia they will qualify for the Main Round. If they lose to Croatia they can still qualify if the Netherlands does not win their match vs Hungary
Hungary: If Croatia beats Serbia in the first match, Hungary qualifies for the Main Round. If, however, Serbia beats Croatia or the match is a draw, Hungary will need a win or a draw in their match vs the Netherlands.
Netherlands: For the Netherlands it’s quite simple: Beat Hungary and they will qualify regardless of the outcome of the first match.
A side note on a mathematical possibility*
You might have noticed in the chart that if Croatia beats Serbia and the Netherlands beats Hungary there is actually a 3 way tie between Hungary, Serbia in the Netherlands. However, thanks to Hungary’s 38-26 win over Serbia, Serbia would need need the Netherlands to beat Hungary by 20 goals to turn the tide on the 3 way Goal Differential tiebreaker. That may be a mathematical possibility, but, it’s just not going to happen. See below:
The 2020 EHF Women’s Handball European Championships is in full swing, but there’s still plenty of Men’s club action to watch this week as well. Here’s a summary of the next 3 days.
Last Tuesday these two teams played to a draw in Austria. Leon will look to get 2 points at home in Spain Side note: Several players on the Fivers side will likely be part of the Austrian national team side that will the U.S. on 14 January at the World Championship
Tatran Presov vs IFK Kristianstad (-1.5) (Tuesday, 2045 CET): Link
Six matches on tap this week. Veszprem vs Kiel is the big match on Wednesday. If Kiel is going to make a run for a round of 16 bye they need to start that run with a victory here. On Thursday Paris S-G is pretty much in the same situation. They are a disappointing 3-0-3 in Group Play and a victory vs Group leaders Kielce could jump start a return to the top. No spoiler preview: Link
Szeged (-3.5) vs Meshkov Brest Brest (Wednesday, 1845 CET)
Nantes (-4.5) vs Motor Zaporozhye Wednesday, 2045 CET)
Elverum vs Flensburg (-3.5) (Thursday, 1845 CET) <<English Commentary>>
Liga Asobal
Liga Asobal: Nava vs Aranda (-4.5) (Wednesday, 2000): Video Link
Lidl Starligue
Creteil vs Chambery (-1.5) (Tuesday, 1900 CET) Link
In order to reach the Main Round Poland needs to win by 4 goals vs Germany
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with the final preliminary matches in Groups B and D. Here are the video links, odds, standings, scenarios for advancing and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Monday, 7 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group B (Herning, Denmark)
Group B (Standings Prior to Match Day 3)
Everything is pretty straightforward in Group B. Spain and the Czech Republic will play first to determine who will be the 3rd qualifier from the group. The Czech Republic needs to win while Spain will go through with a win or a draw. Russia and Sweden have already qualified, but their match will result will carry through to the Main Round standings. Group B Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Spain (-3.5) vs Czech Republic (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Russia (-3.5) vs Sweden (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group D (Kolding, Denmark)
Group D (Standings Prior to Match Day 3)
Norway and Romania have both qualified for the Main Round and they will play a match that will carry through in the standings. Norway steamrolled over Poland and Germany by 13 and 19 goals respectively, so they are huge favorites to get another 2 points. Assuming Romania loses to Norway, Poland has a chance to qualify by beating Germany and creating a 3 way tie with (GER-ROM-POL) all level on 2 points. The tiebreaker for 3 way ties is Goal Differential among their common games and the table below shows why Poland needs to win by 4 to qualify. Germany qualifies with a win, draw or loss by 1-3 goals.
Tiebreaker Scenarios if Germany, Romania and Poland are level on points
Group D Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Germany (-4.5) vs Poland (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Romania vs Norway (-10.5) (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
At the start of the tournament Croatia was a 50-1 longshot to win Group C. Now after surprising wins over Hungary and the Netherlands they are the only team in the Group to have qualified for the Main Round. Here’s a look at the “upside down” standings.
Current Group C Standings
On Tuesday, Serbia will play Croatia and then Hungary will take on the Netherlands. Here are the 9 different possible outcomes for the combination result of those 2 matches:
Group C Scenarios
Here is what each nation needs to do to advance to the main round:
Croatia: Already qualified, but they will still want to take 2 more points into the Main Round.
Serbia: If Serbia wins or draws vs Croatia they will qualify for the Main Round. If they lose to Croatia they can still qualify if the Netherlands does not win their match vs Hungary
Hungary: If Croatia beats Serbia in the first match, Hungary qualifies for the Main Round. If, however, Serbia beats Croatia or the match is a draw, Hungary will need a win or a draw in their match vs the Netherlands.
Netherlands: For the Netherlands it’s quite simple: Beat Serbia and they will qualify regardless of the outcome of the first match.
A side note on a mathematical possibility*
You might have noticed in the chart that if Croatia beats Serbia and the Netherlands beats Hungary there is actually a 3 way tie between Hungary, Serbia in the Netherlands. However, thanks to Hungary’s 38-26 win over Serbia, Serbia would need need the Netherlands to beat Hungary by 20 goals to turn the tide on the 3 way Goal Differential tiebreaker. That may be a mathematical possibility, but, it’s just not going to happen. See below:
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continues today with 2 matches each from Groups A and C. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Note for U.S. fans: Today there are no live matches on beIN Sports Xtra.
Sunday, 6 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group A (Herning, Denmark)
Group favorites France pulled out a win in their first match against Montenegro and a win vs Slovenia will set up a showdown vs Denmark on Tuesday. Hosts Denmark will also try to stay undefeated against the same Montenegrin team that gave France trouble. Group A Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Slovenia vs France (-5.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Montenegro vs Denmark (-3.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group C (Kolding, Denmark)
Match Day 1’s upsets have mad Group C really, really interesting as the standings are currently upside down with underdogs Serbia and Croatia with 2 points and favorites Netherlands and Hungary trailing. Will order get restored today? If so, the final match day could be real entertaining with every side having a clear chance to advance. Group C Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
16:00 Serbia vs Hungary (-1.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
18:15 Croatia vs Netherlands (-5.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships continue with match day 2 for Groups B and D, plus a catch up match in Group C between the Netherlands and Serbia. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Saturday, 5 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group B (Herning, Denmark)
Russia are huge favorites to move to 2-0-0 in the Group while Spain and Sweden will play in a match that could determine 2nd place in the Group and who will take points into the main round. Group B Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
18:15 Czech Republic vs Russia (-8.5) (Live on ehfTV ) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Spain (-1.5) vs Sweden (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group D (Kolding, Denmark)
Poland and Romania clash in a match that’s likely to determine 3rd place in the group while Germany takes on Norway in a battle of unbeatens Group D Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
16:00 Poland vs Romania (-3.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
18:15 Germany vs Norway (-6.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
Group C (Kolding, Denmark)
For awhile there it looked like Serbia’s two positive COVID tests results might lead to more positives and the team getting sent home. Fortunately, the rest of the team has tested negative twice and the match will go ahead, albeit a day later than planned.
20:30 Netherlands (-3.5) vs Serbia (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
Title holders France take on Montenegro in Group A action.
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships starts today with 2 matches each from Groups B and D. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Note: While all the matches are on ehfTV you might want to consider watching the beIN Sports Xtra feed as well. beIN Sports Xtra is free and my experience is that the picture quality is better and more reliable. It also makes watching 2 matches at the same time easier. How to watch beIN Sports Xtra: Link
Friday, 4 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group A (Herning, Denmark)
18:15 France (-5.5) vs Montenegro (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Denmark (-4.5) vs Slovenia (Live on ehfTV) (beIN Sports Xtra may pick up this match as well since the Netherlands – Serbia match was postponed) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group A Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
Group C (Kolding, Denmark)
18:15 Hungary (-5.5) vs Croatia (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Netherlands vs Serbia (Postponed to Saturday; A player for Serbia tested positive on Thursday (the rest of the team tested negative and will be tested today and Saturday prior to the match) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
Group C Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
Spain was the big surprise team last December at the World Championship. Can they do it again? They take on a Russian team missing some star power in the match of the day.
The 2020 Women’s European Handball Championships starts today with 2 matches each from Groups B and D. Here are the video links, odds and some preview articles that were written before these matches were played.
Thursday, 3 December All Times Local (CET) / US ET is -6 hrs) Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Group B (Herning, Denmark)
18:15 Russia (-1.5) vs Spain (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
20:30 Sweden (-5.5) vs Czech Republic (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Paul Bray)
Group B Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
Group D (Kolding, Denmark)
18:00 Romania vs Germany (-2.5) (Live on ehfTV) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
20:30 Norway (-11.5) vs Poland (Live on ehfTV and beIN Sports Xtra: How to watch) Match Video (On Demand): Link (Commentary: Clayton Lucas)
Group D Daily Preview at the Euro 2020 official site: Link
The 2020 EHF Women’s European Handball Championships start Thursday, 3 December. Here’s some info on how to watch, what the odds are, and this time around, just one prediction.
How to Watch
All matches will be available for viewing on efhTV, the European Handball Federation (EHF) online web streaming platform. Availability, however, might be restricted in nations that have a TV network contract. Depending on how each contract is structured some matches on ehfTV might be geo-blocked in some countries. (Note: ehfTV is free of charge, but requires online registration.)
In the U.S. the beIN Sports network has the TV rights and to start the tournament they will be web streaming matches on both their free channel (beIN Sports Xtra) and their pay channels (beIN Sports Connect). As the tournament progresses some matches may be on their traditional cable/satellite channel. The beIN Sports schedule can be seen here: Link
There are multiple ways to watch beIN Sports Xtra including Roku, Xumo, Redbox, Samsung TV Plus, Fanatiz, Pluto TV and “Over the Air” in 15 U.S. markets. More info: Link
How to Watch on Roku
To watch on your Roku, go to your home screen and look for the “Roku Channel” icon. It’s a streaming channel just like Netflix or Hulu and should be readily available. (If not, you can add it just like you would any other channel.) Click on the Roku Channel icon and then scroll down until you see “beIN Sports XTRA” icon. Click on it and the channel should start playing. It’s live so, there are commercials just like what you would see on a TV channel.
So, why might you watch beIN Sports XTRA instead of ehfTV?: Well, your experience may vary, but last year my picture was crystal clear HD. Not to mention, no HDMI cable and laptop hook up.
All Matches with English Language Commentary
Paul Bray informs me that he will be providing commentary for Groups A and B in Herning while Clayton Lucas will be in Kolding for Groups C and D. Presumably that will continue for the Main Round and then Bray will likely cover the Finals as well.
Player Interviews: The Uninformed Handball Hour has conducted several interviews leading up to the tournament:
As with other recent tournaments I plan to have a short daily post with the schedule and odds for the matches that day. I will also include some direct links to articles previewing the matches. That way if you don’t have a chance to see the matches live you can always start with the daily preview without finding out the scores by accident. I will also post direct links to the on demand matches that were played that day as soon as they are available (typically a couple of hours after the match is played).
Tourney Format: The European Championships will start with round robin play in 4 groups (A,B,C and D) with 4 teams each. After the preliminary groups the top 3 teams from Groups A and B will form Main Round Group I and the top 2 teams from Groups C and D will form Main Round Group II. Matches with common opponents will carry though to the Main Round. The top two teams from Groups I and II will then qualify for the semifinals.
Overall Odds: The bookmakers have Norway as the clear favorite with France, Russia and the Netherlands projected to join them in the semifinals.
Matches in Herning: Here are the odds for Groups A/B and then for Main Round Group I. Group A is pretty straight forward while Group B is projected to have Sweden, Spain and the Czech Republic battling for the two spots behind Russia.
Matches in Kolding: Here are the odds for Groups C/D and then for Main Round Group II. With Croatia and Poland seen as big longshots to make the Main Round, one might argue that the Main Round starts immediately.
A Prediction
What can we say about this tournament… other than that it should be unpredictable. Why so?
Multiple top players missing due to injury
Very little real preparation for the teams participating
Sporadic individual preparation for players due to club match postponements
Potential for positive tests during the tournament
All of these factors should lead to a very wide open tournament. Why, if there are COVID problems in either the Herning or Kolding bubbles this tournament could get crazily unpredictable. Regardless, I don’t think we’ll get a good idea as to which teams have adjusted to these unique circumstances until a couple of matches have played. I could be wrong, but I think we could be in for some real surprises.
Team USA’s Rene Ingram plays for IFK Kristianstad.
The 2020 EHF Women’s Handball European Championships start Thursday and I’ll have my usual preview with streaming links and odds posted soon. But, there’s still plenty of men’s club handball matches to watch this week as well. Here’s a summary of the next 3 days.
American Athletes in Action
EHF European League: IFK Kristianstad (-3.5) vs Tatran Presov (Tuesday, 1845 CET): Link
Goalkeeper, Rene Ingram, plays for Kristianstad. Ingram subbed in for a penalty shot last week. I say we give him a half vs Tatran Presov to see what he can do.
EHF European League: Fivers vs Leon (-2.5) (Tuesday, 2045 CET): Link
Leon will look to stay unbeaten vs Austrian side, Fivers. Side note: Several players on the Fivers side will likely be part of the Austrian national team side that will the U.S. on 14 January at the World Championship
Liga Asobal: Puerto Sagunto vs Leon (-4.5) (Thursday, 2010): Video Link
A busy week for Leon continues. On Saturday they take on Barcelona.
French ProLigue: Dijon (-4.5) vs Angers (Thursday, 2030) Video Link
Abou Fofana plays for Angers. A draw this past weekend got Angers out of last place. They need more points to edge their way out of the relegations zone
Six matches on tap this week. Veszprem vs Kiel is the big match on Wednesday. If Kiel is going to make a run for a round of 16 bye they need to start that run with a victory here. On Thursday Paris S-G is pretty much in the same situation. They are a disappointing 3-0-3 in Group Play and a victory vs Group leaders Kielce could jump start a return to the top. No spoiler preview: Link
Aalborg vs Barcelona (-7.5) Brest (Wednesday, 1845 CET)
Veszprem (-1.5) vs Kiel (Wednesday, 1845 CET)
Meshkov Brest (-3.5) vs Elverum ( (Thursday, 1845 CET)
Paris S-G (-1.5) vs Kielce (Thursday, 1845 CET) <<English Commentary>>
Flensburg (-1.5) vs Szeged (Thursday, 1845 CET)
Zaporozhye (-2.5) vs Celje (Thursday, 1845 CET)
Liga Asobal
Liga Asobal: Puerto Sagunto vs Leon (-4.5) (Thursday, 2010): Video Link
The official has a perfect view of this apparent line violation, but didn’t see it. Just one of several suspicious officiating decisions during the Kadetten Schaffhausen – GOG match.
Just Another EHF European League Match
On October 20th, Swiss club, Kadetten Schaffhausen hosted Denmark’s GOG in an EHF European League Group match. Kadetten won the tight contest, 29-28 when Gabor Csaszar scored a penalty shot with no time remaining.
Just another hard fought European League contest on a jampacked Tuesday evening in the European League. Right? Well, maybe not.
Reports of Match Fixing Surface
The next day it was reported that Sports Books had stopped wagering for the match due to an unusual amount of money being bet on Kadetten.
The odds for the match opened the day before it was played with Kadetten being a slight underdog at 2.05 which then increased to 2.10 before dropping to 1.35 before the match. Below is what that looks like in your preferred betting system.
In practical terms the simplest number to look at is the implied probability which went from Kadetten having a 47.6% chance of victory to a 74.1% chance of victory. Line movements like that are pretty unusual and when they do occur it’s due to something unusual happening like an announcement that a star player has been injured and won’t play. Or, maybe two star players… or maybe the fix is in.
Suspicious Officiating Decisions
Suspicions quickly focused on the Kosavar referees (Arsim Vitaku and Erdoan Vitaku) that officiated the match and some of their calls (or non calls) that were made.
Below is a compilation of some potentially suspicious calls (or non calls) that were made during the match. The first four were discuss by former Danish nation team player, Joachim Boldsen, in this video: Link (Available in Denmark… VPN) and are also referenced by Danish Handball expert Bent Nyegaard in this article: Link The 5th one listed is one that I added after I watched the last few minutes of the match.
And, you can judge for yourself whether the calls are suspicious. Here’s the full match video at ehfTV: Link
efhTV recording clock (17:05) / Match clock (14:07): GOG Circle Runner, Anders Zachariassen, receives a pass, pivots toward the line… but is called for an offensive foul?
efhTV recording clock (20:04) / Match clock (17:20): Kaddeten Schaffhausen Left Wing, Sebastian Frimmel appears to step on the line right in front of the official… but there is no whistle for a violation?
efhTV recording clock (1:00:00) / Match clock (06:20): GOG Circle Runner, Anders Zachariassen, receives a pass, is grabbed on line as he turns to shoot… but the result is a nine meter free throw instead of a penalty shot?
efhTV recording clock (1:08:44) / Match clock (11:30): Kadetten Schaffhausen fouls Mathias Gidsel as he attacks the goal. Gidsel releases the ball towards the 9 meter spot where the free throw will be taken… but no, this release of the ball by Gidsel is considered to be the actual free throw? Kadetten Schaffhausen picks up the ball and it results in an empty net goal.
efhTV recording clock (1:31:05) / Match clock (29:00): With the score tied GOG is offense… and Anders Zachariassen backs into a player and is called for an offensive foul?
I’ve asked a few people their impression and as you might expect the opinions are varied. Situations #1 and #3 were seen as judgement calls that were probably wrong, but where the mistake could be rationalized. #2 looks pretty bad, especially where the official is situated… but sometimes you just don’t see something. I’ve seen #4 happen, particularly with officials somehow taking pleasure with educating newcomers to the sport, but I’ve never seen officials allow it at higher levels. #5 I guess is another one of those judgement calls even if it seems pretty ticky-tack.
Each call taken alone doesn’t seem too out of the ordinary. Bad calls happens. But, if one looks at them cumulatively it does raise some eyebrows. Combine those calls with the unusual odds movements and it clearly warrants further investigation.
At Second Glance… Everything is not so Clear
However, as I’ve investigated this match it seems to me that it’s not an open and shut case. If you want an open and shut case think back to the Kuwait – Korea match in 2007 for Olympic Qualification: Link As that match demonstrated, if you’re an official fixing a handball match you can’t just go crazy and start calling everything one way. Well, I guess you can, but you’re going to get caught. Instead, if you’re fixing a match you need to be a bit more discreet and selective.
These officials, if they were fixing the match were fairly discreet. Further, if one puts themselves in the shoes of the officials. Actually, thinks to themselves, “I’m officiating this match and I want to fix it. How should I go about it?” you might well conclude what I did: That these officials were really, really taking their chances.
At least, if one assumes they were fixing the match for a simple “to win” bet for Kadetten they were doing a bad job of fixing it. Seriously, the match went down to the wire and was decided by a penalty shot. If I were officiating a match and wanted to fix it, I wouldn’t leave that to chance. I would instead look for a 2-3 goal cushion.
It’s been pointed out to me that perhaps a handicap or point spread wager had been made instead of a “to win” bet, but that’s something that should be evident to the betting sites. Another possibility that would explain the lack of a cushion would be a tacit arrangement for the officials to just do what they can reasonably do to help Kadetten without raising suspicion. Maybe there are some betting fixers willing to have a “no guarantee” deal like that, but I doubt it.
Strange Phone Calls from Kosovo
Another aspect to the story that was recently reported were dozens of phone calls from Kosovo to the GOG coaching staff and players prior to and after the match. The calls from unknown numbers were ignored, but when finally picked up there was just silence on the other end.
The article suggests that the phone calls were simple harassment, but I immediately wondered if something more nefarious was being attempted. As in some Kosovo fixer trying to get some GOG player on the line to either intimidate or worse offer money in return for some help in altering the match outcome. Having watched portions of the match, however, there doesn’t seem to be anything to support that being a possibility.
More to Come or Brushed to the Side?
According to the Danish reporting, the EHF’s betting monitor Sport Radar did not pick up on anything unusual, but that the EHF indicated that they would further review the match.
GOG Coach, Nicolej Krickau, notes that he’s been contacted by members of the “betting community” with rumors that the Kosovo diaspora around the world making bets on the matches. Something that can’t be confirmed, but supports his suspicions.
Of particular note: Since the match played in October the Kosovar officials have not been assigned yet to another European match. Is that simply due to scheduling? Or, as Krickau suggests is there an intent to hide them away and bring them back after several months and the whole affair has been forgotten?
Time will tell, but the combination of suspect calls and suspect betting patterns suggests to me that we haven’t heard the last on this story.
Reporting Referenced in this Article
“GOG match is investigated for match fixing” by David Schiøler & Christian Ipsen (21 Oct 2020) Denmark TV2: Link
“The families of Danish stars received mysterious calls before a suspicious match” by David Schiøler & Lars Bruun-Mortensen (24 Nov 2020) Denmark TV2: Link
“There are a lot of misconceptions that are very grotesque” by Peter Schulz (24 Nov 2020) Denmark TV3: Link
