All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Main Round Group I

• 1630 Uruguay vs Poland (-19.5) (YouTube)
• 1900 Hungary (-3.5) vs Brazil (YouTube)
• 2130 Spain (-2.5) vs Germany  (YouTube)

Group 1 will start the next 3 match days with a match vs Uruguay destined for a 10+ goal loss. But, following that blowout this Group should have two interesting matchups each day. And, unlike the other groups I think every team but, Uruguay, still has a legitimate shot at placing in the top 2 slots and moving on to the quarterfinals.

Main Round Group II

• 1630 Japan (-1.5) vs Argentina (YouTube)
• 1900 Croatia (-7.5) vs Bahrain (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Denmark (-5.5) vs Qatar (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

Denmark and Croatia are the big favorites to advance out of Group II. Croatia has looked vulnerable at times, but they have already beaten what appears to be the 3rd best team of the group, Qatar, and it’s hard to see Argentina or Bahrain knocking them off, If Qatar is going to alter that destiny they will need to pull a big upset over Denmark today.

President’s Cup Group I

• 1630 Cape Verde vs Tunisia <Cancelled>
• 1900 Angola (-4.5) vs DR Congo (YouTube)

Due to Cape Verde’s withdrawal this President’s Cup group will have a forfeit the rest of the way.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Bankroll: $823 (Yesterday Start) – $100 (Yesterday’s Loss) = $723 (Current Bankroll)
• Yesterday’s Result:
  • Norway alternate handicap 1st half; Norway (-2.5) (+104 or 2.04); Bet $100 to win $104; RESULT: Lose $100 (Norway led at the half 16-14)
• Today’s Pick: Brazil vs Hungary
  • Brazil alternate handicap; Brazil (+2.5) (+115 or 2.15); Bet $100 to win $115
  • Brazil had a total meltdown on Monday vs Poland. Trailing 11-13 at the half Poland scored 20 goals in the 2nd half to win 33-23. Did Poland expose all of Brazil’s weaknesses? Or was it just one of those halves? I think it was the latter and Brazil will bounce back and put up a good fight today for all 60 minutes

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Bankroll: $1,175.50 (Current Bankroll)
• Yesterday’s Results: N/A
• Today’s Pick #1: Japan vs Argentina
  • 1st half Over 25.5 goals, (-120 or 1.84), Bet 100$ to win $84
  • I’ve already talked quite a bit about why I like Japan. Their strengths are their intensity, high rhythm, passing game and discipline in following coach Sigurdsson’s instructions. That said, they also have some big weaknesses in defense where their inexperience leads to naive decisions and plenty of scoring opportunities for their opponents. And, those scoring opportunities generally result in goals as their goalkeeping hasn’t been very effective. This all translates into plenty of goals for both sides. Japan’s style of handball has a cost and they often falter in the 2nd half, but I anticipate them being very effective for the first 30 minutes. Side note: Argentina get Diego Simonet back, and it changes everything for them. He’s the soul of the attack, a magician and one of my favorite players to watch. And, with him Argentina is a more capable scoring team on offense.
• Today’s Pick #2: 2 Way Parlay: 1) Spain (-182 or 1.55) vs Germany and 2) Slovenia (-167 or 1.60) vs Sweden); Overall Parlay (+148 or 2.48); Bet $50 to $74.
  • Germany vs Spain : I just think Spain is the better side here. Before the start of the tournament I had them to win it all. Spain is a complete team, well coached, and they have played with each other for a long time now. Their hybrid 6-0 defense is very tricky and they plant traps that make it very difficult to attack them. Their 5-1 is very efficient, too. And, if you do manage to beat their defense you still have to beat Perez de Vargas or Corrales, one of the best GK pairs in the tournament, in my opinion. On attack, they have plenty options in attack with very experienced playmakers in Entrerrios and Sarmiento. And, then they can change their style with Dujshebaev if needed. They simply have much more options then Germany and a deeper bench.
  • Slovenia vs Sweden (actually to be played tomorrow). It’s much the same story with Slovenia being the better side here. The young Swedish side fought well against Egypt but I still think their options are limited, and Jim Gotfridsson HAS to have a good game for them to win. I think, like Spain, Slovenia simply has more options and more quality. The +148 or 2.48 odds for the parlay gives us a 40% implied probability. Whereas, I think it’s much closer to 50%.

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Main Round Group III

• 1630 Iceland (-2.5) vs Switzerland (YouTube)
• 1900 Algeria vs France (-9.5) (YouTube)
• 2130 Norway (-3.5) vs Portugal (YouTube) 

Group 3 gets started with Iceland narrowly favored to pick up 2 points vs Switzerland. France should then have no problem with Algeria before Norway takes on Portugal in the match of the day. It’s pretty much a must win for Norway if they want to keep their quarterfinal chances alive. Portugal, on the other hand, will almost guarantee themselves a spot with a win.

Main Round Group IV

• 1630 Slovenia (-7.5) vs N Macedonia (YouTube)
• 1900 Russia vs Egypt (-2.5) (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Sweden (-2.5) vs Belarus (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

Slovenia should pick up a win vs a N Macedonian side that appears to be the weakest team of the group, then it’s a must win match for hosts Egypt vs a new look Russia team. The evening’s action closes with another new look team trying to add another 2 points to their unblemished record.

President’s Cup Group II

• 1630 Chile (-3.5) vs S Korea (YouTube)
• 1900 Austria (-5.5) vs Morocco (YouTube)

Not whole lot to say here about the President’s cup other than you could probably replace Austria with the U.S. and contemplate how the U.S. might have fared vs Morocco, Chile and S Korea.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Bankroll: $923 (Yesterday Start) – $100 (Yesterday’s Loss) = $823 (Current Bankroll)
• Yesterday’s Result:  
  • Croatia alternate handicap (-4.5) (+125 or 2.25) Bet $100 to win $125; RESULT: Lose $100 (Croatia won 26-24)
• Today’s Pick: Norway vs Portugal
  • Norway alternate handicap 1st half; Norway (-2.5) (+104 or 2.04); Bet $100 to win $104
  • This is pretty much a must win game for Norway and I like for Sander Sagosen and company to get off to a fast start vs Portugal. Portugal is a solid team, but their preliminary group was substantially weaker and I like for Norway’s defense to slow them down a bit more than the likes of Iceland, Morocco and Algeria.

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Bankroll: $1,105 (Yesterday Start) + $70.50 (Yesterday’s Winnings = $1,175.50 (Current Bankroll)
• Yesterday’s Results: N/A
  • 1st half money line; Japan to lead at halftime (-159 or 1.63); Bet $50 to win $32.50; RESULT: Win $32.50 (Japan led 16-12)
  • 1st half handicap; Tunisia (+3.5) (-132 or 1.76); Bet $50 to win $38; RESULT: Win #38 (Spain let 17-14 at halftime)
• Today’s Pick: None planned, but Sharp Action informs me that he already has his eyes on a couple of strong plays tomorrow.

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group A

• 1900 Uruguay ys Cape Verde  (Cancelled)
• 2130 Hungary vs Germany (-1.5)  (YouTube)

Due to positive COVID tests Cape Verde is now officially out of the tournament. Uruguay advances to the Main Round, but based on the score lines in their first two matches I’m thinking they might prefer the President’s Cup. Germany and Hungary will have their first real test and will battle for 2 points in the Main Round Group.

Group B

• 1900 Tunisia vs Spain (-5.5) (YouTube)
• 2130 Brazil (-1.5) vs Poland (YouTube)

Group B, as predicted, is very competitive.  So competitive that heading into the final day each nation could still possibly win the group and each nation could still possibly be eliminated: Link. The more likely scenario, however, is for Spain to win the group and then for Brazil and Poland to battle for two points that will carry over to the Main Round.

Group C

• 1630 Angola vs Japan (-4.5) (YouTube)
• 1900 Croatia (-3.5) vs Qatar (YouTube)

Angola and Japan will battle for 3rd place while Croatia and Qatar will meet to decide 1st place. Since Croatia lost a point vs Japan they should have extra incentive to go for 2 points vs Qatar.

Group D

• 1900 DR Congo vs Bahrain (-6.5) (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Denmark (-8.5) vs Argentina (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

Cape Verde’s early departure means that ESPN+ had to choose another group today and, of course, they selected Group D. It’s El Gigante’s world, were just passengers in it. DR Congo has tough task today vs Bahrain as does Argentina (without Diego Simonet) vs Denmark in the 2nd match.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: $923
• Yesterday’s Result:
  • Egypt (-1.5) vs Sweden (+110 or 2.1); Bet $100 to win $110;  RESULT:  Lost; Sweden beat Egypt 24-23;  Lose $100
• Today’s Pick:  Croatia vs Qatar
  • Croatia alternate handicap (-4.5) (+125 or 2.25) Bet $100 to win $125
  • Croatia is now missing Cindric in addition to Karacic, but they will get Sego back in the goal. They struggled to get a draw vs Japan and let Angola play them close for quite awhile. But, even with the injuries they are still a way better team than the Qatar side they will face today. Frankis Marzo blitzed Japan for 11 goals and I just don’t see him having that sort of success against Croatia’s defense. Bottom line: Croatia is just too experienced and has too much riding on this match for it to be a close affair.

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: $1,105
• Yesterday’s Results: Portugal over 31.5 goals (-117 or 1.85) Bet $50 to win $42.50. RESULT: Loss; Portugal only scored 26; Lose $50
• Today’s Pick #1: Angola vs Japan
  • 1st half money line; Japan to lead at halftime (-159 or 1.63); Bet $50 to win $32.50
  • Going again with Sigurdsson’s boys. I love their fast pace handball as the ball travels from hand to hand at the speed of light, always with engagement. They play to their strengths and weaknesses. We can see this team lacks physicality, but they compensate with teamwork and speed, doing everything with 100% intensity from start to finish. I think their fast rhythm will simply be too high intensity for Angola.
• Today’s Pick #2: Tunisia vs Spain
  • 1st half handicap; Tunisia (+3.5) (-132 or 1.76); Bet $50 to win $38
  • Tunisia, like Japan, is a team that plays with high intensity from minute 1. They push fast breaks when they can and fair better in a run and gun type of game as opposed to a slower paced game with set up attacks. They scored 17 goals in the 1st half vs Poland and 20 (20!) vs Brazil. I think they can stay in contact with Spain for 30 minutes, but will probably fade due to this high rhythm later in the match.

Would you look like regular reminders of great handball web streaming options all season long? Quick alerts on matches that pop up on line?

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All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group E

• 1900 Switzerland vs France (-6.5) (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Norway (-8.5) vs Austria (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

France is undefeated and has already qualified for the Main Round, but Switzerland is also likely through so this match result will carry through to the Main Round.  Austria has yet to win a match, but a big upset vs Norway would probably qualify them for the Main Round.

Group F

• 1900 Portugal (-9.5) vs Algeria (YouTube)
• 2130 Morocco vs Iceland (-10.5) (YouTube)

The situation in Group F is identical Group E.  Portugal is undefeated and has already qualified for the Main Round, but Algeria is also like through, thanks to their earlier come from behind defeat of Morocco.  But, theoretically, Morocco could still qualify if they pull off a big upset over Iceland.

Group G

• 1630 Chile vs N Macedonia (-2.5) (YouTube)
• 1900 Egypt (-1.5) vs Sweden (YouTube)

Group G is really straightforward.  Chile and N Macedonia will play for third place in the Group with the winner moving on and the loser headed to the President’s Cup. (Chile will also advance with a draw).  Egypt and Sweden will play for 2 pts that could be absolutely critical in the final Main Round standings.

Group H

• 1630 Russia (-11.5) vs S Korea (YouTube)
• 1900 Slovenia (-3.5) vs Belarus (YouTube)

Undefeated Russia should have no problem with a S Korean team destined for the President’s Cup while Slovenia and Belarus will play for 2 points in the Main Round.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: $1,023
• Yesterday’s Result:  DR Congo’s Gauthier Mvumbi Prop Bet
  • Gauthier Mvumbi to score +2.5 goals (+123 or 2.23; Bet $100 to win $123); RESULT:  Win;  El Gigante came through with 4 goals yesterday vs Denmark
• Today’s Pick: Egypt vs Sweden
  • Egypt (-1.5) (+110 or 2.1); Bet $100 to win $110
• Egypt looked a little shaky in their first match vs Chile (winning by only 6, but blew out N Macedonia by 19.  Sweden has been more steady, beating Chile by 15 and N Macedonia by 12.  So, they each have taken care of weaker opposition and this is the first tough match for both teams.  And, actually this match might even be a Main Round Group IV decider as Group H doesn’t look particularly strong to me.  With so much on the line I just can’t see the hosts losing this one or it coming down to the wire.

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: 1,155 Dollars
• Yesterday’s Results: N/A
  • Qatar vs Japan: 1st half money line; Japan to lead at halftime (+155 or 2.55); Bet $100 to win $155;  RESULT:  Win; Japan led 16-15 at the break.
• Today’s Pick: Algeria vs Portugal
  • Portugal over 31.5 goals (-117 or 1.85) Bet $50 to win $42.50.
• I think it will be hard for Algeria to stop Portugal’s offensive firepower.  Morocco’s GK Idrissi slowed Portugal down for 30 minutes, but it’s hard to see Algeria’s GK getting a similar performance.  Also, both teams like to play fast breaks and push a higher pace.

Would you look like regular reminders of great handball web streaming options all season long? Quick alerts on matches that pop up on line?

If yes, follow or like Team Handball news on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group A

• 1900 Germany vs Cape Verde  (Cancelled)
• 2130 Hungary (-20.5) vs Uruguay  (YouTube)

Due to positive COVID tests Cape Verde had only having 9 players available so their match vs Germany was declared a forfeit.  Cape Verde is hoping to get some negative test results and to fly in some more players in time to play Uruguay on Tuesday.  Tuesday’s matches (Germany vs Hungary) and (Cape Verde vs Uruguay) will be the deciders for this Group.

Group B

• 1900 Tunisia vs Brazil (-2.5) (YouTube)
• 2130 Spain (-6.5) vs Poland (YouTube)

Group B, as predicted, is very competitive.  On Friday, Spain and Brazil played to a 29-29 draw while Poland beat Tunisia 30-28.  Tunisia will likely need a win vs Brazil today if they want to go through to the main round.  Spain will look to get 2 points vs a young Poland team.

Group C

• 1630 Qatar (-1.5) vs Japan (YouTube)
• 1900 Croatia (-9.5) vs Angola (YouTube)

Japan’s draw 29-29 draw vs Croatia is arguably the biggest shock of the tournament so far and sets up a pivotal game vs Qatar today.  Croatia should have no problem with Angola today, but they just received some bad news on the injury front as Luka Cindric is out for the tournament with a groin injury

Group D

• 1900 Argentina (-2.5) vs Bahrain (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Denmark (-18.5) vs DR Congo (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

Argentina and Bahrain square off in a match that, on paper, should determine 2nd place in the group.  Denmark should have no problem with the DR Congo, but fans still will want to tune in to see Congo’s Gauthier Mvumbi, who has become the cult hero of the tournament.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: $900
• Yesterday’s Result:  
  • 1st half handicap; France (-5.5) (+128 or 2.28); Bet $100 to win $128;  RESULT:  France led by only 4, 17-13;  Lose $100
• Today’s Pick:  DR Congo’s Gauthier Mvumbi Prop Bet
  • Gauthier Mvumbi to score +2.5 goals (+123 or 2.23; Bet $100 to win $123
• I had no intention whatsoever to make a wager today… but, then I saw this prop bet and couldn’t resist.  Mvumbi was 4 for 4 vs Argentina in limited action and has now become an internet sensation.  He’s surely going to get more playing time today and should have more opportunities to score.  Denmark has also seen the videos and may pay him extra attention… but, so what? You can’t stop El Gigante.  You can only hope to contain him.

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: 1,000 Dollars
• Yesterday’s Results: N/A
• Today’s Pick: Qatar vs Japan
  • 1st half money line; Japan to lead at halftime (+155 or 2.55); Bet $100 to win $155
• I was impressed with Japan’s performance vs Croatia, even if Croatia’s level of handball and motivation was super low in that match.  Japane played a simple but very efficient handball and were well prepared by Sigurdsson. They played at a high rhythm for 30 minutes and pushed fast breaks anytime they could, scoring 17 goals in that 1st half.  Qatar on the other hand started slowly vs Angola with no clear game plan in attack, which lead to turnovers.  I also noticed that Qatar didn’t always come back fast enough in defense.  If they repeat this, Japan has a very good chance to be ahead at HT.  +155 or 2.55 odds says that there is a 40% implied probability for Japan to be ahead at half time. I see it as a 50 50 at best, so I’m more than happy to take Japan at these odds.

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group E

• 1900 Austria vs France (-9.5) (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Norway (-7.5) vs Switzerland (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

The first matches for this group saw the two favorites play each other with France beating Norway, 28-24.  Now the remaining matches we’ll see if either Switzerland or Austria can pick off a win against them.  Switzerland beat Austria, 28-25, so they have a leg up in qualifying for the Main Round

Group F

• 1900 Portugal (-9.5) vs Morocco (YouTube)
• 2130 Algeria vs Iceland (-6.5) (YouTube)

Just like Group E, Group F saw the two favorites play each other last time around, with Portugal winning 25-23.  Algeria staged a major comeback to beat Morocco 24-23, so they have the advantage in terms of advancing.  This means that the Algeria – Iceland result will likely carry forward to the Main Round. 

Group G

• 1900 Egypt (-5.5) vs N Macedonia (YouTube)
• 2130 Chile vs Sweden (-11.5) (YouTube)

Egypt won their opening match vs Chile while N Macedonia was beaten handily by Sweden 32-20.  If N Macedonia wants to take any points into the Main Round they’ll need to pull an upset vs the hosts today.  Sweden are big favorites over a Chile team that put up a decent fight vs Egypt.  

Group H

• 1630 Belarus (-15.5) vs S Korea (YouTube)
• 1900 Slovenia (-5.5) vs Russia (YouTube)

With S. Korea sending a B Team to this tournament it’s all but decided that Belarus, Slovenia and Russia are through to the Main Round. Belarus and Russia played to a 32-32 draw, so they each have 1 point.  Slovenia and Russia will play what amounts to a de facto Main Round match while Belarus will have a scrimmage practice vs S. Korea.

Betting Predictions

For this tournament we’ve doing some betting predictions using an imaginary starting bankroll of a 1,000 Euros. Joining me will be, Sharp Action, a former professional handball player from France.

Odds are either from the Bet MGM or the Bet Rivers online sportsbooks.

John’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: $1,000
• Yesterday’s Result:   N/A
• Today’s Pick: France vs Austria
  • 1st half handicap; France (-5.5) (+128 or 2.28); Bet $100 to win $128
• France shook off 2 disappointing results vs Serbia in European qualification play and put everything together for an impressive 28-24 win over Norway on the first day. But, France being France, will everything fall apart once again? Against a weaker foe, not too dissimilar to Serbia? I say nope… They may indeed go back to their old ways later in the tournament, but they won’t have any problems scoring early and often against an Austrian team that won’t be able to handle them one on one. Further compounding Austria’s problems will be their lack of backcourt scoring against France’s middle defense. France should cruise to a big first half lead much the way Germany did in Euro Qualification. I’m not saying France will lead 19-5 at the break like Germany did, but such a result wouldn’t totally shock me. In the 2nd half, however, with the game in hand, I’m not so sure as to what will happen in a game that will likely have no bearing in the Main Round. Hence, the first half bet.

Sharp Action’s Pick(s):

• Current Bankroll: 1,000 Dollars
• Yesterday’s Results: N/A
• Today’s Pick: TBD

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM 

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group A

• 1900 Germany (-20.5) vs Uruguay  (YouTube)
• 2130 Hungary vs Cape Verde  (YouTube) 

Not much to say about these opening matches in Group A as they should both be uninteresting blowouts. Cape Verde might have been interesting to watch, but due to COVID their roster has been significantly weakened. To what extent is a bit of a mystery so a betting line hasn’t been posted.

Group B

• 1900 Spain (-6.5) vs Brazil (YouTube)
• 2130 Tunisia vs Poland (-1.5) (YouTube)

Group B, on the other hand, is the most interesting Group in the tournament. Spain is the favored team in this group, but they will be pushed by the other teams.

Group C

• 1630 Qatar (-5.5) vs Angola (YouTube)
• 1900 Croatia (-8.5) vs Japan (YouTube)

Angola upset Qatar 2 years ago with a 24-23 win that essentially kept Qatar from going to the main round. This Qatar team isn’t as “beefed” up as it used to be, but they are still probably the 2nd best team in the group. Olympic hosts Japan takes on Croatia in the night cap.

Group D

• 1900 Argentina (-9.5) vs DR Congo (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Denmark (-9.5) vs Bahrain (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

Group D will be the featured group for ESPN+ viewers and the two group favorites take on the underdogs today. The IHF has reported a positive COVID test on the Danish team, and Danish sources report it is Emil Jakobsen.

All times are Egypt Local (CET is 1 hr behind; US ET is 7 hrs behind)
Odds courtesy of Bet MGM 

NOTE: Breaking News: ESPN+ will be airing two matches/day for the remainder of the tournament.

If you want to watch the matches that aren’t available on ESPN+ check this article for how to watch geo-blocked matches on YouTube: Link

Group E

• 1900 Austria vs Switzerland (-1.5) (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary
• 2130 Norway (-1.5) vs France (on ESPN+) (YouTube) w/English commentary

The first match would have been Austria vs Team USA (sigh). The second match is the match of the day; Maybe the match of the entire preliminary round. France played Serbia twice in Euro 2020 qualification, losing the first match 27-24 and drawing the second 26-26. Both matches, needless to say were lackluster performances. Will they wake up for this showdown vs Norway?

Group F

• 1900 Algeria vs Morocco (-4.5) (YouTube)
• 2130 Portugal (-1.5) vs Iceland (YouTube)

Algeria and Morocco play in a match that will likely decides who advances to the Main Round. Portugal and Iceland play for the 3rd time in just 9 days as by coincidence they are also in the same Euro 2022 Qualification Group. Portugal won the first match in Portugal 26-24 while Iceland won the return leg 32-23. Iceland was actually down 12-13 at the half, but dominated the 2nd half by a 20-10 score. Can this momentum carry over for this third match?

Group G

• 2130 Sweden (-3.5) vs N Macedonia (YouTube)

Egypt won their opening match over Chile yesterday. Sweden and N Macedonia look to join them with 2 points. N Macedonia’s late entry means that 40 year old Kiril Lazarov will get the opportunity to play in 2 World Championships hosted by Egypt. Yes, he was there for the 1999 edition, I wonder how many retired players feel a little bit younger when they see him play and realize there’s still somebody around that they can say, “Yeah, I played against him.”

Group H

• 1630 Belarus (-1.5) vs Russia (YouTube)
• 1900 Slovenia (-12.5) vs S Korea (YouTube)

Belarus and Russia clash in a match with no political ramifications. Slovenia should have no problem with S. Korea especially now that I’ve just found out that they’ve sent their B Team to the World Championships.

The 2021 IHF Men’s World Championships start today (Wednesday, 13 January) in Egypt. Here’s some info on how to watch, what the odds are, some links to previews and a few predictions on who will in it all.

How to Watch

How you watch the World Championship will depend on where you live and whether there is a TV contract there.

USA Web Streaming: In the U.S., ESPN reportedly will broadcast 31 matches on its streaming platform ESPN+. ESPN+ is available via several streaming platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire. However, the announcement regarding ESPN+ has been removed from the USA Team Handball website and ESPN+ has not updated their schedule to include handball matches. (I’ve been told that this is just a temporary development and I will update when I hear more.)

IHF 2021 Men’s WC YouTube Page: Link
The IHF will be web streaming every match on YouTube, but these matches won’t be available if your country has a TV contract. This article lists every country that has a TV contract.

Pirated Web Streams: Of course, there are other options available. As sure as the sun comes up tomorrow there will be dubious websites offering live streams of marginal quality. I wouldn’t recommend downloading anything from these sites or paying them anything.

IHF YouTube Site (with VPN): One can also use a VPN service and login from a nation without a TV contract to access the IHF stream. I personally use VPN Nord, but there are other options available. Using VPN is not an ideal solution and I prefer to watch via a paid service like ESPN+. It doesn’t cost that much and you get a more reliable picture. But, if I can’t pay to watch… I don’t feel very guilty about using VPN. And, since some WC matches won’t be available via ESPN+ I will be using VPN to watch them. For more on how to use VPN read this article: Link

For the preliminary round the match schedule typically has 1 late afternoon match, 4 early evening matches and 3 later evening matches. In the U.S. the timing of those 3 viewing opportunities are 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM (US ET).

Odds for the Competition

All odds are courtesy of Unibet.

Tourney Format: The preliminary round consists of 8 groups of 4 nations. The top 3 of each preliminary group advances to the Main Round. Groups A and B form Main Round Group I, while Groups C and D form MR Group II, Groups E and F form MR Group III Matches and Groups G and H form MR Group IV. 4th place teams will play in the President’s Cup. Matches from the Preliminary Round (among advancing nations) also count in the Main Round. The top 2 teams from each Main Round Group will then advance to the Quarterfinals.

Preliminary Groups A and B / Main Round Group I

In Group A Germany and Hungary are the clear favorites while Cape Verde and Uruguay should battle for 3rd place. Spain is the big favorite in Group B while Brazil, Tunisia and Poland are relatively even and will battle for the other two slots. For a more in-depth preview check out Chris O’Reilly’s Group A preview at Stregspiller.com.

Spain is all a big favorite to win Group I while Germany and Hungary are expected to battle for 2nd place. Germany’s roster is missing several athletes that chose to not attend the Championship and it will be interesting to see how their replacements perform. Brazil is an outsider, but has been known to surprise in the past. A key factor, however, may be how much COVID has impacted their roster.

Preliminary Groups C and D / Main Round Group II

Croatia and Denmark are big favorites in Group C and D, respectively. I won’t be surprised, though, if Japan knocks off Qatar. With the Olympics coming up, I think Japan has extra motivation to be ready for this tournament. In Group D, I also see Bahrain as capable of beating Argentina.

Really hard not to see Denmark and Croatia advancing in this Group and I like Croatia to also beat Denmark, but that may depend on whether Karacic is healthy by the 2nd week of the tournament.

Preliminary Groups E and F / Main Round Group III

Both these Groups have 2 favorites and 2 outsiders. The favorites will battle for points to take into the main round, while the outsiders fight to avoid the President’s Cup. The Norway – France match starts the competition and could decide who wins Main Round Group III.

I like Norway to win this Group, but I won’t be shocked if France loses to Portugal which has their number in recent tournaments. The only thing that has me guessing is Portugal’s recent defeat to an Iceland team without Aron Palmarsson. It might well be a 3 way between those teams (France, Portugal and Iceland battling for that 2nd QF slot.

Preliminary Groups G nd H / Main Round Group IV

In Group G, it’s hard not to see Egypt winning, but I think late entry N Macedonia can pip Sweden for 2nd place. Sweden is the big favorite in Group H, but I think it’s actually a 3 way fight for the other 2 spots. Yes, S Korea could surprise here. They still have a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and they may be more ready than other teams because of that.

Egypt didn’t look particularly impressive in their opening match vs Chile, but I still think that hosting the tournament gives them the edge here. I also think Slovenia, which seems to be pretty healthy will join them in the Quarter Finals.

Odds to Win the Championship

Previews and Predictions

• (Un)Informed Handball Hour Podcast (Part 1: Hipster Teams): Link
• (Un)Informed Handball Hour Podcast (Part 2: Main Teams): Link
• Team Handball News Podcast (Betting Focused Review): Link
• Chris O’Reilly Preview at Stregspiller: Link

Here’s a compilation of “expert” predictions.

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