The IHF Women’s World Championships finish up on Sunday with bronze and gold medal matches. Both matches will be broadcast in the U.S. on a tape delayed basis on the NBC Olympic Channel on Sunday afternoon. Fans, that don’t want to wait, however, can watch the Olympic Channel Web Stream (either live or delayed). Both matches are also available on the IHF web stream, but depending on where you live you may need to use VPN.

Sunday, 15 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Nordic Bet

NBC TV Schedule: Link
How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link

17:30 Bronze Medal Match: Norway vs Russia (-1) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs (delayed) in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 4:00 PM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)
– IHF Match Preview: Link

Hey, wait a second… Wasn’t this was supposed to the the gold medal match? It sure was. Both nations were favored in the semifinal, but came up short. Russia narrowly lost to the Netherlands, 33-32, while Norway played a lackluster match and was dominated by Spain, 28-22. Now playing for bronze it will be interesting to see how both teams respond after such a let down.

My money is on Russia and right back, Anna Vyakhireva. You wouldn’t know by looking at her short stature, 5’6″, but I think she might be the best women’s player in the world now. Certainly, the top passer. Check out this assist compilation: Link. Clever and quick she seems to play a role in most of Russia’s goals. Either by scoring, assisting or doing something that sets up the offensive opportunity one pass later.

20:30 Netherlands (-.5) vs Spain (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs (delayed) in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 5:30 PM (US ET) on Sunday; Also airs on Tuesday at 10:30 PM (US ET) on the NBC Sports Network
– Olympic Channel On Demand Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.) (posted after the match)
– IHF Website  Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)
– IHF Match Preview: Link

Well, anyone who predicted this as the final coming into the tournament is either a genius or lucky. The Netherlands was 16 to 1 to win the title and Spain was a 33 to 1 long shot.

Spain played consistently for the most part in the preliminary and main rounds, but seemed done for after their last main round match, a comprehensive 36-26 loss to Russia. But, thanks to Montenegro’s defeat of Sweden they got a backdoor entry into the semifinals. And, they didn’t look back. They broke open a close semifinal match (13-13 at halftime) with a dominating performance that shut down Norway offensively on the way to a 28-22 win.

The Netherlands also needed help just to make the semifinals. Fortunately, for them, Norway beat Germany, giving them a back door entry. And, like Spain, they took advantage of the opportunity given to them, beating Russia, 33-32. In doing so, they were also the first team to give the Russians a 60 minute game. The Netherlands have been very consistent in their major tournament performance with a semifinal berth in the last 3 WC, last 2 EC and the 2016 Olympics. But, while consistent they’ve yet to win a title. I’m thinking that may very well change with this World Championship.

Side note: While located in Europe, the Netherlands is not what one would call a “Handball Nation.” There are some clubs in the Netherlands, but it is not nearly as popular or as professional of a sport as it is in Germany, Denmark or France. And, their success may have elements from which nations like the U.S. can draw upon. For more on this topic check out this podcast from 2016

Podcast: Netherlands Women’s Handball: How their 10 year development plan has vaulted them into the world’s elite: Link

Friday is a big day with two semifinal matches to be broadcast in the U.S. on a tape delayed basis on the NBC Olympic Channel. Fans, that don’t want to wait, however, can watch the Olympic Channel Web Stream (either live or delayed). All matches, including the placement matches, where Germany is in a must situation for Olympic Qualification are also available on the IHF website, but depending on where you live you may need to use VPN.

Friday, 13 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Bet365

NBC TV Schedule: Link
How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link

11:30 Serbia (-.5) vs Montenegro 
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

This match for 5th place between neighbors has only limited importance as both nations have definitely qualified for one of three separate Olympic Qualification Tournaments. The result of this match will just determine which tournament (#2 or #3) they will be placed in. As of now, it’s pretty uncertain as to which tournament will have a stronger field and present a tougher path to the Olympics meaning there isn’t a whole lot to play for beyond pride.

14:30 Germany (-1) vs Sweden (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)
– IHF Match Preview: Link

On Wednesday, both Germany and Sweden were in a position to make the semifinals. However, they both lost so instead of playing for a medal, they are now playing for 7th place. And, Germany, is now playing for Olympic qualification. Sweden, by virtue of their performance at the 2018 European Championships has already earned a slot for Olympic Qualification Tournament (Tourney #2).

However, Sweden also has something to play for as the winner of this match will be placed into Olympic Qualification Tourney #1. And, unlike tourneys #2 and #3 this tourney is highly desirable to be in since it will include only 2 European Teams fighting for the 2 Olympic slots. Nothing against Argentina and Senegal, but they will clearly be a less formidable foe than either Hungary or Romania. Translation: The winner of this match will qualify for the Olympics with at least 95% certainty.

17:30 Netherlands vs Russia (-3.5) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs (delayed) in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 2:30 PM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)
– Olympic Channel Live Stream: Link
– IHF Match Preview: Link

Russia has been on roll and very impressive so far in this tournament. Really, nobody has threatened them. On Wednesday they demolished Spain 36-26. No team has come closer than 7 goals. The Netherlands has played well, but still has three blemishes on their record. In the preliminary round they lost by 6 to Slovenia (which failed to make the main round end up in 19th place) Then in the Main Round they lost to Germany and Denmark, but still managed to squeak through to the semifinal with 6 points. They will need to step up their game if they are to have any hope of stopping Russia.

20:30 Norway (-3.5) vs Spain (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs (delayed) in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 10:00 PM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.)
– IHF Website  Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)
– Olympic Channel Live Stream: Link
– IHF Match Preview: Link

On paper this match should be more interesting than the first semifinal. Norway has played consistently with only a 30-28 loss to the Netherlands. Consistent, but they haven’t been overpowering teams the way Russia has. Spain has also played well, but the heavy loss to Russia and their collapse vs Sweden (a nine goal lead that ended as a draw) would seem to indicate that they are just one Norwegian run of several unanswered goals from being taken out of the match.

Main Round Play conclude for both Groups today with 6 matches. Who will make the semifinals? Who will get a slot in an Olympic Qualification Tourney. Two of the matches are available in the U.S. on the NBC Olympic Channel. The rest are available on the IHF Website.

NBC TV Schedule: Link
How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link
IHF Daily Preview: Link

Wednesday, 11 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Unibet

Main Group I

Note: Main Group I is pretty complicated in terms of projecting semifinal and Olympic Tournament qualification. So complicated, it got it’s own separate article: Link

15:00 S Korea vs Netherlands (-5)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Any chance the Netherlands has of qualifying for the semifinals starts with beating S Korea first. They will need some help to slip into second place, but it’s possible. South Korea is simply playing for pride. A bit of a disappointing end for a team that did so well in the preliminary round.

18:00 Denmark (-2.5) vs Serbia  
– IHF Web Stream Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Serbia has an outsider’s chance of getting to the semifinals while Denmark can finish no better than 3rd. But, what’s on the line for sure: A chance at Olympic Qualification. The winner will at least finish 4th where they would play in the 7th place match for entry in an Olympic Qualification Tournament; the loser will do no better than 5th and their Olympic dreams are over.

20:30 Norway (-3.5) vs Germany 
– IHF Web Stream Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

There are multiple scenarios at play, but by the time this match starts only three scenarios will be left. The most entertaining scenarios: Winner qualifies; Loser takes 3rd. I won’t get in to all the possibilities. It would take too long. For all the possibilities check out this Link

Main Round Group II

15:00 Spain vs Russia (-2.5) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 1:00 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Russia is undefeated and has already qualified for the semifinals. With a win or a draw they will finish 1st. Spain can take 1st with a win and will take 2nd with a draw. They can also still qualify for the semifinals even if they lose, but it will depend on what Sweden does. If Sweden wins they would be level on points with Spain. And, since Spain and Sweden tied the next tie breaker will be GD in all matches. Spain is currently at +18 and and Sweden is at +12, so the combination of Spain’s loss and a Sweden win will need to be greater than 6 goals. And, then if it’s 6 goals exactly the next tie breaker is total goals scored. And, if that is tied… well then they will draw lots.

18:00 Japan (-2) vs Romania 
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Not a whole lot to say about this match. Both teams are winless in Main Round play and this match is just for pride.

20:30 Sweden (-1) vs Montenegro (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 6:30 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website  Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

As previously discussed, Sweden may have a chance to pass Spain on goal differential and qualify for the semifinals. But, they likely will have their hands full just beating Montenegro. Regardless, the outcome of this match will determine 3rd and 4th place which actually means something. The 3rd place team will have a guaranteed entry into one of the Olympic Qualification tournaments, whereas 4th place in the group will face off against the other 4th place team in Group 1 for 7th place overall and the last slot for the Olympic Qualification tournaments.

Main Round Play continues with Group II now playing 3 matches while Group I has a rest day. Two of these matches are available in the U.S. on the NBC Olympic Channel.

NBC TV Schedule: Link
How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link
IHF Daily Preview: Link

Tuesday, 10 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
odds courtesy of 10bet

Main Round Group II

15:00 Montenegro vs Russia (-3)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Russia has been the most impressive team of the tournament so far, with no team coming closer than 8 goals. Montenegro has also played well with their only loss being to the other undefeated team in the group, Spain.

18:00 Japan vs Spain (-5.5) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 4:00 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

On Monday Spain appeared to be on track for an easy victory against Sweden, leading by 8 goals in the 2nd half. Somehow they let that lead slip away ending the match with a 28-28 draw. They will look to rebound from that disappointing draw with a win today against Japan. The hosts have played competitively, but have yet to get a signature win against a European side at this tournament

20:30 Sweden (-5) vs Romania (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 6:30 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Sweden salvaged a draw yesterday to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They take on Romania which has struggled and at this point is playing for a 4th place finish and entry into an Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Olympic Channel Live Stream: Link

Main Round Play continues with Group I playing 3 matches while Group II takes the day off. Two of these matches are available in the U.S. on the NBC Olympic Channel.

NBC TV Schedule: Link
How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link
IHF Daily Preview: Link

Monday, 9 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
odds courtesy of Bwin

Main Round Group I

15:00 Serbia vs Germany (-2)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Germany looks to solidify their chances for the semifinals while Serbia hopes to make it two wins in a row after after their victory over S. Korea yesterday. Making the semifinals for Serbia, will require quite a bit of help though so Serbia may more realistically be shooting for 4th in the group to qualify for an Olympic Qualification Tournament.

18:00 Denmark vs Netherlands (-1) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 4:00 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Web Stream Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.)
– IHF Web Stream Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Both teams lost yesterday and will be looking to rebound with a win. The Netherlands will still make the semifinals if they win their next two matches. Denmark, like Serbia is probably playing for 4th place now.

20:30 Norway (-3.5) vs South Korea (With commentary from Paul Bray)
– Match airs live in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 6:30 AM (US ET)
– Olympic Channel Web Stream Video Link (No VPN Required in U.S.)
– IHF Web Stream Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Norway got off to a slow start yesterday, but came back for a key win over Denmark. A win today sets up a possible showdown match vs Germany on Wednesday for a semifinal slot. S Korea suffered their first lost of the tournament yesterday vs Serbia. Any hopes of making the semifinals will probably mean beating Norway today and then knocking off the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Olympic Channel Live Stream: Link

President’s Cup

The President’s Cup finishes today with 12 teams playing for 13th through 23rd place.

13th Place
18:00 Hungary vs France (-3.5) Video Link

15th Place
15:00 Angola (-4) vs Argentina Video Link

17th Place
18:00 Sengal vs Brazil (-5.5) Video Link

19th Place
15:00 Slovenia (-10) vs DR Congo Video Link

21st Place
12:30 Cuba (-2) vs Kazakhstan Video Link

23rd Place
12:30 Australia vs China (-12.5) Video Link

Preliminary Group Play is over and the top 3 teams from Groups A and B have combined to form Main Round Group I and Groups C and D have combined to form Main Round Group II. The top 2 teams from each group will make the semifinals.

All of the teams that didn’t advance to the Main Round have been vanquished to consolation play in the President’s Cup.

There are also more viewing options in the United States as the NBC Olympic Channel will now be airing two matches on TV each day. And, this is really good news: The schedule has changed with more live matches and without truncation to one hour.
NBC TV Schedule: Link

How to watch the matches not on NBC: Link

IHF Daily Preview: Link

Sunday, 8 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
odds courtesy of Bwin

Main Round Group I

15:00 Serbia vs S Korea (-1.5) Video Link

18:00 Germany vs Netherlands (-2.5) (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
<Will air in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 4:30 PM (US ET)>
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

20:30 Norway (-2.5) vs Denmark Video Link (With commentary from Paul Bray)
<LIVE in the U.S on the NBC Olympic Channel at 6:30 AM (US ET)>
– Olympic Channel Video Link (No VPN Required)
– IHF Website Video Link (VPN Required for some countries)

Olympic Channel Live Stream: Link

This group starts with a bang as the Netherlands takes on Germany in a battle of Group leaders. Norway takes on Denmark in the other NBC match. Should be interesting to see if Norway can bounce back from their loss to the Netherlands.

15:00 Romania vs Russia (-6) Video Link
18:00 Montenegro (-3.5) vs Japan Video Link
20:30 Spain (-1.5) vs Sweden Video Link

Russia should have no problem with a Romanian side that just squeaked into the Main Round. Hosts Japan take on Montenegro and Sweden will try to draw level on points with Spain.

Not a whole lot to say regarding the President’s Cup other than it will be interesting to see how some of the continents outside of Europe fare against each other. And, that it’s really something to see the defending champions, France playing for 13th.

President’s Cup (13th – 16th)

12:30 Angola vs France (-6) Video Link
12:30 Hungary (-7) vs Argentina Video Link

President’s Cup (17th – 20th)

15:00 Slovenia (-1.5) vs Brazil Video Link
18:00 Senegal (-5.5) vs DR Congo Video Link

President’s Cup (21st – 24th)

10:00 Cuba (-10) vs Australia Video Link
12:30 Kazakhstan vs China (-2.5) Video Link

It’s the last match day for all four Preliminary Round groups at the 2019 IHF Women’s World Handball Championships in Japan. There are 3 types of matches today: Matches to determine who advances to the main round; Matches where the result will carry through to the main round; and matches simply for pride.

Note: 3 teams advance from each group and the matches between those teams carry through to the Main Round. Groups A and B will form Main Round Group 1 and Groups C and D will form Main Round Group 2.

Below are the times, odds and video links for all the matches.

Remember, if you find yourself geoblocked out of the IHF web stream this article has some tips that should help you find a way to watch: Link

Here’s the IHF preview for the day’s competition: Link

Friday, 6 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of William Hill

Note: Saturday is a rest day, so if you’re busy on Friday, you might want to consider saving some of these matches for viewing on Saturday.

Group A

15:00 Serbia (-1) vs Slovenia Video Link
18:00 Angola (-12.5) vs Cuba Video Link
20:30 Netherlands vs Norway (-2.5) Video Link 

Serbia and Slovenia will battle to see which side will advance to the Main Round. Angola and Cuba will play for pride. While the Norway – Netherlands result will carry through to the main round.

Side note: The Netherlands will be hoping for a Serbia win since they lost to Slovenia earlier in the week and would prefer to have the 2 points from their victory over Serbia

Group B

15:00 Australia vs Brazil (-21.5) Video Link
19:00 Germany vs S Korea (-1) Video Link
20:30 Denmark vs France (-2.5)  Video Link 

Australia and Brazil will play for pride. Germany and S. Korea will look to get 2 points for the Main Round. While Denmark and France will play an elimination game to see who advances

Side Note: S Korea would prefer to see France win since they would pick up 2 points, vice 1 point since they tied Denmark. Germany would prefer a Denmark victory since they beat Denmark, but lost to France.

Group C

15:00 Senegal (-5.5) vs Kazakhstan Video Link 
15:00 Spain (-2) vs Montenegro Video Link
19:00 Romania vs Hungary (-2.5) Video Link 

Senegal and Kazakhstan play for pride. Spain and Montenegro play for 2 points in the Main Round. Hungary and Romania play an elimination game.

Group D

15:00 Japan (-6.5) vs China Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
18:00 DR Congo vs Argentina (-4) Video Link 
20:30 Russia vs Sweden (-3.5) Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)

Only one match matters in Group D. Russia and Sweden will play for 2 points in the Main Round.

Starting this Sunday the NBC will be airing two matches on its NBC Olympic Channel every day for the remainder of the competition.  This is unquestionably a good thing.  Any time handball is broadcast on TV in the U.S. it exposes new fans to the sport. 

But, for the already dedicated handball fans it’s actually kind of a bummer.  Why?  Because since the U.S. now has a TV contract we’re now geo-blocked out of the free IHF Web Stream.

Yes, instead of watching every single match like we’re used to we’re now limited to what NBC decides to show.

Fortunately, there’s a way around that and because I keep getting questions about how I am watching all of those matches here is an in-depth tutorial on:

How to Watch Every Match of the IHF Women’s World Championships (Live and On Demand)

Step 1) Determine if you are Geo-Blocked   

What’s a Geo-Block?  Well, this is a Geo-Block:

Essentially, what happens is that the IHF has blocked your computer’s IP address from accessing their online web stream.  Most likely it is because your country has a TV contract for the handball event in question.  For the World Championships the IHF has a contract in the U.S. with NBC.  Hence, the Geo-Block for everyone in the U.S.

Step 2) If you are Geo-blocked, Get a VPN service

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and essentially it’s a way to access websites from an IP Address associated with another country.  There are multiple companies that provide this service.  I use Nord VPN and it costs $3.49/month.  And, I can tell you without a doubt it’s the best money I’ve ever spent as a handball fan.  I don’t use it to just watch the World Championships.  I use it to watch the Champions League, German Bundesliga and Spanish Asobal league matches as well.  Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t get a VPN service years ago… except I do know why. 

I was hesitant due to some misconceptions regarding risk.  As in, I don’t want to download some crazy software that’s going to mess up my computer.  My mistake was to think VPN was just like the crazy fly-by-night websites that pop up when you google things like “France-Germany Handball web-stream”.   If you’re a handball fan you probably know what I’m talking about and maybe you’ve made the mistake of downloading a “free” video player.

DON’T DO THAT… There’s a good chance you are going to regret it.  I know have… Typically the so called video player sucks and the video if it does show up is barely watchable.

But, do go to a website like NORD VPN (there’s a banner ad in the top right hand corner of the Team Handball News website) and follow the instructions there.

What you end up downloading is an extension for your web browsers.  For Nord VPN there’s an app that you click on where you can select a country to login from.  I’ve been using Canada since it’s close by and they are not geo-blocked.

If you don’t want to use Nord VPN there are other options including Hola VPN.  This is actually a “free” service, but not a VPN in the traditional sense.  It’s a peer to peer service and you essentially agree to let users in another country use your IP Address.  There are some risks with doing that, but I know that “free” is a big selling point.

Step 3) Resist the urge to wake up in the morning and go through your social media feeds.

I know we live in an instant gratification world and habits are habits.  But, while one can still enjoy watching a match if you already know how it ends, it’s just not the same as not knowing. 

Not sure about that?  Try this experiment:  Tape this year’s Super Bowl; wait 4 hours; then check your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds; then start watching the game from the opening kickoff.  Can you even imagine doing such a crazy thing?  Just imagine if that Super Bowl had been the Patriots-Falcons match featuring the “comeback”.  So, if you wouldn’t dream of doing this for the Super Bowl, why on earth would you do it for a compelling handball match?

Step 4) Go to the Team Handball News website for the daily “spoiler free” preview.

The location for the Women’s World Championships (Japan) is pretty much perfect for delayed match viewing.  This is because most of the matches are taking place while we are sleeping.  However, the IHF Competition website (which is actually a pretty good website overall) is not designed for spoiler free viewing.  Oh, it can be done, and I’ve mastered how to do it.

And, you’re welcome to try and duplicate what I’ve been doing every morning or you can simply go to the homepage of this website.  (I typically have the video links loaded by 7:00 AM (US ET) every morning.)

Step 5) Select Your Matches to View and Viewing Style

With as many as 12 matches to watch there’s no way you can watch everything, so you’ve got to be selective.  The daily preview has an overview of what the key matches are each day.  What’s on the line in terms of qualification, etc.  I also post the betting lines as they give insight as to what matches are supposed to be close and which matches are supposed to be blowouts.  Finally, I highlight which matches have commentary from Paul Bray.  It’s still enjoyable to watch matches without commentary, but having commentary makes it a bit better.

So, after I select which matches to watch I map out my viewing subject to how much time I have.  Some matches warrant a full start to finish viewing.  (France – Denmark tomorrow fits that category) while others are more of a watch a few minutes and then fast forward towards the end, just in case something crazy happens.

And, if you want to watch on the big screen all you need is an HDMI cable. The stream is of pretty good quality and should translate well to most TVs

Step 6) Repeat steps 3 through 5 until December 16th and Happy Handball Watching

.

It’s Match Day 4 for Groups A and D. Unlike Groups B and C, the math for which nations are likely to advance is pretty straight forward.

IHF Preview of today’s matches: Link

Also, if you find yourself geoblocked out of the IHF web stream this article has some tips that should help you find a way to watch: Link

Thursday, 5 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Bwin

Group A

15:00 Cuba vs Slovenia (-15.5) Video Link
18:00 Serbia vs Netherlands (-2.5) Video Link
20:30 Norway (-9.5) vs Angola Video Link 

Barring some major upsets it appears that Norway, the Netherlands and Serbia are likely to advance to the Main Round. This means that the result of today’s match between Serbia and the Netherlands will likely carry forward to the Main Round. Slovenia, can also still possibly qualify with a win over Cuba today and win vs Serbia on Friday. But, they will need to dramatically improve upon their performance in the last two matches.

Group D

15:00 DR Congo vs China (-1.5) Video Link 
18:00 Japan vs Russia (-7.5) Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
20:30 Sweden (-10.5) vs Argentina Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)

Russia has already qualified for the Main Round and Sweden will also qualify with a win over Argentina. Japan will also likely qualify with a win over China on Friday. This means that the match between Japan and favored, Russia will likely carry through to the next round.

It’s Match Day 4 for Groups B and C and it’s time to start separating the contenders from the pretenders.

IHF Preview of today’s matches: Link

Also, if you find yourself geoblocked out of the IHF web stream this article has some tips that should help you find a way to watch: Link

Wednesday, 4 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Unibet

Group B

15:00 Australia vs S Korea (-27.5) Video Link
19:00 Germany vs France (-3.5) Video Link
20:30 Denmark (-2.5) vs Brazil Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)

Germany has qualified for the the Main Round and South Korea will be in good shape as well, assuming they beat Australia. This means there’s a 3 team battle between France, Denmark and Brazil for the 3rd slot. Both the Germany-France and Denmark-Brazil matches have huge implications both for qualifying for the main round and likely in the main round standings.

Group C

15:00 Romania vs Montenegro (-4.5) Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
15:00 Spain (-14.5) vs Kazakhstan Video Link 
19:00 Senegal vs Hungary (-8.5) Video Link

Romania-Montenegro is the key match in Group C. A Montenegro win will qualify them for the Main Round and set up a battle vs Spain on Friday to win the Group. Romania is clearly not up to par this tournament having suffered a blowout loss to Spain and just beating Kazakhstan yesterday by 2 goals.

It’s Match Day 3 for all four groups at the 2019 IHF Women’s World Handball Championships in Japan. Below are the times, odds and video links for all the matches.

Remember, if you find yourself geoblocked out of the IHF web stream this article has some tips that should help you find a way to watch: Link

Here’s the IHF preview for the day’s competition: Link

Tuesday, 3 December
All Times Local (CET is -8 hrs / US ET is -14 hrs)
Odds courtesy of Sporting Bet

Group A
15:00 Netherlands (-22) vs Cuba Video Link
18:00 Slovenia (-5) vs Angola Video Link
20:30 Serbia vs Norway (-6.5) Video Link 

The Netherlands should have no problem with Cuba. Slovenia had a disastrous 2nd half yesterday vs Norway and will hope to get back on the winning track vs Angola. Norway and Serbia is a battle of unbeatens, although Serbia has yet to play a challenging foe.

Group B
15:00 S Korea (-1) vs Brazil Video Link
19:00 France (-25.5) vs Australia Video Link
20:30 Denmark (-1.5) vs Germany  Video Link  (With Commentary from Paul Bray)

Group B is a pretty interesting group at this point with every team but Australia garnering at least 1 point in the first 2 matches. Both the S Korea – Brazil and the Denmark – Germany matches are worth checking out.

Group C
15:00 Hungary vs Montenegro (-1) Video Link (With Commentary from Paul Bray)
15:00 Spain (-8.5) vs Senegal Video Link
19:00 Romania (-9.5) vs Kazakhstan Video Link 

The match worth seeing here is definitely Hungary – Montenegro. Hungary lost to Spain on Monday while Montenegro is 2-0-0, although those wins were over Senegal and Kazakhstan.

Group D
14:30 DR Congo vs Russia (-17.5) Video Link 
17:00 China vs Argentina (-1) Video Link 
19:30 Japan vs Sweden (-2.5) Video Link 

Group D has 3 unbeaten teams (Russia, Japan, and Sweden) and 3 teams (DR Congo, China and Argentina) still looking for a win. This means that the Japan vs Sweden match will likely factor into the Main Round standings. If Japan is to have a shot at making the semifinals they need a win here. The China vs Argentina match will be interesting battle of relative continent strength between Asia and South America.