• This post only has links for club matches this weekend. For Olympic Qualification information see these posts:
  • Friday, 19 March: Link
  • Saturday, 20 March: Link
  • Sunday, 21 March: Link

Would you like to know when and where handball matches can be streamed online? If yes, follow Team Handball News on social media for regular updates: Twitter Facebook Instagram

While the U.S. and Canada have started Daylight Saving Time, Europe doesn’t start it until March 28. Because of this CET is currently 5 just hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of Bet MGM and/or OddsPortal.

American Athletes in Action

• HBL 2 (Germany)
  • Dormagen vs Hamburg (-3.5) (Friday, 1930) CET): Link (VPN required; More info; What I use)
    • Ian and Patrick Hueter play for Dormagen. 
    • A huge challenge for 5th place Dormagen as they host 1st place Hamburg, a team all but destined to get promoted to the 1st division
• Liga ASOBAL (Spain)
  • Leon (-2.5) vs Granollers (Saturday, 1800 CET): Video Link ***Postponed***
    • Drew Donlin plays defense and circle runner for Leon.
    • Leon took 2nd in the Copa del Rey and got a win mid-week win vs Cuenca (29-21). Currently in 6th place in the standings they take on 4th place Granollers. With just a point separating them a win could leap frog them into 4th place
  • Huesca (-8.5) vs Cisne (Saturday, 1930 CET): Video Link
    • Alex Chan Blanco plays center back for Cisne
    • Cisne is currently in last place and they have a big challenge taking on 3rd place Huesca.
• D2F (France)
  • Bouillargues Handball Nîmes Métropole vs As Cannes Mandelieu vs Belles-sur-Celles (Saturday, 1800 CET): Video Link 
    • Nicole Andersen plays defense and left back for Cannes
    • Last Saturday Cannes played undefeated Belles-sur-Celles close for much of the game but ended up losing 17-25. They face another stiff challenge this week vs 2nd place Boulillargues.
• HBF 2 (Germany)
  • TSV Nord Harrislee vs HSV Solingen-Gräfrath  (Saturday, 1730): Video Link
    • Sophie Fasold is a GK for Harrislee
    • 7th place Harrislee had their 9 game winning streak end last Saturday. They look to start a new one vs 5th place Grafrath.

Other Matches this Weekend

• LIDL Star Ligue (France):  LNH TV 
  • Cesson-Rennes vs Toulouse (-1.5)  (Saturday, 1800 CET) Video Link
  • Limoges (-1.5) vs Chambery (Saturday, 1900 CET) Video Link
  • Paris S-G (-9.5) vs Ivry (Saturday, 1900 CET)  Video Link
  • Chartres (-1.5) vs Istres (Sunday, 1600 CET) Video Link
• Liga ASOBAL (Spain): LaLigaSportsTV
  • Nava vs Irun (-4.5) (Saturday, 1200 CET) Video Link
  • Barcelona (-16.5) vs Cantabria (Saturday, 1930 CET) Video Link
  • Anaitasuna (-5.5) vs Aranda (Saturday, 2030 CET) Video Link
  • Cangas vs Cuenca (-2.5) (Sunday, 1900 CET) Video Link

How to watch the Olympic Qualification Tournaments

• If you live in a country where there is no TV broadcast the matches should be available on the IHF YouTube Channel. Those matches can be accessed here and I will be posting a daily preview with direct links to each match video (see below).
• If you live in a country where there is a TV https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/how-watch-tokyo-handball-qualification-2020-womens-tournamentsbroadcast you may be geo-blocked out of accessing the IHF YouTube Channel. This is often the case even for matches that are not available on YouTube. It is, however, usually possible to watch matches using VPN. More information on how to use VPN; What I use) (Note: I would encourage handball fans to watch matches on TV when possible as usually get a better picture, but if there isn’t a TV broadcast available where you live… what else are you going to do?)
• USA Residents: There is no USA TV broadcast and matches should be available on YouTube
• Canadian Residents: The CBC will be live streaming the matches with English commentary: Link

Would you like to know when and where handball matches can be streamed online year round? If yes, follow Team Handball News on social media for regular updates: Twitter Facebook Instagram

While the U.S. and Canada have started Daylight Saving Time, Europe doesn’t start it until March 28. Because of this CET is currently 5 just hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of Odds Portal.

Tournament 1 Polideportivo Pla de l’Arc, Llíria, Spain)

Overview: This tournament was originally going to be 4 teams, but Senegal withdrew due to ongoing social and economic crisis. On paper Spain and Sweden are huge favorites to advance unless Argentina can pull off a big upset. It’s at least conceivably possible as Argentina played Sweden relatively close at the 2019 World Championships losing 30-23 (14-11).

• Spain (-1.5) vs Sweden (Friday, 2100 CET / 1600 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • Barring an upset by Argentina later in the tournament this match will like determine seeding for the Olympic Tournament draw.

Tournament 2 (Audi Aréna, Győr, Hungary)

Overview: While this is a 4 team tournament on paper it’s hard to see Kazakhstan getting a win here. Russia is the defending Olympic Champion and they will be big favorites to advance. Hungary as the host of the tournament has the edge on Serbia and they also easily beat Serbia 38-26 just a few months ago at the European Championships.

• Kazakhstan vs Hungary (-19.5) (Friday, 1700 CET / 1200 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • Hungary and Kazakhstan met at the 2019 World Championships and Hungary had an easy 39-15 victory.
• Russia (-4.5) vs Serbia (Friday, 2000 CET / 1500 US ET) Video Link
  • Russia is a solid favorite over Serbia in this opening match.

Tournament 3 (Verde Complex, Podgorica, Montenegro)

Overview: This tournament was originally going to be in Norway, but had to be moved due to coronavirus restrictions there. It was also supposed to have an Asian Federation team, but one by one they dropped out due to challenges related to the pandemic. Norway, recent winners of the European Championships are the clear favorites and this means that a Montenegro-Romania showdown on Sunday will likely determine who gets the 2nd ticket. At the 2019 World Championships Montenegro edged Romania 27-26.

• Norway (-4.5) vs Montenegro (Friday, 1930 CET / 1430 US ET) Video Link
  • Norway will have their status as favorites tested by the tourney hosts, Montenegro.

NOTE: The U.S. and Canada Start Daylight Saving Time (DST) on Sunday 14 March, but Europe doesn’t start until 28 March. So USA and Canadian residents need to subtract 1 hour less than normal.

CET is currently 5 hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of 10 Bet.

Great handball is available for web stream viewing almost all year long. Follow Team Handball News on social media to receive regular updates on upcoming matches: Twitter Facebook Instagram

Tournament 1 (Verde Complex, Podgorica, Montenegro)

• Brazil (-6.5) vs Chile (Sunday, 1730 USET / 1230 US ET) Video Link
  • Brazil’s 30-24 victory over S Korea yesterday puts them in a good position to secure 2nd place in this tournament and to to qualify for the Olympics. Assuming S Korea loses to Norway, Brazil will qualify with a win, draw or even with a loss to Chile by 3 goals or less.
  • A 4 goal Chile victory would see Chile head to Tokyo. While unlikely, Chile did upset Brazil 32-29 at the 2019 PANAM Games. Chile lost 38-23 to Norway yesterday, but rested some of their players for the Brazil match.
• S Korea vs Norway (-9.5) (Sunday, 2000 CET / 1500 US ET) Video Link
  • Barring a remarkable performance by S Korea, Norway should have no problems securing their 3rd victory.

Tournament 2 (AccorHotels Arena, Paris)

• Croatia (-7.5) vs Tunisia (Sunday, 1830 CET / 1330 US ET) Video Link
  • Croatia needs to take care of business vs Tunisia and then hope for a French win or draw vs Portugal
• Portugal vs France (-2.5) (Sunday, 2100 CET / 1600 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • On Saturday, Portugal was up 16-10 vs Croatia early in the 2nd half and seemed to be on their way to Tokyo, but a furious Croatian comeback resulted in a 25-24 win for Croatia. All is not lost, however, as a Portugal win over France will see them qualify thanks to a guaranteed goal differential advantage over Croatia or France.
  • Beating France, of course, is easier said than done and there’s definitely some history between these two sides. With a World Championship quarterfinal spot on the line in January, France crushed Portugal 32-23. But, a year earlier, Portugal helped send France home in the Preliminary Group phase of the European Championships with a 28-25 victory.
  • France for all practical purposes has probably qualified as it will likely take an 8 goal loss vs Portugal for them to slip behind Croatia in the goal differential standings. (see below)

• Should France lose by 7 to Portugal, Head to Head goals for the 3 matches is the next tiebreaker. Croatia’s GF is 51, and France’s GF will be 30 plus whatever they score vs Portugal, so if they score 22 goals or more they would qualify. If they score 20 or less Croatia would qualify.
• Should France lose 28-21, Croatia and France would be tied at 51 on head to head goals. The next tiebreaker is goal differential in all matches… Enough. If this looks like it might happen I’ll tweet the details.

Tournament 3 (Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin)

• Algeria vs Germany (-10.5) (Sunday, 1545 CET / 1045 US ET) Video Link
  • Heavily favored Germany should officially punch their ticket with a victory over Algeria
• Sweden (-2.5) vs Slovenia (Sunday, 1815 CET / 1315 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • Slovenia was demolished by Germany, 36-27 on Saturday, but that loss will be easily forgotten with a win over Sweden. The math is simple (assuming Germany beats Algeria): Slovenia wins they Qualify for Tokyo. If Sweden wins or the match is a draw, Sweden qualifies.

How to watch the Olympic Qualification Tournaments

• If you live in a country where there is no TV broadcast the matches should be available on the IHF YouTube Channel. Those matches can be accessed here and I will be posting a daily preview with direct links to each match video (see below).
• If you live in a country where there is a TV broadcast you may be geo-blocked out of accessing the IHF YouTube Channel. This is often the case even for matches that are not available on YouTube. It is, however, usually possible to watch matches using VPN. More information on how to use VPN; What I use) (Note: I would encourage handball fans to watch matches on TV when possible as you usually will get a better picture, but if there isn’t a TV broadcast available where you live… what else are you going to do?)
• USA Residents: There is no USA TV broadcast and matches are available on YouTube
• Canadian Residents: The CBC will be live streaming at least some matches: Link

Would you like to know when and where handball matches can be streamed online year round? If yes, follow Team Handball News on social media for regular updates: Twitter Facebook Instagram

CET is 6 hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of 10 Bet.

HEADS UP FOR SUNDAY: Daylight Savings Time starts in the U.S. and Canada, but doesn’t start in Europe for another 2 weeks. This means that you will need to substract 1 hour less than you normally do.

Tournament 1 (Verde Complex, Podgorica, Montenegro)

• Brazil (-4.5) vs S Korea (Saturday, 1730 CET / 1130 US ET) Video Link
  • S Korea built up a 9 goal lead yesterday vs Chile and held off a furious comeback to win 36-35 while Brazil lost to Norway 32-20. With Norway likely to win all 3 of its matches this contest will likely determine 2nd place and a ticket Tokyo.
• Norway (-14.5) vs Chile (Saturday, 2000 CET / 1430 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • Norway are heavy favorites here to take care of Chile.

Tournament 2 (AccorHotels Arena, Paris)

• Croatia (-1.5) vs Portugal (Saturday, 1830 CET / 1230 US ET) Video Link
  • Portugal took care of business vs Tunisia with a 34-27 win while Croatia’s 30-26 loss puts them in a bit of a hole. A win for Portugal will all but qualify them for the Olympics. And, likewise a Croatia win will likely put them back on track as well.
  • The 4 goal loss to France, however, puts Croatia in a bit of a goal differential hole should Portugal knock off France and create a 3 way tie between France, Croatia, and Portugal. Croatia would need a 5 goal win over Portugal to guarantee qualification should that scenario occur.
  • Further Analysis of Tournament 2 scenarios: Link
• France (-6.5) vs Tunisia (Saturday, 2100 CET / 1500 US ET) Video Link
  • France will be heavily favored, but they will need to be prepared as Tunisia is capable of pulling off an upset.

Tournament 3 (Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin)

• Germany (-1.5) vs Slovenia (Saturday, 1535 CET / 0935 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • Germany made a late comeback to draw with Sweden, (25-25) and picked up an important point while Slovenia beat Algeria 36-28. A win by either team here will likely qualify that side for Tokyo.
• Sweden (-8.5) vs Algeria (Saturday, 1800 CET / 1200 US ET) Video Link
  • Sweden, like Slovenia should have no problems with Algeria. Their big match for qualification will likely be vs Slovenia on Sunday
• Tournament 3 Scenarios (Assuming that Algeria loses all 3 matches): Link

How to watch the Olympic Qualification Tournaments

• If you live in a country where there is no TV broadcast the matches should be available on the IHF YouTube Channel. Those matches can be accessed here and I will be posting a daily preview with direct links to each match video (see below).
• If you live in a country where there is a TV broadcast you may be geo-blocked out of accessing the IHF YouTube Channel. This is often the case even for matches that are not available on YouTube. It is, however, usually possible to watch matches using VPN. More information on how to use VPN; What I use) (Note: I would encourage handball fans to watch matches on TV when possible as usually get a better picture, but if there isn’t a TV broadcast available where you live… what else are you going to do?)
• USA Residents: There is no USA TV broadcast and matches should be available on YouTube
• Canadian Residents: The CBC will be live streaming at least some matches: Link

Would you like to know when and where handball matches can be streamed online year round? If yes, follow Team Handball News on social media for regular updates: Twitter Facebook Instagram

CET is 6 hours ahead of US ET. Odds courtesy of 10 Bet.

Tournament 1 (Verde Complex, Podgorica, Montenegro)

Overview: Norway is the overwhelming favorite to win this group and will very likely win all 3 of their matches. Brazil is a clear favorite to take 2nd place, but both Chile and S Korea have chances to pull off an upset. Indeed, Chile beat Brazil, 32-29 at the 2019 PANAM Games to get to this tournament while S Korea has been known to be a very well prepared team with Olympic Qualification on the line.

• Chile vs S Korea (-2.5) (Friday, 1730 CET / 1130 US ET) Video Link
  • In all likelihood this is an elimination game for these two longshots. The winner will put themselves in a position to play Brazil later in the tournament for 2nd place in the Group.
• Norway (-6.5) vs Brazil (Friday, 2000 CET / 1430 US ET) Video Link
  • Brazil is the only team with a realistic chance of pulling off an upset vs Norway, but they were inconsistent performers at the 2021 World Championships in January. If things go South for Brazil they may be content with keeping some key players fresh for their upcoming matches vs S Korea and Chile.

Tournament 2 (Sud De France Arena, Montpellier)

Overview: This is the most wide open qualification tournament and all 4 teams having realistic chances at qualifying. France, of course, is playing at home and is the strongest team, but they will need to take care of business against 3 teams that are capable of beating them. Croatia had a disappointing World Championships, but their squad appears to be a bit more healthy now so they are the clear #2 favorite. A few weeks ago I may have listed Portugal as a co-#2 favorite, but the tragic death of GK, Alfredo Quintana, was a real blow to their chances as he was world class in the net and their backup keepers are a big step down in quality. Still, they are an up and coming side that knocked France out of the European Championship in 2020 and narrowly lost to Norway 29-28 this past January at the World Championships. Tunisia are the outsiders of the group, but clearly are capable of pulling off an upset.

• Tunisia vs Portugal (-2.5) (Friday, 1830 CET / 1230 US ET) Video Link
  • An emotional and motivated Portugal will look to get off to a good start while Tunisia probably sees this match as their best chance for an upset
• France (-2.5) vs Croatia (Friday, 2100 CET / 1500 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • The winner of this match between these 2 group favorites will have 1 foot in the door for Olympic Qualification. As a 3-way tie (France, Croatia, Portugal) is a distinct possibility if one of the sides gets behind they will need to keep the game close for Goal Differential considerations.

Tournament 3 (Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin)

Overview: It’s hard to see Algeria winning a match in this tournament, so for all practical purposes this is 3 teams (Germany, Sweden, Slovenia) fighting for 2 spots. Hosts, Germany are the favorites, but had a disappointing World Championships due in part to several players opting out of the Championship due to COVID concerns. Those players, however, are back for this tournament and, on paper, that makes Germany slight favorites. Sweden, on the other hand, had a great World Championships, surprising everyone to take 2nd place with a roster full of newcomers. Confidence is surely high for them heading into this tournament. Slovenia had a disappointing World Championship, but came close to some big wins including a 28-28 draw vs Sweden. They also appear to have a few injuries including LB Borut Mackovsek which might hamper their chances

• Germany (-1.5) vs Sweden (Friday, 1515 CET / 0915 US ET) Video Link
  • Includes English Language commentary with Paul Bray
  • A pivotal match to start this tournament. The winner here puts themselves in a good position to advance. The loser faces a must win later in the tournament vs Slovenia. Again, a 3-way tie level on 4 points is a distinct possibility so the margin of defeat could be critical later on in terms of Goal Differential.
• Slovenia (-6.5) vs Algeria (Friday, 1745 CET / 1145 US ET) Video Link
  • Slovenia is a heavy favorite here and will look to take care of business early prior to their showdowns vs Germany on Saturday and Sweden on Sunday.