Spanish women on fire at WUC Handball

Japan and Korea emerge strong in men’s competition 

RIJEKA — On the penultimate day of the group stages at the World University Handball Championship, it became clear which teams were favourites for the medals.

After a loss to Republic of Korea, the Spanish women bounced back strong and put in their best effort to beat Romania. The reigning champions dominated the match from the first minute and did not lose the advantage for a second. The final result was close though, with the 27:24 scoreline being a first defeat for team Romania. Group B in the women’s competition is a tough one, as it also includes undefeated Korea and a strong Polish squad.

Uruguay has only fielded a female team in the competition and they played perhaps their best game of the championship. However, it was still not good enough against the very strong Republic of Korea and the final result was 39:15. With this win, the Koreans are undefeated going into their last game against Romania.

In the men’s competition, Japan was too strong for Poland, winning 34:25, as all Japanese players put their name on the scoreboard. Watch out now for the blockbuster match-up between Japan and Republic of Korea on Day 5. The Koreans are also going into Day 5 with a solid 28:20 victory over Romania.

Meanwhile, Portugal and Croatia are not to be forgotten either as the two countries now top a tight Group A table. Much will be decided on Day 5, which is the last day of group stage competition. Hosts Croatia gave themselves a good chance at making the semifinals by beating Lithuania 28:2. They will now take on Portugal in their last group game. 

All results and schedules can be found here.