Semifinals slots booked at WUC Handball!

Japan & Korea remain strong in men’s and women’s competition 

RIJEKA — The last of the group phase matches were played out on an exciting Day 5 of the World University Handball Championship, with semi-finals slots up for grabs. 

There was a lot of uncertainty in Group A competition, as Egypt beat Lithuania 29:22 to put themselves in second position on the Group Table. But hosts Croatia were also hoping to get onto the last train to semifinals.

Even though they were up against a strong Portuguese team, Croatia played some incredible handball to end the game with a 22:22 drawn scoreline. With this tie, both Portugal and Croatia moved into the semi-finals, much to delight of the home crowd.

Meanwhile Japan and Republic of Korea, who have dominated the men’s competition throughout, finished at the top of Group B after playing their last round robin match against each other. Japan won this contest 29:23 and took first place on the table, but their Asian rivals will also join them in the semi-finals.

The first women’s match took place between Brazil and Japan, which the Brazilians won 29:24 and took first place in Group A. There wasn’t too much disappointment for Japan however, as they were already assured of a spot in the last four thanks to their earlier wins in the tournament.

The other two semi-finalists in the women’s competition are Poland and Republic of Korea. The Polish team pulled off a great win over over defending champions Spain, winning with a 12 goal difference and knocking them out of contention. Korea rounded off the last four, with a 27:21 win over Romania to finish top of Group B.

Check out the final standings and semifinal schedules here. 

Semi-final line-up (men): Croatia v Japan, Portugal v Republic of Korea

Semi-final line-up (women): Japan v Republic of Korea, Brazil v Poland