Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina Dominate IHF Men’s World Championship Qualification Phase 2
The path to the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship is becoming clearer following the first legs of the European Qualification – Phase 2, played across Europe on Wednesday and Thursday. Several ties remain open, but strong performances from Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina have place them in a commanding position to advance to the next round.
Key Results from Phase 2 First Leg
Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina secured dominant victories in their home ties against Lithuania and Kosovo, respectively, achieving double-digit wins. Other notable results included wins for Poland, Romania, and Montenegro.
Serbia vs. Lithuania
Serbia defeated Lithuania 42-25 (21-12 at halftime), fueled by a strong performance from line player Dragan Pechmalbec, who scored 10 goals. Goalkeeper Dejan Milosavljev contributed significantly with 21 saves, achieving a 45% saving efficiency. Serbia will face Hungary in the European Qualification – Phase 3 if they maintain their lead in the second leg. Source: ihf.info
Bosnia Herzegovina vs. Kosovo
Bosnia Herzegovina powered to a 34-21 win against Kosovo (15-13 at halftime), limiting their opponents to just eight goals in the second half. Goalkeeper Zoran Radic recorded 13 saves for a 50% saving efficiency, while Mislav Grgic scored eight goals for Bosnia Herzegovina, who had a 72% shooting percentage. Source: ihf.info
Poland vs. Latvia
Poland took a significant step towards the next phase with a 33-24 victory over Latvia (12-17 at halftime). Latvia was without star player Dainis Kristopans. Source: eurohandball.com
Romania vs. Türkiye
Romania dominated Türkiye 37-32 (15-19 at halftime), despite facing injury challenges that led to two emergency call-ups for the second leg. Source: ihf.info
Montenegro vs. Finland
Montenegro secured a 36-32 win against Finland, with Luka Radović, Radojica Čepić, and Branko Vujović combining for 25 goals. Source: ihf.info
Close Contests Set Up Exciting Second Legs
Three doubleheaders concluded with a difference of only three goals, promising competitive second legs this weekend.
Greece vs. Belgium
Greece defeated Belgium 29-26 (16-13 at halftime) in a closely contested match where the lead changed hands six times. Achilleas Toskas scored eight goals for Greece. The second leg in Belgium is expected to be another tight encounter, with Greece needing to contain Raphaël Kotters, who scored 13 goals for Belgium. Source: ihf.info
Slovakia vs. Ukraine
Slovakia took a crucial win against Ukraine 27-24 (11-16 at halftime) as they aim to return to the IHF Men’s World Championship for the first time since 2011. The away leg will determine which team faces North Macedonia in Phase 3. Source: ihf.info
Georgia vs. Israel
Israel produced a shock result, defeating Georgia 32-29 (16-15 at halftime). Despite 12 goals from Georgia’s Giorgi Tskhovrebadze, they will demand a comeback performance on their home court to progress to the next phase, where the winner will play against Spain. Source: ihf.info
Phase 2 Results – First Leg
- Ukraine vs Slovakia 24:27 (11:16)
- Bosnia Herzegovina vs Kosovo 34:21 (15:13)
- Finland vs Montenegro 32:36 (13:16)
- Serbia vs Lithuania 42:25 (21:12)
- Georgia vs Israel 29:32 (16:15)
- Greece vs Belgium 29:26 (16:13)
- Türkiye vs Romania 32:37 (15:19)
- Latvia vs Poland 24:33 (12:17)
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