All 32 teams put their shape to the test during the opening day of the Men’s U21 World Championship. Six of them broke the 40 goal barrier, France had the best winning margin while Norway and Slovenia achieved the only tie.
Oli Mittun took charge in the goal scorer list with 15 creative shots that left North Macedonia trailing by five goals to Faroe Islands. Germany cheered for the deciding goal by Linus Kutz who put 30–29 in the net versus Slovenia with three minutes to go.
Spain, who won the U19 world title two years ago fought off Bahrain easily (40–19), but France had even more of a blast with 46–17 against Mexico.
Norway dominated the first half over Slovenia but dropped the ball in terms of defensive skills soon after and the opponents could work their way back into the game. Two successful time outs with the clock ticking down from 60 seconds led to a tied game and 33–33.
The Thursday games contains further chances for points or possible revenge. Iceland is under pressure before the duel with Faroe Islands (11:45 CET) while Switzerland and Germany close down late with a 9 p.m. start.
U21 World Championship
Group A, Denmark–Slovenia 33–33
Poland–Uruguay 39–16
Group B, Austria–Argentina 29–23
Hungary–Brazil 29–24
Group C, Japan–USA 41–33
Sweden–Korea 42–31
Group D, Portugal–Algeria 33–21
Croatia–Canada 44–20
Group E, Denmark–Morocco 43-31
France–Mexico 46–17
Group F, Iceland–Romania 25–29
North Macedonia–Faroe Islands 28–33
Group G, Germany–Serbia 30–29
Tunisia–Switzerland 31–41
Group H, Spain–Bahrain 40–19
Egypt–Saudi Arabia 35–30