The group stage concluded with a split between medal chances and placement revenge. Bulgaria, Great Britain, Nigeria and USA keep a credible hope to reach the podium in IHF Emerging Nations.
The host nation won all three games in group A. Against Cyprus, Bulgaria was unthreatened once again and distanced the opposition with 15 goals. Svetlin Dimitrov´s experience proved valuable with ten goals but Kristian Vasilev was nearly as productive with six out of six shots in the net.
Great Britain joins the final weekend and ran away from Paraguay comfortably. In group B the tightest clash saw Nigeria knock out Moldova, 25–22. Nigeria replied after a slow 0–4-start tog gain the lead at half-time. Faruk Yusuf increased the effort in the second half to eight own goals and Nigeria secured a top two-position.
With a more moderate goal difference, Nigeria couldn’t dethrone USA from the first place. Instead USA set a new goal record for the Varna tournament with 45 to Azerbaijan’s 25 in an unexciting affair.
USA will meet Great Britain in Saturday’s semifinal, Nigeria faces Bulgaria.
IHF Emerging Nations
Group A, Cyprus–Bulgaria 19-34
Great Britain–Paraguay 33–27
Group B, Nigeria–Moldova 25–22
USA–Azerbaijan 45–25