Great Britain had two great games on the medal weekend and triumphed in IHF Emerging Nations. Bulgaria had to settle for silver, while USA fought off Nigeria in the bronze duel.
Bulgaria had a 13-goal-advantage when the final contenders faced each other during the group stage. A considerable improvement in the defense and the ability to be at their best for the most important games made Great Britain a winning team.
In the final, Great Britain first bounced back to recover a lead at 7–6. Francisco Pereira shone as right back, but Bulgaria’s star shooter Svetlin Dimitrov had to leave the court with a red card having hit Great Britain’s goalkeeper, Kylian Ferrier, in the head.
Great Britain had the upper hand onwards and managed fast breaks to tame the host. IHF´s record proves a significant boost, Great Britain´s first medal was won in the fifth attempt as they took over the throne. USA distanced Nigeria with three goals to clinch the bronze with Jonas Stromberg and Lukas Hansen as top scorers (eight goals each).
Upon the conclusion of the tournament IHF appointed an all star-team, including players from the the medal nations.
Goalkeeper: Nikolay Petrov (Bulgaria)
Right wing: Gary Phillips (United States of America)
Right back: Francisco Pereira (Great Britain)
Centre back: Kristian Vasilev (Bulgaria)
Left back: Sebastian Vellenoweth (Great Britain)
Left wing: Louis Daniel Christy (Great Britain)
Line player: Andrew Donlin (United States of America)
Best defender: Andrew Donlin (United States of America)
Top scorer: Svetlin Dimitrov (Bulgaria) – 51 goals
MVP: Svetlin Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
IHF Emerging Nations
Nigeria-USA 28–31 (14–19)
Bulgaria–Great Britain 25–29 (13–15)