World Cup Wednesday: Brazil stunned Norway

Despite a massive support, Brazil cut off many options for Norway and secured a surprising 29–26-triumph. North Macedonia also rose to the occasion with 27–27 against Hungary.

On the premiere day for half of the participating teams a few prominent countries delivered without nerves. Croatia, Egypt and Netherlands all had two-digit margins in the World Cup start and each set sight for a long tournament, plus Germany left Poland behind with an equally strong performance.

The drama in group E, played in Norway started already before the first game. Miguel Martins, the playmaker of Portugal was suspended when the official news of a positive doping test arrived.

The fact that the 27-year-old himself, according to the club team Aalborg HB’s website, demanded to have the B-sample analyzed does not change the situation so far. Martins was prevented from participating when Portugal ran away from the USA in their opening match.

Norway entered the court with almost 8 000 supporters including members of the royal family in the stands. The home nation couldn’t live up the expectations and many mistakes, including four penalties, to lose the lead in the second half. Brazil played at their best with a brilliant Daniel Langaro (eight goals) and could prove a contender further on.

Czechia and Switzerland relived memories from a bygone era with tight defense and few openings for speedy attacks. The goalkeeper´s – Tomas Mrkva and Nikola Portner had a perfect scene to shine and the game ended in tie since Switzerland failed to capitalize in the last offensive attempt.

Hungary and North Macedonia also got one point each, but produced a more normal 27 goals each. Hungary managed a last minute rescue operation when Patrik Ligetvari´s fast break found its way to the net but North Macedonia made the biggest leap considering the pre-championship expectations.

World Cup
Group A, Czechia–Switzerland 17-17 (7–8)
Germany–Poland 35–28 (15–14)
Group D, Netherlands–Guinea 40–23 (21–8)
Hungary–North Macedonia 27–27 (14–14)
Group E, Portugal–USA 30–21 (15–10)
Norway–Brazil 26–29 (14–12)
Group H, Egypt–Argentina 39–25 (21–11)
Croatia–Bahrain 36-22 (17–9)