Switzerland, Montenegro, Israel, Faroe Islands and Romania came very close to the World Cup sport after the first encounter in the play-off duels. Between Slovenia and Serbia it’s all up for grabs in the return game and North Macedonia could use some home crowd encouragement to overturn Poland.
With two experienced teams in the match-up there’s a lot to lose between Slovenia and Serbia. Slovenia’s Tjasa Stanko was unstoppable with 14 shots finding the net in Celje but Serbia also produced in steady flow and get the upper hand since the Wednesday game ended in a tie.
Switzerland is keen on more championship handball, Tabea Schmid and here teammates seemed to do all the work with 38–22 versus Slovakia.
A two-digit margin also separate Montenegro from Portugal and Iceland versus Israel. Faroe Islands ran away from Lithuania, which gives Jana Mitten (nine goals) and her colleagues high hopes of a first ever WC.
Poland provided right wing speed in Aneta Promis and the clearly best keeper. Adrianna Placzek to keep North Macedonia in control. It remains to be seen whether the four-goal lead survives during the weekend.
World Championship, play-off
Italy–Romania 21–30 (8–17)
Slovenia–Serbia 29–29 (14–13)
Switzerland–Slovakia 38–22 (16–15)
Faroe Islands–Lithuania 36–26 (15–11)
Portugal–Montenegro 19–31 (11–14)
Poland–North Macedonia 22–18 (14–8)
Iceland–Israel 39–27 (20–10)