Everything will be decided in a week in Alytus, Lithuania
Ukrainian men’s handball team lost on the road Estonia in the first match of the first phase of the second round of the European qualifying playoffs World Cup 2025 — 29:33.
Events in the first half developed dramatically. The opponents alternated in the lead; in the second half, the Ukrainians led with a score of 14:11, but were unable to maintain the advantage. The home team makes a breakthrough and it goes into the break with a +2 goal advantage.
In the second half, Estonia was always ahead by a small margin. At some moments, the hosts’ handicap reached +5, so the final defeat of three goals is not the worst situation for the Ukrainian team.
The return match will take place on Sunday, March 17, in Alytus, Lithuania.
The winner of this duel will advance to the second phase of the second stage of World Cup qualification. The four winners of the first phase will take part in it, as well as 18 teams from the 2024 European Championship, which took place in January.
The two-legged matches of the 2nd stage of the qualifying playoffs will take place in May 2024. The winners will receive tickets to the 2025 World Cup.
- Handball. Men. Qualification for the 2025 World Cup. Second phase. The first match
Estonia — Ukraine — 32:29 (18:16)
Source: Sportarena
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