ALGERIA SUBDUED: African nations fail to impress at Men's Handball World Championships

Leos Petrovsky of the Czech Republic jumps with the ball during the 24th Men's Handball World Championships preliminary round Group C match between Czech Republic and Sweden at the Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Doha on January 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE

Algeria once again failed to impress in the ongoing 24th Men’s Handball World Championship here in Doha, Qatar.

The North Africans lost 32-24 against Iceland at the Al Bin Al-Attiyah Arena, Doha, on Sunday evening.
Algeria, who are also the Africa champions, started the match well with 6-0 lead but failed to keep the fire burning to give their opponents a chance to narrow the gap.

After leading 13-12 at halftime, the Algerians were shocked by Iceland’s comeback. Iceland scored two quick goals to register a 15-13 lead.

This is Algeria’s second defeat after they lost the championship opener against African rivals Egypt.

It was a disappointing day for the other two African nations participating in the competition with Tunisia losing their second match 28-25 against Croatia.

After an impressive start, Egypt failed to tame stubborn France, losing 28-24 in their second encounter f the championships. Algeria will face Sweden in their next match as Egypt play Czech Republic. Tunisia will battle it out against Australia in another match today.

ENTERTAINING ENCOUNTER

In another entertaining encounter, Germany came from behind to record a slim 27-26 win over Russia at Lusail Multipurpose Hall after trailing 13-9 in the first half. Both teams had won their first matches.

It was a tight match in the first five minutes with Russia leading 2-1. The Russians later added another goal for a 3-2 lead before the break.

 

NARROW THE GAP

Germany capitalised on their opponent’s mistake to score from the first break to narrow the gap a minute later before coach Dagur Sigurdsson called the team’s first technical time as they were trailing 3-5.

Germany regrouped after the break to level scores 6-6 with goalkeeper Silvio Heinevetter making spectacular saves. In the 20th minute, Russia opened a two-goal lead (8-6).

Two minutes to the breather, Germany, who were trailing by four goals, gave Russia an opportunity to take a 13-9 lead at half time.

On resumption, Germany, who looked a rejuvenated side, made quick scores to equalise 14-14 in the 34th minute. The intensity of the match continued with Russia playing with four players in the court.

Germany led for the first time in the 41st minute 19-17 but yet again failed to hang on the lead as the opponents scored two more goals for a 21-19 lead in the 45th minute.

The trend continued with six minutes to the end of the match Germany before the Germans won 26-24.

Germany’s Uwe Gensheimer emerged the top scorer with nine goals and was named the Adidas man of the match.

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