The Dutch handball players have won the first play-off for the World Cup against Portugal. In Portimão, the Orange squad was just too strong for the home team in an exciting game: 30-33.
On Sunday, the team of national coach Erlingur Richardsson has to finish it in Eindhoven to achieve the first World Cup participation since 1961.
shiners
In Orange, playmaker Luc Steins from Voerendaal and top scorer Kay Smits from Geleen were among the stars with ten goals. The teams were evenly matched in the opening phase. With a score of 4-3, the Netherlands took the lead for the first time, which the team also managed to take into halftime (16-17). In the entire first half, the difference between the two teams was only two goals. With the Portuguese, Victor Iturriza appeared in form by scoring six of the sixteen goals.
Red card
Portugal turned the deficit into a narrow lead early in the second half, but then the Netherlands passed it again. With many shots from great distance, the Portuguese goalkeeper was far in front of his goal, the Orange led 27-23.
After a foul, Jasper Adams of Orange had to leave the field with a red card more than 10 minutes before the end. Then Portugal came closer and it was tied (30-30) with 5 minutes to play. With three goals in the final phase, the Netherlands provided a good starting position for the return.
World Cup final round
The handball players last played in a World Cup final round more than sixty years ago and made their debut at a European championship two years ago. In January, Hungary reached the main round of a European Championship for the first time after a 32-31 win over Portugal. Orange eventually finished tenth. The World Cup is in Poland and Sweden early next year.