Successful start for the Netherlands and Portugal, the Faroe Islands lose despite loud support. The first matchday of groups D, E and F at a glance.
The Netherlands achieve a safe victory
Led by Bundesliga star Dani Baijens, the Netherlands made a successful start to the preliminary round at the European Handball Championships in Germany. Oranje, the professional team from HSV Hamburg, won its opening game in Group E against Georgia 34:29 (19:12) in Mannheim.
The Netherlands, who reached the main round at the last European Championship two years ago, took command on the floor against Georgia right from the throw-off. Baijens was successful six times and, together with his teammate Rutger ten Velde, became the most successful thrower in the Netherlands.
Despite loud support: Faroe Islands miss sensation
The Faroe Islands, also qualified for a European Championship for the first time, were the closest to the first sensation. Despite a two-goal lead shortly after half-time, Peter Bredsdorff-Larsen’s team lost 29:32 (13:13) against Slovenia.
There was loud support from the more than 5,000 fans in the Berlin Arena. A great future is predicted for the young Faroese team. Against Slovenia, Hákun West av Teigum from Füchse Berlin scored nine times, Elias Ellefsen a Skipagotu from THW Kiel eight times – both are only 21 years old. Aleks Vlah was the best thrower for Slovenia with eight goals.
Portugal wins against newcomers Greece
Portugal also achieved its first win against a newcomer and ultimately won clearly with 31:24 (18:14) against Greece. The 18-year-old top talent Francisco Costa was the Portuguese match winner with six goals, while Christos Kederis, Savvas Savvas and Charalampos Mallios were the best scorers for the Greeks with five goals each.
Defending champions Sweden and world champions Denmark enter the tournament at 8:30 p.m.