Doha: Germany, Denmark and Poland qualified for the last sixteen knockout stage of the 24th Men’s World Championship from Group D.
The Germans won 28-23 against Argentina, while Poland easily accounted for Saudi Arabia 32-13.
In the last match of the Group D, Denmark overcame a fighting Russia 31-28.
Yesterday at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall, Argentina once underlined again why they have been a difficult opponent for teams at the championship in Qatar.
The South Americans managed to put pressure on Germany almost over the entire length of the match but the Germans came on top at the end.
That victory sealed Germany’s participation in the pre-quarter- finals, while Argentina´s destiny will be decided on the last match day.
Before the game, Germany had five points after their first three matches, while Argentina had three, so the Germans were obviously closer to the eighth finals – without having qualified yet, though.
The German favourites were in the lead from the start, but not by more than one or two goals, as the Argentineans played very well. After 16 minutes and 45 seconds, left wing Frederico Fernandez could even give Argentina their first lead at 8-7 during one of many periods of being one player up on court.
After another couple of German two goal leads, Argentina went ahead again at 14-12 with less than five minutes left of the first half, and with only goal – scored by the Germans – Argentina could take a surprising 14-13 lead with them to the dressing room.
Right away from the start of the second half, Germany were back on track and in control, with another series of two goal leads.
Still Argentina came back once again, getting another lead at 19-18. And even though the following goals were all German, the South Americans kept bouncing back due to their enormous spirit and energy.
In the end, the German’s experience turned out to be the deciding factor, as the Europeans got ahead by five goals which was also the result at full time.
Right wing Patrick Groetzki was the top scoring German player with seven goals, while Frederico Fernandez scored six for Argentina.
Russia and Argentina meet on January 24, with the winner qualifying for the next stage.
Meanwhile, favourites France survived a second half scare from the bottom team in Group C, Algeria, yesterday to win 32-26 and maintain their unbeaten record.
The reigning European and Olympic champions ended up winning by six goals in a game they had initially threatened to win with ease, but which ended up becoming far more uncomfortable.
The Peninsula
