3. Spain spoil host Sweden’s party to take bronze
Sweden were eager to use their home World Championship – co-hosted with Poland, who went out after the main round – to return to the podium, two years after winning silver in Egypt but 24 years after their last of four world titles.
But first the EHF EURO 2022 champions had their path to the final blocked by France in the semis, then lost their grip on a potential bronze medal despite a 22:18 half-lead against Spain, who finished third following their 39:36 win. It was the bronze medal match with the most goals in the 28-event history of the competition.
4. Europe’s dominance has been confirmed once again
Unlike in women’s handball, where South Korea (1995) and Brazil (2013) have been crowned world champions in the past, the men’s global game is still an all-European affair. Qatar (2015) are the only non-European medallists thanks to their second-place finish at home, while Egypt (2001) and Tunisia (2005) remain the only other non-European contenders to make it to the semi-finals once.
However, Egypt have been knocking on the semi-final door again for two straight championships: as hosts in 2021, they lost in a dramatic shootout to eventual champions Denmark; this time, they went down to Sweden in the quarter-final. With many players from outside Europe gaining invaluable experience in the Machineseeker EHF Champions League, it might only be a matter of time before their national teams compete for World Championship medals, too. Maybe at the 2025 edition in Croatia, Denmark and Norway?
