Slovenians are once again among top eight
Slovenia - Macedonia 30:28 (16:15)
Slovenia are in the quarter-finals of the 24th Men's Handball World Championship in Qatar. The team coached by Boris Denic beat Macedonia 30:28 after great battle in the thrilling Balkan clash. The best example of how tight the encounter was in the first half was Slovenian's Skube break-away goal making 11:9 in 21st minute. This was first time that one team pushed ahead with minimal advantage. The Macedonians used their strongest weapon against their rivals – fast breaks. However, they had difficulties to beating Gorazd Skof from the 7 meter line.
Big win and historic match against Slovenia this sunday
Comments from the mixed zone after Macedonia defeated Austria 36:31 at the Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena.
Mykola Bilyk (AUT)
"It was a difficult game against a tough opponent. After a balanced first half they improved their defence and unfortunately our offence didn't have answers. But it's all over now, let's go our way to the next round. A big fight, this is all about getting a place in the quarter-finals. We will try to do our best, no doubt. I am excited to play here and I take every match as a big lesson for the future."
Macedonians claim second position in group B
Macedonia - Austria 36:31 (16:16)
Macedonia claimed second place in group B at 24th Men's Handball World Championship in Qatar. The Balkan team celebrated a 36:31 win over Austria in the battle for the position behind Croatia, which will pit them against Slovenia in the eighth-final. The Macedonians overcame their initial problems with the Austrian 5-1 defence, going from 3:4 to 6:4 12 minutes into the match. The player who made the difference was Macedonian goalie Borko Ristovski with a handful of saves, assisted by the "goal machine" Kiril Lazarov. The first Macedonian gunner scored four goals in the first 15 minutes, putting his team three goals ahead 8:5. The Austrian team, led by Icelandic coach Patrekur Johannesson, became more aggressive in defense which produced a few easy goals, mainly by flying right wing Robert Weber. He scored seven goals in the first half, not allowing Macedonia to stay ahead before going into the the dressing room.
Croatian defense and goalkeeper was the key of the match
Comments from the mixed zone after Croatia beat Macedonia 29:26.
Jakov Gojun (CRO):
"Our defence was as it should have been, we were tight and we didn't let Lazarov get in. We played a great game. We came back and we showed that we are the real team and we've reached our goal. We're the first in the group; I am happy with that."
Tense Balkan derby gives edge to Croats who win group
Macedonia - Croatia 26:29 (14:15)
The Balkan derby lived up to the expectations as both teams demonstrated their passion and best of their skills to the roar of enthusiastic and partisan Duhail Sports Hall. Both teams were encouraged to show their best form by both sections of the vociferous and bright in colours fans of Macedonia and Croatia. Particularly the Macedonians were represented by a very large group of supporters equipped with all sorts of drums, pipes and flags who drummed to the incredible pace of this extremely intense game. The Macedonians opened the score and it took a couple of minutes for the Croats to reciprocate.
Macedonian experience was the key of the match
Comments from the mixed zone after FYRO Macedonia won against Bosnia and Herzegovina 25:22 at the Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena
Macedonians take place in eight-finals
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Macedonia 22:25 (11:13)
Macedonia have secured a spot in the eight-finals after a 25:22 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both teams provided a very enjoyable match to the fans in this Balkan clash in Ali Bin Hamad Al Atiyya in Al Sadd. This win sees the Macedonians continue their winning streak in Qatar. The Macedonians got upper hand from the start, thanks to a well-organised defense which had no trouble stopping the Bosnians in attack. The only problem was how to find a way past goalie Benjamin Buric, who was by far the best for the Bosnians.
Lazarov: „ If we play like that against Bosnia it will be very dangerous„
Comments from the mixed zone after FYRO Macedonia edged Iran 33-31 at the Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena.
Kiril Lazarov (MKD)
"Victory is what counts most in a game and since we got it, now we are looking forward to playing the next game. I would say that we had a poor performance tonight. We began the game with the second unit and we played slowly. Iran took advantage of that and fought until the end to get the victory. Fortunately we managed to edge them thanks to our experience and determination. If we play like that against Bosnia and Herzegovina, it will be very dangerous. Hopefully it will not happen again."
Macedonia beat Iran after tight battle
Iran - Macedonia 31:33 (17:19)
Macedonia celebrated their second win at the 24th Men's World Championship in Qatar. Even though Kiril Lazarov and his teammates weren't on the same level as they were in their opener against Tunisia last night, a solid performance was enough to beat Iran 33:31 in Ali Bin Hamad Al Atiyya Arena in Al Sadd. Four easy goals zipped by solid Iranian goalkeeper Saeid Barkhordari after just 180 seconds - enough reason for coach Borut Macek to call time-out (4:1). That was a turning point of the first half as Iran began to play much better, scoring easy goals after a powerful shooting performance from the backline led by right back Sajad Nadri and the brothers Sajad and Allahkaram Esteki.
The first match win is always important
Comments from the press conference after Macedonia won 33:25 over Tunisia at Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
Ivica Obrvan (MKD)
"I am satisfied with our victory, of course.The first match at a championship is always difficult, but I think we did well in both defence and attack for most of the game. However, we will have to forget this game in a hurry, as there is another game waiting already tomorrow"
