Denmark, double defending champion, imperial in the first phase, conceded the draw (32-32) against Croatia during a suspenseful end of the match, Thursday in Malmö, to start the main round of the World Cup.
The Danes, led less than six minutes from the end (30-29), probably thought they had done the hardest part when Mikkel Hansen gave them the advantage (32-31) 1'47” from the end.
But Igor Karacic equalized 36 seconds from the siren and Hansen missed the winning ball following.
This draw keeps the Croats alive (3 pts) and the suspense in group IV, dominated by Egypt (6 pts after their 33-28 success against Belgium) ahead of Denmark (5 pts) and Bahrain (4 pts) , winner of the United States (32-27) who fell on a great Mohamed Ali in goal (17 saves on 39 shots).
Bahrain-Egypt on Saturday should make it possible to settle the situation in the race for the first two places synonymous with the quarter-finals (the Danes will face the Americans), before a probable burning Egypt-Denmark on the last day.
Group III, played in Katowice in Poland, is less tight, dominated by Germany and Norway (6 pts) who continued their clear round.
The Germans easily against Argentina (39-19) with a spread mark (seven players at 100% success, none with more than five goals), the Norwegians much more difficult against Serbia.
The Scandinavians of Sander Sagosen, muzzled in the first period (no shots), stepped on the accelerator around the 40th minute (from 16-20 to 25-23).
But in a denser group than the IV, they remain under threat from the Netherlands (4 pts) from Magdeburg right-back Kay Smits (8/9 and 6 assists), sparkling against Qatar (32-30 ).
The Netherlands-Germany on Saturday will also be very expensive:
