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Andy Schmid is disturbed by the Austrian Maximilian Hermann while trying to throw
Photo: Hazem Ismail / imago images / Xinhua
The Swiss, who had landed in Egypt just a few hours earlier, surprisingly won their opening game at the Handball World Cup 2021 on Thursday evening.
The Swiss, who only moved into the tournament due to the corona-related cancellation of the USA, prevailed against Austria in Giza 28:25 (13:13).
The best thrower in Switzerland was playmaker Andy Schmid from the German Bundesliga club Rhein-Neckar Löwen with seven hits.
For the Austrians, Robert Weber from HSG Nordhorn-Lingen was also the most successful with seven goals.
The Swiss landed in Egypt on Thursday afternoon and were then taken directly from the tarmac to the hall by bus.
They only found out about their participation in the World Cup on Tuesday evening.
France wins first top game
Before the United States, the Czech Republic had to withdraw its participation due to numerous COVID-19 diseases and was replaced by North Macedonia, which lost their start against Sweden in group G 20:32 (11:16).
In the preliminary round group E, the Swiss meet co-favorites Norway and the record title holder France.
Their encounter on Thursday evening decided France 28:24 (13:13) for themselves and made a big step towards group victory.
Norway's superstar Sander Sagosen from Champions League winner THW Kiel had strongly criticized the corona bubble in Egypt the day before.
“I don't know if you can even call it a bubble.
Everything's a big joke so far, ”said the 25-year-old, who was the best thrower against France with ten goals.
Ex-world champion Russia missed an opening win.
The team, which is only allowed to compete under the name »RHF« (Russian Handball Federation) due to the doping ruling of the CAS Sports Court, did not get more than 32:32 (15:15) against Belarus in Group H.
According to the ruling, Russian athletes have to forego the national flag, anthem and coat of arms at major sporting events.
The handball players, who are looked after by ex-Füchse trainer Velimir Petkovic, are the first Russian national team to compete in a major sporting event since the CAS judgment.
In Group H, besides the Russians and Belarus, Slovenia and South Korea also play, whose encounter the Slovenes clearly won 51:29 (25:16).
Germany will face Uruguay in Group A on Friday (6pm, TV: ARD), followed by encounters with Cape Verde on Sunday (6pm, TV: ARD) and Hungary on Tuesday (8.30pm. TV: ZDF).
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mfu / dpa / sid
