Returning to the IHF Men's World Championship after a decade, Czechia faced a determined Switzerland, in well-balanced Group A. Both teams delivered an intense performance, dominated by amazing goalkeeping from Nikola Portner and Tomáš Mrkva, but in the end, they shared the spoils in a dramatic and rare 17:17 draw.

GROUP A
Czechia vs Switzerland 17:17 (7:8)

Switzerland could not ask for a better start to the 2025 IHF Men's World Championship as they tightened up their defence from the get go, leaving Czechia searching for answers. When Czechia managed to find gaps, goalkeeper Nikola Portner was there to deny them, as the Swiss goalkeeper delivered an incredible performance in the first 15 minutes, making seven saves out of nine attempts for a stellar 77% save efficiency.

Despite Portner's heroics, Switzerland struggled to capitalise on given opportunities as they were leading only 5:2, following Samuel Zehnder's second goal. Czechia didn't back down and their goalkeeper Tomáš Mrkva responded to his fellow Bundesliga opponents, shutting down Switzerland's attack and inspiring his team to a 3:0 goal run, cutting the gap to 6:5.

As half-time approached, the tension increased, but so did the mistakes from both sides. With hasty attacks and Mrkva still making his efforts, Switzerland could not make a break. Czechia clawed their way back, trying to tie the game. However, a series of two-minute suspensions unravelled any progress, allowing Switzerland to maintain the narrow edge heading into the break, 8:7.

Czechia's blistering moment stretched to the second half as they not only levelled but also took over the lead using a 3:0 unanswered run to set 10:8 just three minutes in. But this match was always going to be all about goalkeepers. The two starswere directly influencing the game flow and result, and nothing changed until the end. Portner was again pushed by his side to shift the momentum as left back Lenny Rubin showed the beauty of his shots, netting his seventh in the game for a 13:11 Swiss lead.

The defensive duel remained intense as the teams entered the final 10 minutes, locked at 15:15. Trading narrow leads, producing great defensive displays and playing the ball long showed a great battle between the two European sides. With 18 seconds left on the clock and 17:17 on the scoreboard, Switzerland had the attack, but Czechia forced the passive play and their opponents were left with a free throw at the buzzer, but finally, the two sides shared the spoils. 

Lukas Morkovsky with five goals and Lenny Rubin with eight were Czechia's and Switzerland's best players, respectively. hummel Player of the Match finished the game with 14 saves at 47 per cent save efficiency, while his opponent, Tomáš Mrkva stopped 12 Swiss attempts at 41 per cent save efficiency. After a tough opener, Switzerland needs to prepare to take on Germany on Friday, while Czechia will pit sides with Poland.

hummel Player of the Match: Nikola Portner (Switzerland)