With a half-time score of +13 (21:8) it seemed like IHF Men’s World Championship debutants Guinea were in for a tough second 30 minutes, but it proved not to be the case entirely as European heavyweights Netherlands were unable to turn the screw.

The African side now become the 65th nation to be represented at an IHF Men’s World Championship (including the now defunct representative sides of Czechoslovakia, East Germany, West Germany, Unified Korea, Serbia and Montenegro, Soviet Union and Yugoslavia), and 58th nation of the current 210 IHF member nations.

GROUP D
Netherlands vs Guinea 40:23 (21:8)

Ahead of their first game at this level, Guinea captain Omar Baradji had told ihf.info that their “…main objective is to gain experience and show our potential against the best teams in the world…” and so it proved against the Netherlands, particularly in a strong second half performance.

Yes, Netherlands coach and handball legend Staffan Olsson rotated his side, but both Luc Steins and Kay Smits – the leading duo for the Dutch – played together up until the 42nd minute when Steins, the little magician took a well-earned reast.

By then Guinea had not let the game get too far away from them, even outscoring their opponents in the second period 10:9, when they scored their 18th goal to make it 30:18 to the Dutch inside the first 10 minutes.

However, the damage had been done early on in the first half by a well-supported Netherlands side as Guinea missed their first seven attacks, many ruthlessly punished by Rutger Ten Velde on the fast-break.

Guinea coach Kevin Decaux took an early time out in the sixth minute with his side 5:0 behind and soon after, his side finally scored their historic debut goal, through David Michee Eponouh (6:1).

With many of the African side playing their club handball in France, their play resembled that of the European country, a cool and calm and style, which did not see them panic despite the ever-increasing gap.

They did find some rhythm, particularly capitalising on some good saves from Rubens Pierre in the goal and going down the opposite end to sink home, but the Europeans highlighted their quality, clearly enjoying the world stage once again – one of the highlights was a Dani Baijens in-flight goal, set up by Alec Smit and it was smiles all around.

As Olsson looked to rotate his side, Ten Velde was rested after scoring his ninth and Guinea looked to tighten up their attack which had provided 15 first half turnovers and just a 22% attack efficiency.

In the last quarter a tiring Guinea, who had rotated the squad themselves, let the Dutch take control once again, but with the second period seeing the Europeans ‘win’ by 19:15, there is a lot to build on for Decaux and his team.

Both teams play again on Friday (17 January), with Netherlands going up against North Macedonia and Guinea lining up against the European powerhouse of Hungary.

hummel Player of the Match: Rutger Ten Velde (Netherlands)