The two sides who have impressed so far in their respective preliminary groups in Zagreb and who won them both – Iceland and Egypt – went up against each other on the final day of main round action at the Arena Zagreb and in a controlled, impressive performance it was the Europeans who emerged victorious, taking a three-goal win. 
 
MAIN ROUND, GROUP IV
Egypt vs Iceland 24:27 (9:13)
 
Juan Carlos Pastor made one change from the defeat of Croatia last time out, replacing the injured Ahmed Hesham with Mohamed Tarek, who was added to the squad list overnight, while Iceland coach Snorri Gudjonsson brought in Haukur Thrastarson to the squad in place of Einar Thorstein Olafson.
 
In addition to the extra player, Iceland also brought an extra 1,000 supporters from home to help support their team in a victory which is a huge step in the final eight of the world championships for the first time since 2011.
 
After winning the best player of the match against Croatia, Viktor Hallgrimsson was at it again this evening as his first spectacular save came off an attempted in-flight from Egypt in the third minute. It was to prove to be a battle between the two goalkeepers with Karim Hendawy in the Egypt net ending with 12 strikes, surpassed by his Icelandic counterpart, on 13.
 
A slow start saw both sides working hard on each-others’ lines, a physical chess battle with players on both sides of the ball aiming to mark their territory.
 
This led to a slow start to the game, with little goal action: Egypt did not score until the eighth minute, through Ali Zein, but with Iceland only scoring twice at the point it meant little to wait that long (2:1).
 
However, this could have been seen a sign of things to come as Iceland gradually increased their lead, Pastor calling an Egyptian time out at 7:4 down (18th minute) despite little to split the teams otherwise – Iceland with the more turnovers at this point (4).
 
Icelandic leader on court, Aron Palmarsson was showcasing his complete cupboard of skills and when he sprinted straight down the throat of the Egyptian defence, after receiving the ball from the restart, it put his side 8:5 ahead.
 
But Egypt, who have impressed in a variety of ways in Croatia, and who are looking for a podium spot came back to one goal (9:8), leading to an Iceland time out.
 
This Iceland team does not take going behind lightly though as a 4:1 scoring run to the end of the half, including a post-buzzer seven metre, put them in a healthy half-time position (13:9).
 
Their four-goal lead continued throughout the second half, extending to six (24:18, 49th minute) as Egypt could not find a way through and, ultimately, were unable to draw level again.

Up next for Egypt is a clash against Slovenia on Friday (24 January), while Iceland play Croatia in the following match.

hummel Player of the Match: Viktor Hallgrimsson (Iceland)