Kuwait finish second in group; Poland take third straight win

Kuwait earned their second victory at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025, this time against Algeria, 38:31, and finished second in the President's Cup Group I with four points, so they will go to the Placement Match 27/28. In turn, Poland, who had reached the President's Cup final after the first two rounds, had no problems defeating Guinea, 40:28.

PRESIDENT'S CUP GROUP I
Algeria vs Kuwait 31:38 (14:18)

Both teams had been level on two points prior to their encounter, but Algeria boasted a better goal difference, so they would have finished second even with a draw. However, Kuwait were dominant during most of the match and demonstrated an impressive attacking performance, scoring 38 goals.

Centre back Seif Aldawani had a special impact, netting as many as 13 times, so no wonder that he was named hummel Player of the Match. However, Algeria also had a player who stood out, as Redouane Saker scored 10 goals from 10 attempts. But Kuwait were better as a team, and their goalkeeper Hasam Safar was quite reliable, delivering 13 saves.

In the opening 15 minutes, Kuwait's advantage was not yet clear, as both sides took turns in the lead. But as the game progressed, the Asian side grew more confident, and they ultimately clinched a seven-goal win. 

Notably, Kuwait have won both their games at the tournament against the African opponents, Guinea and now Algeria. While they will now fight for the 27th position, the third-placed Algeria will go to the Placement Match 29/30. 

hummel Player of the Match: Saif Aldawani (Kuwait)

PRESIDENT'S CUP GROUP I
Poland vs Guinea 40:28 (21:13)

Both teams' final positions in Group I had been determined prior to this game, as Poland were certain to head into the Placement Match 25/26, which also serves as the President's Cup final, while Guinea could not climb up from their fourth position and would go to the Placement Match 31/31 in any case.

So Poland, who are the only European side at this part of the competition, were seen as favourites in this match, and they lived up to that status from the opening minutes. The Poles took a 4:2 lead, and although Guinea drew level at 4:4, Marcin Lijewski's team used a 5:0 run to pull clear.

And they never looked back afterwards, boasting already an eight-goal advantage at half-time and continuing to dominate after the interval. In the end, Poland hit the 40-goal mark with their last shot two seconds from full-time and celebrated a commanding win, as 11 their players put their names on the scoresheet, despite the European side being without Arkadiusz Moryto and Kamil Syprzak, their two stars.

However, it was Guinea's Lilian Pasquet who became top scorer of the game with eight goals, securing the hummel Player of the Match award. His team lost their sixth straight match in the competition, but they still have a chance to earn their first-ever win at the IHF Men's World Championship in the Placement Match 31/32. 

hummel Player of the Match: Lilian Pasquet (Guinea)