After a strong preliminary round, the Swiss handball team would also like to impress in the main round of the World Championship. Their first opponent in Herning is Tunisia on Tuesday at 3.30 pm.
21.01.2025, 05:30
21.01.2025, 06:41
SDA
Coach Andy Schmid's team will start the main round with one point, the 17:17 against the Czech Republic. The Swiss cannot reach the quarter-finals on their own, as Germany, who defeated the SHV team 31-29, and defending champions Denmark have four points to their name. However, 3rd place in the main round is more than realistic, as both Tunisia and their final opponents on Saturday, Italy, are within reach.
The last time the Swiss faced the North Africans was at the beginning of November 2023, when they lost 22:31 in a test match. Before that, they had won twice in a row. Their overall record is negative with 11:14 wins.
The Tunisians reached the main round thanks to a 26:25 win over Algeria in their final preliminary round match, with Hazem Bacha scoring the winner with the last action of the game. However, a draw would have been enough to advance due to the better goal difference.
Although Tunisia have taken part in every World Cup since 1995, the ten-time African champions' best days are behind them. In 2005, at their home World Cup, they fell just short of a medal, losing the match for third place against France 25:26 after leading 16:12. At the last two World Championships, the Tunisians finished no higher than 25th. There is certainly a lot to be said for a second Swiss victory at this tournament after the 30:28 win against Poland on Sunday.
