Russia out to take winning form onto world stage

Last year’s Women’s 19 EHF EURO champions Russia lead a 14-team strong European challenge at the Junior (20) World Championship in Croatia from 28 June to 13 July.

The Russian women face competition from three other continents in Group D (Brazil, China and Tunisia) as well as Romania and Slovenia.

Silver and bronze medallists from the championship in Denmark last year, Hungary and Denmark, head up tough groups in Koprivnica and Zagreb, while hosts Croatia will be hoping home advantage will come into play as they look to improve on 13^th place at the EURO, starting with qualifying from a group containing Norway, Korea, Czech Republic, Uruguay and Kazahstan.

There’s good good news for all handball fans around the world, with all matches from the four host cities (Zagreb, Dugo Selo, Koprivnica and Cakovec) will be streamed live and free of charge on the official championship website.

The Preliminary Round will run until 5 July, with the knockout and placement matches continuing after a one-day break from 7 to 13 July.

Women's Junior World Championship Preliminary Round groups

Group A, Dugo Selo: Norway, Korea, Croatia, Czech Republic, Uruguay and Kazahstan

Group B, Zagreb: Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Angola, Serbia and Argentina

Group C, Koprivnica: Hungary, France, Sweden, Japan, DR Congo and Portugal

Group D, Cakovec: Russia, Romania, Slovenia, Brazil, China and Tunisia.