Estonia snatch a draw against Portugal

The Men's World Championship Qualification Tournament in Group 5 started with a surprise on Thursday night, when Estonia held Portugal to a 28:28 draw in Tel Aviv.

In the group's second game Israel beat Georgia 27:19. Matches in this qualification group continue today with Estonia against Israel and Portugal against Georgia (for all matches the EHF live ticker is available).

Only the first ranked team of the group qualifies for the play-offs in June 2016.

Portugal had the better start to the game against Estonia as they carved out a 11:8 lead after 22 minutes, however Estonia, led by top scorer Mait Patrail who netted 10 times overall, needed no time to recover.

At the break the score was already even again at 14:14.

In the second half goals were scored almost one-for-one on both ends of the court, but it was Estonia who could hope for a surprise victory almost until in the end.

With one minute to go they led 28:27, and there were only nine seconds left on the clock when Claudio Pedroso scored the equaliser for Portugal.

The second game was a more one-sided affair. Israel led 13:8 already at the break, and the closest Georgia got was within three goals at 21:18 after 47 minutes of play.

But Israel immediately picked up speed again and eventually recorded a convincing 27:19 win.

Photos: Yoed Cohen