Russia strong, one step closer to 2019

Through their 28:17 win against Luxembourg in Qualification Group 1, Russia took a further major step towards the play-offs in June – the matches which will decide the last places for the 2019 Men’s World Championship in Denmark and Germany.

2019 IHF Men’s World Championship Qualification Europe – Group 1
Russia vs Luxembourg 28:17 (15:10)

With a clear victory in the Olimp Palace of Sports in Krasnodar, Russia took another major step towards winning their group and grabbing ae ticket for the deciding play-offs in June.

Russian defensive strength
Regardless of whether the Russians played a 5-1 or a 6-0 formation, their defence was almost in complete control against the visitors’ attacking players.

That strong defence paid off in the form of numerous fast break goals, and by way of an early 6:2 lead, the home team got ahead 10:3, 11:4 and 15:8 already in the first half.

Visitors’ extra man in attack
Luxembourg played seven against six in their attack for major parts of the match, but were still unable to threaten a seemingly-inevitable Russian win.

After a couple of further seven-goal leads for Russia at the beginning of the second half, the visitors did manage to reduce the deficit to just four goals at 18:14 (44th minute), but the home side tightened their grip again, with five Russian goals in succession removing any doubt there might have been about their two points.

In total, Russia have eight points after four matches having won all four of their games, and sit top of Group 1, with Slovakia the only other team who can still threaten their group win.

The Slovakians, who are currently four points behind Russia in second position, have played one match less than the leaders and face Finland tomorrow, and if they win that match-up, will go into their clash against Russia on 11 January with all to play for.