Havana, May 31 (JIT).- The Cuban men's team will share group B of the World Handball Championship in Croatia, Denmark and Norway 2025 with those of Slovenia, Iceland and Cape Verde.
This was known after the draw held this Wednesday night at the Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall in Zagreb, Croatia.
Precisely in that city the Cubans will play in a section that, despite having two European rivals, strong in quality and a solid squad, is one of the least uncomfortable in the tournament.
Slovenia will probably monopolize the favoritism, supported by the bronze medal obtained in the France 2017 edition, but its current level is far from that shown in that feat.
Of course, the tenth place achieved in his previous appearance makes him a considerable rival, adding to that the excellent roster that could include figures such as right-back Jure Dolenec, with an enviable track record in European clubs, especially playing for FC Barcelona Spanish.
Dolonec has more than 600 goals with the national team and vast experience in international competitions.
Perhaps Iceland seems more capable of fighting for a place in the second round, although far from the level that led them to win an Olympic medal in Beijing 2008.
However, they still retain physical strength and a selection of tall men, with several exponents exceeding two meters in height. If the Antilleans must look at a rival as crucial for their aspirations of advancing to the round of 16, it is precisely the Nordic team.
Cape Verde has only one participation at this level, taking place in the Egypt 2021 edition, when it finished in last place. However, this duel must also be assumed as key to Cuban aspirations.
This derives from the fact that the goal difference could be decisive in a possible tie situation, hence the importance of that clash, even when the opponent seems more comfortable.
The Cuban team returns to these competitions after six consecutive absences. He achieved this thanks to a generation capable of winning the IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Bulgaria 2023.
Qualification for the 2025 universal event is a goal achieved. Playing without reservation to achieve the best possible role becomes the next objective. The harmony and talent of those directed by Jover Hernández invite optimism.
The rest of the sections were formed as follows:
Group A (Herning/Denmark): Germany, Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland.
Group B (Herning/Denmark): Denmark, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia
Group C (Porec/Croatia): France, Austria, Qatar and Kuwait
Group D (Varazdin/Croatia): Hungary, Netherlands, North Macedonia and Guinea
Group E (Baerum-Oslo/Norway): Norway, Portugal, Brazil and the United States
Group F (Baerum-Oslo/Norway): Sweden, Spain, Japan and Chile
Group H (Zagreb/Croatia): Egypt, Croatia, Argentina and Bahrain
