Four clear victories for the favourites

The first four matches in the third round of qualifying for the 2013 World Championship saw clear victories for the favourites.

The remaining three matches take place today (Thursday), with the re-matches at the weekend.

Photo courtesy of the Federação de Andebol de Portugal

Group 2:
Portugal vs. Turkey 35:22 (16:14)

It was a perfect start for the Portuguese team in Lamego. Thanks to a clear improvement after half time, Mats Olson’s team emerged clear winners against Turkey. But they will be aware that the away match will be much harder, as the Turks usually play better on home ground just as they did against Ukraine in Round 1.

Round 4
Turkey vs. Portugal
8 January 19:00 hrs (local time), Mersin

Group 3:
Montenegro vs. Belgium 35:27 (18:13)

As expected Belgium stood no chance in Montenegro. After　a close first half, the more experienced team from the Balkans extended the gap minute by minute after the break. But the eight-goal margin in the end was a good result for the Belgium team, who will want to build on it in the re-match on Saturday.

Round 4
Belgium vs. Montenegro
7 January 2012 20:00 hrs (local time), Tournai

Group 6:
Greece vs. Cyprus 31:13 (11:6)

This duel of neighbouring countries was a clear victory for the host in Thessaloniki. The first ever clash between the two in handball, Cyprus scored only seven goals in the first 41 minutes. 500 spectators attended a one-sided game in which the Greek goalkeepers saved an impressive 65 per cent of all Cyprus shots. Four Greek players scored five goals each, and coach Giorgos Kranakis used the game to give the debut to four young players. "Every start in a tournament or a qualification is difficult, but we started well," Kranakis said, and added: "The re-match will be more difficult, now I am satisfied."

Round 4
Cyprus vs. Greece
8 January 2012 17:00 hrs (local time), Nicosia

Group 7:
Belarus vs. Luxembourg 37:19 (19:10)

The hosts had no problems in taking their first points in their qualification opener. Luxembourg could only hold their rivals for the first 15 minutes, before they were battered by Siarhei Rutenka and his team mates. Belarus is clear favourite for the away match, too.

Round 4
Luxembourg vs. BLR Belarus
7 January 2012 19:00 hrs (local time), Crauthem

Round 3 matches on Thursday:

Group 1:
Austria vs. Great Britain
5 January 2012, 20:20 hrs (local time), Tulln

Group 4:
Estonia vs. Finland
5 January 2012 20:00 hrs (local time), Polva

Group 5:
Lithuania vs. Italy
5 January 19:00 hrs (local time), Vilnius