Championship

Live blog: The first-ever edition of the IHF Women's Youth (U18) World Championship with 32 teams throws off today with a full card as Montenegro vs Algeria ...

The last teams arrived in North Macedonia last night, but it was too late for India, who could not find a connection to arrive in Skopje in time. After a poor start, a time-out in the sixth minute helped Croatia to wake up and stabilise their game. They had a very good efficiency from the wings in the first half and can spring a surprise or two if they are not properly contained. After a somewhat slow start, they managed to improve their game, which resulted in a two-goal lead at the break. Uruguay, who were down by two goals at the break, started a chase after the restart and drew level at 17:17 in the 40th minute before taking their first lead in the match. At the break, they hold a 21:17 lead, which surely makes them favourites to take their first-ever win in the competition. Republic of Korea were considered the great unknown for Switzerland in the run-up to the competition. While not impressing, Hungary proved to be one of the teams to beat in the competition. Netherlands had their ups and downs in the opening 15 minutes of their Group E match against Slovenia, but overall they were a superior side, so their 9:6 lead looks well-deserved. After creating a five-goal gap late in the first half, Germany continued to dominate after the break. Their resilience to play the match is amazing and they must be praised for not conceding a loss, even if it was the easier thing to do. North Macedonia are definite favourites to win this group and progress to the main round with the maximum amount of points, which will seal their best-ever result in the competition.