2023 World Handball Qualifications – Belgium beat Kosovo but will have to wait until Sunday to know their fate
(Belga) After conceding a heavy defeat Thursday in Greece (42-24), the Belgian men’s national handball team won 33-29 (half-time: 18-12) ahead of Kosovo during his 6th and last qualifying match for the 2023 Handball World Cup, Saturday evening in Hasselt. The Red Wolves are now second in Group 1 but will have to wait until Sunday, and the result of the Turkey-Greece match, to find out if they will advance to the second qualifying phase.
Yerime Sylla’s team looked completely different at Sporthal Alverberg. Rejuvenated Thursday in Greece, she was able to count on the return of her leaders to get off to a good start and lead 18-12 at halftime. Yet at +10 at the start of the second act, Belgium saw Kosovo go from 25-18 to 26-25 in a few minutes. She knew how to reduce the ranks and dominate the last minutes of the game to win the victory. Serge Spooren finished top Belgian scorer with 8 goals. Pierre Brixhe also distinguished himself with 5 pawns, like Yves Van Cosen. With 5 points, Belgium (2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses) is 2nd in its group behind Greece (10 points), undefeated, which goes to Turkey (4 points) on Sunday in the final duel of the group. Kosovo finished last with 3 points. If Turkey loses, Belgium will qualify for the next phase. A split between Turks and Greeks would also be enough for the Belgians as they have a better particular goal difference against Turkey. The final phase of this 2023 World Cup will be played in Poland and Sweden. After qualifying for the World Cup, the Red Wolves will immediately follow up with the European Championship play-offs against Luxembourg on January 20 and 22 for a place in the qualifying groups for Euro 2024 organized in Germany. (Belgian)