The world champion wrote off the European

At the start of the main stage, France defeated Spain 33:30. Easy wins for Denmark, Sweden and Germany
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Nikola Karabatić at the match with Spain, Photo: ANNEGRET HILSE
Nikola Karabatić at the match with Spain, Photo: ANNEGRET HILSE
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

The return of Nikola Karabatić after a three-month break was an injection of confidence that the French handball players needed - at the start of the main stage of the 26th World Championship, the current champion celebrated 33:30 and practically wrote off the European champion Spain from the fight for the semi-finals.

Today's best handball player had an operation on the bunion on his left leg in mid-October and was supposed to be out of action until mid-February, but he himself asked to return and help the "experts" defend the crown.

In his second appearance at the championship in Denmark and Germany, he played 30 minutes, scored a goal and provided two assists, but the role of the handball player Melvin Richardson, who was added to the team by Didier Denar after the group stage, was crucial.

The son of one of the best handball players of all time, Jackson Richardson, got his chance in the middle of the second half and scored four of the next five goals for France for a plus five (29:24) with 10 minutes to go.

In addition, the 21-year-old center back also had three assists and a steal. The Spaniards threatened, with two minutes to go they could reduce the score to 32:31, but Cyril Dumulan saved Aitor Arino's shot.

The most effective was Lidovik Fabregas with six goals, and the "red fury" was led by Ferran Sole with 11 goals.

Sweden and Denmark took a big step towards the semi-finals, as they celebrated routinely in the opening of Group 2 in Herning.

The "three crowns" selection was convincing against Tunisia (35:23), and it is interesting that both Andreas Nilsson and Niklas Ekberg shot seven out of seven. Goalkeeper Mikael Apelgren was also excellent with 15 saves.

One of the hosts of the championship, Denmark, routinely defeated Hungary (25:22), with seven goals from Mikel Hansen.

Results - group 1 (Cologne):

France - Spain 33:30 - 17:15

Germany - Iceland 24:19 - 14:10

Table: Germany, France 5, Croatia (match less) 4, Spain 2, Brazil (match less), Iceland 0

Sunday

Brazil - Croatia (18)

Iceland - France (20.30)

Group 2 (Herning)

Tunisia - Sweden 23:35 - 14:19

Denmark - Hungary 25:22 - 15:10

Table: Denmark, Sweden 6, Norway (match less) 2, Egypt (match less), Hungary 1, Tunisia 0

Sunday

Hungary - Tunisia (18)

Norway - Egypt (20.30)

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