For the third time in history, two non-European teams will play in the quarterfinals of the World Handball Championships.
And the previous two times, it happened when the championship was held outside the Old Continent - in 1997 in Japan, South Korea and Egypt were among the top eight, who were joined by Cuba two years later in the quarter-finals on home soil.
And now, at the 27th Planetary Championship, part of the handball elite is Egypt, just like the vice-champion of the world from 2015, Qatar.
Both selections entered the Top 8 through the "small door" - the home team won a draw against the Slovenians, who accused them of poisoning them, and Valera Rivera's team, powered by Cuba (Frankis Marso and Rafael Capote shone), defeated Argentina after a turnaround and met the defeat of Croatia.
The knockout stage is opened by Egypt and the current champion, Denmark.
- Entering the quarterfinals is a great achievement, but we want to go even further. We will prepare for Denmark and see what awaits us next - said the pivot of "Pharaoh" Ibrahim el Masri.
The derby will be played by the double consecutive champion of Europe Spain and the silver selection from the last two World Cups, Norway.
- We can win the title, but we are aware that Norway will be a big challenge. The level of play at this championship is similar to what we showed at the European Championship - said the legendary captain of the "red fury", 39-year-old Raul Entrerios.
France, along with Denmark, the only team that has recorded all six victories, will face Hungary.
- It is difficult to play against the first favorite of the championship, but we want to win and I believe we have a chance. We have a tough 60 minutes ahead of us, we have to be fully focused. So far we have done a good job and showed that we can compete with everyone - said the goalkeeper and captain of Hungary, Roland Mikler.
Quarter-final pairings - today: Denmark - Egypt (17.30), France - Hungary (20.30), Spain - Norway (20.30), Sweden - Qatar (20.30).
Bonus video:
