Sunday’s Round of 16 scores …
Pretty much went with the script today …
Germany 28:23 Macedonia
It was 8 minutes in before Macedonia opened their account, by which time they were 4:0 down. The result was never really in doubt from that point on. Kiril Lazarov top-scored again for Macedonia with 8 taking his tournament tally to 44.
Brazil 26:27 Russia
Brazil missed a shot with 5 seconds left that would have tied the game. Russia were never allowed to get away in a match they would have expected to win comfortably. They were very grateful for 13 saves from Igor Levshin. A slightly better save percentage from the Brazilians (they managed 25%) and we could have been looking at a shock.
Iceland 28:30 France
After a match of struggle, Iceland drew level 26:26 with about six minutes left. Whereupon France weathered the storm – which sort of fizzled out anyway – to emerge victors. They’re looking good as favourites.
Denmark 30:23 Tunisia
The match too far for Tunisia. A comfortable win for Denmark who will now face the winner of Poland v Belarus and must be careful not to be thinking about the likelihood of the semi final beyond that.