Apologies for lack of updates on this tournament.  A lack of broadband in the past few days has been the issue.  Hopefully it’s now resolved.

So the European champions have fallen by the wayside and the world champions are sauntering through, the hosts are getting by with home support and there are plenty of dark horses in the mix.  The World Championship in Serbia enters the quarter final stage on Wednesday with Norway still the favourites but everyone still thinking that this could just be their year.

All games are live via the Bet365 live streaming service or via the IHF’s own subscription channel.

So, without further ado, let’s have a look at those quarter finals (all start times are UK):

4.30pm Brazil v Hungary
Brazil look good in every sense apart from fashion and the bookies are making them odds-on favourites for this despite the Hungarians’ clearer pedigree (although you have to go back to the 1960s for their world title).  Neither side was unduly worried in their Round of 16 match and Brazil have yet to lose in the tournament.  It’s hard to disagree with the bookies.

4.30pm Poland v France
Poland staged a stunning second half come back to see off Romania and have played some nice handball through the tournament but they will surely come unstuck here.  France’s potential undoing would be to focus too much on their next game (presumably against Norway) and we have seen in the past that their play can become directionless.  But they should win comfortably.

7.15pm Denmark v Germany
Too close to call. Denmark ousted Montenegro whilst Germany saw off Angola.  Germany were impressive in their groups but Denmark have a tenacity that makes them hard to put away.  The bookies can’t decide but lean, slightly, to Denmark.  A result either way wouldn’t be a surprise.

7.15pm Serbia v Norway
If this was being played anywhere else you’d back Norway without thinking but, as it is, the atmosphere and the passion the Serbs play with count for something.  Norway should still have enough but if Serbia can keep it close or even get ahead then it could be interesting.

Hopefully, broadband permitting, Handball Views will be back with a recap on Wednesday evening and a look ahead to the semi finals.  Do leave comments below about anything that’s taken your notice during the world championship so far.