Sweden, at home against Brazil (26-18), and Spain, against Montenegro (30-25), suffered more than expected to win their first World Cup match on Thursday. In Gothenburg, the Swedes of Jim Gottfridsson (6/6), reigning European champions, took almost 50 minutes before unclinging the Brazilians. In Krakow, the Spaniards, in the last four in the four previous international competitions, also had a sluggish start against the Montenegrins of Nebojsa Simic (15 saves at 36%).
In an extremely dense Pool D, Iceland tamed Portugal (29-25), while Hungary won against the South Koreans (35-27). In addition, two selections have written a chapter in their history: in the group of Sweden, Cape Verde won, against Uruguay (33-25) the first victory in its history in a World Cup, while in that of Spain, Iran (25-24 against Chile) gleaned its first success in a group stage.
Thursday’s results:
Group A (in Krakow)
Chili – Iran 24-25
Spain – Montenegro 30-25
Group B (in Katowice)
Saudi Arabia – Slovenia 19-33
Group C (in Gothenburg)
Cape Verde – Uruguay 33-25
Sweden – Brazil 26-18
Group D (in Jönköping)
Hungary – South Korea 35-27
Iceland – Portugal 29-25