The czech Republic national handball team faces a formidable challenge as thay prepare to compete against a top international opponent, aiming for an upset victory that could propel them into the main stage of the championship. The team will confront a powerhouse outside of Europe, seeking to build on momentum gained from a recent hard-fought match and capitalize on the tournament’s qualifying structure.
Two years prior, in 2023, the Czech team encountered this same opponent in the championship, sustaining a 27-30 defeat. Despite the loss, the result unexpectedly secured their advancement to the quarterfinals, ultimately achieving their best finish since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia with an eighth-place ranking. This year, while considered underdogs, the Czechs believe they have a chance to surprise and advance; three of the four teams in their group will progress to the next round. They will conclude their group play on Monday against Cuba, considered the weakest team in the group.
Following a recent battle with a favored team, player Novotná expressed optimism, stating the team had “raised their self-confidence.” The Czechs are hoping to leverage this newfound confidence as they take on their next opponent.
