World Handball Championships with Centrebet

13th January 2009, by Unknown author

The World Championships throws off in Croatia on Friday, when the host nation plays Korea. Saturday the 22 other participants get into action. There are four groups containing six teams each, with all teams aiming to finish in a Top 3 spot just to stay

by Thomas Moller

The World Championships throws off in Croatia on Friday, when the host nation plays Korea. Saturday the 22 other participants get into action. There are four groups containing six teams each, with all teams aiming to finish in a Top 3 spot just to stay in Gold Medal contention. The World Champion will be crowned in Zagreb February 1st.

Centrebet will be present at all arenas, offering Gold Medal outrights, Group Winner outrights, Specials, as well as a wide selection of prices for each match.

Who are the favourites? The outsiders? Read our exclusive Mini Guide and pick Your own winning bets!

FAVOURITES

Croatia
Automatically qualified as host nation. The Olympic Champions of 2004 are a hot tip for the title on home ground. The relatively young nation can show off a strong list of merits, and will obviously have the crowds on their side. Croatia plays Spain, Sweden, Korea, Chile and Kuwait in the Group Stage.
Key players: Ivano Balic, Mirza Dzomba, Petar Metlicic, Igor Vori, Ivan Cupic.
WC medals: 1 x Gold (2003), 2 x Silver (1995, 2005)
Previous WC: Lost 19-21 against Germany in the Quarter Finals. Undefeated through the Group Stage as well as the Main Round.
Gold Medal odds: $3.50
Group Winner odds: $1.70

France
Automatically qualified as Olympic Champions. Won 28-23 against Iceland in the Olympic Final in Beijing. The tip of many this year. France plays Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Argentina and Australia in the Group Stage.
Key players: Nikola Karabatic, Thierry Omeyer, Daniel Narcisse, Guillaume Gille, Michael Guigou.
WC medals: 2 x Gold (1995, 2001), 1 x Silver (1993), 3 x Bronse (1997, 1003, 2005)
Previous WC: Lost 31-32 to Germany in the semi final and 27-34 in the 3rd place match against Denmark. Beat Croatia 21-18 in the Quarter Finals.
Gold Medal odds: $3.25
Group Winner odds: $1.22

Denmark
Qualified as European Champions. Almost captured a medal in Beijing, where proved the better side by winning 26-24 in the Quarter Finals. By many regarded as the hottest challengers to Croatia and France. Denmark plays Norway, Serbia, Egypt, Brazil and Saudi Arabia in the Gruop Stage.
Key players: Lars Jørgensen, Lars Christiansen, Kasper Hvidt, Jesper Jensen, Michael V. Knudsen.
WC medals: 1 x Silver (1967), 1 x Bronse (2007)
Previous WC: Were defeated 36-33 by Poland in the Semi Finals. Overcame France by winning the 3rd place match 34-27.
Gold Medal odds: $6.00
Group Winner odds: $1.65

Spain
Qualified by beating Greece 63-56 over two playoff legs. Obvious Gold Medal potential. Have been among the very best for many years. Captured the Olympic Bronse Medal by beating Croatia 35-29 in the 3rd place match last year. Spain plays Croatia, Sweden, Korea, Chile and Kuwait in the Group Stage.
Key players: Iker Romero, Albert Rocas, Juan Garcia, Jose Hombrados, David Baruffet.
WC medals: 1 x Gold (2005)
Previous WC: Lost the Quarter Final versus Germany by 25-27, after very narrow defeats against Denmark and Croatia in the Main Round.
Gold Medal odds: $8.50
Group Winner odds: $3.10

Germany
Qualified as World Champions. The first ever World Champions in 1938 are back as a World Power. Rated slightly behind the hottest favourites, but have the potensial to go all the way. Germany plays Poland, Russsia, Tunisia, Macedonia and Algeria in the Group Stage.
Key players: Johannes Bitter, Pascal Hens, Sebastian Preiss, Torsten Jansen, Michael Kraus.
WC medals: 2 x Gold (1938, 2007), 1 x Silver (2003)
Previous WC: Finally finished off France 32-31 in the Semi Finals, and went all the way by beating Poland 29-24 in the World Cup Final.
Gold Medal odds: $12.00
Group Winner odds: $2.30

OUTSIDERS

Poland
Qualified by beating Switzerland 54-48 on aggregate in the playoff. The surprise package of the 2007 World Cup, as unexpected finalists. Dark horses in Croatia, where the Poles guaranteed will be treated with respect by all opponents. Poland plays Germany, Russia, Tunisia, Macedonia and Algeria in the Group Stage.
Key players: Karol Bielecki, Mariusz Jurasik, Slawomir Szmal, Bartlomiej Jaszka, Krzysztof Lijewski.
WC medals: 1 x Silver (2007), 1 x Bronse (1982)
Previous WC: Beat Denmark by 36-33 in the Semi Finals. Lost 24-29 to Germany in the Final.
Gold Medal odds: $21.00
Group Winner odds: $2.90

Sweden
Qualified by finishing Fifth at the European Championships in Norway last year. On their back towards the top after a longawaited generational change. Historically a Power Strenght who never must be underestimated. No nation has acchieved the WC title as often as Sweden. Sweden plays Croatia, Spain, Korea, Chile and Kuwait in the Group Stage.
Key players: Jonas Källman, Kim Andersson, Dalibor Doder, Oscar Carlén, Robert Arrhenius.
WC medals: 4 x Gold (1954, 1958, 1990, 1999), 3 x Silver (1964, 1997, 2001), 4 x Bronse (1938, 1961, 1993, 1995)
Previous WC: Didn't qualify, after been defeated 57-54 on aggreate by Iceland in the playoffs.
Gold Medal odds: $21.00
Group Winner odds: $5.00

Norway
Qualified by winning 62-52 on aggregate against Ukraine in the playoffs. No Gold Medal potential. Possible Medal candidate, if on the very top on their performance. Tough opponents in the Group Stage. Norway plays Denmark, Serbia, Egypt, Brazil and Saudi Arabia in the Group Stage.
Key players: Steinar Ege, Johnny Jensen, Kristian Kjelling, Erlend Mamelund, Frank Løke.
WC medals: None
Previous WC: Beat Ukraine 32-22 in the final match, gaining 13th place. Finished in 3rd position (second from bottom) in the Group Stage.
Gold Medal odds: $51.00
Group Winner odds: $4.25

CENTREBET'S HOPE

Australia
Qualified for the WC despite loosing to New Caledonia in the Oceania Qualification tournament. The latter are not recognised as a independent nation. That fact saved The Aussie's day! Defeated both New Zealand and Cook Islands by 21 goals in the Qualification tournament. Finished last in both previous World Championships. Australia plays France, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Argentina in the Group Stage.
Key players: James Blondell, Tommy Fletcher, Lee Schofield, Bevan Calvert, Nemanja Subotic.
WC medals: None
Previous WC: 24th and last. Lost 22-36 to Qatar in the playoff for 23rd position.
Gold Medal odds: $1001.00
Group Winner odds: $1001.00

last update : 13th January 2009 00:54