Play-off for World Cup: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal draw in Tuzla

(Patria) - The return leg of the play-off for the World Handball Championship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal was played at Tuzla's Mejedan. In a dramatic finish, the scoreboard ultimately showed 26:26. It was clear that the "Pirates" were favourites in this two-legged tie, but the Dragons aimed to put up strong resistance. Portugal goes to the World Cup.

Guests took the lead at the end of the first half

In the first match, the Portuguese celebrated with a score of 29:19. Given the large difference in the first leg, it was clear that the Bosnian team faced a difficult task. At the very start of the match, it was goal for goal, and the players selected by Damir Doborac, backed by fan support, played very well. However, at the end of the first half, the guests took a lead of 15:12 and then 16:13, reports scsport.ba.

The BiH national team players aimed to reduce the deficit. Nevertheless, within 25 minutes they conceded 15 goals. Somewhat weaker concentration in defence allowed the Portuguese to score easily. Of course, this is an experienced team that punished all the hosts' mistakes.

In the 28th minute, the Bosnian players missed a clear chance. And the guests' goalkeeper was brilliant. Then came the punishment for 13:17, which was also the final score of the first half.

Bosnian team played well in the second half

In the continuation, the Bosnian players scored five goals in nine minutes. And in goal, Bekir Čordalija was making good saves. The scoreboard in the 10th minute of the second half showed 19:20. The equaliser came from a goal by Panić a minute later. It was then 20:20, and at those moments, the Portuguese coach called a time-out.

The Bh. Fanaticosi provided excellent support to the Dragons in the moments when the result was being decided. There followed a period of excellent defence on both sides. For several minutes the score was 21:21, and the hosts failed to convert a seven-metre throw. In the very next attack, Portugal took a 22:21 lead. In the 20th minute, the "Pirates" led 24:23 after several minutes of being level. The defence was much tighter in the second half. This score again remained on the board for a long time. The continuation brought better play from the guests, who had a 26:23 lead five minutes before the end. At those moments, the guests also had a player advantage.

A similar scenario to the first half. However, Herceg reduced the deficit to minus two in the next attack, and Petrović to minus one. It was 25:26. Vukšić equalised from seven metres in the 29th minute to make it 26:26. BiH had a chance for victory but did not succeed. It ended in a draw.