Macedonia very close to another world championchip

Greece - Macedonia 25:27 (12:13)

With a collection of star shooters such as Kiril Lazarov and Renato Vugrinec, the Macedonians were tipped to win both of their play-off matches against the less experienced Greeks. But Greece clearly had different ideas and have made sure their rivals do not enjoy an easy ride to Qatar.

Greece managed to stay within one goal of Macedonia for the entirety of Saturday's match in Athens, only succumbing to their opponent's expertise in the last five minutes. Macedonia went into the match hoping for a decisive win that would allow for a calmer match when they welcome Greece to Skopje next Sunday. Greece have denied them that decisive win, but a home-crowd may be all the Macedonians need to win more convincingly in the second leg match.