The final ranking of the positions 5 to 16 will be confirmed in six placement matches at the Men’s Junior World Championship in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Tunisia and Denmark took the first victories on Saturday (27 July). The spectators saw one clear win and a penalty shoot-out, which ended unlucky for the host.

 

Placement match 15/16:

Argentina – Tunisia 17:33 (9:17)

After three straight defeats in the eighth-finals and the placement round, Tunisia finished their campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina victorious – and in style. The “Gauchos” had no chance, seemed to be tired, while their competitor was highly motivated to take the win. The Africans already had the better start, led by 10:6 and then already pre-decided the intercontinental duel by a 5:0 series to the halftime score of 17:9. At 20:10 the result was double-figured for the first time – and latest then Argentina surrendered. By scoring only eight times after the break, the match ended in a disaster for the Pan-American runners-up. Best scorers were Santiago Baronetto (five goals for Argentina) and Essais and Soussi, who netted seven times each for the victors.

 

Placement match 13/14:

Bosnia-Herzegovina – Denmark 35:36 (30:30, 17:15) after penalty shoot-out

 

2011 Youth World Champion Denmark took a final victory to finish on 13th rank, but was not satisfied with their general performance in Bosnia-Herzegovina. And the host was also disappointed as they wanted to say “farewell” to their fans victorious. Every one saw that both teams were tired in their ninth match in two weeks – especially regarding their defence sides. The match was mostly equal, no team managed to cast off their competitor though they had enough opportunities. In the final minute (30:30) both teams had the chance to decide the match, but both caused technical mistakes or turnovers, so the penalty shoot-out needed to decide. After the five first shooters from both teams had hit the net, Bjarke Christensen scored for 36:35 – and the Danish goalkeeper Rasmus Bech saved the shot of Ivan Milicevic. The Danes, who really had to fight hard before to finish by an equal result after 60 minutes, jumped upon their goalkeeper, while the unlucky Bosnians finished their home event with a defeat.

Best scorers were Bosnian Elmir Gradan 811 goals) and Danish Bjarke Cristensen with ten goals.

 

Final ranking 13 - 24:

13. Denmark

14. Bosnia-Herzegovina

15. Tunisia

16. Argentina

17. Russia

18. Korea

19. Qatar

20. Kuwait

21. Angola

22. Congo

23. Chile

24. Algeria