US Handball Faces Uphill Battle Against Portugal in World Championship Opener
The United States men’s handball team, comprised entirely of naturalized players, faces a daunting challenge in their opening match of the 2025 World championship against Portugal. Team manager Andreas Hertelt, a German handball veteran, acknowledges Portugal’s status as a tournament favorite and their potential to make a deep run.
Hertelt, speaking to Lusa news agency, described the Group E preliminary round as “extremely difficult,” with matches against powerhouse nations Portugal, Norway, and Brazil. While the US team aims to replicate their 2023 performance, where they snapped a 23-game losing streak in world Championship finals, Hertelt recognizes the increased difficulty of advancing to the main round this year.
Despite lacking the star power of other national teams, Hertelt expresses confidence in his team’s spirit and determination. “We have nothing to lose,” he stated. “We have a good team with great energy, and the players are here as they want to be. That’s our strength.”
Hertelt believes Portugal has the potential to be a surprise contender in the tournament, emphasizing their obligation to advance to the second round and fight for a quarterfinal berth. He anticipates a tight contest against Norway, with the outcome likely hinging on fine margins.Looking at the overall championship picture, Hertelt identifies three-time defending champion Denmark as the frontrunner. Denmark also holds the Olympic title and recently secured a silver medal at the european Championship, narrowly losing to France in overtime.
Hertelt also highlighted the challenge posed by a resurgent German team.Though, he believes the top contenders are well-established, with few surprises expected.
Beyond the World Championship, Hertelt and head coach Robert Heidin face the monumental task of preparing the US team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where they have already secured a berth as hosts. This presents a unique challenge, as handball lacks a strong tradition in the United States.
Heidin, a Swedish handball legend with a decorated career including a European Championship title and Olympic medals, brings invaluable experience to the coaching staff.
The US team’s World Championship journey begins on Wednesday against Portugal at the Unity Arena in Oslo. The match, scheduled for 6:00 PM local time (5:00 PM Lisbon time), marks the opening fixture of Group E in the preliminary round. The tournament, co-hosted by Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, runs until february 2nd.
Can the US Handball Team Shock the World? A Chat with Former Olympian, Lena Andersson
The 2025 Handball World Championship is upon us, and while the US men’s team might be flying under the radar, there’s a quiet buzz of optimism surrounding their chances. That optimism comes in part due to their impressive showing in 2023, snapping a 23-game losing streak in the World Championship finals. Today, we’re joined by former Swedish Olympic handball star, Lena Andersson, to dissect the Team USA’s prospects in this year’s tournament.
Mod: Lena, welcome to the show! The US team faces an uphill battle in Group E, matched against powerhouses like Portugal, Norway, and Brazil. Andreas Hertelt, the team manager, is a veteran of the game. How realistic is the US team’s goal of advancing to the main round?
Lena Andersson: Thanks for having me. it’s going to be extremely tough for the US. Portugal, Norway, and Brazil are all world-class teams with a wealth of experience. Hertelt is one of the best managers in the business, but this group is brutal. The US will need to play at their absolute best in every match.
Mod: Hertelt emphasized the team’s “good energy” and “great spirit”. Does that intangible aspect make a meaningful difference against such tough competition?
Lena Andersson: Absolutely. Heart and determination can take a team a long way. We saw that with the US team in 2023. They showed a lot of grit and fight. But they’ll need more than just heart to beat these teams. They need tactical execution and clinical finishing.
Mod: So, do you think we might see some surprises from the US? Can they pull off an upset?
Lena Andersson: An upset against Portugal? I wouldn’t rule it out entirely. the US has nothing to lose. they can play freely and might catch Portugal off guard. But I think consistently beating teams at this level will be a tall order.
Mod:
Looking at the bigger picture, Hertelt sees Denmark as the frontrunners. Denmark has dominated the handball world stage recently. What are your thoughts on their chances?
Lena Andersson: Denmark is the team to beat. They are incredibly well-rounded and have been playing extraordinary handball for the past few years. It’s going to take a monumental effort from any team to dethrone them.
Mod: What about the resurgence of Germany? Hertelt mentioned them as a potential threat. Do you see them challenging Denmark for the title?
Lena Andersson: Germany is definitely a team on the rise. They have some fantastic young talent. They could definitely make a deep run, but I still think Denmark has the edge.
Mod: Beyond the World Championship, this US team has a massive goal in sight – the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With handball lacking a strong tradition in the US, how can the team build momentum and capture the attention of the American public?
Lena Andersson: A strong showing in this World Championship would be a massive boost. Americans love to support winners. If they can showcase their talent and compete at a high level,it could spark some interest and inspire young athletes to take up the sport. It’s a long-term project, but I think the US team is on the right track.
Mod: Lena, fantastic insights, as always!
What do you think, fans? Can the US men’s handball team turn heads at the 2025 World Championship? Can they pull off an upset against Portugal in their opening match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
