Varazdin, 16 January 2025 (MIA) – The Macedonian handball team secured a draw 27:27 (14:14) against the favored Hungarian team in Varazdin late Wednesday, in their opening match at the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship.

The team, backed by strong support from Macedonia fans in the arena, played an excellent match, both in attack and defence, while goalkeeper, Nikola Mitrevski, made crucial saves that allowed his team to regain composure and equalize. He ended the match with 12 saves.

After a tied score 14-14 at half-time, the second half was a back-and-forth battle, with the match being decided in the final 2–3 minutes. 

Kuzmanovski’s goal for 26-27 and Mitrevski’s incredible save gave hope, but a passive play call handed the ball back to Hungary, where Ilic tied it at 27-27 in the final seconds.

Filip Kuzmanovski was Player of the Match with 10 goals. On the other side, Zoran Ilic netted 6.

In the next round, Macedonia will face the Netherlands on Friday, while Hungary will play against Guinea.

Photo: MIA