EGYPT 2021 - A bizarre draw ceremony

IHF MEN EGYPT 2021 Groups were drawn as follows

Colour coding depending on group's challenges

A Germany, Hungary, Uruguay, Cabo Verde

B Spain, Tunisia, Brazil, Poland

C Croatia, Qatar, Japan, Angola

D Denmark, Argentina, Bahrain, Democratic Republic of Congo

E Norway, Austria, France, North American team

F Portugal, Algeria, Iceland, Morocco

G Sweden, Egypt, Czech Republic, South American Team 2

H Slovenia, Belarus, Korea, Russia

 

Much as the scenery looked truly special, by the Giza pyramids, the ceremony was slightly disappointing insofar as we were so excited about the draw.

Despite being a fan of classical music, SCALA RADIO, anyone? We were compelled to listen upto half an hour of classical music cacophony to start with. 

The sound via youtube only worked after 23 minutes into the event proper. 

The subsequent formal presentations lasted 20 mins. The presentations/speeches in the English language alongside the translator voice were making it a bit of a painful exercise.

Then viewers and attendees had to go through music entertainment again with an uninspiring choreography.

It is never nice to express feelings when one is disappointed. I remember the London opening ceremony as being out of this world. This one was the complete opposite. To the committee defence, there is a COVID induced delay in the event occurrence.

The ceremony was due to close in twenty-five minutes and we are still at a loss as to who is going to play who etc.

Summary of the draw procedures around 1h30 into the event only lasted 5 mins.

In actual fact the session ended with a 20-min delay. And in the end the little imperfections or misunderstandings were of limited importance in the bigger picture.

Response to my question following a Noelia Quero tweet is not publicly available. It relates to the number of games and the relevant groups playing in Alexandria. It also hinges on the so-called ‘cruces’.

First time with 32 teams and remember next time in 2023 it’s Poland and Sweden.

A couple of minnows such as newcomers Cabo Verde and RDC.

There could be some diplomatic rift in Group G with Belarus and Russia in the same group.

The new ball for the championships looks awesome.

As Sanad is one of USAM best players these days I hope he does well for Egypt

Even the lady presenting the ceremony had to challenge her guests as to why handball was preferred to football. To me it’s a no brainer.

Surprisingly Egypt decided to opt for Group G. Interesting one.

Mr Sagosen against France. Emily must be over the moon. Austria is a growing force so the group is an open one. One has to wait for the November qualifiers to find out if Cuba will be back in contention as it used to be in the late 80s and early 90s.

This draw had a special feel and let me finish on a tribute note. Lorene always and forever with us.

Now let's wait and see the draft fixtures schedule and the possible permutations etc. before booking our travel arrangements, completing our visa and media applications.