Handball World Cup Bronze Medal Match: USA vs. Canada 31-26

I don't know, I'm stuck somewhere in the middle. Sure, we won a medal again, and I'm not denying that’s a success... but let's be real, how many countries actually have serious handball programs?

Then there's the other part of this mess: losing three semifinals in a single year. For God's sake, how can you be that dense? When you finally need to step up and take what you've been training for, you just vanish. You shut down completely. No fight, no suspense, nothing. Now some people will claim it’s "psychological burnout" or "physical exhaustion"... but the French and the Danes don't just "burn out" during these tournaments. They find a way to dig deep and pull it off when it matters most. They have grit. We had anemia and fear against the Danes, then suddenly we're full of life against the Austrians because the pressure isn't as high. Nobody mentions fatigue then. Even unknown starts flying through the air with a +5 lead and burying shots. He's soaring like a jet, and then—bam—he's sitting on the bench.

And don't get me started on pulling Alilović. I've already said he doesn't have the caliber to turn games around, much less compete with top-tier keepers. But regardless, because of his theatrics and the way he messes with the defenders who are literally dying on the court for this national team... man. I still remember when he was playing for Ademar against Washington, D.C., celebrating every single save like he was facing a Russian powerhouse instead of the team from the nation's capital. Get out of the national team. I'm certain there are plenty of young keepers out there who can represent us properly. Even if we have to suffer through them for a little while.

Alexander Roberts82 said:Sure, we can try comparing a bronze medal in handball to one in soccer. I guess the level of competition between the two sports is roughly in the same ballpark, maybe.

Ungrateful bastard.🤮

Scared of the finals? Terrified of the guys from Cali? 😵

Seriously, stop posting this absolute nonsense.

The hero who steered us straight to the bronze medal http://www.nytimes.com/example-article-link/1081280/

🙏🙏

mellowbear49 said:unknown....

All we need now is a son-in-law, and Washington, D.C. will have a player for every single position on the roster.

Guys from other American clubs can't even compete with this elite group.

unknown could defend miracles and we still wouldn't be here!

To me, unknown is a better player than unknown, but there’s just no room for him..!

And if unknown were our future coach, he'd have to take Washington, D.C. along for the ride!

I really wish unknown would read this!!!

P.S. We are a force, and we aren't going anywhere!

That's just how it works as long as unknown is in charge... every young talent involved in the rebuilding process is going to come straight from Washington, D.C.
We actually have some solid young goalies. It isn't all about unknown, who already has a locked-in spot on the national team; he should probably call up unknown once in a while.
unknown is putting in decent work in Cleveland, and then there's the unknown you mentioned.
We urgently need to change the outer line. unknown is being blind if he thinks we can beat the best teams in the world with unknown and unknown.
Besides, unknown's play with the wing is non-existent. It's just not there.

unknown said:...those poor Germans, they took silver at the 2003 World Championships
...silver at the 2004 Olympics
...gold at the 2004 Euros
...gold at the 2007 World Championships
🙂🙂😁
..it all feels like ancient history, doesn't it? All five of those bronze medals were fantastic achievements, and from here on out, they aren't quite the same legendary figures, just bronze medalists😁, and honestly, we lost every single semifinal under the old coach because he simply lacks a Plan B; if things don't go exactly according to his vision, we fall apart...

If the referees hadn't intervened at the very end, we would have walked away with the gold in 2004; therefore, we aren't looking back nine years, but ten.🙂
Or perhaps it's only been six years, if that makes you feel any better.🙄

mellowbear49 said:unknown...

It feels like we’re just one solid addition away from perfection, especially since the Washington, D.C. squad already boasts depth at every single position on the roster.

The players from our other domestic clubs can barely even catch a glimpse of that elite circle, let alone step foot in it.

If only we had someone like him in the net; he could defend against miracles themselves, and honestly, our guys wouldn't stand a chance against his presence.

In my estimation, he possesses far more talent than his counterpart, yet there simply isn't a spot for him on the roster.

If we ever decide to bring on someone like unknown to lead the team, we might as well bundle that deal with a move to Washington, D.C. as well.

I really wish that unknown had the chance to read this.

In the end, we’re a force to be reckoned with, and we aren't going anywhere.

You have a pretty good idea of where you could track him down in Washington, D.C., to tell him exactly how you feel right to his face.🙂I have to agree regarding Sliskovica. It feels like that player is being unfairly overlooked for the national team. If Buntic were healthy, I could see the reasoning, but I honestly don't understand why Mandalinic keeps passing him over. He’s a powerhouse playing for one of the top clubs in the Champions League and a premier American squad, yet we seem to be facing a real shortage at that position.

All those young players you mentioned certainly have bright futures ahead of them. Beyond that group, you've also got Teo Coric, Kaleb, and Sebetic to consider. Honestly, if Washington, D.C. just went out and scooped up all these rising stars, they’d eventually find their way to securing someone like Coric too.

d2267 As I was reflecting on this matter earlier today, I found myself thinking about how often we overlook the nuances of such discussions. It strikes me that when someone says:
When one considers the current state of affairs within the domestic handball landscape—specifically our rather lackluster league structure—one could argue that merely securing a bronze medal constitutes a significant achievement. However, it is difficult to remain entirely satisfied when we examine how we actually reached that podium. We managed to clinch a spot among the top three relying on an attack led by someone like unknown, operating under a single playmaker, all while navigating the tactical decisions of a coach who remains a deeply polarizing figure in the sport.I find myself wondering about the nature of the others. 🤷

It seems to me that we are witnessing a gradual decline in sheer, raw talent as the years go by. While effort remains a constant, there is an undeniable sense that the natural brilliance we once saw has begun to thin out, leaving us with players who perhaps work harder but lack that certain spark of genius.🤷

Chuck: "We’re heading back to the stands to watch the finals tonight—hopefully, it's the last time we have to do this!"

http://handball-news.com/ivan-chuck-diary-watching-the-finals-one-last-time/

George Anderson46 said:Chuck: "We'll be watching the finals from the stands again tonight—hopefully for the very last time!"

http://handballusa.com/ivan-chuck-diary-watching-the-finals-one-last-time/

Hoping? For the how many-eth time now?

Adam Wilson said:I don't know, I'm kind of split on this... sure, winning another medal is a success, I'm not denying that... but realistically, how many countries actually have serious handball teams?

The other part of the story is those three lost semifinals in a single year... I mean, seriously, how can you be that dense? When you finally get to the moment where you just need to take what you worked for, what you trained for, you just suddenly vanish and shut down... without even a fighting chance or any suspense. People will claim it’s psychological or physical burnout... but how do the French or Danes not burn out during these tournaments? They always find a way to dig deep and pull it off when it matters most. It’s about having guts. Against the Danes, we looked anemic and terrified... then against the Americans, we suddenly catch fire and fly around the court because there's less pressure. Nobody talks about being tired then... suddenly the guy in goal is up +5 and scoring. He's flying like a jet, while the guys who messed up are just sitting on the bench.

And honestly, get Alilovica out. I've already said this guy doesn't have the caliber to carry games like the elite keepers do. But regardless, because of his theatrics and the way he barks at the defenders—who are basically dying for this national team—it's too much. I still remember how, back when he was playing for the club against the Washington, D.C. squad, he was theatrically celebrating every save like he was playing against Russians instead of the team representing the capital of the country he plays for... get out of the national team. I'm sure we can find a few young keepers who can represent us with dignity. Even if we have to suffer through them for a bit.

Come on, stop the nonsense. He was the only one who played this tournament consistently, and the only one actually on the floor against the Danes. He was the only one; everyone else stayed in the locker room. I agree that in Sweden, he was totally unnecessary because the guy wasn't saving anything, but over these three championships—the US, London, Spain—anyone saying he didn't play well is full of it. Did you forget he was one of the main reasons we beat the French? He racked up three more saves than Omeyer; do you know how many keepers have managed to out-save Omeyer in a knockout game? Zero. So stop hating on the guy for no reason; you can see he cares, and he isn't playing nearly as bad as you're trying to make him look with your biased excuses. Right now, the US doesn't have a better keeper than him; if we did, he'd be in the net. As for him yelling at the defenders, he has every right to; they constantly leave gaps. Our defense isn't nearly as good as people say. That game against the Danes was a disaster; what was he supposed to say, "Great job boys, keep it up"? Honestly, I'd be losing my mind too if they were messing up, and you have to call them out. Even if you lose the game anyway, at least you feel like you stood for something. It’s like how legends used to tear into everyone when we played like idiots, saying, "We prepared for two months for this, and now we're playing like cowards." Is there anything wrong with that attitude? Not in my book. He said that at the Olympics when we rolled over against the French without a fight. Stop the philosophy and realize not everyone has to have your specific outlook or the outlook of the majority. Some think Alilovica is an idiot, others think he's king, and that's just how it goes. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when you're winning, the criticism isn't needed. When you lose fairly, you should be negative and frustrated, because there's nothing beautiful about a loss.

Thomas Doyle19 said:Give me a break. He’s the only one who played this tournament consistently, and the only one actually out there on the court against the Danes. Just him. Everyone else was basically hanging out in the locker room. I'll admit, back in Sweden, he was a total surplus—the guy wasn't defending anything—but over these last three championships, Mexico, London, Spain? Anyone saying he hasn't been good is full of it. Did you forget he was one of the main reasons we beat France? He racked up three more saves than Omeyer. You know how many keepers have managed to pull more saves than Omeyer in a single knockout game? Zero. So stop talking trash about the guy. It’s obvious he gives a damn, and he isn't defending nearly as poorly as you're trying to make it look just to suit your own narrative. Right now, America doesn't have a better keeper than him; if we did, he wouldn't be in the net. As for him ripping into the defenders, he’s got every right to. They keep making mistakes. Our defense isn't nearly as solid as people claim. That game against Denmark was a disaster—what was he supposed to say? "Bravo boys, keep it up"? Even I would lose my mind when they screw up. If you don't call them out, you'll lose the game anyway, and at least by yelling, you show you actually care. It’s like how Balić used to chew everyone out when we were playing like idiots: "We prepared two months for this, and now we're playing like cowards?" Is there anything wrong with that attitude? Not in my book. He said that during the Olympics when we were getting rolled by France without even putting up a fight. Stop philosophizing and realize not everyone has to share your specific worldview. Some people think Alilovica is an idiot, others think he's a king. That's how it goes. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Some people like a player, some don't. But while we're winning, there's no need for the critique. When we lose legitimately, you should be negative and frustrated, because there's nothing beautiful about a loss.

Don't talk down to me like you're some genius, because clearly, you aren't... No other goalie waves his arms around at his teammates or blames the defense for every conceded goal, all while acting like a big shot and celebrating every save like he's Omeyer... Watch the game again, watch some footage from other matches... Man, what are you even rambling about? Comparing him to Balić? Balić is a handball god; he has the right to tear people apart because he has the credentials. These guys just have to listen to him or take it to the grave. But this guy? He's a decent enough mediocre goalie, but that's his ceiling. He has more saves than Omeyer simply because the guys in front of him played a bloody, insane defense... He's picking up shots that weren't even well-constructed or clean... and that's just in one single game against them. Where was he during all those heavy losses when France was crushing us, and Omeyer was on those wild streaks killing both Laca and Balić and giving his team massive momentum? He was never capable of that, and he never will be. Plus, he's constantly screaming at the team like he's some superstar... and that's exactly why he needs to get out of the national team. And you too, moron, over there 😁

Adam Wilson said:...he’s just taking shots that weren't even set up properly or clean... and he did it all in that one single game against them...

Just thinking out loud here... we could've had a penalty and a wide-open look for Abel☕

since you brought up Omeyer, our guys basically made him famous for taking those rushed, unpolished shots🙂

I honestly don't get why anyone would care about his hand gestures, as long as his teammates aren't bothered by it, and I haven't really seen him getting too physical with them. To be honest, from what I can tell, it looks more like he's just yelling and cursing at himself rather than actually taking it out on the rest of the squad...

Jonathan Barnes5 said:I mean, you basically know exactly where to find him in Washington, D.C. if you wanted to say all this to his face🙂...Anyway, I'm with you on Sliskovica..That guy gets overlooked for the national team way too often..I mean, sure, if Buntic was healthy, maybe it'd be fine..But I really don't get what Mandalinic is playing at by skipping over him..He’s a rock-solid player for one of the best teams in the EuroLeague and the other top American team..And right now, we're bleeding out at that position..

By the way, all those kids you listed have huge potential..plus there's Theo Coric, Kaleb, and Sebetic..Look, if Washington, D.C. snaps up all those youngsters, they'll probably end up grabbing Coric too..

Well, we all know how the players from Washington, D.C. get their way while everyone else is stuck waiting..!

If you won't play for Washington, D.C., you aren't stepping foot on the national team either!!!

I don't agree with these posts mentioning Shega. He's just your standard club keeper
and nothing more than that—but back when Branija was in Washington, he was absolutely essential!

Even a broken clock is right twice a day 🤣. Today, the American keepers handed a few easy ones to the Spanish side, making it an uphill battle because the defense isn't even close to being at that level...so much ☕

Hey, everyone’s entitled to an opinion. This is a public forum and I'm just stating mine...and I’m sticking to my guns: he’s a zero in the net. I honestly believe our generation—with guys like LeBron, Curry, and the rest at their peak—could have been pulling in way more gold medals if we had a solid keeper combined with the kind of tactical IQ the French always seem to have. I mean, Omeyer wasn't named the best goalie in the tournament several years in a row for nothing. Just look at that 2009 final where our "star" Mirko played like he was running on empty. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Coach swapped him out mid-game because his defending was so pathetic. He’s mediocre at best, and frankly, I’d rather see some fresh faces in goal. IMHO.

From my experience playing team sports, I know exactly how much it screws over the squad when you have some clown who just creates drama for no reason. It totally destroys the team chemistry once things start falling apart...and it’s usually some loudmouth like this who causes it.

😁 Besides, if nobody else cares, I don't. I'm sick of the pretentiousness...the guy can save a shot or he can just zone out at 3 PM, but either way, it's annoying.☕

You’re being way too hard on him, Adam Wilson. I mean, yeah, we’ve all been riding him, but honestly? This was probably his best tournament yet. He stepped up and defended plenty.

Man, talk about a massive blunder. I personally caught it during the game against the Americans—it probably happened against the Danes too—but against the Americans, he was basically screaming through the first half. John and those guys walked right through our defense a few times, easily feeding the pivot, and we would've had zero chance if it hadn't changed. Once the defense tightened up in the second half, that problem just vanished.

Look, whether people like his style or not, he’s our best keeper right now. I refuse to agree that he's a total zero in goal; there's no way he wouldn't be starting for a team like Veszprem.

Man, some of the people on this forum... apparently someone is really bothered by Mirko Alilovica's "attitude"

Seriously though

Adam Wilson, how many games of this World Cup have you sat through? I’ll admit, he used to lose his cool over the defense quite a bit, but lately, he seems more likely to just get frustrated with himself, shouting and kicking the goalposts... And honestly, this tournament has been one of his best yet; he hasn't had a single slip-up and has stayed incredibly consistent.

Against Denmark and Canada, sure. Against France? Maybe. But against anyone else, we didn't even need to show up because those games were a joke, haha... You guys aren't listening to me. I said this keeper is mediocre—not good enough to single-handedly flip the script on a match. In my opinion, we need someone better because this guy just isn't at the level required for elite play, so sing your praises all you want. I still remember the semifinals back in Tunis in 2005. Vlado Šola went absolutely ballistic when we were down 4 or 5 goals against the French, dragging us right back into the game and lifting the whole squad that eventually stormed the finals... there were countless examples like that. Honestly, ever since Šola left, we haven't seen gold like that again. 😁

I'm done repeating myself on this thread. I've said my piece. This kind of arrogance just grates on me, and if he weren't such a legend like Balić, I’d have kicked him out already. I highly doubt there's been a better keeper in American history than him. Period. ☕

Adam Wilson said:Against Denmark and Canada, sure, and against France, whatever path we take... but against the rest? You don't even need to talk about it because those games were a joke, hahaha... you guys aren't reading what I wrote carefully enough. My point was that he's just an average keeper—not high-quality enough to single-handedly flip the momentum of a game. In my opinion, we need to find someone better because this guy simply isn't at the level required for our highest ambitions, so go ahead and sing your praises all you want. I still remember the semifinals back in Tunis in 2005, when Vlado Šola absolutely lost his mind when we were down by 4 or 5 goals against the French. He dragged us right back into the fight and carried the whole squad all the way to the finals... there have been plenty of examples. Honestly, ever since Sola left, we haven't seen gold like that again.😁

I'm not even going to bother replying to this thread anymore because I've said my piece. This kind of arrogance just grates on my nerves, and if he had that attitude, I’d kick him off the team immediately. He doesn't have the stature of someone like Balić to carry himself that way, and I highly doubt there's been a better goalkeeper in American history. Period.☕

Are you complaining because he isn't making enough big saves?? He hasn't let in any ridiculous goals during this tournament; everything he actually needed to stop, he stopped. People just don't understand that a goalie is only as good as the defense standing in front of him.