Handball World Cup Match Marred by Chaos as North Macedonian Fans Throw Objects at Dutch Players

The Netherlands handball team defeated North Macedonia 37-32 in a World Cup match, but the victory was marred by chaotic scenes as North Macedonian fans threw objects onto the court, forcing the Dutch players to flee for their safety.

A dramatic World Cup handball match between the Netherlands and North Macedonia ended in chaos as disappointed North Macedonian fans threw objects onto the court, forcing the Dutch players to flee for their safety. The Netherlands ultimately emerged victorious, winning 37-32, but the match will be remembered for the intense and volatile atmosphere.

The match got off to a promising start for North Macedonia, who were backed by a passionate crowd of thousands in Varaždin. They took an early 2-1 lead, but the Netherlands quickly regained control, capitalizing on North Macedonian mistakes to take a 4-2 lead after just seven minutes. Despite this early setback, North Macedonia refused to give up, and their determination would eventually pay off.

Boosted by strong performances from left wing Filip Kuzmanoski and line player Zharko Peshevski, North Macedonia fought their way back into the game, taking an 8-7 lead. However, their momentum was disrupted when Petar Atanasijevikj, a crucial player for the team, received a direct red card. This proved to be a turning point in the match, as the Netherlands took advantage of the situation, scoring five unanswered goals and establishing a 17-13 lead at halftime.

The Netherlands started the second half strongly, quickly taking a five-goal lead. However, North Macedonia refused to give up, launching a remarkable comeback that saw them cut the deficit to 23-21. The match was intense and closely contested, with tensions running high in the final stages. This boiled over into chaos when Robin Schoenaker of the Netherlands and Milan Lazarevski of North Macedonia were both handed red cards, leading to the dramatic and chaotic conclusion to the match.

As the Netherlands' victory became increasingly certain, the North Macedonian supporters grew more agitated, eventually throwing objects onto the court in a disturbing display. The Dutch players were visibly disgusted by this behavior, and goalkeeper Mathias Rex expressed his shock and disappointment in a post-match interview with Danish TV2 Sport. “They're started to throw things at us. I have never tried anything like it. But that's clearly how it is down here in the Balkans,” Rex said.

Rex also shared a specific incident that highlighted the extreme behavior of the North Macedonian fans. “At one point, when I was preparing for a free throw, they threw water on the goal. It's absolutely insane. It has nothing to do with handball. But that's how it is sometimes,” he said. The goalkeeper's comments underscored the intense and chaotic atmosphere that marred the end of the match.

The Netherlands will look to build on their winning streak when they face Hungary on Sunday, while North Macedonia will seek their first victory against Guinea. A win for North Macedonia could provide them with a crucial ticket to the main round, and they will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Netherlands.