JERUSALEM, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic's national handball team achieved a 29-19 win over Israel in Group 3 of the men's 2024 European Championship qualifiers at Tel Aviv's Drive-In Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Czech Republic and Iceland, who beat Estonia 37-25 in Tallinn on Saturday, have four points each, while Israel and Estonia remain with no point after two rounds.
The teams that finish in the first two places after six rounds will qualify for the final, which will be held in Germany in January, 2024.
Strong defense and goals by Stanislav Kasparek and Matej Klima allowed the visiting team to take a 16-10 lead at the end of first half.
Klima and Tomas Babak inspired the Czechs to increase the lead to 26-16 in the 53rd minute and secure the win.
Klima scored a game-high seven goals for the winners, while his teammates Babak and Jakub Hrstka added five goals each. Yoav Lumbroso scored a team-high six goals for Israel.
The Czech Republic will meet Iceland while Israel will play Estonia, with both matches to be played on March 8, 2023. ■
