Russia vs. Dominican Republic (+28.5) - Preview

 I found this handicap on Dominican Republic too big since they are put on level of Australia. But they are coming from more competitive region and are stronger team. They show that on their only appearance on world championships in 2007 when beat Australia by 12 goals, but also was not defeated with bigger handicap than todays from strong teams in their group. They lost from Norway 19:42 which finished 2nd on that tournament and by 20:41 from Angola and even 19:32 from Austria. This Olympic qualifications will be their second international competition but they have experience playing in Pan American championships which are held every 2 years and Panam games which are held every 4 years. They achieve place on this Olympic qualifiers exactly on last Panam games where ended 3rd after beating hosts Mexico in match for bronze medal. So they have more experience than Australia which play every  world championship only because are coming from region where need to beat just even worst New Zealand, while Dominican Republic play against much better South American teams. Brazil is best from all of them and in range with top European teams and they beat Russia on last world championship with 36:20. This is not some pointer about Russia weakness since they are one of best teams and main candidate for medals, but show in what mood Russia finished that competition where take 6th place, but also point the strength of Brazil. Dominican Republic with same Brazil lost with just 18:32 couple of months before on Panam games and I rate them in strength as Uruguay which they draw 24:24 in group and Argentina from which they lost with 18:19 in semifinal on same tournament. I doubt that Russia will get same handicap against both of this opponents since they are more known to bookies and Dominican Republic is underestimated since are mistery. But they are decent team which came from same region as Cuba which show good handball on last world championship and was competitive in many games with biggest loss by 20 goals from silver medalist France. I expect also good display from Dominican girls since will be very motivated to play against strong European teams and they have some talented tall players and good shooters. They will probably be also underestimated by great Russian players which should not push whole match since have more tricky games against Tunisia and Denmark in next two days. Some 20-25 goals win is also big result and should be satisfying for them.