Sweden vs. Russia
The two teams will compete in the last match of group B for day three. It has been 15 years since Sweden met Russia in an international tournament. In 1993 Russia beat Sweden 25-19 at the World Championships.
Sweden lost their first match 30-24 to Hungary, principally because of their inefficient attack. World champions Russia had a surprisingly tough start, held 29-29 by the Republic of Korea (ROK). Neither teams got off to a good start, but the 2007 World Champion Russian women hope to grab their first victory Monday evening.
The Republic of Korea vs. Germany
The ROK made an outstanding comeback in their opening match against Russia, and center-back Kim Ona is a player to look out for. Germany's top players are left-back Nadine Krause and goalkeeper Clara Woltering.
Last year Germany managed to beat the ROK, taking a 32-26 victory at the World Championships. The Republic of Korea had won their four previous encounters at international tournaments in the 1990s.
China vs. Romania
Romania had an easy start to the tournament, smashing Kazakhstan 31-19 on Saturday, while China, in their first match, managed to keep up with Norway's level of play for one half, but in the end they went down 30-23.
China only lost 31-29 at the 2007 World Championships to Romania, whereas in their two previous matches Romania finished six goals ahead. Yet it is still anticipated that Romania, as a European powerhouse, might overpower the host team.
Brazil vs. Hungary
Hungary beat Sweden 30-24 in their first match, whereas Brazil lost 24-22 to Germany on Saturday. They will meet in the first match of group B Monday morning.
Hungary has always proved too strong for the Brazilians at international tournaments, winning all four previous encounters, scoring 126 goals while only conceding 84. However, Brazil rattled Germany in the day one match and proved their potential to challenge the powerhouse.
Brazil's left-back and the team's top scorer to date, Aline Santos, will likely be a strong challenge for the Hungarian defense. While Hungary's left-wing Orsolya Verten and the world's top player, Anita Gorbicz, are players to watch.
Angola vs. Norway
The afternoon clash between African champion Angola and European Champion Norway might be a comfortable victory for the latter over the former, given that Norway beat Angola 32-26 in a preliminary match at last year's World Championships.
Angola played a strong first half in their opening match against France but faded in the second and went down 32-21. Norway showed all their class in their first game, beating China 30-23. The Europeans proved they are keen to win a third Olympic medal after two silver finishes (1988 and 1992).
Kazakhstan vs. France
The two will meet in the opening match of group A. France won the only encounter between the two teams at an international tournament so far, beating Kazakhstan 31-20 at the 2007 World Championships.
France has Sophie Herbrecht and goalie Valerie Nicolas to watch. Kazakhstan has to improve, as they went down 31-19 to Romania, but cornerstone Olga Ajiderskaya showed some class, scoring 10 goals in the day one match and might prove a threat to the French team.
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