What they said: Egypt v Chile
The hosts lead throughout the match and a drop in performance in the second period was not enough to help the South American nation, the Egyptian side powered through to the win.
Egypt head coach Roberto Garcia Parrondo spoke of his satisfaction after his side's opening day win against Chile with a score of 35:29.
"I am very satisfied with the win, and I hope this can be a very long championship," said Parrondo.
"We did extremely well in attack and defence, I couldn't ask for more. That said, I have to congratulate Chile on their performance and wish them the best in the rest of the tournament. I have to also thank the Egyptian government, the Egyptian Handball Federation and the organising committee for such great organisation of the competition.
"Ahmad El Ahmar is feeling his back a bit, he picked up a knock against Japan in our first friendly and I thought it'd be wise to keep him out of this game and have him ready for North Macedonia and Sweden. There are no disciplinary issues whatsoever, far from it.
"I would like to congratulate North Macedonia on joining the tournament, but at the same time I feel sorry for Czech Republic who qualified on merit - but the who situation is annoying for me as a coach because we've been preparing to face the Czech Republic for so long and now we have just 40 hours to prepare for a totally different opponent. I'm happy for North Macedonia though, I have great memories there.
Man of the match Yehia Al Deraa spoke of how happy he was with the team's opening evening win.
"The entire team did well, we did make mistakes but that is normal in the first game. We promise to do better the next time. I'm happy I've been given a different role as a playmaker, it's a fun position to be at because you're the main engine for the team.
"I'm happy I did well."
Parrondo's opposite number Mateo Garralda congratulated Egypt on the win, though he was quick to attend to his side's shortcomings.
"Our defensive errors in the first period costs us," said Garralda.
"I think Sweden will be the most difficult match for us, but Egypt today were an extremely difficult opponent too."
Chilean keeper Felipe Barrientos also spoke highly of the host nation, stating that the organisation in the midst of a pandemic was excellent, hoping the 'bubble' system works out.
"In the first half, we made a lot of mistakes but it's a good way for us to learn going forward."
Egypt will face North Macedonia next Tuesday, as they look for a win that would put them in prime position for a protracted top-of-the-group face-off against Sweden in their third match.