Spain’s Julen Aguinagalde (right) in action against Belarus during their 24th World Men’s Handball Championship match at the Duhail Sports Hall yesterday. Aguinagalde and team-mate Jorge Maqueda scored six goals each in Spain’s 38-33 win over Belarus. PICTURES: Othman al-Samaraee

 

By Yash Mudgal/Doha


Defending champions Spain launched their campaign in the 24th World Men’s Handball Championship with a hard-fought 38-33 victory over Belarus at the Duhail Sports Hall yesterday.
The all-European duel unfolded at almost breakneck speed as both the teams showed determination to dominate. They exchanged opening goals within 90 seconds and in five minutes the score was 4-4.
Spaniards demonstrated more quality in their scoring prowess against their rivals, who failed to score at the crucial moments, and earned two points.
Spanish defence struggled throughout the game but found their rhythm in the last 10 minutes of the game and overcame fighting Belarussians. The defending champions’ cause was also helped by two red cards to Belarus.
Not very satisfied with his team’s performance, Spain coach Manuel Cadenas said: “I think we are lucky to earn two points in our first outing. It was a good game although we were not very good in defence. We were never behind Belarus, but we certainly have our problems, especially in defence.”
He also gave credit to their opponents by saying, “They played a very good game. They were also in their first game of the championship, but I must admit they were good in speed and attack.”
The second half started just like the first one, with a fast and furious exchange of goals between the teams. Collective efforts by the Spanish ensured they kept a healthy lead over Belarus. It seemed that every time the Belarus players were scoring, the Spanish were scoring one back.
Yet the Belarussians were showing their ‘never-say-die’ attitude troubling the Spanish defence with their daring attacks, at times reducing Spain’s lead to just a single point.
Spain’s Jorge Maqueda was on top of his game scoring four goals in the first period and finished the game with two more in 10 attempts.
Belarusians gave Spaniards, the best in the group, a hard time in both defence and attack mainly through the efforts of Aliaksandr Tsitou (five goals) and Maxim Babichev (four goals).
“We lost two important players to red cards, but we still showed a great performance against the world champions. We played on a high level until the last ten minutes. We can take confidence from this performance. Our goal is to reach pre-quarterfinals, so we need to take the points against other opponents,” Belarus’ veteran left winger Ivan Brouka, the highest goal (510) scorer for his team, said.
Commenting over the red cards Belarus coach Yuri Shevtsov said: “I cannot discuss the referee’s decision. I just accept the decision although I think the decision influenced the game.”
Spain’s centre-back Joan Canellas also lauded Belarus’ efforts and admitted that they have problem in defence.
“I am satisfied with the game. Clearly Belarus is improving in many areas. The game was very fast, especially the second-half. Belarus was hitting us on fast breaks so it was very dangerous but we have coped with it well. We will have to improve in defence above all.”
Spain will take on Brazil, Qatar will meet Chile and Belarus will lock horns with Slovenia in a busy Group A day today.