Qatar thrash Saudi Arabia 30-20 to top group

Defendingchampions Qatar produced a strong display to thrash Saudi Arabia 30-20and top Group D in the preliminary round of the Asian HandballChampionship in Suwon, South Korea, yesterday.This was the thirdstraight win for Alvaro Rivero’s men, who had earlier accounted for NewZealand and China to serve notice they meant business.In the mainround of the tournament, Qatar will meet Japan, Bahrain and the UAE inGroup B, while Iran, Oman, South Korea and Saudi Arabia face off inGroup A.The teams were tied 5-5 eight minutes into the game yesterday before Qatar took control and stamped their authority.Withina matter of minutes, Qatar were up 16-8 before ending the first halfwith a comprehensive 21-10 advantage. In fact, such was the confidencecoach Rivera had in his team that he fielded less experienced players assubstitutes to give the senior pros some much-needed rest. Anis Zouaouiscored eight goals for Qatar and was adjudged the best player of thematch. Rafael Capote with five goals and Mahmoud Hassaballa with fourwere the other main scorers for Qatar.Coach Rivera was understandably pleased with Qatar’s performance.“I am very happy how the boys played and topped the group,” said the Spaniard under whom Qatar has won several titles.“Itwas important to approach this match carefully as we have been playingalmost on a daily basis and there is always a risk of injury.“Thatis why I had to protect some of the senior players by substitutingthem,” he added. Rivero was however under no illusion that the secondround would be much more competitive.“Without a doubt the secondround will be tougher as the eight best teams in the tournament will beinvolved and keen on qualifying for the 2019 World Championship inGermany and Denmark. “Our focus now therefore is to forget thepreliminary round and focus on qualifying for the World Championship.” Qatar player Hassan Awad added that the team will try their best to win the tournament.“Werespect all competitors but we have a goal. It is to win the event.Qatar has entrusted us with great responsibility and we are confidentthat we can achieve our goals,” said Awad.“We prepared hard for thistournament and our efforts have paid off so far. But there is still along way to go and we can’t afford to be complacent,” he added.