Qatar scored their second successive win at the Qatar International handball tournament yesterday, after a narrow 24-22 win over Argentina at the Al Duhail Indoor Hall.
The Asian champions dominated the first half and were leading 14-8 at the half-time, but South American champions Argentina put in a strong show in the second. However, Qatar managed to hold on to the lead and secure a nervy win.
In the opening match on Friday, Qatar had edged past Tunisia 33-30. In another match yesterday, Spain and Tunisia played out a thrilling 30-30 draw. Both the teams were also tied at the half-time at 14 each. 
The four-nation friendly tournament is being conducted as Qatar and three other teams – Tunisia, Argentina and Spain – prepare for the World Championship in Egypt to be held from January 13-31. Qatar next play against Spain in their final match tomorrow.
Rafael Da Costa Capote, Youssef Benali and Ahmed Madadi once again put on a fine show, but it was hosts defence which withstood the late offence from Argentina. Qatar coach Valero Rivera continued to rotate his squad as the Spaniard had said on the tournament eve. And his bench strength has not disappointed him so far.
In the last few months, Qatar team underwent several training camps besides featuring in a number of friendly matches, including games against top clubs of Qatar. Now the friendly international tournament against European champions Spain, Argentina and Tunisia will serve as vital preparations for the World Championships. Rivera wanted to have a camp in a European country but the travel restrictions in place due to Covid-19 pandemic meant Qatar had to train at home.
At next month’s IHF event, Al Annabi, drawn in Group C, open their campaign against Angola in what will be a rematch of one of the most memorable matches from the 2019 World Championships. The EURO 2020 runners-up Croatia and Japan are the other teams in their group.