Uruguay’s agonizing victory qualified them for the World Cup. The Uruguayans beat Chile 2-0 to secure the final spot at the World Cup.
In a light drizzle, Chile and Uruguay battled it out for third place and the last spot at the World Cup in China, which is due to take place in June this year.
First set
Chile’s goal in the first five seconds of the match suggested they were going all out, but Uruguay’s swift response to equalise showed just how evenly matched the encounter was going to be.
At times Chile took the lead, but Uruguay quickly equalised and regained the lead.
A superb performance by Chilean goalkeeper Hanson Lin prevented the Uruguayan side from extending their lead, and the gap remained at two goals.
The set was decided in the closing stages, with Chile’s Juan Rubio scoring the equaliser. However, Uruguay’s response was quicker, and Fernando Sequeira secured the set 19–18.
Chile v Uruguay at the SCA Beach Handball Championships, Asunción 2024. COSCABAL / Camilo Rotela.
Second set
The pattern of the match continued in the second half, with a string of shots hitting the crossbar for the Uruguayan side and the Chilean defence proving effective.
However, an effective counter-attack by Uruguay’s Santiago Rodríguez levelled the score for La Celeste, forcing the set to be decided by a golden goal.
In the end, Mauricio Gallo’s goal secured the bronze medal for Uruguay.
Other results
The first match of the day saw Paraguay beat Peru 2-0, securing fifth place in the tournament.
Post-match comments:
Mauricio Santiago, Uruguay national team player:
“We got what we wanted, which was to qualify for the World Cup; that’s what we came here for. Although we wanted to be in the final, it wasn’t to be this time, but we’ll keep working to reach the World Cup in the best possible shape.”
Matías Veneros, Chile national team player:
“We knew it was a match in which the team that made the fewest mistakes would come out on top. We’re leaving with a bitter taste in our mouths, knowing we could have achieved the big goal we had set ourselves.”
You can watch the Beach Handball SCA gold medal match, Asunción 2024, on our YouTube channel Handball SC América
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Fotos: CoSCABal / Camilo Rotela
Por Camila Miranda
