The Argentine classic kicked off the second day of the SCA Men’s Club Handball Championship held in the city of Taubaté, Brazil. Last year’s champions faced a familiar opponent: Universitario de Córdoba. In an evenly matched game, San Fernando imposed its superiority and won the game 30-33.
The first 30 minutes were slightly favorable for San Fernando, which dominated the field with an aggressive and fast offense. However, the cordobeses held firm and did not allow the team led by Elio Fernández to get significantly ahead on the scoreboard. Through effective counter-attacking and a series of crucial ball steals, they were able to contain San Fernando attacks and tie the game in the last ten minutes before halftime. But, at the end of the first half, Fabio Sozzi good skill under the three posts was able to transform the defense into quick attacks, regaining the lead on the scoreboard. The first half ended 15-19 in favor of the porteños.
In the second half, Club Universitario showed renewed energy and a more aggressive offense without slowing down. The good performance of goalkeeper Maximiliano Muñoz, together with a quick start, allowed Rodrigo Barrera team to close the gap on the scoreboard, being only two goals away from a draw at times.
Despite this, San Fernando did not lower the intensity of its play, maintaining a solid defensive line that frustrated Universitario’s strategies. The game ended 30-33 in favor of San Fernando. The MVP of the game was Juan Pablo Fernández.
Post-match statements:
Juan Pablo Fernández, San Fernando playerWe knew it was going to be a tough match, they came with a lot of confidence and yesterday they played a very good match. The first half was tough, it was complicated at some point and then we managed to make a difference, but they never stopped, they put intensity and it was a difficult match”.
Facundo Endrek, player of Universitario de Córdoba: “We love the friction we have, we are looking for more and more of it and we are closer to surpassing the other team. We come to give our all in every ball, tactically we are very prepared and I hope that in the games to come we can succeed in some of them”.
Watch the match on our YouTube channel Handball SC America!
Photo:CoSCABal/Luis Ferraz.
By Camila Miranda Torres.
