Paula Eastman, Uruguayan central and captain, is part of the squad confirmed by coach Leonardo Puñales for the SCA Senior Handball Championship to be held from November 26 in Niteroi.
The Uruguayan national team is preparing for what will be its participation in the South Central. “As a sporting objective the most important thing in this tournament is to get the place to the World Cup”, said Puñales.
Motivation and objective
While her captain said: “The squad is very excited and motivated, we have been working hard in recent months. In these weeks we are focused one hundred percent on training with the national team.
The Tournament is a qualifier for the next World Cup, there will be three places at stake. Is Uruguay’s main objective to win one of those tickets?
- Totally, Uruguay’s first objective is to qualify again to a World Cup and we want to obtain one of those three places, we are very focused on that objective.
The Uruguayan women participated five times in world championships, in 1997 (24th), 2001 (23rd), 2003 (24th), 2005 (23rd) and the last time was in 2011 where they placed 20th.
How is the preparation for the South Central Championship going?
- The preparation is going very well, it started in August, the first months were not so intense because many of us were competing in the local league. But it is important to start with time to meet again, train focused and concerted for what is coming.
Staff and call for applications
Paula assured that the selected team is coming along very well. “Physically we are all in a good level, with a little wear and tear from all the competition during the year, but that makes us stronger and with a lot of intensity for the South Central.
As for the call, did you expect it?
- The pre-selection processes are always an instance of learning, enrichment and individual strengthening. I expected to be part of the squad, but sometimes I have to be on the other side.
- During the process you realize if you are at the same level or if there are colleagues who are better. When you are not called, you have to accept it, recognize it and it should be a motivation for you to work better in the next process.
Which Uruguayan team will we meet in the South Central?
- In the South Central they will find a super strengthened Uruguayan team, with a team of experienced players and younger ones, with versatility in our game.
Paula Eastman is aware that it will be a tough competition, “… we are very excited, focused on the objective of some direct rivals”. To close, the Uruguayan player expressed that they have studied their rivals, especially the strengths of each team they will face.
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All matches will be played at CT Niteroi – Barreto stadium (Av. Benjamin Constant 562. Largo do Barradas). If you liked Paula Eastman Uruguayan central, you may also be interested in: Leonardo Puñales wants to qualify Uruguay.
Photo: CoSCABal / Germán Paez
By Loly Coria
