Coach Valero Rivera addressing the Qatari players during a practice session held in Alexandria, Egypt, on the eve of their IHF World Championship Group C clash against Japan.
Doha: After their emphatic victory over Angola in the opener, Asian champions Qatar will be looking to continue their winning form as they clash with Japan in their second Group C match at the IHF World Men’s Handball Championship Egypt 2021 in Alexandria, today in what was a sweet revenge of their past two defeats to Angola including a loss in the previous World Championship, Qatar defeated the Central African nation 30:25, with Ahmed Madadi claiming the ‘Player of the Match Award’.
Qatar coach Valero Rivera was happy with the way the team started their campaign despite losing a number of his regular players to injuries during the opening match.
“We achieved a great victory over Angola after losing in the previous edition,” said Rivera after the game.
“We succeeded this time despite the absence of more talented players thanks to the current squad’s effort during the game,” he added.
Qatar players celebrate after beating Angola on Friday. Pic: handballegypt2021.com
Madadi said after gaining confidence from the win, Qatar was focusing on the upcoming matches.
“I am happy with the victory especially it comes despite losing six talented players due to injuries,” said Madadi.
“We will do our best to improve performance in the coming games as we did well and managed to claim the victory,” he added.
Qatar have enjoyed an upper hand against Japan over the years and most recently defeated their Asian rivals 36:28 at the 2020 AHF Men’s Asian Championship.
But, Japan have also shown a golden form in their opening match, earning a 29-29 draw against European giants and one of the pre-event favourites Croatia.
Japan coach Dagur Sigurdsson said his team has taken tremendous confidence after a historic performance against the Europeans.
“I’m really happy and satisfied. That was historical for us and I’m just incredible happy and hope that we can continue like this. It was extremely important for the team and I’m very proud of all of them,” said Sigurdsson.
“Of course I would have liked to see my team win this game but you can’t forget who we have faced. They are a really strong team and that’s why it really feels like a victory for us.”
Angola and Croatia will play today’s other Group C match.
Meanwhile, Qatar Handball Federation President, Ahmad Mohamed Al Shaabi congratulated the Qatar national team for their win in World Championship opener.
“It was an important victory that will boost team’s confidence in the event. The team deserves the praise for their performance despite losing key players in the match,” said Al Shaabi.
“We hope Qatar will continue their form in their remaining group matches against Japan and Croatia,” he added.
