It was yet another nail-biting eighth-final in Pontevedra when Portugal defeated Germany in extra time to secure their place in the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship quarter-final. After the first two knock-out matches in Pavillon Municipal de Deportes de Pontevedra were decided by just one goal, the game between Portugal and Germany was even closer, as nothing could separate the teams in regular time. 

EIGHTH-FINAL
Portugal vs Germany 37:36 (30:30)(14:14)

In the end, it was a goal from Luis Frade that decided the third quarter-final place awarded in Pontevedra on Wednesday. The score was level at both half- and full-time, with a breakthrough goal from Germany captain Sebastian Heymann levelling the score with seconds on the clock in regular time. Portugal had an attempt off a fast restart from midway – but the buzzer sounded before the ball crossed the line and sent the game into the extra-time period. 

After the first five minutes of extra time, Portugal had a one-goal edge at 34:33. The teams were both remarkably calm in the tense end to the game, showcasing the high level of professionalism in the two squads, despite their young age. 

Portugal favoured an offensive defensive system designed to quiet Germany’s powerful back court led by Heymann, but the left back still managed nine goals in the match. His performance was matched by only his teammate Dimitri Ignatov, who contributed 10 goals.  

Portugal also counted on two stand-out attackers, with the top scorer at Spain 2019, right back Diogo Silva tallying eight goals and Andre Gomes also adding eight from left back. 

Three minutes into the second extra-time period, with Heymann marked out completely in attack, Germany caused a turnover that led to Portugal creating a two-goal difference off a fast break. Till Klimpke had had a strong game in goal for Germany, with 10 saves, but it was Max Mohs who stood between the posts in the final minutes. For Portugal, Manuel Gaspar did not make as many saves as Klimpke, but he stopped a crucial chance for Germany with just over a minute remaining in extra time. 

Germany also moved to a more aggressive defensive formation, and it did not work well as a clear gap opened in the middle of the court for Portugal line player Luis Frade to secure a 37:35 advantage for Portugal with seconds left. Portugal’s Leonel Fernandes received a red card for a foul in the last 15 seconds, and Ignatov converted the penalty against Diogo Valerio – but it was too late. Portugal had the last attack and Germany could not reclaim possession, and thereby had no chance to draw level again. 

In regular time, the clearest difference stood at three goals – 10:7 in the 20th minute for Portugal. Portugal managed to pull ahead by three again early in the second period, 17:14 in the 33rd, but most often the score was closer or level. Portugal had a chance to win the game in regular time, as they hit a 29:27 advantage with just over three and a half minutes on the clock. But two important saves from Klimpke paved the way for Germany to equalise, first with a fast break off Lukas Stutzke and then off Heymann, which pushed the game into extra time. 

Player of the match: Andre Gomes, Portugal