San Fernando HB ended the 2023 IHF Men’s Super Globe on a high, taking a 39:28 win over the University of Queensland, their maiden win in the history of the competition, as the two debutants clashed in the first match of the last day of this edition.

PLACEMENT MATCH 11/12
San Fernando HB (ARG) vs University of Queensland (AUS) 39:28 (22:11)

The two teams which lost all their matches so far at the 2023 IHF Men’s Super Globe, San Fernando HB and the University of Queensland, collided in the first match of the last day of this edition, with both sides aiming to finish on a high and deliver their maiden win in history in the competition.

It has been a steep learning curve for the two debutants, but San Fernando HB looked to be the favourites, as their attacking performance has been up to par, especially as they were facing the defence which conceded the largest number of goals in the first three matches, an average of 43.3 goals per match.

Indeed, San Fernando jumped from the start to a fast-paced attack and created a 6:2 lead after only seven minutes, with line player Mariano Canepa being rendered unstoppable by the UQ defence, with the Australian side facing an arduous task to attempt a comeback.

Some excellent saves from goalkeeper Daniel Mackenzie Reid, who stopped seven shots for a 25% saving efficiency, managed to keep the score in normal proportions, as the University of Queensland did their utmost to limit the damage, but San Fernando were still ahead, 22:11, at the break, scoring at free will, without many mistakes in attack.

As changes were made into the team in the second half, San Fernando’s attack started to sweat and did not have the same output in the last 30 minutes, with the University of Queensland managing to cut the gap to only seven goals, 27:20, with 15 minutes to go.

But the lack of depth and experience for the Australian side were once again on display. When their starters began to feel the sore legs, San Fernando punished them once again, as Canepa, the hummel Player of the Match, was absolutely unstoppable, delivering an 11-goal performance to see the lead balloon once again. 

Eventually, San Fernando clinched their maiden win at the IHF Men’s Super Globe, 39:28, as they ended the competition on a high, with plenty of experience for the future, as they will attempt to make a comeback for the next edition, after ending up on the 11th place here.

On the other hand, the University of Queensland finished last in their maiden appearance, conceding the largest number of goals, an average of 42.25 per match, as there is plenty of room for progress for the Australian side, after their debut at the IHF Men’s Super Globe.

hummel Player of the Match: Mariano Canepa (San Fernando HB)