Both participants in this spectacular match had already secured their progression, but they had something to fight for. A hard-fought win against Cape Verde allowed Brazil to take the second position in Group C and they will start the main round with two points. In turn, the third-placed Africans have no points to take to the next stage. 

Group C

Brazil vs Cape Verde 30:28 (17:15)

The opening phase of the match saw some tight fight, but gradually the South Americans started to take the match under their control and pull clear. Rangel Da Rosa made a few saves, while the speedy left wing Jean Pierre Dupoux and centre back Joao Silva were responsible for scoring, as Brazil opened a 9:5 lead by minute 14. 

Cape Verde's experienced coach Ljubomir Obradović took a time-out and made a few changes which helped the African side to improve their defence and start scoring from counterattacks. In particular, Paulo Moreno was ruthless in attack as the Africans slashed the gap to 10:11.
Cape Verde opted to play 7 against 6 in attack, and Brazil tried to make use of it by making several long-distance shots on empty net – but they missed four such opportunities. Still, the South Americans increased the lead to 16:13, yet Cape Verde continued to fight hard. They had an opportunity to cut the deficit to just one goal at half-time again, but Leonardo Terçariol saved Bruno Landim's penalty shot. 

Right wing Fábio Chiuffa rose to prominence after the restart and a string of his goals saw Brazil pull away once again, this time at 24:19 by the 42nd minute. But Cape Verde refused to give up, responding with a 3:0 run, as the experienced left back Délcio Pina did an excellent job in their attack in the second half.

The South Americans continued to lead but could never feel completely safe as their opponents did their best to catch up. Brazil led 28:25 in the 52nd minute, but then failed to score for almost eight minutes as Cape Verde's goalkeeper made a penalty save and then a spectacular double save.
Finally, Gustavo Rodrigues ended this goal drought with one minute to go and although Leandro Semedo gave Cape Verde hope, Brazil took a time-out and converted their last shot. Their top scorer Dupoux netted seven times, just as many as Moreno for Cape Verde.

The South Americans deserved to earn two points, and starting the main round with two points, they seem to have realistic chances for a quarter-final spot. And for Cape Verde, reaching the next stage is already a milestone – but despite the loss, they deserve credit for their performance on Monday. 

hummel Player of the Match: Gualther Furtado (Cape Verde)