Argentina earn first win at Spain 2019

24 Jul. 2019

Argentina earn first win at Spain 2019

Argentina opened the first day of placement round matches in Pontevedra by taking their first victory at the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, as they defeated Kosovo by seven goals in the opening game of the 21-24 play-offs. 

21-24 PLACEMENT ROUND
Kosovo vs Argentina 29:36 (13:18)

Though they entered the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship as the South and Central America champions, Argentina were defeated in all five preliminary round matches – including their regional clash versus Chile. They finally had their first chance to celebrate in the opening game of the day on Wednesday in Pontevedra. 

Argentina led throughout the match, though Kosovo kept within reach through almost the entire first half before their opponents began to pull further ahead. Argentina had the stronger start, and always either held the edge or stood level with Kosovo. After 15 minutes, the match was tied at 9:9. 

Through the last 10 minutes of the first half, Argentina started to increase their advantage – and with a five-goal lead at the break the task had become difficult for Kosovo. Argentina had little trouble holding on to the lead in the second period. As the last quarter began, they remained in front with a six-goal cushion, 27:21. 

Kosovo had a glimmer of hope when they fought back to 27:31 in the 53rd minute, but Argentina were in control from that point and the outcome was decided long before the whistle. 

The top scorer of the match was Argentina’s Ignacio Tomas Lopez Perez, with nine goals, while Jon Muqolli contributed six for Kosovo.