Brazil salvage spectacular draw against Tunisia

17 Jan. 2021

Brazil salvage spectacular draw against Tunisia

With 36 seconds before the end of the game, Tunisia were leading Brazil by two goals and it looked virtually impossible for the South Americans to come back.

But nothing is impossible. The pacey Brazilian side defended well, scored two fast goals and salvaged a point in a nerve-wrecking game, which saw eight lead changes throughout its 60 minutes.

GROUP B
Tunisia vs Brazil 32:32 (20:16)

Buoyed by the 29:29 draw against European champions Spain two days ago, Brazil seemed to be the favourites against Tunisia.

Yet, the African side were in a must-win situation prior to their showdown against Spain on Tuesday and highly motivated.

The result was an exciting, high-octane game, where attacks excelled and defence was rendered to none.

And if Brazil were to rue some missed chances after the game, they should look no further than Tunisia’s 7:2 between the 20th and 28th minute.

Right wing Issam Rzig, who scored six times in the first half, and left back Youssef Mareef, who added three goals in a row, lifted Tunisia to a 19:14 lead with two minutes to go in the first half.

Missing two penalties and failing to limit Tunisia’s flamboyant attack – 71 per cent shooting efficiency in the first 30 minutes – were Brazil’s main problems, as were the eight turnovers conceded until the break.

With Haniel Langaro in superb form to throw off the second half, Brazil enjoyed a 5:1 run to tie the game at 21:21 with 21 minutes to go.

It looked like Tunisia were doomed, as their productivity collapsed, despite Brazil staying true to their roots in defence.

When 22-year-old centre back Mohamed Darmoul took over the game, though, Tunisia found back into their rhythm.

The hummel Player of the Match, Darmoul, scored nine goals against Brazil, including four of Tunisia’s last six, as the African side looked set to clinch their first win in the last four games at the IHF Men’s World Championship.

But it was not to be. Right back Gustavo Rodrigues and left wing Guilherme Torriani scored twice within 36 seconds for Brazil to tie the game at 32:32.

It was a nerve-wrecking ending, as Tunisia’s Anouar Ben Abdallah hit the post in the last second of the game, with the Brazilian bench erupting in cheers.

Nothing is over, though, as neither side are through or eliminated. Tunisia face a must-win game against reigning European champions Spain in the last round of Group B.

Brazil, who have accumulated two points after drawing the first two games, face Poland, with a point being enough for the South American side to proceed to the main round.

hummel Player of the Match: Mohamed Amine Darmoul, Tunisia