The Men's IHF Trophy InterContinental Phase started with four matches at youth and junior age categories played on Tuesday 7 March at the BN Arena in San Jose, Costa Rica.
In the opening match of the entire event, Georgia's youth (U18) team proved too strong for Nicaragua (43:27). At the same competition, Guadeloupe defeated Tahiti 43:18, so Georgia and Guadeloupe are leading the race with two points.

On 8 March, Georgia will try to claim their second win in the encounter against Tahiti, which is scheduled for 13:00 (local time). And at 17:00, Nigeria will play their opening match at the tournament against Nicaragua. Guadeloupe will have a rest day.

The match between Guinea and Cuba at the junior (U20) event was the closest match on Tuesday. The African side opened a three-goal gap at the break (19:16) and maintained that advantage until the final whistle, winning 35:32.

In contrast, home side Costa Rica earned the biggest win of the day, defeating Australia by 26 goals (43:17). Notably, three of the four winning sides on Tuesday scored the same number of goals (43).

Costa Rica have a rest day on Wednesday, while Cuba meet Australia at 15:00 as both sides will be looking for their maiden victory, and Great Britain will play their opening match at the event against Guinea at 19:00.

You can watch the matches here. 

Photo: Handball Federation Costa Rica