Brazilian side EC Pinheiros surprised hosts Al Noor Saudi Club with a flawless attacking performance to take a semi-finals berth at the IHF Men’s Super Globe, 34:33.

This will be the best-ever performance for the Brazilian side in the competition, who have previously finished fifth two times.

QUARTER-FINAL
Al Noor Saudi Club (KSA) vs EC Pinheiros (BRA) 33:34 (16:19)

An inexperienced, yet determined Brazilian side enjoyed a great start of the game, preventing the host team from scoring in the first three minutes. However, Al Noor swiftly replied with three unanswered goals to turn the game on its head.

With Serbian left back Petar Panic in fine form, the Saudi side had little answer to Pinheiros’ attacks, as a 4:0 run between the 11th and the 17th minute became the backbone of the Brazilian’s side win.

Firing from all cylinders, Pinheiros were unstoppable in attack in the first half, putting up impressive numbers, as their 76% shooting efficiency lifted the Brazilian side to a 19:16 lead.

However, as Pinheiros’ attack dipped in the second half, they were helped by a superb display of goalkeeper Mateus Cristian Nascimento Martins, who saved 13 shots, seven of which came in the second half.

With Al Noor failing to get from the ground, with Panic being earmarked by the Brazilian defence, the gap began to grow. It got as big as six goals, 32:26, with six minutes to go.

Yet, Al Noor still had something in their tank. Back Mahdi Al Salem scored twice to prompt a 6:1 run that nearly sent the match to extra time. However, back Husain Al Sayyad, who had a great game, scoring five goals, turned the ball over in Al Noor’s last attack, handing Pinheiros the 34:33 win.

The Brazilian side enjoyed their first-ever semi-final berth at the end of the game, sealing the best result in three participations in the competition. Al Noor will head to the placement round 5-10.