E.C. Pinheiros secured their maiden win since 2021 at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship, clearly outplaying debutants Montada, 37:22

GROUP A
Montada (MAR) vs E.C. Pinheiros (BRA) 22:37 (9:15)

E.C. Pinheiros and Montada both lost their maiden matches in this edition of the IHF Men’s Club World Championship, but while the Brazilian side provided a good performance and put 33 past Barcelona, Montada suffered against Zamalek.

Therefore, the Brazilian side were favourites in this match and after the first half it was not difficult to see why, having provided another good attacking performance to open a six-goal lead, 15:9.

It was based mostly on a good defence, starting with goalkeeper Gonzalo Guerra, who saved 13 shots for a 46% saving efficiency, as well as four interceptions, which stopped the Moroccan side in their tracks.

The writing was on the wall quickly, as Pinheiros went on a 7:0 match-defining unanswered run between the 13th and the 21st minutes, which turned a 6:6 deadlock into a 13:6 lead.

Montada came back, but Pinheiros, the youngest team in the competition this year, with an average age of 23.3 years old, went on and on, with their attack providing a perfect launchpad to their maiden win in five years at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship.

Left wing Emerson Santos had five goals in the first half, but their top scorer was back Philipp Seifert, who had nine goals, totally outplaying the Moroccan side, who conceded even more goals in the second half.

All but one of Pinheiros’ outfield players scored at least one goal, as the Brazilian side tried to get as much rest for their starters before the match against Zamalek, which will conclude their preliminary round.

Eventually, Pinheiros saw the gap grow into double digits and secure a clear 37:22 win, confirming once again their strong attacking credentials, as they are now averaging 35 goals per match after their first two outings.

Montada still are without a win and have small chances against FC Barcelona in their last match of the group, therefore looking likely to head for the Placement Match 7/8 on the last day of the competition.

Player of the Match: Philipp Seifert (E.C. Pinheiros)