Brazil find redemption with a strong win against Argentina

After two straight losses at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023 against Spain and the Netherlands, Brazil got back on the winning track, as they cruised to a 33:19 win against Argentina in the South American derby.

Main Round, Group IV
Brazil vs Argentina 33:19 (16:7)

Brazil had a blistering start with a 3:0 run and they could have stretched it even more, considering Argentina could not score for the first eight minutes, but some mistakes in the attack prevented that from happening. Consequently, their rivals narrowed the gap, 3:2, but, as time passed by, Argentina opened the gates for another 4:0 unanswered run from Brazil, courtesy of their mistakes in attack.

Even though Brazil were shaken by the injury of their centre back Ana Paula Rodrigues Belo, who was their top scorer against Spain, and seemed to lack focus, Argentina did not exploit the chances they were given and the gap grew even further.

Despite a good defensive display, they could not transfer it to the attack, having their attack efficiency in the first half at only 39% and ending with the lowest number of goals scored in the first half at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023. Brazil, on the other hand, hit their first double-digit lead (16:6) shortly before the break.

After the restart, Fatima Ayelen Rosalez shined between the posts for Argentina, having 40 per cent save efficiency at the peak, but her team could not find an answer for the Brazilian tough defence, nor goalkeeper Gabriela Gonçalves Dias Moreschi.

Brazil's biggest lead for the most of the second half was by 13 goals when Adriana Cardoso De Castro scored her fourth for 23:10 and she managed to seal their 14-goal win at the buzzer. An impressive Brazilian performance was backed by 13 out of 14 field players scoring at least once, while Manuela Pizzo and Micaela Casasola once again were Argentina's top scorers, with five and four goals respectively.

At the end of the main round battle, Brazil will clash with the Czechia in what could be decisive for both sides depending on other result in the group, while Argentina will try to improve their tally at the 2023 IHF Women's World Championship against Ukraine, in what will be their last game, being already eliminated from contention.

hummel Players of the Match: Gabriela Gonçalves Dias Moreschi (Brazil)