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USA end Mexico's winning run

19 Nov. 2022

USA end Mexico's winning run

Before the final day of the Men's IHF Trophy North America and the Caribbean in Mexico City, Guadeloupe remain the only team to maintain a perfect record. On Friday 18 November 2022, the team from the Caribbean archipelago celebrated their fourth straight victory, comfortably beating Canada 28:11.

Home side Mexico dropped their first point at the event, as they shared spoils with USA in an exciting battle, 33:33. A few minutes from the final whistle, the hosts were in front 32:29, but USA showed character to salvage a point. 

US Assistant Coach Gary Hines is encouraged by the results: “So far for the first time playing together with only practice before each game, the team has shown good moments that they can play good handball. The first game was basically like a practice and the second game was good for the first half and then a mental breakdown in the second half. Today's game (vs Canada) was a test to see if they can follow the game plan and play for 60 min. If the team plays like we played the first half vs Guadalupe and the whole game today then we can win our next two games. Trust, heart, focus and mental and physical toughness is what it all comes down to.”

Puerto Rico and Dominica had lost all the previous matches in Mexico City, but in their encounter, Puerto Rico claimed their maiden points, taking a commanding 40:19 victory. 

So after four matches, Guadeloupe have the maximum of eight points, and Mexico have seven. Everything will be decided in their mutual encounter, to be played at 18:00 (local time) on Saturday. Even a draw will be enough for Guadeloupe to win the title, while the home team only need a victory to finish first. 

USA, who are third-placed with five points, will meet Puerto Rico at 14:00, and two hours later, Canada are scheduled to face last-placed Dominica. 

You can follow the action here.

Photo in courtesy of Handball Federation USA