Third match, third victory for a favorite team: Host and last year’s finalist Al-Sadd from Qatar beat the brave All Stars from Australia.

Al-Sadd (QAT) – AHF Southern Stars (AUS) 39:27 (19:9)

The host from Qatar was well prepared and - like in 2010 - transferred some European top players, especially from the Hungarian team MKB Veszprem. Marko Vujin, Nikola Eklemovic, Peter Gulyas, Dejan Peric and Mirzad Terzic help the team from Qatar to fulfill their dream of another Super Globe final. Against the Australian All Stars the host had no problems to start well in the IHF Super Globe. After the 2:2 they showed the bigger experience and efficiency. The defense stood strong and so the road was open for counter attacks. The Qatari spectators cheered for their heroes and could enjoy several spectacular goals. The Australians could not find their way through to the goal.

Especially the “exports” from Europe decided the game. From 6:2 Al-Sadd extended the gap to 10:3 (minute 17) and 17:8 in minute 28. Right before the break the distance was ten goals for the first time. As Renato Sulic was the outstanding player before the break, Marko Vujin had started his engines in the second half – and was unstoppable by the Aussies defense. But the team from down under fought brave, even though they knew well that they don’t have a chance.  And by leading clearly the number of Qatari arose on the field for Al-Sadd. And this tactics gave a chance to Australia to remain in reach – and play a nearly equal second half except the last ten minutes. With more luck in their attack the Ramadani team could have even closer to less than nine or eight goals as in the middle of the second half.

And when the fans started hitting the drums and blowing the “Qatari Vuvuzela” their team improved again – and were celebrated by the spectators after the clear 39:27 opener.

Ahmed Deabes, coach Al-Sadd: We have the ambition to win the Super Globe title this year after we won it in 2002 and were runners-up in 2010. We will do everything which is possible. In the first match we wanted to find the homogeneity between our club players and the professional players. We managed to so but now we have to improve in the upcoming matches. The next game against El Zamalek will be very special for me as I coached them last year – and then we are facing Ciudad Real to go for the final.

Abdel am Hamdi, player Al-Sadd: We played a good match and we are hopeful to become even better in the next matches.

Taip Ramadani, coach Southern Stars: At first we have to thank the Qatar Handball Association for another top class tournament with hospitality second to none. We knew that we only will have tough matches, but I believe that we have improved since our first participation in 2010.In the second half we could level the match.

Ognjen Latinovic, player Southern Stars: The second was really good and we nearly equal to Al-Sadd. We did not give up and ran as much as we could. It’s great to meet big handball names here and to be on the same court as them.

Photos by Adel Aldalimay