The 2018 Men’s Pan American Championship is seeing the emergence of the traditional rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, as the two teams who have shared the trophy between them over the last two decades have finished the group phase with perfect records.

 

After four rounds in Group A, Argentina topped the table thanks to victories against Chile, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Peru. Argentina followed their opening wins against Peru and Puerto Rico with two decisive wins – first beating Guatemala 54:10, then playing their closest match at the Championship in Nuuk, Greenland to date, yet still earning a 24:18 win versus Chile.

 

Chile finished second in Group A, with their only loss to Argentina. Following their three opening wins versus Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Peru, Chile had an additional rest day, then faced Argentina in a match that ended with their first defeat.

 

Thus, Argentina and Chile claimed Group A’s places in the semi-finals. Puerto Rico ranked third on the table, ahead of Guatemala in fourth, and Peru in fifth. Cuba were also expected to play in Group A, but withdrew before the tournament began, leaving only five teams to contest the preliminary phase in this group. Puerto Rico and Guatemala will go on to the 5-8 placement matches, while Peru will play for ninth.

 

With a complete starting line-up of six teams, Group B had a slightly higher pressure playing schedule than Group A, as no team had a bye on any of the match days. Brazil took five wins in five rounds, adding a 36:26 victory over their closest challengers, hosts Greenland, as well as a 35:21 win versus Uruguay to their three opening victories.

 

The defeat to Brazil was Greenland’s only loss, and the home side therefore finished second on the Group B table, with eight points. After opening their campaign with wins over Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay, Greenland’s final group phase victory was against Canada, 32:20.

 

Uruguay placed third in Group B, thanks to three wins – versus Paraguay, Canada and Colombia – and two losses to the group leaders. Therefore, they will meet Guatemala in their first 5-8 placement match, while fourth-ranked Canada and will take on Puerto Rico in the opening placement game. Fifth-placed Colombia will face Peru in the 9/10 play-off, and Paraguay will settle for 11th place and play no further matches.

 

In the semi-finals on Saturday June 23, Argentina will meet Greenland, and Brazil will take on their 2016 Pan American Championship final opponents Chile to battle for the second ticket to the trophy match. After they were the two sides to contest every title match at the bi-annual continental championship from 2002 to 2014, there is a strong chance that Argentina and Brazil will make their way to the final once more, thereby setting up a traditional derby to decide the title. Alternatively, if either Chile or Greenland – or both – pull off victories in their respective semi-finals, it will be a surprising and historic upset.

 

Photos: Greenland Handball Federation / Dida G. Heilmann