The opening day of the 2018/19 IHF Men’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase threw-off in Pristina, Kosovo today, with two games each in the U19 youth competition and U21 junior competition.

Two venues were used, with the 1st of October hall hosting the U19 matches and Palace of Youth and Sports hosting the U21 games.

Ahead of their senior Men’s EHF EURO 2020 qualifier against Israel at the same venue later that evening, the Kosovan fans saw a glimpse of the near future as their junior men made light work of Chinese Taipei while the USA defeated Australia.

The USA emphatically defeated Australia by 11 in the opening match of Kosovo 2019, led by nine goals each from Amar Amitovic and debutant Asaf Bengozi. 13 saves from Rene Ingram in the American goal also added to the dominant performance which had USA coach exclaiming “now we’re playing handball, baby” in the 35th minute as he could relax, watching his side go 17:11 up.

America had been locked with their opponents until the 19th minute (7:7) before they opened up a considerable lead (13:7) in the 26th minute after going on a 6:0 run over the next seven minutes thanks to their effective shooting but also with help from an Australian offence that repeatedly turned the ball over.

Bengozi, who plays his club handball in Israel, was full of smiles after the match. “It was my first national team game and it’s an honour for me to represent the United States,” he said. “It’s very exciting for me [to score nine goals] but I’m very happy for the team; it’s a great win and we’ve got to keep on pushing and going on.”

Host nation Kosovo got off to a difficult start against Chinese Taipei, failing to break down an unfamiliar 3-3 defence which held out until the end of the first quarter. However, at 5:4 ahead in the 14th minute, the Kosovans finally found their way, moving ahead step-by-step as they answered the defensive stand with attacking prowess (10:6 ahead, 20th minute), going into the break six up (16:10) and setting up an easier second half.

A double-figure lead followed soon after the half-time pause (22:12, 38th minute) which was kept for most of the second period, although Chinese Taipei did stage a small run late on outscoring their opponents 5:2 as the home side took their eyes off the ball but it was not to be enough.

“We weren’t prepared for this,” said Kosovo captain Jon Muqolli about the early Chinese Taipei defensive tactics. “It was a very difficult game for the first 15 minutes because they were so quick and strong.”

At the end of the match, a loud roar embraced the Palace of Youth and Sports as the Kosovo players went over to their friends and families as they celebrated what they hope will be the first victory in a title-winning campaign on home soil.

All games will be streamed live on the IHF website.

Photo: Shpend Ahmeti/Kosovo Handball Federation