Handball World Cup: The Gladiators lost to Norway and have no margin for error for the standings

Argentina men’s handball team The Gladiatorslost today against Norway, 32 to 21, in the second match of group F of the World Cup which is played in Poland-Sweden, and they left no room for error for qualification to the next phase.

The Gladiators, who had lost in their debut match against the Netherlands (29-19), entered with a 6-0 defense which complicated the match at the European Championships, favorites to remain in the group. This strategy, added to the good performance of goalkeeper Juan Bar, could be sustained in the game, beyond several shooting failures, especially from the sides.

Bar had a positive performance, with an efficiency of 18%, regardless of the difference in the result.

The two two-minute penalties against Nicolás Bonanno were well covered by the team led by Guillermo Milano and prevented the Norwegians from escaping the scoreboard.

Despite not having a high percentage of effectiveness, Diego Simonet ended up being the national team’s top scorer in the first half hour, with 4 goals, well supported by wingers Ignacio Pizarro (one goal) and Ramiro Martínez (2 goals).

In the second half hour, Norway set the conditions with more physical rest, mobility of the ball in attack with speed and precision and greater efficiency in finishing. In the first 15 minutes they made a difference of 7 goals, which they managed and expanded in the last quarter of an hour.

The great figures of the European team were their goalkeeper Kristian Saeveras, a regular substitute, with 35% efficiency (11/31) and central defender Sander Sagosen (5 goals).

“Chino” Simonet was the most outstanding player of the Argentine national team, author of 7 goals out of 15 attempts.

Argentina will play third place in the group with North Macedonia, this Tuesday, starting at 14:00 in Argentina. Macedonia, who lost against Norway 39-27 in their opening game, lost today against the Netherlands 34-24. In the event of a tie, Los Gladiadores will advance to the second round on goal difference.

For the next match, Argentina will have Federico Pizarro, who was absent today due to a physical illness, according to the Argentine Handball Confederation.

The team led by Guillermo Milano plans its 14th. consecutive participation in the World Cup with the illusion of surpassing the historic eleventh place obtained in the last edition of Egypt 2021.

The Argentine team, the last Pan-American champion (Lima 2019), will play their third and final match in the box this Tuesday against North Macedonia (14:00).