Qatar will aim for their third straight victory in the World Handball Championship when they lock horns with Croatia in their final Group C encounter Tuesday. Qatar lead the group with four points following their wins over Angola and Japan and another victory would see them enter the next phase of the tournament as group toppers.
Croatia have three points after beating Angola and drawing with Japan and a win for them would see them finish on top of the group.
Qatar’s Spanish coach Valero Rivera said that having already qualified for the main draw has eased the pressure on the players, but that doesn’t mean they will take Croatia lightly.
“Happy to qualify despite all the problems due to injuries,” said Rivera. “The focus now is on Croatia, we are ready for them.”
He praised the team for their stellar show and urged them to keep their focus.
“We have maintained a high standard so far. It’s important to keep the momentum going,” he said.
Ahmed al-Shaabi, president of the Qatar Handball federation, meanwhile attended the team training session in Alexandra Monday and urged the players to do their best against Croatia.
“The task is not easy but I have confidence in you,” al-Shaabi told the players.
Meanwhile Qatar player Amin Zakar was all pumped up about the Croatia clash.
“Despite the absence of many players, we managed to qualify for the second round. We beat Angola in the first round and then we won over the strong Japanese national team,” said Amin.
“The coach also has a big role in the success of the players and we are looking forward to more wins in the tournament.”
Qatar Handball Association president Ahmed al-Shaabi (right) speaks to coach Valero Rivera during a team training session in Borg El Arab, Egypt Monday.
