(MENAFN- Gulf Times) German boys and girls team stormed into the finals of the ISF World Schools Handball Championship at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday.
In the boys' semi-final, Germany beat Poland 35-30 in a high-scoring encounter. In the title clash today, they will face Austria, who defeated Israel 31-18 in the second semis. Later, the German girls made it double delight as they got past Brazil 33-26 to set-up final against Hungary, who beat Denmark 27-21. Zuzana Porvaznikova, coach of the German girls' team was delighted. 'I'm absolutely proud of this team, as they have fought hard. We are hungry to win tomorrow. We will give everything and fight till final whistle, she said. The finals will livestream on the Facebook page of the IHF and also on the Olympic Channel.
Meanwhile, Qatar boys' scored a thrilling 24-23 win over Serbia and will play for 9th-10 placing match against Czech Republic today.
It was Qatar's third successive win after they had finished third in Group A and failed to qualify for the quarter-finals. Qatar had lost two and won as many matches at the preliminary stage.
Organised by the Qatar School Sports Association under the patronage of The International School Sport Federation, the 24th edition of the championship is held at three venues Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Hall at Al Sadd Club, Aspire Dome and Women's Sports Hall in Aspire. The tournament for 16-18 year olds (born in 2000, 2001 and 2002) will conclude today with closing ceremony scheduled after finals match. For the first time in 24 editions, the championship is taking place outside of Europe and the competition has been fierce with 19 girls and 18 boys; teams from 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Pan America and Europe competing for glory.
HE Rabea al-Kaabi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the World Handball Championship, was pleased with tournament's success. 'We are happy with what we have seen in the tournament and with the great participation of teams from different countries, al-Kaabi said.
'I would like to thank everyone for their efforts during the tournament, especially the committees that worked to make it a success. We are proud of what we have achieved through this competition. I would like to thank the handball federation for their great cooperation and we hope are successful in hosting any upcoming events, he added.
Results
Boys' semi-finals: Germany bt Poland 35-30; Austria bt Israel 31-18
Placing matches: Qatar bt Serbia 24-23; Czech Republic bt Greece 26-17; Turkey bt Croatia 25-22; Belgium bt Romania 19-12; Brazil bt France 24-19; Serbia bt Morocco 29-28; Denmark bt Bulgaria 32-21; Greece bt Georgia 31-16; Greece bt France 20-16
Girls' semi-finals: Germany bt Brazil 33-26; Hungary bt Denmark 27-21
Placing matches: Czech Republic drew with Bulgaria 23-23; Greece bt Georgia 20-7; Romania bt Slovenia 27-26; Croatia bt Austria 19-18; Serbia bt Bulgaria 33-23; Turkey bt Czech Republic 24-20; Sweden bt Georgia 40-12
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