IHF World Mens Junior Championship: Qatar Beat Spain 27-26

Uberlandia, Brazil, July 20 (QNA) - Qatar began their IHF World Mens Junior Championship campaign on a strong note, defeating 2013 runners-up Spain 27-26 in their opening game on Monday. The Qatari side, trained by legendary Spanish coach Valero Rivera, trailed 11-16 at half-time. But they pulled up their socks in the second half to cause one of the tournaments biggest upsets. Qatar first caught up with Spain in the 10th minute of the second half (19-19), and then again in the 19th (22-22). After tying them 25-25 in the 28th minute, Qatar surged ahead and Spain failed to catch them. Qatars Ahmad Madadi played a captains game to score eight goals while Amir Denguir and Luka Bendevis (both four) pitched in with valid efforts. Goalkeeper Rasheed Yousuf was in fine form, blocking 11 shots at goal. Abello Gomez (seven) was Spains best player while Fco Aringo (five) too did well. Qatar will play Romania on Wednesday before taking on Angola (Thursday), Portugal (Saturday) and Serbia (Sunday).(QNA)