Team Canada’s hopes of qualifying for the 2009 World Championships were dashed today as Chile beat Canada 28-23. Chile took a commanding 17-9 lead into halftime and Canada chipped away at the lead, but could no closer than 4 goals down with 5 minutes remaining in the game. Argentina easily defeated Greenland in the other Group A match, 31-22. Argentina secures 1st place with an unblemished 3-0-0 record, Chile takes 2nd with a 2-0-1 record, while Greenland and Canada tied for 3rd with a 0-1-2 record. Due to a better goal differential Greenland takes 3rd. In Group B play, Brazil, as expected, beat Cuba 33-21 to secure 1st place.

The semifinals will pit Brazil vs. Chile and Argentina vs. Cuba. Due to the Dominican Republic’s non-participation it’s not entirely clear how classification 5-7 will be accomplished. Most likely Canada will play Uruguay on Friday, with the winner than facing Greenland. If so, the Canada – Uruguay match will be a relegation match, with the loser having to play in the Division 1 Championship Tournament in the Dec 2009 timeframe. The top 2 teams from Division 1 Championship qualify for the 2010 PATHF Championships.

Link to standings: http://www.ligahand.com.br/confe/panmasc.html

Greenland Newspaper articles and pictures (Danish): http://www.ag.gl/program/index.php?action=nyheder&sprog=2&t_id=1&shifter=5&music=1

Sportcom Canada Article: http://www.sportcom.qc.ca/news/2008/news20080626-06.html