In the football World Cup it could come to a battle between archrivals Argentina and Brazil only if both of them qualify for the final. But in PanAmerican handball it has become a matter of routine to have a final between these two teams, and for a number of years now a frustrated Argentine team has had to be content with the silver medals. This time it looked as if there would be the same outcome, as Brazil was leading by as many as 7 goals. But Argentina managed to tie the game, 23-23, in the final seconds, and then they went on to win 28-27 in overtime.

Both teams were of course already qualified for the 2011 World Championship by virtue of winning their semifinals. So for the Chilean spectators the main excitement came already early in the day, when the home team took on Cuba for the bronze medals and the last qualifying slot. Cuba has a much longer history of participation in world events in handball, whereas Chile has until now never participated in a men's World Championship. However, this time they took advantage of playing at home by beating the Cubans 34-31. Cuba had a one-goal lead at half-time, but they were not able to maintain that edge. Cuba has an athletic and talented team, but they are still very young and inexperienced; perhaps this made the difference in a pressure situation, where Chile could rely on a handful of players with international club experience.

Uruguay, who had just missed out on getting to the semifinals, at least won the consolation of 5th place by beating Greenland 30-27. Canada took 7th place by beating the Dominican Republic with a good margin, 33-22.

The draw for the groups in the World Championship will take place in Goteborg on July 9, during Partille Cup. The top seeds are France, Croatia, Poland and Iceland, with hosts Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Spain in a second tier.