Puerto Rico beat the USA 32-24 and Mexico edged Chile 26-25 in Day 2 of pool play. Mexico is undefeated in pool play and has wrapped up the first place seed. Even if the USA were to upset Mexico tomorrow they would still have the head-to-head tiebreakers vs. either Chile or Puerto Rico. Likewise, Team USA is locked into the 4th seed as both Chile and Puerto Rico have the head-to-head tiebreaker against the USA. This means that tomorrow’s pool play games (Mexico vs. USA and Chile vs. Puerto Rico) are not only meaningless but also a preview of the critical semifinal matchups. Expect all teams to rest some of their starters and to avoid revealing any potential strategies for the semi-finals on Tuesday.

USA Federation Write Up: http://www.usateamhandball.org/news/index.html?article_id=69

Sun., Nov. 23
Puerto Rico 32 ­ 24 USA (18-11) Score Sheet: http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/9/15/219319/3%20C%C3%A9dula%20de%20Juego%20PUR-USA.pdf
Mexico 26 – 25 Chile (13-12)
Source: Mexico Handball Forum http://handball.mforos.com/1179288/8092043-panamericano-adulto-femenino-1-division-resultados/

Standings (through day 2)
1) Mexico (2-0-0) 4 Pts 53 45 +8
2) Chile (1-0-1) 2 Pts 52 43 +9
3) Puerto Rico (1-0-1) 2 Pts 52 51 +1
4) USA (0-0-2) 41 59 -18

Sat., Nov 22 Results
Chile 27 – 17 USA (15-8) Score Sheet: http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/9/15/219319/1%20C%C3%A9dula%20de%20Juego%20USA-CHI.pdf
Video: http://handball.mforos.com/1179288/8092713-panam-adulto-femenino-1-div-videos/
Mexico 27 – 20 Puerto Rico (13-9)

Remaining schedule:

Mon., Nov. 24
4:30 p.m. ­ Puerto Rico ­vs. Chile
6:30 p.m. ­ USA vs.­ Mexico

Tues., Nov. 25
4:30 p.m. Semifinal No. 1 ­ Puerto Rico vs. Chile
6:30 p.m. Semifinal No. 2 ­ Mexico vs. USA

Weds., Nov. 26
4:30 p.m. ­ Third Place Game
6:30 p.m. ­ First Place Game

Chile 27 – 17 USA (15-8)
Mexico 27 – 20 Puerto Rico (13-9)

Source: Mexico Handball Forum http://handball.mforos.com/1179288/8092043-panamericano-adulto-femenino-1-division-resultados/

Chile and Mexico established themselves as the co-favorites for the tournament with convincing wins over the USA and Puerto Rico respectively.

Remaining schedule:

Sun., Nov. 23
4:30 p.m. ­ Puerto Rico ­ USA
6:30 p.m. ­ Chile ­ Mexico

Mon., Nov. 24
4:30 p.m. ­ Puerto Rico ­ Chile
6:30 p.m. ­ USA ­ Mexico

Tues., Nov. 25
Semifinal No. 1 ­ 1 vs. 4
Semifinal No. 2 ­ 2 vs. 3
(Mexico game to be played at 6:30 p.m.)

Weds., Nov. 26
4:30 p.m. ­ Third Place Game
6:30 p.m. ­ First Place Game

Note: The format has each team playing 5 games over 5 days. As the main goal of the tournament, however, is to finish first or second, the only matches that will truly matter are the two semifinal matches on Tuesday. The pool play matches will simply seed the teams 1-4 for the semifinals. In theory, a team could get its act together during pool play, then win in money time on Tuesday.

The recent announcement by USA Team Handball that 5 teams had been confirmed for the Women’s Division I Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) was notable not for the 5 teams listed (Mexico, USA, Chile, Puerto Rico and El Salvador), but was notable for the absence of one team- Cuba.

The Cuban women had re-emerged on the International season in 2007, finishing 2nd at the Pan American Games losing only to perennial America’s power Brazil. Just this past March they traveled to Germany to participate in an Olympic Qualification tournament, where they lost to Germany, Sweden and Croatia, but gained respect keeping the matches relatively close.

Despite these strong performances Cuba’s absence from International play meant that they had to qualify for the 2009 Women’s PATHF Championships by first placing 1st and 2nd at the upcoming Div 1 tournament. It was a foregone conclusion that they would qualify, but for whatever reason (financial, fear of defections) they won’t be traveling to Mexico. This no show means that the tournament is pretty wide open with every team probably with realistic expectations of finishing 1st or 2nd and moving on.

On paper, Mexico is the clear favorite to win. Playing at home and at the lofty altitude of Mexico City (7,400 ft) the young Mexican side could run the other teams into the ground. Last March at the 2nd chance Pan American Games qualification tournament the Mexicans did exactly that beating the USA 29-20 and Chile 27-24 to secure the last spot for the Pan American Games. At the Pan Am Games in July, Mexico continued to improve beating Canada twice on their way to a 5th place finish.

During pool play at the Pan American Games, Mexico also beat another PATHF participant, Puerto Rico in the consolation semi-final. Puerto Rico has shown they can play with the Mexicans though, having beat Mexico in the bronze medal game at the Central American Games in 2006.

The two losers (Chile and USA) at the 2nd chance tournament last year, undoubtedly will look upon their defeat to the young Mexican side as a learning experience and motivation for a different result this time around. They will also have the benefit of familiar surroundings and the memory of what it’s like to play at altitude. Chile will likely take solace in their 31-30 victory over the USA. Team USA will likewise take some comfort from their victory over Mexico at the 2007 PATHF Championships.

Team USA, however, is definitely in major rebuilding mode as their full time training program has been disbanded for over a year. Recently, the team was also humbled by a USA club side twice at a tournament in Chicago. Albeit , the club team consisted mostly of expats from outside the USA, but most observers would not classify the Chicago side as a powerhouse club team comparable to a National team.
On a positive note, three players have been playing regularly in France and a training camp has identified some new players that could in theory make an immediate impact.

And what about El Salvador? The only note I have is that they finished 5th at the Central American Games in 2006. But based on Paraguay’s, out of nowhere, improbable run to a 4th place at the 2007 Championships that earned them a berth at the 2007 World Championships no team should be taken lightly.

The Division I Championships are scheduled for 22-27 November.

There was no official announcement from the IHF or PATHF (Website down yet again), but the Chile Federation website celebrates the news that Chile will be participating in the 2009 Men‘s World Championships in Croatia. The Chilean notice also indicates that Chile will be playing in Group B, the same group that Cuba had been drawn into

At the Men’s PATHF Championship this past summer Cuba beat Chile 37-30 for 3rd place. Chile did demonstrate that they were the 4th best team at that tournament, though as they beat both Greenland and Canada (the two previous PATHF 3rd place finishers) in Group play to advance to the semifinals. Chile is a team on the rise with several players currently playing in Europe. Additionally, they actually had the top two scorers at the PATHF Championship, Emil Feutchmann with 34 and Francisco Chacana with 27 goals respective in 6 matches.

This is not the first time that Cuba has qualified and not participated in a major international tournament. Notably they qualified for the 1992 Olympic Games, but declined to participate due to financial constraints. Cuba also has a history of handball defections with several former National Team players currently playing professionally in Europe.

2009 World Championships Playing Schedule: http://www.ihf.info/upload/News/20081014_PlayingSchedule_MWCH_CRO.pdf
Chile Website Announcement (Spanish): http://www.balonmano.cl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=30
2008 Men’s PATHF Results: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.525

Brazil defeated Argentina, 27-24, to claim their 2nd straight PATHF Championship. Brazil struggled early in the match and trailed 6-7 at the 20 minute mark. A four goal run made the score 10-7, 5 minutes later and Brazil never relinquished the lead. Argentina stayed close throughout, but were never able to come closer than 1 goal down earlier in the 2nd half.

Cuba overcame a 17-18 halftime deficit to defeat Chile 37-30 in the 3rd place game. In addition to securing the Bronze medal, Cuba also secured the 3rd and final PATHF spot for the World Championships in Croatia next January. This marks Cuba’s return to the World Championships after an absence of 10 years, mostly due to financial reasons.

In the 5th place match Greenland earned their first victory of the tournament, defeating Uruguay 28-21.

[b]Final Standings[/b]
1) Brazil
2) Argentina
3) Cuba
4) Chile
5) Greenland
6) Uruguay
7) Canada

Link to standings: http://www.ligahand.com.br/confe/panmasc.html
Link to Greenland Newspaper articles and pictures (Danish):
http://www.ag.gl/program/index.php?sprog=2&action=vis_nyhed&t_id=1&nyhed_id=164&start=0
Link to Brazil Federation article (Portuguese): http://www.ligahand.com.br/confe/not2806bras.php

Brazil and Argentina will again meet in the PATHF final for the 4th consecutive time, but this time around Cuba and Chile made sure it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. In the first semifinal Argentina held off Cuba 33-32. In the second semifinal, Brazil held off Chile for a 26-22 victory. Brazil dominated the first half leading 19-10 at the break. In the second half, however, they only managed 7 goals as Chile made the score respectable in the end. In all likelihood, though, Coach Ribera rested key players in the 2nd half in anticipation of their showdown with rival Argentina. There is no love lost between these two sides as evidenced by the brawl that erupted at the PANAM Games this past summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJjpkAbBZV4

In the consolation semifinal Canada bowed out of the tournament with a 23-21 loss to Uruguay. The loss places Canada in 7th place and relegates them to Division 1. Alexis Bertrand scored 10 goals in the match to lead Canada. In the December 2009 timeframe Canada will participate in the Men’s Division 1 Championship with the Dominican Republic, USA and other nations that did not participate in this year’s PATHF Championship.

Link to standings: http://www.ligahand.com.br/confe/panmasc.html
Canada Sportcom article (French): http://www.sportcom.qc.ca/news/2008/news20080627-07.html

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

In Group A play, Chile defeated Greenland 31-28, all but ending Greenland’s hopes for qualifying for the 2009 World Championships. Greenland again started out slow trailing Chile 19-12 at half time. Greenland can only hope to qualify for the semifinals by defeating unbeaten Argentina. Even if that happens they will still require Canada to beat Chile and then hope for a better overall goal differential. In the other Group A match Argentina beat Canada 26-15. Canada can feel good about playing Argentina close in the first half (13-10), but they are surely concerned with their second straight low scoring 2nd half, as they only managed 5 goals in the last 30 minutes. Tomorrow’s group A match between Chile and Canada should decide 2nd place. Notably, it is a rematch of the 2004 PATHF Bronze Medal game where Canada upset host Chile to qualify for the 2005 World Championships. More recently, however, Chile beat Canada 29-20 at the PANAM Games last summer.

In Group B play, Cuba beat Uruguay 28-24 in a closer than expected contest. Cuba will play Brazil tomorrow to decide 1st place in the Group.

Side Note: Greenland's Minik Dahl Hoegh, who had 12 goals against Chile, has signed with one of Denmark's premier clubs, GOG Svendborg, and therefore will be playing in the Champion's League next year.

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

Canada Sportcom article (French): http://www.sportcom.qc.ca/news/2008/news20080625-03.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

In a key Group A match, Greenland and Canada played to a 20 – 20 draw. Greenland had a disastrous first half as they only managed 6 goals to Canada’s 11. Argentina, the prohibitive favorite in Group A beat Chile 36 – 25, but Chile played them close in the first half trailing only 13 – 11 at the break. Chile, Greenland, and Canada all have realistic expectations of finishing 2nd and advancing to the semifinals. The Canada – Greenland draw will add some additional suspense should both those sides beat Chile as overall goal differential will decide 2nd place, meaning every goal will count in their matches vs. Argentina and Chile.

In Group B, Brazil easily defeated Uruguay 38-13, while Cuba was idle due to the unexpected decision of the Dominican Republic to not participate at the last minute.

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

Sportcom Quebec Article (French): http://www.sportcom.qc.ca/news/2008/news20080624-04.html

The Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) drew the 8 nations participating into two separate groups today. The resulting groups are:

Group A (Argentina, Greenland, Chile, Canada)
Group B (Brazil, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Cuba)

Notes:
– The pairings on each rung of the ladder were 1) Brazil, Argentina; 2) Greenland, Dominican Republic; 3) Chile, Uruguay; 4) Canada, Cuba Apparently, the Dominican Republic, simply took the USA spot in the draw. The USA had placed 4th at the 2006 championship and hence was seeded in the 2nd group. The Dominican Republic had qualified for the tournament as the 3rd place team from the Division 1 Championship and probably should have been seeded in the 4th group. Granted every team simply has to win their matches, but more thought could have gone into the seeding and draw.
– The top 3 teams will qualify for the 2009 World Championships in Croatia. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semifinals, so those 3 spots will come from those 4 teams. Argentina and Brazil are the odds on favorites to play in the Gold Medal match. Cuba, which played well at the Pan Am Games will be the odds on favorite to advance from Group B. Group A should have an interesting fight for the 2nd spot between Greenland, Chile and Canada.
– Argentina’s veteran National Team player, Eric Gull has returned to the National Team after an extended absence. Gull, along with fellow Spanish League professional Andres Kogovsek played in Argentina’s loss to Iceland in Olympic Qualifier play in Croatia. Gull’s return is likely linked to Argentina’s selection of new National Team coach, Eduardo Gallardo. Gallardo previously coached Argentina’s top club team, River Plate as well as Argentina’s Youth Team which placed 4th at last year’s World Championship. https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.367 According to Ruben Gomez, a former Argentine IHF Official and owner of the Mexico Forum website http://handball.mforos.com/ , Argentina has sent a youngish team to the qualifiers with an eye towards 2012. 4 players are over 30, but most of the rest are in their early 20’s.

The IHF has reiterated to the PATHF that Greenland should be reinstated as a full member of the PATHF. The PATHF had requested an appeal of the IHF's earlier decision, but was informed by the IHF that their failure to pay the required administrative fee in a timely manner had exhausted the PATHF's legal options.

Article from Play the Game Website: http://www.playthegame.org/News/Up_To_Date/IHF_backs_Greenland_over_continental_handball_federation_membership_07050001.aspx

The PATHF Junior Women’s Championship is currently taking place in Argentina. Eight teams are participating. In the first day of Group Play regional powers Brazil and Argentina coasted to easy victories, while Mexico edged Canada 24-23 and Greenland beat Puerto Rico 34-26. As the World Junior Championships will be in Brazil, two teams in addition to Brazil should qualify for the tournament.

Pool Play continues on the 12-13 March and the Semifinals/Final are 14-15 March

The following websites can be checked for updates

Argentina Federation: http://www.balonmanoargentina.org.ar/
Canada National Team Site: http://www.canadianhandball.com/index.php
Mexico Handball Forum: http://handball.mforos.com/1179288/7368584-panamericano-juniors-femenino-resultados-posiciones-y-comentarios/

Greenland has received notification from the PATHF that they now will be allowed to participate in the PATHF Junior Women’s Tournament scheduled for March 10-16, in Argentina. As reported earlier, the PATHF appeared to be stonewalling Greenland by not providing scheduling information concerning the tournament. Additionally, formal correspondence between the PATHF and the IHF concerning Greenland’s membership status implied that the PATHF had not recognized the IHF Court of Arbitration ruling that Greenland should be reinstated as a full PATHF member.

The notification that Greenland received, however, dispels that notion and fully acknowledges Greenland’s right to play in the upcoming tournament. But while Greenland is cleared to play for this tournament, the PATHF still maintains that Greenland’s status as a PATHF member still needs to be fully resolved either through the IHF appeal process or other legal action. The PATHF, however, concedes that until such time a ruling reverses the current status quo, Greenland is a full member and will be allowed to participate in PATHF tournaments.

Greenland Saga Continues (Jan 08): https://teamhandballnews.com/comment-n444.html
IHF Ruling: Greenland Reinstated as Full PATHF Member (Nov 07): https://teamhandballnews.com/comment-n410.html