JEDDAH, 27 February 2008 — Saudi Arabia qualified for the 2009 Handball World Cup in Croatia for the fifth time in their history after downing Iran 24-23 in the third-place match yesterday in the 13th Asian Handball Championship in Isfahan, Iran.
Mohammed Al-Matroud, president of the Saudi Handball Federation, told Arab News the team pulled through in the crucial match despite the limited time of preparations, entering training camp for only eight days. But the team proved they richly deserved the victory and with their enthusiasm and determination were able to advance and play to the highest standard against the rival teams until they qualified after beating Iran, added Al-Matroud.
Of the World Cup, Al-Matroud said, “Let us enjoy the victory for now but for sure after the team get back they will be getting more support as they will now represent the country in the World Cup.”
Iran led early in the first period pressuring Saudi to be at the receiving end till the 26th minute. But Kingdom’s Hussain Ikhwan rattled the Iranians’ confidence when he tied the score at 11-11. Iran had nursed a one-point lead at 12-11 but Saudi Arabia closed the first half sitting on a 13-12 edge.
The Saudis maintained the initiative for the first 20 minutes of the second period to lead by 21-18. The match was touch-and-go from there and the Kingdom gained the third spot in the World Cup when Iran flubbed a free throw in the final minute.
The teams were both playing a man down after the visitors lost veteran Bandar Al-Harbi to injury and the hosts were red-carded.
The tension flared in the last five minutes of the match with Iran on top 23-21.
Ikhhwan, easily the hero in the Saudi victory, rifled home the equalizer 23-23 and the Kingdom scored the marginal point that held up to the end.
Speaking to Arab News over the phone from Iran, Al-Harbi said, “considering the short time of training we could not believe we won this game.” He said the team’s performance in this championship was never seen before. “The referees were fair in general and that was a big relief for us to play well,” he said.
“All the teams were to be feared and that is why we tried to give more than our best and prepared for each game as if it was the final,” he said while thanking all the loyal Saudi fans who supported them.
Team captain and goalkeeper Manaf Yousif said it was one of the best championships he participated in. “All the matches were tough but with Iran it was the hardest and we really appreciate all our supporters’ encouragement and prayers and dedicate this victory to them.
Of the talks of his retirement, Yousif said, “This will not happen, not now especially as we have the World Cup to look forward to and great fans who believe in us.”
The team members each received SR5,000 for winning the match from the Saudi Handball Federation in addition to another SR5,000 from Saudi businessman Omar Salim.
