Photo: Roberto Morejón (JIT special correspondent)

Havana, March 11 (RHC)-- The Cuban handball team scored two victories and preserved its chances of lifting the title at the IHF Intercontinental Junior Tournament in Costa Rica 2023.

After comfortably beating the Australian team 44-16, with 13 goals by Andro Gonzalez and a superior efficiency of 67% (33%), they faced Great Britain, which was undefeated in the tournament.

Against the British they were aggressive from the first half, which they ended up winning 17-14, but the clear superiority came in the second half.

A score of 19-9 allowed the definitive victory with a slate of 36-23 over the Europeans, to whom they caused damage on the sides and from nine meters, from where half of the goals came. 

Ronaldo Almeida scored 13 goals in 17 shots on goal for an excellent efficiency of 76%. Maiko Vázquez, with 11 goals, seconded him on offense.

The Greater Antilles reached two wins and one loss, the same income as the British and Guineans and awaiting the match between the Ticos and the latter. 

Whatever the result, it will leave the Cubans options to win the championship, since they close against the Ticos on the last day and Guinea can only reach three victories, considering that they rest on the last day. Great Britain will also be aiming for only three wins when they face the Australians on March 11.

The champion will be the highest-placed team after the round-robin, one-round playoff. Goal difference could be the deciding factor, knowing that several teams have a chance to finish with the same win-loss record.

The greatest options lie with the Cubans and Costa Ricans, precisely the teams with assured tickets to the world championship of the category to be hosted by Germany and Greece later this year.