Gutsy Qatar win Argentina thriller

Qatar overcame Argentina 21-17 in a thrilling fashion in their vital Group D clash at the World Handball Championship, taking a giant leap towards the last 16 stage in Paris yesterday. 
With the victory, Qatar climbed to third position in the group with top four teams, reaching  the Eighth Finals following the preliminary stage. 
The 2015 runners-up looked a better side than their 32-22 thrashing of continental rivals Bahrain in their second consecutive win, after a shock defeat to Egypt in their opening match.    
The coach Valero Rivera side dominated the first half completely starting the assault in the very first minute by earning a penalty. Star right winger Abdulla Al Karbi opened up the scoring making no mistake while defeating the opposition’s goalie. 
Qatar had to wait for seven minutes before 27-year-old Al Karbi doubled the lead for the side. Argentina looked off coloured and were unfortunate with their attempts striking the pole a couple of times.    
After their second goal, the Al Anabi continued to stretch lead to keep the South Americans under pressure. Goal-keeper Danijel Saric was also impressive with outstanding saves, ensuring that Qatar go into the breather with a 9-2 lead. 
The second half of the match begun with a better pace with Argentina returning as an improved outfit as they sought to reduce the seven-point deficit. 
They also managed to score goals in the final session but failed to contain the overwhelming Qatari forwards who continued to find the cage at the other end to maintain the lead.   
By 53rd minute, when coach Rivera took timeout, Qatar were leading 17-10. 
Argentina, desperate for their first victory, bounced back and cut the lead to 18-14 with three minutes left to go to the final whistle. 
But, Qatar held their nerves and continued to find goals to end the match as winners after a hard-fought victory.  Al Karbi ended up scoring four goals with Kamal Aldin finishing as a top scorer with five goals. Bertrand Roine and Youssef Ali scored three goals each.
The Al Anabi will now meet European giants Sweden today in another important clash of the group.     
Meanwhile, defending champions France and Olympic gold medallists Denmark entered the last 16 stage after winning their respective matches on Monday. 
In Group D match, Denmark edged out Sweden 27-25 in a thrilling battle to enter the Eighth Finals with their third consecutive victory. The Danes will finish the group on top if they manage to beat low-profile Bahrain today.  
Despite their first loss of the event, Sweden are still in a good position to qualify on four points.
In Group B,  Spain and Slovenia will fight for the top spot tomorrow.
Croatia beat Belarus in Group C and will be up against Germany for top spot on Friday.