Doha: World champions Spain kept the old order of handball alive with a slender 28-25 victory over the team threatening to become one of the sport’s new powers, Qatar, in their Group A clash yesterday.
However, the game certainly tested the loyalties of the Rivera household.
The current coach of Qatar is Valero Rivera, 61, a Spaniard who led his own country to World Cup success in 2013, and he was warmly embraced by many of the current Spanish squad before the game began.
His son, also called Valero Rivera, 29, just happened to be playing left-wing for Spain.
It was indeed a very special father-son appointment at Lusail Multipurpose Hall here yesterday.
“In my personal life, my mom and my dad are two of the most important people in my life, and professionally, my dad is all,” the junior Rivera said. “He introduced me to the handball world and he has taught me the winner’s mentality that I now have. He is, without a doubt, the most important person.”
His father’s reply was short but heart-felt. “I love my son more than my life,” he said, water welling in his eyes. “It’s going to be the hardest match of my career.”
Since the start of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship, the Riveras speak daily.
“He asks me if I am ok, how I played, if I need something,” the junior Rivera said. “The things that a father asks a son.”
But they didn’t talk much about the match. Both were cognizant of the fact that they were professionals.
“My opinion is that my family wants me to play well but for my father to win,” the junior Rivera said before the match yesterday.
THE PENINSULA
