Mohammed Al Gharaballi of Al Rayyan (in black) attempts to shoot during the 2013 IHF Super Globe match against Barcelona Intersport at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium yesterday. RIGHT: Zoran Roganovic of Eljaish in action during his side’s match against HSV Hamburg.
DOHA: Al Sadd beat underdogs Sydney University 33-20 to top Group A on the first day of the IHF Super Globe tournament, yesterday.
In other matches yesterday, Eljaish drew 29-29 with HSV Hamburg, and Al Rayyan went down to Barcelona Intersport 38-25.
In another match yesterday, Etoile Sportive du Sohel beat Taubate 29-24.
Backed by the saves of former Spanish World Champion, Jose Javier Hombrados, Al Sadd took control of the match right from the beginning.
But the brave fighting Australians, tried hard to avoid an early decision. But they could not stop Mahmoud Hassaballa, who went through the Sydney defence like a knife through warm butter.
At 10-5, the hosts marched ahead thanks to their greater individual skills and the more options from the bench.
With two straight goals after the break, the result was double-figured for the first time at 20-10.
The only shock for Al Sadd was the ankle injury of Hassaballa, who had to leave the court in the 39th minute after twisting his foot.
A penalty goal in the final second prevented German side HSV Hamburg from a defeat in their match against Eljaish.
The Qatari team was clearly backed by the brilliant saves of goalkeeper Dan Beutler, who formerly played for HSV Hamburg until May.
Due to his saves – and despite missing their top player Nicolaj Markussen due to an injury, Eljaish was surprisingly in the lead immediately at 10-6, before HSV coach Martin Schwalb took his time-out.
The Germans even were hit by the red card against their defence specialist Davor Dominikovic in the 22nd minute. But even without the Croatian World and Olympic champion they reduced the gap – and when Spanish newcomer Joan Canellas hit the net at the half-time whistle, the result levelled for the first time at 13-13, though Eljaish top scorer Ahmed Elahmar was unstoppable on the right back position.
Sixty seconds before the final whistle the score was 28-28. Schwalb took his final time-out 44 seconds before the end. Zoran Roganovic netted in for the 29-28 lead for Eljaish. But with the final whistle, HSV received a penalty shot – and Mahe netted in for the equaliser.
Meanwhile, Barcelona Intersport began their campaign in style by beating Qatar’s Al Rayyan 38-25.
Al Rayyan started brightly but could not sustain their form throughout the match.
The Spaniards, who replaced Atletico Madrid in this competition, raised their tempo in the match and closed with a win.
AGENCIES
