The Saudi Arabian national handball team concludes its participation in the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, currently being held in Kuwait, with a highly anticipated and challenging match against South Korea on Tuesday. This match will determine fifth and sixth place in the final standings, as both teams have been eliminated from contention for the semifinals.
The Green Team's journey in the tournament: a strong performance and a dramatic end
The Saudi national handball team delivered a remarkable performance in the early rounds of the tournament, topping their group in the preliminary stage with a perfect record of three consecutive victories against strong teams like Iran and Japan, in addition to a win against Australia. This outstanding performance deservedly qualified them for the main round, carrying with them high hopes of reaching the semi-finals and then qualifying for the 2027 World Championship in Germany.
But the Green Falcons' journey in the main round faced greater challenges. After a loss to Qatar, the team regained its footing with two important victories against the UAE and Bahrain. Despite the latter win against Bahrain, it wasn't enough, as the Saudi team needed to win by at least six goals to secure qualification. However, the match ended with a two-goal difference, leaving them in third place in their group and eliminating them from contention for the title and their World Cup dream.
The importance of the Asian Championship and its historical context
The Asian Men's Handball Championship is the continent's premier sporting event, not only determining the Asian champion but also serving as the primary gateway to the World Men's Handball Championship. The top four teams typically qualify directly for the World Championship, making the main round and semifinal matches fiercely competitive. South Korea is a traditional powerhouse in Asian handball, boasting a rich history of titles and achievements, making any match against them a true test for any team.
Facing South Korea: More than just a ceremonial position
Although the match is for fifth place, it holds great importance for the Saudi national team. A victory against a team of South Korea's caliber would be a significant morale booster, improve the team's continental ranking, and offer an opportunity to end the tournament on a positive note, reflecting the team's strong performance throughout most of the competition. The coaching staff and players are determined to give their best in this final match, utilizing the experience they have gained throughout the tournament to achieve a victory that will satisfy the aspirations of Saudi fans.
