PERUVIAN FANS STAND OUT ON FIRST DAY OF HANDBALL COMPETITIONS

The defeat against Dominican Republic was hard; however, for the Peruvian handball team every match is a lesson learned for the future. It is important for fans to keep rooting for the Peruvian team, so that they do not stop trying. About 300 spectators rooted for the team until the end from the stands at VIDENA Sports Center 1 and acknowledged the girls' effort with their applause.

In fact, prolific scorer Ariana Cruz admitted that they attempted to take more risks thanks to the encouragement of Peruvian fans. “We didn't start nervously. We tried to attack confidently, but maybe that backfired because the Dominican team managed the counterattacks well. But it was a great experience, because we felt supported and we will keep trying our very best,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dominican top scorer Mariela Andino highlighted the competition level at the Pan American Games. “We went for it but, without a doubt, Peru caused us trouble at the beginning. The support from Peruvian fans also helped them, and honestly, it was a beautiful sporting atmosphere. I want to congratulate the Games organizers because they are doing a really good job,” she said.

Perú will face off Argentina tomorrow, July 25, at 18:00. The Argentinian women’s team, known as “La Garra”, won its debut match against the USA, showcasing their best talent who currently play in Europe: half left Elke Karsten, pivot Victoria Crivelli and right wing Camila Bonazzola.

If you want to cheer on the Peruvian team, buy your ticket at the Pan American and Parapan American Games website: lima2019.pe/tickets. You can also buy your tickets for the Lima 2019 competitions at the 11 points of sale from Jockey Plaza shopping center, in Santiago de Surco, and Metro and Wong in Chorrillos, Independencia, La Molina, Lima, Miraflores, San Borja, San Isidro, San Juan de Miraflores, San Miguel and Surco.

MEN'S COMPETITION

The men's tournament will go from July 31 to August 5. It will feature the derby match, Brazil vs. Argentina. Both teams feature star players who shone at last season's handball Champions League, the sport's best tournament in the world. In fact, Brazilian pivot Rogério Moraes won the tournament playing for Vardar from Macedonia, while playmaker Thiagus Petrus had a good season at Barcelona from Spain. The Argentinian team features brothers Diego, Pablo and Sebastián Simonet.

Group A is made up of United States, Cuba, Argentina and Chile. Peru is part of Group B along with Mexico, Puerto Rico and main candidates Brazil. The Peruvian team will debut against Puerto Rico, while Brazil will face Mexico. Meanwhile, the Argentinian “Gladiadores” will face off the USA.

LIMA 2019 REGULATIONS

There will be a preliminary round with two groups of four teams each. Teams in both groups will compete in a round-robin format. After the round-robin stage, the top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals, where the first-placed teams will play against those finishing second. The semifinal winners will fight for the gold medal, while the losing teams will go for the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth-placed teams in each group will face off to determine the remaining four places in the qualifying round. Starting in the semifinals, matches that end in a tie after regular time, two overtimes will be played. If the tie persists, the winner will result from a penalty shootout.

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