The third and final matchday of the group stage concluded this Tuesday at the SND Arena with four fiercely contested games that determined the semifinalists. Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay remain in the hunt for medals, while Mexico, Chile, the United States, and Cuba will now fight for final classification spots.
CUBA VS. MEXICO – GROUP A
In the day’s opener, Mexico defeated Cuba 34-27 in a tightly contested duel that turned in the second half. After a 16-16 draw at halftime, the Mexicans pulled away with an 18-11 advantage in the final period to secure third place in Group A. Team captain and left back Yuridia Arenas led Mexico with 12 goals on 16 shots, while Zajaris Hernández stood out for Cuba with 8 goals from 9 attempts.
ARGENTINA VS. BRAZIL – GROUP A
In the second game, Brazil overcame Argentina 21-18 in a classic South American rivalry packed with intensity. The Brazilians led 13-11 at halftime and kept control in the second half (8-7), showing composure at crucial moments. Left back Raquel Ladeia powered Brazil with 9 goals on 14 attempts, while Mora Carballo led Argentina with 5 goals. The result left Brazil undefeated at the top of Group A with 6 points, while Argentina finished second with 4 — both advancing to the semifinals.
UNITED STATES VS. URUGUAY – GROUP B
In the afternoon, Uruguay downed the United States 20-16 in another tight battle decided by the South Americans’ efficiency in the second half. Leading 11-10 at the break, coach Gerónimo Goyoaga’s side extended the gap with a 9-6 run to close the game. Martina Campos was the star for Uruguay with 9 goals on 13 shots, while Isabela Da Cruz paced the Americans with 5 goals. With the win, Uruguay finished second in Group B with 4 points and secured a semifinal spot.
PARAGUAY VS. CHILE – GROUP B
In the day’s thrilling finale, Paraguay edged Chile 29-28 in a nail-biting contest decided in the final seconds. The hosts took a 17-14 lead into halftime, but Chile roared back in the second period (14-12), tying the game heading into the final moments. At 29:58, Paraguayan center Fiorella Enriquez scored the game-winner, sending the SND Arena into a frenzy. Enriquez led all scorers with 9 goals on 12 attempts, while Amanda Riquelme topped Chile’s tally with 6 goals. Paraguay finished the group stage undefeated atop Group B with 6 points, with Chile ending third on 2 points.
With the group stage complete, the women’s handball semifinals will take place this Thursday, August 14, at the SND Arena: Brazil will face Uruguay at 5:00 p.m., while Paraguay will meet Argentina at 8:00 p.m.
The non-qualifiers — the United States, Chile, Cuba, and Mexico — will now compete in the classification round for places 5 through 8. Teams will face off in crossover matches, with the winners playing for fifth place and the losers battling for seventh.
