The North American and Caribbean Tournament took place in Mexico City last week. It was a round robin system that qualified four countries for the Pan American Championship in Uruguay in June. United States, Greenland, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba entered the court for the trophy with an eye on the spot.
It was also the first step towards the World Championship next year in Qatar. All teams showed progress in their game and fans showed up in a good number to see it.
Greenland won the tournament undefeated and with a 22-goal difference, a title much celebrated by the team who is looking forward to playing its fourth World Championship. Cuba took the silver and United States took the bronze. Mexico ended up in fourth place and will also go to Uruguay.
Interestingly enough Handball is the only sport where Greenland participates in official tournaments. Both Pan American and International Federations do recognize its national entity. Hopefully there will be more.
United States also strongly celebrated its qualification, spreading messages countrywide in the social networks. Players, staff and supporters wanted everybody to know that they are still on the fight for Qatar. The practice phase in Alabama was intense and the first results are already showing up.
Results of the 2014 NorCa Tournament:
25/Feb
Greenland 31-27 Cuba
Mexico 33-21 Puerto Rico
26/Feb
Cuba 21-15 United States
Puerto Rico 29-39 Greenland
27/Feb
United States 29-26 Puerto Rico
Mexico 26-31 Greenland
28/Feb
Greenland 30-27 United States
Mexico 21-31 Cuba
1/Mar
Cuba 30-26 Puerto Rico
United States 29-20 Mexico
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