After a gap of 24 years, Benfica were crowned winners of the Portugal Handball Cup at the Dr. Eduardo Mansinho Sports Hall in Tavira on Sunday.
A packed arena witnessed a thrilling 30-29 win over favourites FC Porto in the semi-final while in the other semi, Madeira SAD had a narrow 26-25 win over Belenenses.
The final was certainly a game of two halves with Madeira holding a 14-12 lead at the break. In the second period, Benfica dominated the game, including some great saves by their keeper Ricardo Candeias, and ran out eventual winners 29-25. Handball is a popular seven-a-side indoor sport which has featured at the Olympics since 1972.
France won the Men’s title in Beijing three years ago with Norway taking gold in the Women’s event. France also won the World Championship title in Sweden
inJanuary. C.W.
