A massive upset was recorded Thursday in Zagreb, Croatia as Team Philippines fought three-time champion Brazil to a draw in regulation play and scored a seven to six nail-biter in the shootout.
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Although the national athletes barely made it past the initial group play, great resilience was displayed by the Pinay handballers when they defeated the Brazilians, two to one, in the main round of the 2026 Women’s Beach Handball World Championships. Steps are being taken by the Philippine Handball Federation to ensure that the team could properly cope up with the immense pressure of the global tournament, e.g., the highly competitive European playing environment.
Up next, the Philippine squad would face Greece then Norway in Group II. The group also includes Denmark and Argentina. If the athletes perform well against their succeeding opponents, a spot in the knockout round would be secured. The top four teams from this group would advance to the next phase, joining the top four from Group I composed of Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Croatia, Uruguay and Puerto Rico.
The Philippines is the lone Asian team left in the championships since Vietnam bombed out early in the group play. The squad, guided by Coach Joanna Franquelli, made the main round as the third best team in Group D behind Denmark and Argentina.
Philippine Handball Federation President Ernesto Jay Adalem stated that the federation hopes the team builds on their stunning upset. It is expected that the athletes would utilize their previous trainings and technical strategies so that the rigorous matches do not result to early elimination. Unless unforeseen challenges occur, institutional support would continue to be provided by the agency to guide the national athletes in their historic campaign.
