BRA

Brazil are back at the IHF Women’s Youth (U18) World Championship after missing out for the first time ever in 2018. They have certainly played their part and proved they belong in the competition at the 2022 South and Central American Women’s Youth Handball Championship in April, securing the first place by sweeping their opponents.

Despite a +53-goal difference against their four opponents, the toughest match for Brazil was the decider against Argentina, which they won by a single goal, 26:25, after the half-time score was tied at 14:14.

It took a magical effort from left back Kelly Rosa, the top scorer of the tournament, as she scored 12 of her 29 goals throughout the 2022 South and Central American Women’s Youth Handball Championship in the match against Argentina to bring Brazil the win.

The South American champions have never finished higher than seventh place, but also never lower than 13th place – but that could surely change at North Macedonia 2022. Provided they do not qualify for the main round, Brazil will be assured of their worst-ever finish in the competition and that scenario is not entirely out of the discussion.

Their group, which also features Norway, the Czech Republic and Uruguay, is not a walk in the park, being one of the most balanced in the competition. However, after defeating their South American counterparts 37:20 in April, Brazil will be favoured to win at least one game in the group.


Key players: Kelly Rosa (left back), Nathaly Soares (left back), Julia Rodrigues (right back)

Qualification for North Macedonia 2022: 2022 South and Central American Women’s Youth Handball Championship – 1st place

History in tournament: 2006: 9th, 2008: 1oth, 2010: 13th, 2012: 12th, 2014: 7th, 2016: 12th 

Group at North Macedonia 2022: Group G (Norway, Czech Republic, Brazil, Uruguay)