The Argentine handball team, known as Los Gladiadores, had an ideal debut at the South-Central Asunción 2026 tournament and authoritively defeated Peru 49-17. This victory was the first in the competition, which awards four spots for the 2027 World Championship. The national team, led by Rodolfo Jung, showed decisiveness from the start, relying on defensive intensity and counter-attacks to quickly build a lead, according to the Argentine News Agency. The standout player of the match was Ramiro Martínez, who scored 12 goals and was named MVP, in a decisive performance for a team that grew stronger as the minutes passed. After an even start at 4-2, Argentina went on a crucial 7-0 run with Nicolás Bono directing the play and Martínez as the main executioner, breaking the game's momentum and taking control. The first half ended 24-10, with rotation in several positions and an offense that continued to find space in open play, with important contributions from Facundo Cangiani, Lucas Moscariello, Agustín Unzner (in his official debut), and Francisco Lombardi. In the second half, Argentine dominance deepened with the entry of Agustín Forlino, who made six saves and gave greater security to the goal, in addition to controlling the Peruvian pivot, one of the few threats from the rival. With the match fully under control, Argentina stretched the lead with a devastating 20-2 run in twenty minutes, reached a maximum of 45-13, and closed out the rout 49-17, with Pablo Minguez also starring and constant counterattacks to seal a flawless performance. In the continuation of the tournament, Los Gladiadores will face Paraguay, the host team, this Tuesday at 20:30 at the SND Arena in Asunción, with broadcast on Fox Sports and the Coscabal YouTube channel.
