In a high-stakes match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Brazilian men’s national handball team secured their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a dramatic 32–30 victory over Tunisia at the Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Granollers, Spain.
The result marks Brazil’s fourth consecutive Olympic appearance in men’s handball and reaffirms the country’s position among the top-tier nations in the sport.
A Must-Win Match Delivered with Heart
Entering the final game of the qualification round-robin, Brazil needed a win to edge past Tunisia in points. The match began with a blistering pace, with Brazil taking an early lead thanks to fast breaks from Jean Pierre Dupoux and precise finishing by Lucas Cândido.
Tunisia fought back in the second half, tying the game at 28–28 with just five minutes remaining. But a crucial steal by captain Bruno Souza, followed by a fast counterattack and goal from Henrique Teixeira, swung the momentum back to Brazil.
Goalkeeper Leonardo Terçariol made two massive saves in the final minute to seal the 32–30 win — and the Olympic ticket.
Coach Marcus “Tata” Oliveira was visibly emotional at the final whistle:
“This team didn’t just play — they believed. Today was about more than tactics. It was about pride, history, and everything we’ve built.”
Blending Experience and Youth
This current squad is being praised for its balance of seasoned Olympic veterans and rising stars. Key figures include:
- Henrique Teixeira: The 34-year-old center back remains the heartbeat of Brazil’s offense, leading with leadership and vision.
- Jean Pierre Dupoux: At just 21, the winger impressed with speed and composure, scoring five goals in the final.
- Thiagus Petrus: Known for his defense, he anchored Brazil’s backcourt and was a force in transition.
Their performance is a product of strategic investments made by the Brazilian Handball Confederation (CBHb) in recent years, including training partnerships in Germany, Spain, and France.
Preparing for Paris
With qualification secured, Brazil now turns its focus to preparing for the Olympic tournament, where they are likely to face top-tier opponents like France, Denmark, and Sweden.
Preparation plans include:
- Pre-Olympic friendlies against European nations
- A high-performance training camp in Portugal
- Integration of new analytics tools to monitor load and injury prevention
- Continued psychological training to handle high-pressure matches
Brazil’s best-ever Olympic finish was 7th place in Rio 2016, but this team is aiming higher — with aspirations of reaching at least the quarterfinals.
National Support and Growing Popularity
Handball continues to gain traction in Brazil, especially among youth and in school systems. The Olympic qualification has boosted media coverage, and matches have been broadcast live on major sports channels and streaming platforms.
Following the win, Brazil’s Ministry of Sports announced new funding for regional handball development and facility upgrades.
A viral clip of the final goal and team celebration has garnered over 2 million views across platforms, sparking excitement about the team’s journey to Paris.
Conclusion: A Spot Earned, A Nation Inspired
Brazil’s victory over Tunisia wasn’t just a sporting result — it was a testament to resilience, growth, and identity. With their ticket punched to Paris 2024, this handball squad carries not just the weight of medals, but the energy of a country ready to cheer them on again.
And as they march toward the Olympic stage, one thing is clear: Brazil is not just participating — they’re aiming to compete.