Petrobras Handball Challenge
Women’s
The first edition of the Petrobras Women’s Handball Challenge took place in July 2005 against the Cuban National Team. There were three matches, held in Guarapari and Vitória (ES). The Brazilian National Team showed its power and won the three duels.
The second edition was held on June 6 and 7 2006, in the cities of Foz do Iguaçu and Cascavel, this time against the Hungarian National Team powerhouse. Although Brazil won the second match 31 to 30, the Hungarians kept the title due to the goal balance.
In 2007, the Brazilians beat the Ukrainians. The match took place in Belo Horizonte and ended 32 to 20 (15 to 12).
Men’s
The Brazilian National Team was the great winner of the 2007 Petrobras Handball Challenge. Brazil defeated the Dominican Republic in both games, held on January 5 and 7. In the first game, the score was 34 to 20, while in the second 38 to 19. In June, the guys won again, this time defeating the Russian National Team.
This was the third edition of the event. In the first, held in December 2005, the duel was between Brazil and Cuba, at the Olympic Village Sports Arena (Ginásio de Esportes da Vila Olímpica), in Duque de Caxias (RJ). Brazil was the champion after winning two matches and tying one.
The second edition of the Petrobras Challenge was held from December 1 to 3 2006, in Rio de Janeiro. In the first game, the Brazilian and Portuguese national teams tied at 29 goals. The Portuguese won the second match 31 to 25, and pocketed the title.