Handball - Team Portugal

Nickname
Heroes of the Sea

General
Portugal are making their Olympic debut in Tokyo thanks to a heart-stopping 29-28 win over France in Tournament 2 of the Men's Olympic Qualification Tournaments played in March 2021. Having fallen behind the French by as many as six goals during the match, Portugal mounted a comeback and snatched the winning goal with two seconds left in the game. The victory improved Portugal's record to two wins and one loss in the four-team tournament, equal with both France and Croatia, and crucially ensured they finished ahead of the Croatians on goal difference.

The Portuguese are likely to face an uphill battle in Japan, with their challenge laid out clearly at the 2021 World Championship in Egypt. Portugal topped their preliminary pool with a three-wins, but could only record one more win in the main round and did not progress to the quarterfinals. Portugal finished in 10th-place overall, which is their highest position in four appearances at the tournament.

The team's most recent European championship effort was similarly positive.They were ranked sixth at the 2020 European Championship to secure their best result at the tournament, bettering the seventh they managed in 2000.