The Brazilian women’s handball team did its homework on Thursday (25) and won its second victory at the Pan American Games in Lima. Having almost no tradition in this sport, Canada won 41 to 12. After the match, unusual scenes were performed by the Canadians, who took on the role of groupies.

After the traditional line of greetings in the middle of the field, during which the sparkle in the eyes of the Canadians was visible, the Brazilians positioned themselves to take a posed photo for the photographers covering the game. The Canadians noticed this, fled and joined their tormentors.

The most unusual was yet to come. One of them threw her cool aside and apparently asked to swap jerseys with Brazilian Duda, one of the best in the world. That was not possible, she quickly realized and swapped the photo request. Three other colleagues who looked embarrassed then also decided to hug the idol.

The other players realized what they were missing and also wanted a photo. Then it was Duda’s turn to take coach Nathalie Brochu’s cell phone and take a selfie with her rivals. “It’s cool that they have this reference, this affection. Before, I was the one taking pictures with the Europeans, now it’s cool that they want to take pictures with me,” Duda commented to UOL Esporte.

During the game, it was clear that the Canadians were very happy to be playing against the 2013 World Champion team. They celebrated the goal that tied the game 1-1 and celebrated as if it were a last-minute goal for every successful save.

Dudley, of course, noticed. “During the game, I notice it. They say: ‘Eduarda, I blocked you on that ball, that’s cool!’. It’s cool that they live this experience. This (the regrouping) has happened in recent years, I think they follow my work in the national team and in Gyor,” added the Brazilian, citing her team in Hungary.

Brazil has not lost a game at the Pan Am Games since 1995 and is currently a five-time champion, winning every game with ease. The technical level of the other rivals is clear. And Canada, which lost 48-12 at the 2015 Pan and has only one player playing outside the country’s amateur league, is not even the worst team in the tournament. Hosts Peru beat Argentina 52-7 in the other group.