Spain delivered a commanding display on the penultimate day of the second qualifying round, clinching a decisive road win in Reykjavik as they push toward the 2023 World Cup. Facing a stubborn Icelandic side determined to keep its hopes alive for the summer showpiece, the visitors controlled the pace from the opening tip and never let the momentum slip.
Guided by coach Luis Guil, Spain’s Virtus Bologna connection paired with Sergio Scariolo in a Friday showdown that underscored the team’s command. Spain set the tempo early, leaned on a reliable three-point stroke, and converted 14 of 25 from long range. That efficiency jump-started the offense, built a steady lead, and highlighted a balanced attack paired with disciplined defense that kept Iceland at arm’s length for most of the night.
Top scorer Miquel Salvo finished with 18 points, while Jaume Sorolla stepped into international action, joining a rising Spanish nucleus gaining valuable exposure on the world stage.
From the outset, Alberto Díaz and Juan Núñez steered Spain’s attack, seizing the initiative and pressuring the Icelandic defense. Iceland struggled to feed their primary option, Trigvy Hlinason, while Zaragoza center Naess altered several pivotal moments with timely blocks, helping sustain a tense rhythm through the opening phases.
Spain’s accuracy from beyond the arc kept them in front. Early on, five of the first seven attempts from three-point range padded the cushion, but Iceland answered with penetrations and a timely triple from Jon Axel Gudmundsson to narrow the gap, leaving the halftime score at 33-43 in favor of the Spaniards.
Guil signaled a quick regroup with a timeout and inserted Rubén Guerrero, injecting a new dimension to the interior game. Salvo anchored a sustained stretch of offense that widened the margin, restoring Spanish control as the first half approached its end.
Back on court, Núñez delivered a noticeable spark. His energy helped reinvigorate the team, and Spain extended the advantage before the break, finishing the first half with a solid 43-33 lead and signaling a peak in the late stages of the period.
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Social feeds buzzed with leaderboard updates and team messages as Spain pressed on. The game remained close as Iceland intensified tempo and created more efficient possessions as the third period opened.
A few administrative calls slowed the Spaniards briefly, giving Iceland chances to capitalize on mistakes and reduce the deficit to 46-53 in the third. Tactical adjustments paid off for the visitors, but Spain countered with five quick triples, reigniting the distance and reasserting momentum late in the third quarter.
In the closing minutes, Spain built a reassuring cushion, aided by Salvo’s hot hand and a crucial bucket from captain Joel Parra, who guided the team with poise and confidence. The late push sealed the result as Iceland faded under mounting pressure.
Local expectations began to crystallize around the upcoming final day, where qualification would be decided. Spain appeared poised to advance to a potential final against Italy in Cáceres, a matchup that would cap this strong campaign for the team and its supporters.
Data sheet:
61 – Iceland (19+14+15+13): Gudmundsson 11, Steinarsson 10, Thrastarson 3, Jonsson 6, Hlinason 13, Bjornsson 10, Stefansson 2, Thorbjarnarson 2, Henningsson 2, Nathanaelsson 2, Palsson 0.
80 – Spain (22+21+19+18): Díaz 8, Núñez 8, Salvó 18, Parra 10, Guerrero 8, Sorolla 0, Bassas 3, Sergi García 3, Busquets 11, Pérez 4, Vila 4, Alonso 3.
referees: Yılmaz (TUR), Matejek (CHE), Straube (ALE). Noted for the record.
events: The match formed part of the qualifying stage for the 2023 World Cup, played before approximately three thousand spectators at the Laugardalshöll arena in Reykjavik. The atmosphere highlighted a fiercely competitive international clash with moments of high-quality basketball throughout.