Spain’s women’s handball team secured a decisive 32-20 victory over Ukraine on the second day of the 2023 World Cup, moving them a step closer to the Main Tour. The win, while not flashy, was essential as it set them up to reach four points with a Sunday showdown against Brazil.
Ambros Martín’s squad began with intensity at Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, but the first half eluded their full command. The defense showed flashes, yet the attack stalled at times, producing a back-and-forth struggle despite a convincing win on the scoreboard. The balance of play suggested both promise and room for improvement in the approach they would need to advance.
⚡️ Frenzy and sprint— that seemed to be the tempo as the team opened with a burst of energy. Notable was Mireya Gonzalez’s early strike, a moment of sharp execution that sparked excitement among fans and teammates alike. The broadcast captured the moment, highlighting the surge in momentum for the GuerrerasRTVE team on Teledeporte and RTVE’s streaming platform. (Source: Teledeporte)
In the second round, the Spanish side sustained pressure after an uneven start in the first half, building a lead as the tempo quickened on the parquet floor and on the scoreboard (11-5). The squad moved the ball smoothly, with players like Gassama and Tchaptchet asserting themselves at center and on defense, driving the rhythm of the game. (Source: Teledeporte)
Merche Castellanos delivered a standout performance in the second half against Ukraine, reinforcing the pace of play for Spain. Her presence, alongside the team’s rising energy, helped maintain the rhythm that had defined the match in the opening minutes. Yet, the pace also exposed some pressure points—rotation remains a topic of focus as the team seeks consistency heading into the later stages. The viewers continued to express confidence in Ukraine, recognizing the potential the opposition could still unleash. (Source: Teledeporte)
Mireya González again carried significant weight in the second period, pushing the tempo and maintaining the attack’s intensity, while Alicia Fernández contributed with impactful moments. However, some missteps on defense and a few scattered errors hindered the team from extending their lead further, reminding spectators that precision would be vital in tougher matches ahead. (Source: Teledeporte)
Restarting after halftime, Spain faced a slow start with Lisa’s exclusion marking a setback and a brief drought in scoring. The team navigated the challenge with renewed defense and timely saves from Merche, keeping the Ukrainians at bay and preserving the lead. The fog of illness affecting Maitane Etxeberria’s first-leg performance is noted as a setback, yet the Guerreras regrouped and found clarity on defense to stabilize the game. (Source: Teledeporte)
Esther Somaza added to the tally, securing her second World Cup victory for the team and underscoring the expanded contribution from the squad. The approach under coach Martín aimed to build steadily toward the Sunday target against Brazil, with the clock ticking in the pursuit of a robust final phase. (Source: Teledeporte)
By the 10th minute of the second half, Ambros Martín’s team had reached their peak in this match, stretching the margin to 20-14 as Ukraine fought to find a response. The visitors did not capitulate, but Spain’s patience in attack gradually paid off, producing a rhythm that both lifted the home crowd and reinforced the team’s tactical spine. The performance showed a balance of offensive aggression and defensive discipline that will be essential in the higher-stakes rounds to come. (Source: Teledeporte)
In the Group G context, Brazil defeated Kazakhstan convincingly (46-15), briefly altering the landscape and giving the Americans temporary leadership. With four points at stake in the final group game, Spain would soon face Brazil to determine who advances to the Main Round and who continues the journey toward the quarterfinals. The upcoming clash would test Spain’s resilience and consistency as they aimed to secure progress in a challenging World Cup group. (Source: Teledeporte)