MADRID, 4 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish women’s handball team unceremoniously beat Italy (22-35) this Saturday in the second day of the Batalha Tournament, in Portugal, their second win in 24 hours.
After beating Cape Verde (35-11) on Friday, José Ignacio Prades’ men left good feelings again in their set-up for the April play-off against Austria for access to the 2023 World Cup.
The ‘Warriors’ enjoyed a game with all their weapons, goal, a good defense and a counterattack that punished the Italians. Spain maintained the high level despite the rival’s reaction to send the rest by a clear 11-18.
Those of Prades looked stuck in the second half to extend the income, lamenting the injury of Sole López. A bad fall withdrew the Costa del Sol Málaga player from the match, but Spain maintained their concentration to continue working.
Mercedes Castellanos contributed under the sticks and the defense did not stop performing in steals that gave the ‘Guerreras’ a high offensive rhythm. Spain, with Jeniffer Gutiérrez (6 goals), Paula Valdivia (5) and Carmen Campos (4) outstanding, will close the Portuguese tournament this Sunday against the hostess.
“Today was a more real test, given the equality of yesterday’s match between Portugal and Italy. The team has done a very serious job during the first part of the match, which has led us to take a lead of even 7 goals very soon”, Prades said in statements provided by the RFEBM.
“The players have not only known how to manage, but have increased that advantage. Something that has been the result of good defensive work and attacking work in line with what we had prepared. The team has been a little out of tune in the last few minutes due to the Sole’s injury, but the sensations are positive and now we have to play against Portugal. It will be a good test for the future”, he concluded.