The Spain women’s team gained a confidence boost ahead of the Women’s European championship beginning at the end of November, as they won the trophy at the XXII Torneo Internacional de España in Alicante in the final week of preparation for the continental championship. Spain claimed the title ahead of their three rivals: Brazil, Germany and Poland.

 

All four national teams have been strong in the past but have spent recent years rebuilding. The 2012 Olympic bronze medallists and EHF EURO 2014 runners-up Spain are a new-look side with many new names joining the squad since in recent years – and coach Carlos Viver can be pleased with his side’s progress. Spain defeated Germany 22:20 (11:11) and Poland 23:16 (13:9) in their first two matches, before drawing 28:28 versus Brazil to earn the trophy on the final day of competition.

 

“The girls respond perfectly – not only now – they assume responsibilities, they are pulling the car, with self-confidence, and we cannot ask for more. It is impossible for people to progress and process so much information in such a short time. What they do is very valuable,” said Viver about his team.

 

Led by former Spain coach Jorge Duenas, Brazil opened their campaign with a victory over Germany, 20:19 (9:8), then lost to Poland, 26:32 (13:14). Germany had to wait until their final match at the tournament, versus Poland, to taste victory. They beat Poland 28:27 (14:15) in yet another nail-biting encounter at the event played in Pitiu Rochel.

 

The final results therefore saw Spain with two wins and one draw; Brazil with one win, one draw and one loss; and Poland and Germany each with one victory and two defeats. The three European nations will now undergo their final preparations before travelling to France for the upcoming Women’s EHF EURO 2018, which throws off in Nantes, Nancy, Montbeliard and Brest on November 29.

 

Photo: RFEBM / Á. Bermejo.