Spain's women's handball team suffered a dignified 25-29 defeat to host Germany in the World Cup group stage, missing out on the quarterfinals. They depended on themselves after Montenegro's win over Serbia, but the Germans' physical superiority proved insurmountable in Dortmund.
Spain entered the match in Dortmund relying on a win to advance, following Montenegro's 33-17 thrashing of Serbia, which positioned the Guerreras to pull off an upset against an unbeaten group leader. However, the hosts, with their imposing physicality, controlled the game, particularly after halftime.
The first half remained close despite Spain's struggles. Ambros Martín's players crashed against a German defensive wall, facing issues with outside shots, penetration, or clear chances. Despite 18 turnovers, Spain narrowed the gap to 10-13 at halftime, aided by Nicole Morales' saves under the posts and improved attacking play. Danila So Delgado, top scorer with 10 goals (eight in the second half), was pivotal in the effort.
But in the second half, Germany surged ahead, quickly building a lead: a 12-20 partial at the 41st minute crushed Spanish hopes. The Germans, leaders with 10 points, secured their quarterfinal spot alongside Montenegro (6 points), while Spain finished with 4, behind Serbia (5) and Faroe Islands (3). Iceland ended with 0.
"For a win, many things have to happen," coach Ambros Martín had warned before the game. After the final whistle, he lamented: "This match wasn't the key one," referring to prior losses to Faroe Islands and Serbia, which cost four crucial points in a tournament that rewards consistency. Spain's campaign, marred by reliability lapses, thus ends without reaching the elite in this new phase.