Ambros Martin’s Spain side came from behind against a determined Iceland to take a clear 30:23 win and keep their hopes alive of making the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship quarter-finals.

Main Round, Group II
Iceland vs Spain 23:30 (13:14)

Despite knowing they could not progress any further ahead of this game, Iceland – appearing in just their third-ever World Championship – put in their best performance so far in Dortmund against a Spanish side desperate for the two points which could help them on their way to the last eight.

Coach Martin brought in Lisa Oppedal to his side in place of Ona Vegue, while Icelandic coach Arnar Petursson rested Alexandra Lif Arnarsdottir.

After their disappointing loss against Serbia last time out, Spain were determined to make a statement in their second group game but could not get away from the Icelanders until the 49th minute when they led by four (23:19) and their opponents ran out of steam, squandering their three-goal lead in the last quarter.

Up until that point the lead change hands with regularity – six times in total – with goalkeepers Hafdis Renotudottir and Lucia Prades for Iceland and Spain, making their presence count at crucial times.

Coach Petursson was shown a red card with just 12 seconds left of the match after another one of Iceland’s attacks broke down, but he will be back and fully-charged as they play their classic derby match against debutants Faroe Islands on Saturday with both teams knowing it is their last taste of Germany/Netherlands 2025 before heading home.

“We had too many technical faults we don’t manage to run back and do a good defence,” said Iceland’s Katrin Tinna Jensdottir. “We played a good attack [early on] and got the ball to flow, but these technical faults are why we lost the game.”

Spain are now full of hope that they can get a result against the already-qualified Germany and 11,000 home spectators on Saturday and with it, make the last eight.

“Our defence was key,” said Spain’s Gaba Kassama about the last 15 minutes where her side took the lead. “We didn’t start as good, but during the game we tried to fix our problems and then we won. We have to go 100% to win this game [against Germany on Saturday]. It’s a special match and I will see what I can do for my team.”
 
hummel Player of the Match: Thea Imani Sturludottir (Iceland)