Spain secure tough win against Poland

17 Jan. 2021

Spain secure tough win against Poland

It was neither pretty nor easy, but reigning European champions Spain made a big step towards the main round at Egypt 2021 with a 27:26 win against Poland.

The Polish side mounted a superb comeback in the second half, thanks to goalkeeper Adam Morawski’s 17 saves, but will need at least a draw against Brazil in the last game to guarantee safe passage to the main round.

GROUP B
Poland vs Spain 26:27 (11:14)

In the past 35 years, Spain have never started the IHF Men’s World Champioship without a win in the first two games.

After drawing against Brazil in their maiden match at Egypt 2021 (29:29) ‘Los Hispanos’ were facing a motivated Polish side, eager to take advantage if the reigning European champions had any trouble.

Indeed, Spain were not in their best shape in attack, where they converted only 50 per cent of their shots in the first half, as Polish goalkeeper Adam Morawski finished the first 30 minutes with eight saves.

However, Jordi Ribera’s side duly delivered in defence. Forcing an immense number of turnovers in the first half (11) Spain looked more focused and sharper than in the first game.

A 6:3 run to end the first half and goalkeeper Rodrigo Coralles recording four saves in the last eight minutes lifted Spain to a 14:11 lead at the break.

It looked like everything was going according to plan for the Spanish side. Until it was not. 

Following the same scenario as the game against Brazil, when they were up by five in the 39th minute and lost one point in the end, Spain suffered the same meltdown against Poland.

As the attack totally dried up and Polish goalkeeper Adam Morawski saved another six shots in 15 minutes, Poland used a 7:1 run to take the lead for the first time after 43 minutes (20:19).

Yet this is where experience played its part. With an average age of the squad nearly four years younger than Spain, Poland paid the price for not having being involved in in the past championship.

With 39-year-old centre back Raul Entrerrios leading the line with five goals and two assists, Spain claimed the lead back and, despite Poland playing the last ten minutes seven against six in attack, never looked back.

Spain took a crucial 27:26 win to avoid their worst-ever start in the competition since 1986, and made a big step towards the main round before their last game of the group against Tunisia.

Poland are still second in the standings, with two points, and will progress to the next phase of the competition if they draw against Brazil on Tuesday. 

hummel Player of the Match: Arkadiusz Moryto, Poland