In the match of the two continental champions, Brazil opened their account at the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship, as they enjoyed a big advantage against Cuba.

GROUP G
Brazil vs Cuba 41:20 (18:13)

The Cubans, who returned to the World Championship after a six-year break, started the match in Stuttgart better, opening a 3:1 lead by the fifth minute. Brazil looked shaky early in the game, but the experience of Bruna de Paula and Alexandra do Nascimento helped them to a 3:0 run, pulling in front 4:3.

After that, Brazil were constantly in the lead, even if Cuba tried to put pressure on them, as Jennifer Toledo netted five goals in the first half. In the last six minutes before the break, the rivals’ attacks slowed down, as both Brazil and Cuba scored just once during that period. As a result, the South Americans led by five goals at the interval, 18:13.

But after the restart, Cuba were less competitive. Even if their goalkeeper Niurkis Mora made 14 saves, the Central American side committed as many as 33 turnovers throughout the game. Brazil’s goalkeeping also improved, as Renata de Arruda ended the game with eight saves and a 53% saving rate.

Brazil opened the second half with a 4:0 run and never looked back, reaching a double-digit advantage at 24:14 in the 37th minute. As the South Americans rotated their squad, 13 of their 14 players put their names on the scoresheet, with the 44-year-old Nascimento making a special impact with seven goals.

Toledo netted even more for Cuba – eight goals – but her team were restricted to just seven goals in the second half. In the end, Brazil cruised to a commanding 21-goal win, making a big step towards the main round.

Hummel Player of the Match: Jessica Quintino (Brazil)