Spain and Brazil were clashing for the top position in the group, after previously sealing wins in the first two matches, but Spain came out on top, with a 27:25, now starting the main round with four points, after a topsy-turvy match, which saw the European side claim the win in the dying minutes.

GROUP G
Brazil vs Spain 25:27 (12:16)

The opening phase of the match saw the two sides go nip-and-tuck, but Brazil was boosted by a few saves of Barbara Arenhart and some key shots from centre Bruna de Paula to take the lead, but Spain bounced back and leveled the match, as the two sides went head-to-head in a fiery clash, well-deserving for the first place in the group.

Even though Arenhart was trying her best to keep the contest close, nine turnovers in the first 30 minutes of the match saw Brazil down four goals, 12:16, at the break, a gap which they tried to cut in the second half, after Spanish goalkeeper Darly Zoqbi De Paula forced Bruna de Paula into her first miss in the game, leaving the South American side searching for answers.

Those answers came fast, in only 11 minutes after the restart, tying the score immediately, and handing Spain a new challenge, with a tough match awaiting the European side, which previously made the semi-finals in the last two editions of the IHF Women's World Championship.

Arenhart was replaced between the posts by Gabriela Gonçalves Dias Moreschi and Brazil found some more power from her, taking over the lead, with Spain trailing by two goals with 15 minutes to go, prompting Ambros Martin to take a team time-out.

That time-out set the scene for a nail-biting finish, as Spain cut into Brazil's lead and entered the driver's seat. Darly Zoqbi De Paula became the Spanish hero in those thrilling moments, stopping two Brazilian attacks. The cumulated energy pushed Spain to a two-goal lead at the end of the match, 27:25, which saw the European side clinch their third win in a row, as well as the first place in the group.

“It was a very tough match, both mentally and physically. We knew Brazil was in a good moment after the Pan American Games and the first two games here. The most important thing are our 'Guerreras', our warriors. my players showed big heart in the crucial moments of the game,” said Spanish head coach Ambros Martin after a top-notch game.

The European side earned the important win and they are starting the main round with four points, which are giving them realistic chances for the quarter-finals. Brazil is reaching the next stage with two points. They will face the best three teams of group H - the Netherlands, Czechia and either Argentina or Congo.

hummel Player of the Match: Ana Paula Rodrigues Belo (Brazil)