Both European sides had already secured their berths in the main round, but today, championship hosts Spain claimed their third consecutive victory and will carry four points over to the next stage, while Austria, who finish third in Group H, will take no points with them. 

GROUP H
Spain vs Austria 31:19 (14:6)

Austria's woes at this World Championship have no end in sight, as the team have been losing players before each game. Prior to the match against Spain, Katarina Pandza, who had scored 19 goals in the two previous games, became their sixth player to be tested positive for the COVID-19. But as Sarah Draguljic, who joined the team already during the championship, made her debut at the event, Austria were able to again use a 12-player squad. 

Still, it was hard for them to compete with Spain, who played with full squad and were supported by a loud audience in Torrevieja. Silvia Navarro made a string of superb saves early in the match, propelling her team to a 7:1 lead, forcing Austria coach Helfried Müller to take his first time-out already in minute 10. 

While his team somewhat improved their game, the hosts soon took control again and cruised to a 14:6 lead at the break, as Navarro's brilliance limited Austria to only a 30% shot efficiency in the first half.

Mercedes Castellanos, who replaced Navarro in goal after the restart, joined the scorers' list of Spain just one minute into the second half, finding the opponents’ net from her own half. The weakened Austrians found no remedy against their rivals, who showed no sign of slowing down.

In attack, it was Carmen Martin who set the tone, and ultimately, she became top scorer of the match with nine goals as Spain celebrated a 31:19 victory and made a circle of honour around the court to greet their devoted fans after the final whistle. 

"Austria were in a difficult situation, but they fought very hard. And we are very happy, because we reached our goal, entering the main round with four points," said Spain's coach Jose Ignacio Prades after the game. 

For the main round, both teams together with Argentina will stay in Torrevieja, where they will face the three best representatives of Group F: Brazil, Japan and Croatia. The first games will be played already on Wednesday. 

hummel Player of the Match: Carmen Martin, Spain

Photo: RFEBM/ J. L. Recio