Big win over Cuba hands Czechia main round spot

After two straight defeats, Czechia finally opened their account at Germany/Netherlands 2025 as they proved too strong for Cuba. The European side finished third in the group and secured progression to the main round, even if without any points to carry over, while the Cubans will now try their luck in the President’s Cup.

GROUP G
Czechia vs Cuba 44:21 (21:10)

Cuba, who had lost their previous games at the tournament by 19 and 29 goals, fought hard only in the opening minutes, with the score level at 2:2. After that, Czechia used a 5:0 run to pull clear at 7:2 by the 10th minute.

The Czech defence worked well, and goalkeeper Sabrina Novotná registered 11 saves in the first half, boasting a 52% save rate. In attack, the Europeans were particularly dangerous on the wings, as Veronika Malá and Anna Franková combined for nine goals before the interval.

Czechia’s shot efficiency was 72% in the opening half, double that of Cuba, who converted only 36% of their attempts. As a result, Tomáš Glavatý’s team constantly extended their advantage and hit the 20‑goal mark in the 28th minute, cruising to a confident 11‑goal lead at the break.

Cuba needed a miraculous second‑half comeback to avoid their third consecutive defeat, but Czechia did not let the initiative slip away. Patricie Wizurová, who replaced Novotná in goal, was less efficient than her teammate, but her 35% save rate still allowed the European side to keep the game under control.

Czech left back Charlotte Cholevová stepped up after the break and finished the game with 11 goals from as many attempts, boasting a perfect efficiency. For Cuba, Jennifer Toledo and Lorena Téllez scored six times each, combining for more than half of their team’s tally, but nothing could stop Czechia from winning this encounter.

hummel Player of the Match: Charlotte Cholevová (Czechia)