Portuguese flair excels in match of the tournament
Spain and Portugal have produced probably the best match of the tournament so far. The level was simply insane at times, the pace and intensity were so high, and momentum kept switching from side to side many times. Given the quality of the teams, as well as their rivalry and the history of exciting matches they've played against each other, we expected nothing less.
It was also a rematch of the final from the previous edition of this tournament two years ago, with Spain clinching gold in another terrific match (37:35). Of course, with different generations than today.
However, this exact generation of Spanish players won the Men's 18 EHF EURO 2022 and the Youth (U19) World Championship last year. They haven't lost a match in big tournaments for a long, long time. Until today.
Line player Ricardo Brandão and left back Miguel Oliveira helped Portugal keep the advantage during most of the 60 minutes, with Spain playing catch-up. Even though current champions had the final possession to steal a draw, Portugal's victory in the now classic Iberian derby is thoroughly deserved.