Spain – celebrating
Spain and Israel rounded out the program of the tournament with the match of the day and after Slovakia’s win over Sweden, the home ladies needed a 3:0 to finish second in the group.
Israel started out well (6:2) but Spain drew level at 8 via some mistakes of Israel; the guests went up 16:12 and 19:14, eventually cruising to the final 25-19.
Spain set the pace of the game all the way through in set 2 going up 16:7 and responding very well to Israel’s attacks. Spain stretched the margin to 18:10 and kept momentum to wrap it up at 25-20.
Israel went for all or nothing in set 3 (8:2), remained ahead (15:10) and after Spain closed it at 21 all, eventually scored the next four to call for the fourth set.
Helped by the local crowd Israel pushed also in set 4 (8:3, 10:5) but Spain fought back by the second technical time-out (18:15, 19:17) eventually pocketing that much desired win (25-19).
“We played an excellent game and I am very happy with this qualification for the European Championship since it pays back the hard work of the past weeks and months” said head coach Francisco Hervas.
