After a shaky start that saw them trail by 14 points, the Spanish team showed an indomitable character and elite basketball to beat the Czech Republic in an extraordinary second half.
The match started off on an uphill climb for Spain. The Czechs, led by the speed and effectiveness of players like Hamzova, set the pace in the first quarter, taking advantage of errors in the Spanish attack. The scoreboard reached 8-15 in the 9th minute, and although six consecutive free throws from Raquel Carrera helped close out the first quarter at a more manageable 12-18, but the momentum didn't change substantially in the second quarter. Despite an early triple from Ayuso, Spain's inaccuracies persisted, and the Czech Republic extended their lead to a worrying 30-44 on the stroke of halftime, which ended with a 33-44 lead after three free throws from Aina.
However, the return to the locker room brought with it a complete transformation. The mistakes and doubts dissipated, giving way to the determination and quality that characterize the national team. A crucial block from Etxarri In the third quarter, the game was ignited, and a minute later, a three-pointer from Alba turned the scoreboard around, putting Spain ahead (56-54, minute 25) with a 23-10 run. Spain's tight zone defense began to stifle the Czech attack, which also accumulated fouls. Despite Spain's fightback, the Czechs managed to maintain a slim advantage (61-66) heading into the final quarter.
The tie persisted in the final minutes, but Spain managed to masterfully manage it. The fouls of Reisengerova and Stoupalova weakened the Czech defense, which the Spanish team exploited perfectly. Raquel CarreraIn a memorable performance, he gave a recital with 31 points, 8 rebounds and an impressive 19 of 19 in free throws. Ayuso (20 points) set the pace in every action, while the Spanish defense wore down the Czech guards. The emotional control of the final two minutes was absolute. After a free throw by Ginzo (76-75, minute 37), Spain never lost the lead again. A desperate three-pointer by Vorackova in the final seconds proved insufficient, and Ayuso and Carrera sealed the victory from the free throw line, completing an 84-81 victory.
This extraordinary victory not only catapults Spain into the fight for medals at EuroBasket 2025, but also secures them a spot in the crucial World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The national team dedicated this important victory to their teammate Iyana Martín, who was hospitalized this morning with acute abdominal pain.
Spain will face France in the semifinal this Friday.
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