Russia - Spain 24-24 (13-10)

By Marie Bjerre
Not only did Spain create a surprise against Norway yesterday - tonight Farum Arena was the venue of another Spanish sensation.

Towards the end of the first half Russia's status as favourites withered. However, Russia kept the lead all through the first half due to Spain's many technical faults and lack of self-confidence. Every time the Spanish women crossed the centre line it was as if they slowed down and had lost faith in themselves.

Spanish rose in bloom

As the half-time break in the Spanish locker room went on the players slowly became more confident. 'Now it is possible! Now we can actually beat the Russians!' shouts coach Jose Francisco. Their smiles grew larger along with their confidence as they realized that this was it.
And after the break the Spanish rose did bloom. In the tenth minute the Spanish women played their first successful fast break and the smiles returned to their faces. This was followed by a steal by Montserrat Puche Diaz - another goal. With eighteen minutes left of the game the Spanish team equalised the score by scoring four goals in four minutes. For the first time the game becomes worth watching and the far-in-between spectators are won over as well.

Spain constantly kept the Russian tank down. Goalkeeper Lopez did particularly well, saving two important seven-metre shots. In addition Teresa Rodriguez was marvellous and kept the spirit up for the Spanish players. With seven minutes left of the game they were ahead by 21-20.

Russian tank run down

The Russian coach, Evgeny Trefilov's, hoarse voice sounded in a constant stream from the bench and towards the end the screams spread to the Russian defence. The large Russian line player, Oxana Romenskaya, limped on and off the court in the Russian defence-attack substitutions. 'She started feeling pain at one point of the game. But she wanted to continue, and so we let her', explains assistant coach, Alexei Dzardanov. The other line player, Liudmila Bodnieva, did not appear to suffer from any injuries, however.
At the very end of the match Russia held on by their fingernails and refused to let go. This resulted in a red card for Tatiana Dyadechko and a vital penalty shot for Spain. A penalty shot that ends the match on 24-24. Tie. But certainly another unofficial victory for Spain.