Spain wins bronze at the World Cup with a golden generation

Spain has returned to the world podium as if it had never left. The women’s basketball team swept the host Germany at the Berlin World Cup (81-58) and took a bronze medal that boosts a new and brilliant generation. That of Iyana Martín, key in the victory with 22 points and 9 assists, and Awa Fam as flags. Also that of Elena Buenavida and Alicia Flórez. And that of more seasoned players like Maite Cazorla, María Conde, and Raquel Carrera. The mix worked wonderfully to add the fourth world medal after the silver in 2014 and the bronzes in 2010 and 2018, and after missing the 2022 event, the fourth also for the great captain, Alba Torrens, crowned with honors at 37 years old. The future belongs in any case to the surprising and rebellious Iyana.

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A cauldron welcomed the team at the Uber Arena in Berlin. The fire was cooled by the team with Iyana’s magic to move the ball and her ability to score from the perimeter. Also Awa Fam with her power under the two boards. By play and personality, Spain has an invaluable treasure in these two 20-year-olds ready to take on the world. Méndez’s team showed character in the semifinal against the United States and was not going to be intimidated by the local players either. Iyana and Awa, less than anyone. Their connection and Gustafson’s good work gave the team control of the game against a Germany that relied on Sabally. Spain felt comfortable due to its good offensive circulation and quick hands on defense, a double that Mariona Ortiz summed up with a steal and a long three-pointer (25-15).

The entry of Spain’s second unit slowed down that cruising speed with which they had set off. Germany tightened ranks and the score. Time for Iyana, Cazorla, and Fam to return to the court to set things straight. The point guard opened the three-point scoring after three minutes of the second quarter. Once again, the bold playmaker was the best scoring support for the team. The German team clung to the awakening of Leo Fiebich, their star, even if it was with free throws, and to the engine of Peterson and Sabally. The host had raised the physical level, more daring and direct to the basket, until tying the game. Spain struggled to find the gaps it had previously occupied, stuck with the ball and vulnerable without it, and yet with a bit of knowing how to suffer to get through the rough patch (40-36).

Spain was searching for points. Maite Cazorla’s three-pointer to extinguish Fiebich’s accuracy and a good reverse layup by Raquel Carrera were a blessing for the team against Germany’s push on the court and in the stands. The Galician center dressed as a leader to hook two more baskets and return the lead to the Spanish team that it had lost. Iyana, the point guard who plays with a smile painted on her face and a killer look, widened the gap (55-39 after a 15-3 run). The German team found in a couple of three-pointers the key to get up from the canvas and ignite their fans. Spain responded with another missile from Iyana and the faith of Elena Buenavida to go after every rebound (61-51).

Defense!, shouted the German fans. But the local lines were blown apart by the three-pointers of María Conde and Maite Cazorla, two players who have had a great tournament for their reliability and commitment. The good Spanish defense ended up driving a Germany already very inferior in team play crazy and with no other resource than the environmental fever. Iyana Martín was having fun, launched to a place of honor in the tournament’s ideal five. Spain returned to a World Cup podium with a golden generation, that of Iyana and Awa. The present has been bronze and the future has no ceiling.

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