Spain Pushes USA to the Limit but Falls Short, 66-76; Bronze Medal Match Against Germany Awaits

Spain challenged the United States throughout but ultimately fell short due to the Americans' physical dominance and a significant free throw disparity (35 to 11). María Conde and Iyana Martín led Spain with 17 points each. Spain will face Germany on Sunday (16:30, Teledeporte and Vamos) for a potential historic bronze medal.

Spain's refusal to back down against the global powerhouse was evident from the opening moments: a block by Raquel, a three-pointer from Awa, pace, composure, and accuracy (9-1, minute 3). It was no mere opening burst. The Americans never found their rhythm against a rival that was not only ambitious but capable of playing with patience and precision on both ends of the floor, though Spain did accumulate too many turnovers at times.

Physical strength prevailed by the end of the first quarter (18-21), but what significantly impacted the scoreboard throughout the first half was the 21 free throws the United States had attempted before Spain took their first.

Still, Spain managed to prevent the 18-25 deficit from growing at the start of the second quarter. Iyana took charge, Awa and Raquel locked down the paint and prevented offensive rebounds, and Cazorla, Conde, and Fam contributed down the stretch. At halftime, anything seemed possible (36-39).

And it remained that way well into the fourth quarter. The third quarter opened with three three-pointers—two from Conde and one from Iyana—and María's third-pointer put Spain back on top (45-44, minute 23). Spain continued to play superior team basketball, but had the misfortune of missing several easy layups in succession. The Americans, even with Clark completely neutralized, capitalized. But 49-56 (minute 28) wasn't enough to pull away: Spain responded emphatically, and with two free throws from Iyana, they won the quarter and closed it tied at an incredibly even 58-58.

But the Americans kept shooting free throws, Breanna Stewart carried her team on her shoulders, and after Awa's 60-62 (minute 33), physical dominance proved decisive despite Spain's efforts until the final second. The final 66-76 scoreline certainly didn't reflect how competitive the game was.

In any case, this isn't over: Spain has the opportunity this Sunday to win a medal at this World Cup, which would be the fourth in their history. It won't be easy, of course, but this team has already demonstrated they're determined to make the most of every opportunity.

In the other semifinal, Germany, Spain's opponent this Sunday, was clearly outmatched by France (64-86).