Portugal shock Spain and qualify for World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history

For the first time in history Portugal have qualified for the quarter-finals at the Handball World Cup after extending their unbeaten run to five matches, with a dominating performance against Spain, which they won by a scoreline of 35-29.

Spain were battling to stay alive in the competition after their defeat against Norway but went into the game with plenty of confidence as they had never lost to Portugal in the World Cup.

The first half turned into into a tough battle with both sides aiming to get the tactical upper hand. Portugal had a promising beginning to the match until their attack ran out of steam, with Francisco Costa and Martim Costa, their top scorers so far in the competition making a number of errors.

This enabled Spain to take a commanding 12-8 lead but just like in the match against Norway, Spain could not keep their momentum going and by the interval the Spanish lead had been reduced to one goal.

Spain opened a three-goal lead at the start of the second half but then things turned in favour of Portugal with Costa scoring five of Portugal’s six goals, tormenting the Spanish defence.

Spain conceded too many suspensions and with Rema Marques, saving 12 shots for a 38% saving efficiency Portugal ran away with a 35-29 win, their fourth in five matches at the Handball World Cup, which now allows them to top the group standings, with seven points.

While Spain are close to being eliminated, Portugal are now through to the quarter-finals, becoming the fourth team to do so, joining Denmark, France and Germany.