Spain were crowned Women’s Youth world champions, following their prestigious 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the dramatic final in the Karteros Beach Sports Centre.

Spain were a class of their own in a lopsided first set. A 12:2 partial score gave Spain a ten-goal lead (18:8), a margin that was impossible for the orange team to cover.

The second set, however, was completely different with the Netherlands improving considerably and showing on the court their skills that brought them to the final. Halfway through the Netherlands were up with a considerable difference, making the Spanish team nervous, and thus missing all of their shots.

The tie didn’t break after the five first attempts from each team in the shoot-out. De Jager missed the sixth shot and Contreras, who scored from her own goal awarded Spain the world title.

Netherlands - Spain 1-2 (16:30, 30:22, 6:8)

Netherlands: Meerstad, Heuten 25, Jongejan 12, Blom, Van Den Hoek, Marsman 11, Stege, Luis 2, De Jager 2, Olde.

Spain: Vera, Contreras 16, Gοnzalez 12, Lopez 16, Iniesta, Coppens 16, Robles, Arteaga, Rull, Moral.

Referees: Ortega Pedro (VEN) - Aular Miguel (VEN). Suspensions: 0-0.

Quotes

Thijssen Ronald (Netherlands - Coach)

"We lost, but I am happy with our effort. Spain played better than us in the first set. We were not focused and they won comfortably.

“In the second set, however, things were completely different. We improved, we managed to win and sent the match to the shoot-out. Spain were more efficient and they won.

"Defeat is painful, but I am very proud of my team and may girls."

Llambrich Mariam Gonzalez (Spain – Player)

“We are very happy that we won the gold medal. We are the best team in the world, I have no words.

“We achieved our goal and we enjoy it.

“Congratulations to my team, I am very proud. Congratulations also to the national team of the Netherlands”.