Spain continues to advance in its preparation for the World Cup in Germany with a new victory. The Spanish national team, with the players of Casademont Zaragoza, Mariona Ortiz and Nerea Hermosa in its ranks, won this Friday by a resounding 83-58 in Tenerife to the reigning African champions, Nigeria. In this way, Miguel Méndez’s team adds the second victory in their preparation matches for a World Cup that will be played from September 4 to 13, 2026 on German soil.
The great protagonist of the match was the captain of Casademont, Mariona Ortiz, who signed an outstanding performance to become the MVP of the duel after having been one of the discarded in the last match against Germany. The red-and-white player finished with ten points, two assists and a rebound, in addition to reaching 15 rating credits. His contribution was especially important in the Spanish reaction after the break, as one of his three-pointers served to put Spain ahead at 47-44.
For her part, Nerea Hermosa once again enjoyed minutes in this second preparation match. The Casademont Zaragoza interior finished the game with two points, two rebounds and an assist, thus continuing her difficult search for a place in the final list of twelve players who will play in the World Cup.
AN OVERWHELMING SECOND HALF
Spain had to wait until the second half to show their best version after suffering in the first half. Nigeria went into the break ahead (36-40), but the national team reacted after the break with a much more solid defense and great outside success. Miguel Méndez’s team signed a spectacular 35-9 run between the third quarter and the first minutes of the last period to definitively break the game in a second half that ended with an overwhelming 47-18 run.
With this victory, Spain maintains its full record of victories in the preparation after having previously beaten Germany (60-65). Now they will close the Tenerife International Tournament this Sunday against Belgium, reigning European champions, in a match that will start at 9:00 p.m.
