Spain (ESP)

Spain are something of a question mark ahead of the Women’s EHF EURO 2024. The “Guerreras” — meaning warriors — not only farewelled some of their most prominent players following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but have a history of being unpredictable.

Their results in recent years have ranged from two straight World Championship semi-final appearances, in 2019 and 2021, to a 12^th-place finish at Paris 2024 — that is, last place, following only losses. At the EURO, Spain have made the final twice, in 2008 and 20014, and have since struggled to have a significant result in the competition. In 2022, they placed ninth.

When they reached the World Championship final in 2019, that was not exactly expected before the competition, and it is the Guerreras’ mentality that means they can never be discounted. But they are now into a period of rebuilding and will be facing the challenge of a new squad constellation when they play the preliminary round against France, Poland and Portugal in Basel.

Spain did enjoy a perfect record on the path to the EURO, topping their qualifiers group with six wins in as many games. However, players who contributed to that, such as Alexandrina Barbosa, Darly Zoqbi, Marta Lopez and Silvia Arderius, have ended their careers since then. Barbosa was Spain’s top scorer at the EHF EURO 2022, and finished her career with 765 goals in 171 matches — just an example of what will be sorely missed.

The space is there for the next generation to step up. Backs such as Paula Arcos and Carmen Campos have had a role for years, and could make an even bigger mark at the EHF EURO 2024. There is a new goalkeeper duo in Nicole Wiggins and Nicole Morales. The top scorer of the European Cup Women 2023/24, Danila So Delgado, is also poised to rise to the challenge. In other positions, there is no shortage of impact, with line players Kaba Gassama and Elisabet Cesáreo and wing Jennifer Gutiérrez standing out in the qualifiers.