Spain is the Spain of Iyana Martín

Spain is the Spain of Iyana Martín. The brilliant 20-year-old point guard led the team's hard-fought victory against the Czech Republic in the first qualifying match for the 2027 Eurobasket. It was in Oviedo, Iyana's home, and after a very uphill game, especially in the last quarter. The Asturian rose above everyone with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists to start on the right foot a path that will continue with visits to Bulgaria and Croatia, the two other rivals in the group (the first two go to the European Championship). With eight of the players who won bronze in the last World Cup, Spain maintained its winning momentum.

Spain started with a medalist and very recognizable quintet: Iyana, Cazorla, Pueyo, Ginzo and Carrera. It took a breath of time for the point guard to accelerate inside and demonstrate his speed of legs and mind. The Czech Republic responded with quick shots and a firm hand on the rebound, and with a defense that forced Méndez's team to stretch their possessions. The coach activated the B unit (Ayuso, Etxarri, Torrens, Araujo) to reach the first break ahead (20-11).

Méndez asked to toughen the defense and "spend the fouls." It was difficult for the team to stop the transitions of the women in red and their three-point shots and the coach returned his players to the thinking chair. It was about commanding under one's own board and tackling the counterattacks because, on the other hand, circulation did work to find good interior positions. A three-pointer from Mariona also did not wake up a sleeping Spain that was a victim of losses. Iyana's distant success and her connection with Raquel Carrera allowed the team to maintain the lead (43-36).

The good technique of the Czech players and a certain weakness of Méndez's team in rebounding left the match at very short distances. Spain was working at full speed, waiting for a stretch of continuity in both rings. His best moments came when he could run and give free rein to his talent and his choral basketball. A fast and determined Czech Republic always came back to shoot from distance (57-57).