Spain 30:26 Netherlands
Spain came out on top against the Netherlands in a tight U18 World Championship match on Sunday, winning 30:26. Both sides had been strong in their opening fixtures, and the result leaves Spain at the top of the table with six points from three games. The Dutch side remain second, sitting on four points after two victories and a draw.
Spain's unbeaten run continued, extending to three wins from three matches. They had looked comfortable in their previous outing, beating Germany 27:24 two days earlier. The victory keeps them clear at the summit, though the margin remains narrow with the Netherlands still in contention.
The Dutch side showed resilience in their recent games, including a hard-fought 30:28 win over Portugal on Saturday. That result kept them in touch with the leaders, and they came into this match knowing a positive outcome could shift the balance. They hadn't lost any of their three games so far, though the draw with Montenegro showed they could be vulnerable.
Six points separate the two sides after this match, and Spain hold the advantage going forward. The Dutch side will need to find another gear if they want to close the gap, while Spain have one foot in the next round and can afford to be patient. The history between them adds an edge to this tournament, and both teams know the stakes.