The Dutch handball team have been crowned the world champions with a last minute 30-29 win against Spain. The dramatic win secures them a spot at the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo.
The dramatic last-minute win
Abbingh secured the win when shooting her seventh goal in the last few seconds of the game. The elated Abbingh rejoices “I really did not think at all. I just grabbed the ball and did what I am good at. Now I am remembered as the one who brought the world title to the Netherlands with a goal in the final seconds. Even better than the other way around” NOS reports.
The title-winning goal, by @loisabbingh! ? #Japan2019@Handbal_NL ??? pic.twitter.com/PToVrRezJA
— IHF (@ihf_info) December 15, 2019
Team mate, Tess Webster, praised Abbingh for her spectacular goal “Last year she did it at the European Championship against Spain in the last seconds and now again. I have so much respect for her.”
Estavana Polman, who was crowned player of the tournament, emphasised how hard her and her team battled for the win “We have fought so hard for this title and have always believed in each other. And now you have that golden slice. Wow, not normal. Very fierce. I have to let it sink.”
Many of the other players expressed their disbelief at their win but are thrilled to be heading to the Olympics.
DE ORANJEDAMES ZIJN WERELDKAMPIOEN??????#HandbalNL #TeamNL #oneteamonedream #Japan2019 #handinhand pic.twitter.com/xpE3M3pIEi
— Handbal Nederland (@Handbal_NL) December 15, 2019
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Image: Arvedui89/Wikipedia