The eventual victors got off to a sensational start to lead 5-1 after the first quarter in Israel.

The gung-ho opening eight minutes sapped a lot of energy out of the game as the second period saw just one goal, coming from Spain's Giselle Farre Colomina.

Despite a more attacking style of play, Greece could not make up ground on its opponents in the second half as the third and fourth quarters ended 3-3 and 1-1, respectively.

It was Spain's first title since 2011.

Since that victory a decade ago, the team suffered two heart-breaking defeats in the 2013 and 2015 finals, both at the hands of the United States.

It is the second time in three tournaments that Greece has lost in the final.

Hungary and Italy were inseparable in the bronze medal match until the 2011 runners-up finally pulled away in the fourth quarter to take the 12-10 victory.

Panni Szegedi beat a defender with a well-timed pump fake before burying a shot into the top corner.

Italy then charged down the other end but could not capitalise on the attack as Krisztina Kakas made an important save.

Panna Pocze put the nail in the Italian coffin with a minute remaining.

Kinga Peresztegi-Nagy drew two defenders before laying the ball off to the open Pocze who ruthlessly found the net.

Hungary's defence was then able to hold firm and deter the final attack to claim the bronze medal.