Spain Women 3 – 0 Costa Rica Women – rezal404
Spain shrugged off any suggestion of discontent or disharmony within camp by dispatching Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening World Cup Group C game.
They entered the tournament under somewhat of a cloud after disagreements with their federation meant many key players ruled themselves out of contention this summer, including influential Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro.
The players who were on show, however, delivered a masterclass in possessional play and fluidity – epitomized by the genius of Aitana Bonmati – albeit without the precision finishing that might have rendered the scoreline more favourable.
Spain were decisive in their World Cup opener despite ongoing disputes with their federation and key players missing
Spain’s relentless pressure forced the opener as Valeria del Campo turned Esther Gonzalez’ cross into her own net in the 21st minute, before a devastating six-minute period handed full control to the European side.
Bonmati sidestepped advances before curling a delicious 23rd-minute strike into the far corner, while four minutes later Gonzalez hooked an effort over helpless goalkeeper Daniela Solera, who was able to find some brief solace by rebuffing Jennifer Hermoso’s tame spot-kick before half time.
Goals dried up after the break, with Solera instrumental in keeping the scoreline respectable for the relatively inexperienced Costa Rica, but any involvement Spain might be plagued by pre-tournament discord has been swiftly dispelled.
Aitana Bonmati shone in central midfield, scoring one of Spain’s three goals
What is the schedule?
The group stage has begun and runs over a two-week period finishing on Aug 3 Group winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16, which takes place from Aug 5 to Aug 8.
The quarter-finals, which will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, are scheduled for August 11 and 12.
The first semi-final will then be played on August 15 in Auckland, with the other semi-final taking place on Aug 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then host the final on Aug 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on Aug 19 in Brisbane.
