Spain beats Costa Rica in World Cup opener

Without Alexia Putellas for most of the game, the Spain won the Costa Rica by 3-0 this Friday, the 21st, at the Wellington Regional stadium, in New Zealand, in a game valid for the opening of the first round of Group C – which still has Japan It is Zambia. The Spaniards needed a six-minute break to build a three-goal early-half lead.

Spain’s goals were scored by Del Campo (against), Aitana Bonmati It is Esther González. the goalkeeper solerafrom the Costa Rican team, stood out and avoided a more elastic score for the Europeans.

A big Spain performance. 💪#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023

With the result, Spain confirmed the best triumph of the selection in the history of the World Cups. The three points put Spain at the top of Group C; Japan and Zambia face each other this Saturday, 22, at 4 am (Brasília time).

The game

Spain showed dominance over Costa Rica, but managed to open the scoring in the 21st minute of the game, with an own goal by Valeria Del Campo. After Aitana Bonmati back-heeled the pass to González, goalkeeper Solera saved with a slight deflection and the rest was left to Del Campo, who ended up sending it against his own goal.

WHAT A GOAL! 🤩 Two minutes after the first goal, Aitana scores hers! 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

➡ https://t.co/0A9yODED56#emBRAza#CopaNaCazéTV#FutebolFeminino#Women’s Cup#FWWC#FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/Jq99bwZXtx

— CazeTV (@CazeTVOficial) July 21, 2023

Two minutes later, Aitana received Batlle’s pass, cut to the left and shot in the corner of the goal, to increase the score: 2-0.

In the 30th minute, the referee awarded the penalty to the Spaniards for a tackle by Fabiola Villalobos on Carmona inside the area. Hermoso went for the kick, hit the ball and saw goalkeeper Solera jump in the right corner and defend.

Spain continued to dominate in the second half and required great saves from goalkeeper Solera, who shone in extra time. The Costa Rican held off the opposing pressure and saved submissions from Ivana Andrés and Carmona.

Alexia Putellas entered the field in the 31st minute of the second stage, replacing Salma Paralluelo. Spain’s top player, twice named the Best in the World, returned to action a few months ago after recovering from a knee ligament injury; she missed the Euro.

@AlexiaPutellas is back on the world stage. 🙌@SEFutbolFem | #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/I95m8Lf40z

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023