Spain began their Women’s World Cup campaign in scintillating fashion by beating Costa Rica 3-0 in their Group C opener on Friday thanks to an own goal and first-half strikes from Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez at Wellington Regional Stadium.
The teams had played out a draw when they faced each other on their World Cup debuts in 2015 but Spain are now sixth in the women’s rankings and it showed in their technical dominance as they scored three times in a six-minute blitz.
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“It was a game to create good sensations for the tournament and one which we had to win — it was important to start the competition with a win,” Bonmati said.
“We got forward a lot and don’t have many goals to show for it considering how many times. Now we have two important games against Zambia and Japan, which won’t be easy.”
Spain’s two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was named among the substitutes as she makes her way back to full fitness, but their most capped player was not needed in the first half as Bonmati and Esther ran riot in Costa Rica’s box.
Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera saved a first-half penalty and made several timely interventions, but Spain were never threatened at the other end and went top of their group ahead of Japan‘s game against Zambia on Saturday.
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In the pouring rain, Spain dominated possession and pegged Costa Rica back inside their own half right from kickoff, with Athenea del Castillo narrowly firing wide while Ivana Andres saw her header tipped over the bar.
But the relentless pressure finally paid off in the 21st minute when Gonzalez’s cross was turned in by Costa Rica’s Valeria del Campo.
Only two minutes later Spain quickly regained possession and a fine cutback set up Bonmati, who smartly evaded two defenders to curl home Spain’s second.
Costa Rica could have conceded more if not for the heroics of Solera in goal as she made timely interventions and reflex saves.
However, she could do nothing as Gonzalez scored the third from a rebound off the post.
Solera gave Costa Rica another lifeline when she saved Jennifer Hermoso‘s penalty and she was in fine form in the second half too to frustrate Spain.
There were worried faces on the bench when she went down late in the second half clutching her leg following a collision with a team mate but she managed to continue after some treatment.
Putellas came on in place of Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo in the 77th minute and almost won her team a penalty just two minutes later when she was brought down inside the box but referee Casey Reibelt decided against pointing to the spot.
Costa Rica had their opportunities on the counter-attack but they were quickly snuffed out and they managed only one shot compared to Spain’s 45.
Spain head coach Jorge Vilda urged caution when asked about Putellas’ return to full fitness after the final whistle.
“In the end we are working carefully and in coordination with what she has done in her club and what we have done with the doctors and physios,” Vilda said.
“We are going to continue with the guidance of the medical team. She has played quality minutes and will continue her process so we have the best Alexia possible.”
Friday’s match marked the first return to competitive international action for three Spain players — Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey — who have only recently made themselves available for selection to the national team after a self-imposed, nine-month, exile over issues around the team’s working environment.
“It has been a difficult year but we have left everything behind,” Bonmati said.
“We are focused on the World Cup and nothing else now. But it’s true that after everything that has happened this year, you’re just happy to be starting and playing at a World Cup because until the last moment I didn’t know if I was going to play [the tournament].”
Spain play Zambia in Auckland on Wednesday while Costa Rice face Japan in Dunedin.