Spain took a step toward qualification to the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on matchday No 1.
The Spanish, who have had plenty of off-field issues over the last year, claimed an easy 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
🤟 ¡ÚLTIMA SESIÓN ANTES DE MEDIRNOS A ZAMBIA!#JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/DDKZS1q7xt— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 25, 2023
🤟 ¡ÚLTIMA SESIÓN ANTES DE MEDIRNOS A ZAMBIA!#JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/DDKZS1q7xt
Manager Jorge Vilda’s team led 3-0 after 27 minutes, as Costa Rica had no answer for them.
On Wednesday, Spain will play Zambia, with the chance to seal progression to the round of 16 ahead of their final group game versus Japan.
Zambia were thoroughly beaten by Japan to start the tournament by a score of 5-0. The Zambians started the game well in defence despite the scoreline.
However, the Copper Queens’ resistance was finally broken by Japan after 43 minutes. Japan increased the pressure in the second half scoring four times.
A loss for Zambia and they won’t be able to qualify for the next stage of the competition. The Copper Queens are the No 77th-ranked team in the world. This summer’s World Cup is Zambia’s first ever.
Spain should spend most of the game with the ball, starving Zambia of it. Zambia struggled to retain possession against Japan, having the ball just 40% of the game.
The Copper Queens took zero shots during the 90-minute match, as most of the game was played on their half of the pitch.
While Zambia didn’t tally a shot, they conceded 25 to Japan. Manager Bruce Mwape will be forced to make changes after goalkeeper Catherine Musonda was sent off in second-half stoppage time.
Eunice Sakala came on for Musonda to end the game, but backup goalie Hazel Nali could play.
Spain conceded just one shot against Costa Rica in their first match. La Roja played the entire match in and around the Costa Rica penalty area.
The expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 32 teams has seen the competition in the group stage diluted. There have been some big scorelines already.
Spain tallied 46 shots against Costa Rica, with 11 on target. La Roja had 81% possession during the match, allowing Costa Rica a ridiculously low 19%.
Vilda could rotate the side for the match against Zambia. However, he may stick with the same side to ensure progression to the next phase.
The winner or runner-up in Group C would meet the United States in the quarterfinals based on the bracket. Winning the group would likely see Spain avoid the Americans until the semifinals.
La Roja should win without any issues against an overmatched Zambia. Spain should record a 4-0 win this time.