Women’s World Cup: Spain ease to win over Costa Rica

Spain strolled to victory over Costa Rica in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup.

Three goals in the opening half hour was enough for Spain thanks to a Valeria del Campo own goal and strikes from Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez.

The win will come as a relief to head coach Jorge Vilda, who survived a player revolt last September when 15 players threatened to resign in protest against his training methods. Just three players – Mariona Caldentey, goalscorer Bonmati and Ona Batlle – were named in the World Cup squad.

Spain should have extended their lead even further but Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera limited the damage.

Bonmati, Gonzalez, Ivana Andres and Salma Paralluelo could all have opened the scoring early on, but the breakthrough came when defender Del Campo deflected a Gonzalez cross into her own net.

Two minutes later, Bonmati curled in to double Spain’s lead before Gonzalez added a third from close range.

Jennifer Hermoso had a chance to add a fourth but her penalty kick was well saved by Solera.

Spain will be expected to make it two wins out of two when they face lowest-ranked team Zambia in five days time. Costa Rica will play 2011 champions Japan next.

Cover Photo: Flag of Spain, Undated” by nathanh100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .